Does he know?

Cooper very much likes his mom and dad to come to school with him, to come to morning meeting, to attend his field trips, to be a "driver" etc. So this past Friday I joined Cooper on a field trip to the creek to hunt for fossils. I took my camera because, well, I'm ME...and after taking portraits of every child in Cooper's class, I turned the camera to him. He is so used to this I don't even think he notices which I am so thankful for. I loved coming home and downloading all the photographs. The photos of all the other children were so much fun, something different. (I ordered prints for all the parents and just picked them up at Target.) As I looked through them and sorted, I found myself gravitating toward photos where he wasn't looking at the camera like the one above. Then I looked back through ALL my photos and realized that this shot looking down on him (and those of Duncan too) are some of my favorites... I look at this and think... Does he know how much I love him? Does he know how I worry about his separation anxiety and wonder if it will fade in time? Does he know that in a strange way I cling to his separation anxiety because it means he still needs me? Does he know that I see so much of myself in him? Does he know that when he gets upset because things aren't perfect I understand deep down in my soul? Does he know that I love when he holds my hand? Does he know that I love when he says to me "a mommy's job is never done" because I realize that on a six year old level he "gets" what I do for him? Does he know that I understand when he pretends not to need me but really does? Does he know that I love and hate how fiercely independent he is about his wardrobe? Does he know that I love how he looks forward to reading to me at night? Does he know how much I love his freckles? Does he know how badly I want everything wonderful and amazing in this world for him? Does he know how much I love that we count at night and tuck each other's kisses away to keep us safe in the night? Does he know how much I look forward to the planet that he will pick? I love you all the way to _______ and back? Does he know how much I love him? Does he know?

What's been going on around here...

Cooper was Meeting Leader at school yesterday. He told me I was NOT allowed to take pictures. But a mom's promises...what are they worth? I told myself that one day he would be happy that I recorded his life; happy that I was proud enough to sneak my camera in.

He is absolutely loving school and soaking it all in. He is slowly learning to read...nothing big, but definitely mastering the "sound it out" process. Last week after his tubby I found him writing in a little journal book that I keep by my bed. He showed me what he was writing... Let me help you. Ignore the first line (it basically says "10" which refers to the number of letters in his "sentence"). Now on to his "sentence"... DINT (translation - do not) TOC (touch) A (a) CBR (cobra). "Do not touch a cobra". I love love love this!! It's the beginning; it's thinking about letters and sounds and putting them together. I am so exciting to see him making these connections.

How cool

Really and truly I am not sure who is more excited about this...him or me? Cooper has been DYING to learn how to read so this weekend we picked up a really neat book set called "Bob Books" that teach reading. There are 5 packs, 12 books in each pack. Coop made it through the first two books in pack 1 this weekend. And might I add...he is BEAMING. Me? I am just a mom who is in love with her son. Seeing him so happy and impressed with himself just puts me over the edge.

SEND FOOD

My apologies in advance for the use of capital letters that will inevitably riddle this post. But this child...this child right here...smiling like he's just as innocent as ever...is...EATING ME OUT OF HOUSE AND HOME. Apparently this is what they mean by "growth spurt". It starts at breakfast and DOES NOT STOP. The lunches we pack him are HUGE...and he says he needs more. When we pick him up at 3 he's STARVING (okay, his words not mine but the "snack" I make him I am sure would feed 4 Ethiopian families for like 3 days). Please tell me this does not go on for another 12 years? This is just a little blip right? He'll settle back down and start eating portions intended for normal 6 year olds correct? Because truly, if this is a sign of things to come...is anyone interested in a lovely 1/2 built home in the suburbs of Williamsport? Because we can no longer afford the anticipated mortgage payments...

4th annual

Pop Pop diligently chalking the field...and do you notice the mow lines too?

Totally authentic field we play on each year. What am I going to do when next year, he will have officially out grown the last of the 8 Gymboree baseball shirts I have bought him over the years? Maybe dress like his idol? Otherwise known as Sam (his cousin).

The clothes may have to change...but the Lego phase I believe...is just beginning.

Thank you once again to Grammy K and Pop Pop for hosting the 4th annual 6th Birthday Baseball Party. He had a blast (and so did I).