What fun we are having. Yes, we’re all sleep deprived and usually somewhat grumpy because of that sleep deprivation, but we really are settling into our lives as a family of six. Crazy to think that just four years ago, it was just mom, dad and bernie. We’ve doubled in size in four years!
Oh… what a life I lead. I hang out: eat, sleep, poop and be adored by my cool big brothers. I could get used to this. And I’ve really got the “I’m so cute” giggle down pat.
But, it’s not all great. There are times I FREAK out… which then makes my brothers freak out – especially when we are all in the car together. They don’t seem to like me crying in the car for some reason. And I refuse to be set down. I’m still sleeping in mom and dad’s room in a bassinet and I keep dad up most of the night because I will only sleep being held in movement. No, mom and dad can’t even lay down with me – i’m very particular. Dad’s got the hold down pat, but I let him know if he’s 1/4 of an inch off or something. They are PRAYING that this is just a needy phase. I hate to break it to them, but they should settle right in…
Each year just keeps getting better and better. We become better friends with each, our parents seem to chill out more and life is good. Four is good. We’re pretty happy with it. Yes, we still fight, but we really love each other. Best friends, we are. Always confused and even a little lost when the other isn’t around. And becoming big brothers has been great for us. Gives us a job. And we take it very seriously.
The party this year was at a park in San Francisco, since that’s where most of our friends still live. We had a pirate (Quinn) and racing car (Cooper) themed birthday. People brought loads and loads of gifts, and we couldn’t stay away from the gift area. Mom and dad said it was a little rude to just linger around the gifts, but we were light magnets to them – just kept getting sucked back in to them.
Here’s a little about us at four:
Quinn is ALL about creativity. It’s truly amazing how inspired he is – and FOCUSED he is – when he’s doing any form of creative art. When he’s not obsessing and being a perfectionist, he’s such a joy to watch. The creativity he shows is truly incredible for his age. And not necessarily in drawing, but more so in making things. He knows exactly what he wants to make, and often has great ideas on how to make it. Emma has been an enormous help in exercising this creative side for him.
Cooper is really turning into an incredibly outgoing little guy. For the longest time, he would hide behind mom or dad’s leg when seeing people he doesn’t know well. Well, he’s done a 180. He goes up to anyone and says, “My name is Cooper and ‘dis is my bruder Quinn.” He loves making sure all the kids are included at the playground and really pays a lot of attention to emotions. In books, he’s always asking, “why is he making this face.” And he’s very sensitive – in a wonderful way… wants to make sure everyone is happy.
When we look back at one year ago (one of mom’s favorite videos of our birthday party recap), we can’t believe how much we’ve grown. We’ll surely say the same thing next year, as our brains are soaking in a ridiculous amount of data every moment.
Happy birthday to us!
What is that you say? Oh… it’s hard keeping track of all of our ladies? Oh yeah… tell me about it!
Had another great day with our girls, Pier and Piper. Their mom and dad are pretty cool too. And our dad drug us all over on this blanket. Man, his cool factor went way up. He usually embarrasses us in front of our girlfriends, but we gotta give him props today. Well done, Dad.
I’m not afraid to admit it – I’m scared of the toddler alligator roller coaster in Merced, and no one is going to make me feel less of a man because of it! I didn’t even pretend to be calm. The second the thing took off, Quinn and I freaked. At least for the photo, Quinn was able to put on a brave face, but the first time around the bend, we were screaming for mom to get us off. Doesn’t matter that there were 2 year old girls behind us – I care too much about my life! And it’s MERCED, for God sakes! Who KNOWS what kind of quality we are dealing with! ;)
Shakin like a leaf (still!),
Coop
Well, now mom and dad don’t need to hear about Halloween in April anymore! “Hallelujah” they say. Who knew there was this guy called the Easter Bunny who brings us candy and toys (though only if we are good boys)?! This is the first Easter that we remember, and boy was it filled with fun activities! First we died eggs with mama… then we went to a crazy fun easter egg hunt. Though, if you watch the video, you’ll see that we had no idea what to do. Dude, there were 2 year olds running circles around us! It was a bit embarrassing. Not to mention the ghetto Easter bags we carried that double as grocery bags (nice prep, Mom!). After a little tough love and cheering from mom, we got a move on and acquired some serious eggs. THEN, the Easter Bunny brought us baskets and we went to a park with a jumpy. I’m overwhelmed. All this fabulousness in one weekend?! It’s almost too much for this 4 year old to take!
Yummmm!
Cooper
