Nathan's First Year

Laura worked hard last month to view all of the media we've taken of Nathan. After browsing through the thousands of photos and hundreds of minutes of videos, in the end she compiled this video of moments of his first 12 months.

This was the movie playing at his birthday party. Enjoy.

1 Year 1 week

Not sure we will be doing weekly updates this year but we will do our best to do monthly ones. Here is some pictures from the party. We only had 4 accidents with the kids, all had lots of tears. 3 drew blood. Note to self: buy a first aid kit to have on site during crazy first birthday parties.

So moms out there will understand how important naps are at this age. I was so worried he would be sleeping or grumpy during the party. I seemed to time everything perfect. He woke up 10 minutes before the party started and had a good 3 or 4 hours of party time.

Nathan is taking lots of steps now but still isn't very good at it. He did a good 2 feet of walking on his own today. That kid is fearless.

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Gas

Well I wanted to document how much gas is this year. We paid $3.91 per gallon with our 20 cent discount. Grand total for filling up my car.... $41.57 for 10.6 gallons.

I'm One... oh it is so much fun!

Happy Birthday Nathan!!


Well for my birthday I got a cold and a swing. The swing is what I was asking for, the cold just came up on me in the middle of the night. My big party is next week so we will see what else the parents got me. I am hoping for some Little People but you know I forgot to ask for it.

Nathan Week 51

Mobility is my middle name and trying to walk is my new game. I've been lunging myself between objects that are upright and taking a few steps in between. A tumble here and there, but for the most part been doing pretty well. I am practicing up for my 1st birthday!

I am really getting to understand the words my parents are saying. I know when they tell me to take things out of my mouth. However, I might not alway listen. I've been using a little more sign language such as airplane, 'more' food please, maybe even fish.

I really babble when I am in a good mood. I know how to sleep through the night, but like a little comfort now and again.

My mom and dad really figured out this week why mom couldn't get enough watermelon while she was pregnant with me. It was me making the request from within the belly.

11 Month video

Week 50

Oh no.. 2 weeks until he is no longer zero. 3 weeks until the party.

Nathan had his first trip to the zoo. I believe he really liked the birds, hippos and the butterflies. Not 100% sure as he replies "da" when I ask. Maybe he thinks dad is part of the zoo? Nathan is starting to take steps from one thing to another. He will let go for seconds at a time and if you are waiting for him he will fling himself at you. I think he will be walking right around his party. Nathans favorite play time activity these days is pushing his cars around making noise, walking around touching the walls and anyone else that will take him for a spin, and he loves to pull things out and put them back in. This morning he had a measuring cup with his first lunch and was putting his food from his plate into the cup and then eating it. He has also emptied the folded laundry numerous times today and it is only 11am.

Let see we are still attending parent/child class. Our friends are slowly moving on. They kick you out at 1 year old and Nathan is the youngest in the group that I hang out with. Toddler group in Woodinville starts up in September. So we will have a short break from classes.

Hope to see all of you at the party... if you didn't get an invite and want to come let me know and I will send one over to you. The big day is August 10th.

Week 49

Back to normal here. As normal as it gets with a child in tow.

I am now able to brush my teeth. Mom says, "Brush Your teeth" and I try to move my toothbrush like my mom and dad do. If only I could walk, then I could catch those cats. I sure love it when mom and dad are willing to help me walk around the house; smiles and giggles galore. My bedtime is about 7 PM. I wake up somewhere between 5:30 and 7 AM - typically I fall in the earlier more frequently. One day it might be fun if I wake up happy, I guess that this the problem with sleeping for 11 hours, one gets hungry.

I went with my friends to a park (Ferrell McWhirter) with a little farm, so I got to see some farm animals. Oink, Oink says the pigs.

Week 48

What a week. Vacation time for the family. Destination: Vanderhoof. Nana and Grandpa Cooley's house, so much to see, do, and learn! I love my grandparents they are so fun and I got to hang out a bit with all of them. The second destination was the cabin.

