What a year it's been! 2010 was eventful, unusual, and fast-paced.
2010 was snowy in Memphis. We avoided taking Cooper out in it, but I did take lots of pictures because we were home together a lot:
Finally, the weather began to improve, right in time for Easter. We had taken Cooper to church before, but Easter was the first time we sat in the sanctuary, which was short-lived. At least he looked cute, thanks to YaYa's sewing talents:
As soon as Easter was over, Jeff and Hondo took a quick trip to Augusta, GA, to take in a practice round for the Masters. This is the 2nd time they've been able to go and Nana and Hondo are going again in 2011.
The spring season brought an infestation of roof rats, as mentioned a number of times in the blog. Our next door neighbors, who live in squalor, are apparently breeding "who knows what" in and around their house. The "who knows what" moved right on over the property line, and thus began an 8 month battle of trying to get rid of the rodents.
May is a hectic time for me at work, between state testing and graduation. I had just finished a presentation with the senior class on their last day of school and was starting to feel like the end was in sight when I got a phone call that scared me to death. Jeff had gotten in a wreck and all the witness would tell me was that I needed to get to the scene as soon as possible. I was able to talk to Jeff, but he sounded groggy and I didn't know what to think. Here's what I found when I got to the wreck site:
Jeff was headed home for lunch when a car swerved into his lane. In an effort to miss that car, he swerved, not realizing there was a parked furniture delivery truck. The car that caused the wreck stopped, but left the scene when they saw Jeff climbing out of the top of the truck bleeding. Thankfully, the witness who saw the wreck verified Jeff's story and stayed with him until I got there. Unfortunately, his injuries landed us at the MED for almost 12 hours. Kyle stayed with me, Nana, and Hondo for part of the afternoon while YaYa and Pops kept Cooper and one of mine and Jeff's friends, Dave, visited, but the MED is one of the absolute worst experiences I've ever had. By the grace of God, Jeff escaped with scrapes, bruises, and a cut tear duct, which was repaired the next day. Here he is on our way to surgery:
And here is the picture from the junkyard that insurance used for claims purposes:
Obviously we'd have preferred for the wreck to never have happened, but are thrilled that the outcome wasn't more serious. It's true what they say: objects can be replaced, but people can't.
We are very lucky that Aunt Leigh, Uncle Mark, and Regina have a pool at their house and are gracious enough to let us use it during the summer. Cooper preferred to drink pool water in the beginning, but liked to play and be pushed around in his float, too. After a few times in the pool, we dunked him and he was perfectly fine with it. Do we have a future swimmer on our hands? Cousin Regina, the star swimmer of the family, certainly hopes so!
July was busy, but fun, as we started of the month in Dyer, TN, with Jeff, Tori, Tori's parents, and her friends Justin, Allison, and Samantha Little. Then we ventured to Horseshoe Lake, AR, to Aunt Leigh, Uncle Mark, and Regina's cabin for the 4th of July. We made in back in time for the fireworks in Germantown, too!
Tori and Sam with Cooper and Jeff
We took our annual vacation to St. Pete Beach and had a great time. Our friends Kim and Gavino got married and we are now able to say that 4 generations of my family have vacationed at the same place.
Cooper and YaYa checking out the gulf.
Hanging out at the pool with Jeff, Uncle Kyle, and the Angricks
Pops helping Cooper model some Janie and Jack summer wear.
August brought the beginning of a new school year and a new day care situation. Mrs. Lara has been an absolute God-send for us. She loves and takes care of Cooper like he's her own, is reliable, and so willing to help out whenever I need to stay late at work. It has been wonderful, especially compared to what we had become accustomed to.
Soon after school started, though, Grandmama's health began failing. She had some very close calls, leaving us all on speed dial with one another in case something happened. Eventually, her health improved enough to be moved out of ICU, then to a nursing home. Unfortunately, her doctor decided there wasn't much else that could be done and the decision was made to send her home with hospice. I know it was as bittersweet for her as it was for us. It was nice for her to home so we could visit whenever we wanted and we could take Cooper to see her, though.
September brought my 29th birthday, Cooper's first steps, and a trip to Jackson to visit Jeff and Tori. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. Jeff and Jeff golfed, Tori and I got pedicures, and we all hung out, enjoying our time together.
October was so busy for us. Cooper turned 1- I still can't believe it.
We took a trip over Fall break to Destin with Nana and Hondo:
Once we made it home from Destin, we had the visitation and funeral for Grandmama, spending lots of time with my family, as well. Not long after that, we celebrated Halloween with Cooper as "The Cat in the Hat":
November was much calmer and we all enjoyed Thanksgiving. Cooper and I had 3 days off together and Jeff had Thanksgiving and the Friday afterwards off work. Cooper wasn't a fan of turkey, but did love pumpkin pie and, of course, rolls!
Aunt Kim with Cooper
December was a whirlwind with Jeff and I both busy at work, Jeff's 31st birthday, and the holidays. Not to mention, we have a fully mobile toddler on our hands! Cooper is running like crazy. We just follow him throughout the house, trying to make sure he doesn't hurt himself somehow.
Santa was very good to Sweet Cooper, even if he wasn't sure what to think of it:
In addition to going full speed, Cooper has been blowing kisses for a few months now; will bring books to us to read to him; will give Avery her toys to play with; and pull on the refrigerator door, point to his food cabinet, or try to drag his high chair into the kitchen when he's ready to eat. We've found new favorite foods in chicken and dumplings, bologna, grilled cheese, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and Eggo cinnamon toast waffles. He's definitely mischievous, often doing something he knows he shouldn't, then smiling and running off when he gets caught.
We are all hopeful that 2011 will be a much better year for us. We're excited about the things to come- Jeff and Hondo's trip to Scotland, our trip to Florida, watching Cooper grow- and dreading other aspects (ahem...someone turns 30 in 2011), but are thankful for our family, friends, and the blessings that have been given to us.
Happy New Year!
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