In terms of what did I learn to do this week: Started walking with one hand of help, accidentally standing when I don't realize I am not holding something, drinking from a sippy cup by myself, learned to love a cuckoo clock, used a straw, could wave bye-bye, hugs toys when parents call the toy nice - "what a nice bear", "what a nice ball", mimics coughing with a fake cough.

My parents made a made a commitment to raise me according to God's Word and God's ways. I was dedicated at NCC, the church my dad attended while growing up. Great!

I am very patient with the 4 days of driving over this vacation. However about 4 or 5 hours into driving I get pretty bored. I love that mom comes and visits me in the back seat. She just cracks me up with her puppet shows.

I am on my way to only two naps a day and I still get up a least once in the night.

It was my first Canada day and July 4th celebration. However, I really don't celebrate that much. I saw my first fireworks and it didn't overwhelm me with excitement, but I was interested in watching.

One month till my first birthday, where did the time go?

There are tons of photos to see this week.

Week 47

We are a little behind, it turns out we were on vacation. Yes, by the time Week 47 ended Nathan, Laura, and Paul were in Vanderhoof!

On Saturday a friend of Nathan's had a first birthday, so Nathan went to his very first birthday party. He got to socialize with his friends. However, socialize for a 11 month old appears to be give and take toys back and forth with an occasional pause for hair pulling.

This week was a busy one getting everything sorted out and ready to go on vacation. Nathan's parents were busy with that. What little spare time they did have was spent playing with a new digital SLR camera; you be the judge -- some of the pictures below were taken with a better camera. :)

Week 46

Happy Fathers day dad. Mom was acting silly all week. Her employer laid her off and she was dancing around the room like she won the lottery. Thanks mom for staying home with me.

Here is some pictures the folks took, I had a fun week.

~Nathan

Week 45

I am sure I am starting to repeat myself but here goes this weeks post. Nathan goes around saying Da da dad at everything all the time. My reply is still Ma ma ma. No luck. He has ga, va, da, fa, ha, ah/ in his baby babble. He says light at least once a day. He loves to stand in the fridge, pull the cats tail and scream in delight at the cats. He can be placed in his crib for naps and will cry for less than 1 minute after I leave. Then he will ether play or lay down and sleep. He still cries when he wakes and screams (not happy) when you enter the room. He thinks the cats are so funny, especially when he is attacking them with a toy. He thinks it is funny when he crawls away from me and I pull him back by the his legs. He is reaching more things these days. Laptops that could be safely stored at the back of the couch are now in reach. He can reach higher in the fridge and split soy sauce all over the floor this week. He loves to eat dirt from the house plants and any kind of paper. Getting the mail is the best time of day. I pull out all the recycle paper and we play on the floor tearing it and eating it. Nathan got his first case of diaper rash due to what we think is teething... but there is no tooth so maybe he was just sick. So hard to tell.

This past week we went to the U of W for yet another study. This one wasn't very exciting so I will spare you the details. We are still attending parent/child class, this is my weekly sanity check. It is getting hard to do too much due to all his naps. He is one of the few in my class that is still doing 3 naps a day. I can get out of the house once a day for two trips and that is about it.

Happy Fathers Day

Week 44

As shocking as it may sound, teething is no fun. This week Nathan has had some tough days. Subsequently his mom had some rough days! There was no pleasing a boy in pain. Running noses and tears and waking up several times in the night is a good summary.

Nathan also got to go to Anthonys for Grandma's birthday. That was fun for everyone, but a little less fun for mom because she had a little handful of joy to entertain.

Nathan's trips to photographers

A couple of weekends ago some photos were scanned into digital format.

We share them here:

Great-Grandfather's insight into the US Northwest

For something a little different.

The below contains a little insight about Seattle and Portland in a letter my Great-Grandfather (Harvey Williams Cooley) sent to his older sister Mattie Cooley almost 100 years ago. Apparently I've discovered it is not entirely true given my current location. :-)

This was a particularly relevant letter that got scanned by my dad as he went through many historical Cooley documents in the recent past.

Coquille, OR.
July 16, 1908
Dear Sis,

Yours of July 10 received and contents noted; was very glad to learn of Rollies' [Roland Cooley] information. He wants to remember the old adage to the effect that all work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Lying around in bed is about the hardest work I ever did. If I were I would certainly want to release myself some.

Give my regards to Aunt C and H.J and family though I suppose the latter will have left by this time.

If you will take occasion to note there are no heat prostrations [heat stroke] recorded in the West. And you can go to the mountains if you want when you get there although I support Geo will want to get action on himself.

I received an epistle from from H.G dated July 8 containing the startling information generally enclosed in one of his letters. H. G is all right and he sent me some advise if follow out will certainly get the gravy for anyone.

He appears to be laboring under the delusion that Seattle is the coming city of the coast when any Oregonian can you that the proud distinction is held by Portland. I also suspect him of a strong leaning toward Repulicanism. Which indiscretion on the part of the public is I believe about to culminate into another national disaster, namely the election of one W. H Taft.

You don't want to worry about George, a little work will do him good. Bill out to be in Ore. he could put his horses in the pasture the year round.

Was very glad to hear from John Baker. I am something of a Hobo myself. You want to look into Bill Brown as will undoubtedly be able to tell you some history.

I have received the Trib regularly but would not miss it and have tied my affection to the chariot wheels of the Oregon Journal which is an independent sheet with a strong democratic leaning.

My appetite still continues robust and I must say Good Bye.

Your Bro,

H. W. Cooley

P.S Tell Cliff is about due to answer a letter

Week 43

Week 43, come and gone. In the past week Nathan has been trying to articulate a few more sounds. Mom understands him when he says "light" or "kitty", but dad is still a bit slow on the hearing of those words. Maybe he isn't listening close enough.

Nathan is continuing to be a hungry boy. Eat, Eat, Eat. 63.23% of his mom's time in the day seems to be feeding him. The left over time is spend cleaning up :-)

It was a long weekend, Memorial day, and the Cooley family spent it at the cabin. More fun in the sun. It was actually sunny on a long weekend, handy isn't it? Nathan got to ride around the lake in his bike trailer with mom, bestafar, and dad.

Week 42

This week was daunting to post as there were so many photos to pick from.

In Seattle the weekend turned out to be super warm and we all went up to the cabin! Fun, Fun, Fun. Nathan loved the cabin. More corners to explore and keep his mom and dad on their toes.

Nathan is working on his balance this week. There is much more work to be done there, but he is doing pretty good.

Here are 2% of the photos we took in Week 42...

Spring Summer

Week 41

Busy week, here are some pictures from last week.

Nathan is saying dadada dada dad daaad dada and many more combinations of dad. All I can say back to him is mama ma ma mama ma mom. It isn't working.

Happy Mothers Day

40 Weeks

The big 40. 40 weeks that is.

If you are following are blog you know Nathan knows the word light but we have a new development this week, he can sign the word light. Paul and I discovered that tonight. The conversation went something like this.

Nathan looks at up at light and does the sign.
I look at Paul and ask "Did he just sign light?"
Paul answers "I don't know, try it again".
So I turn on the light and Nathan does the sign.
Paul and I look at each other. Hmmm
Paul says "Try again"
I say were is the light? Nathan looks at light and his hand goes up and he signs it.
Can you tell I am excited??

What I don't get is I have been doing the sign for kitty since he was born, we just learned the word light last week and I just started the sign for light this week. Strange. So he has two signs, milk and light.

He has lots of babble this week. ba ba ba and va va va. No ma ma or da da yet.

What else is he doing... eating. This kid has discover the wonderful love for bread and food in general. He is feeding himself finger food... I should say shoveling food in his mouth, using both hands. Things he gets are brown rice, cheese, bits of fruits, veggies, beans, pasta, chicken and bread. If I had to say what Nathans favorite foods are apple/pear sauce, avocado, and chicken. His top two hands down are yogurt and bread.

Nathan has also learned how to have a tantrum when I take away something he can't have. Paper and bread causing the biggest fuss.

Week 39

Lots of activity this week and this week we've managed to capture a lot of photos of this activity. For instance Nathan went on his first bike ride with Mom and Dad. He, of course, hung out in his bike trailer. He was making a concerted effort to sleep, however the bumps seemed to disagree with him. Plus it was another week of Nathan being sick, sleeping more, and generally less happy with his day-to-day life.

Laura also started helping her dad's company by doing some testing of their products. Those couple of days were ultra-busy as she spends the morning getting Nathan ready to go to Grandmas then the afternoon working, then the evening looking after the two babies (one big and one little).

Nathan is starting to have an inkling of an idea about some of the words that his parents use. Such as kitty, light, bird, and halcyon. OK, so maybe not the last word (means peaceful/happy).

Nathan also got his first haircut this week. Fun? Not for him.

Week 38

This week was filled with Nathan catching a cold. He had a fever for the end part of the week. He even missed mom's group this week. Sleep has been on Nathan's highest objective. Definitely, a hard week for Nathan. In spite of the cold, He has been a trooper!

Last weekend was pretty amusing down here. Snow was amusing, at least for awhile.

When Nathan was awake last week, he was babble boy. Yap, yap, yap.

Oh yes, we went to get an MRI, but alas the machine was so loud that Nathan was startled when it started up; thus, ruining the images. It would be a lucky day when they get a successful MRI of a baby given that noise.

Week 37

Pulling up, he is pulling up. Pulling up on the couch, stairs and in his crib. This is leading to more falls and lots of tears during the day. He is getting better at not falling. Another thing his mastered this week is holding onto the baby gate with one hand while standing. All this pulling up caused us to lower the crib to the lowest setting... no wonder my back is killing me this week.

So Nathan has been teething for a month now... I have decided he might have just had his first cold. I wish he could talk and tell me what is going on. That would make parenting an infant easier.

Sleep is a topic moms like to talk about... so once again I want to document how it is going. Nathan is getting going to bed around 7:45 these days. Then he sometimes gets up at 11pm (this is the hardest on us), then he gets up between 2 and 3:30 if he got up at 11. If he didn't get up at 11 then he gets up closer to 1pm. Then he always wakes up around 4 or 5am. So we are down to getting up 2 or 3 times a night and he is only eating once in the night. Then for the first time this week, I put him in his crib for his morning nap and he lightly cried for about 40 mins and then laid down and when to sleep. I didn't have to nurse or rock him to sleep. Doesn't sound like much to the average human but this is huge for me.

Nathan is scheduled to have a MRI Sunday night. This is part of the study at Childrens hospital. He has to go in at bed time, go to sleep on the MRI table and then not move for 8 mins while they take images of his brain. They said the MRI machine makes some sound. Wish us luck. I have been told we get a report but I don't know if we get images. I hope I have some to post next week. How many parents get to see the inside of their babies brains and it is a good thing?? I feel very lucky to get to participate and help other children in the process.

Nathan 3D

As a part of being a control subject in the Plagiocephaly Outcomes Project (at Children's Hospital), Nathan has gotten a 3D picture taken. His mom says he wouldn't smile for this picture ;)

Plagiocephaly is "a malformation of the head marked by an oblique slant to the main axis of the skull."

The bankrobber style is all the rage?

Week 36

From the parent's perspective, sometimes it is hard to think of original, unique posts each week. Yet, other times it is a breeze.

New this week:

* A better stroller for mom and dad and Nathan. Now mom or dad don't have to kick the wheels while pushing Nathan around.
* Going to the park and swinging. Oh man that was smiles and giggles. Lovin' It.
* Visited Children's Hospital -- Nathan has volunteered to become part of a study: Plagiocephaly outcomes project.

Not so new this week:

* More Teething? Maybe. We don't see anything there, but Nathan sure doesn't seem as happy as before.

Alright next week here we come!

Long video of our little star.

A multi-post sort of week. Here is our little star.

He is definitely mobile now. Oh no! :D

Nathan Signs

I know Nathan has understood the sign for milk for a month or so but tonight he was doing the sign when we were getting ready for bed. I love that kid. I will try to get it on video.

Week 35 - 8 Months

Our little boy is getting bigger and stronger. He is on the move and I can hardly keep up. I set him down and he is off on a mission to find something to grab, hold, bite, chew, drool on, toss, tug, suck, kick, hit, drop, hit, bang, and so on. He is fun to watch and he loves his new found skill. This week latches went on some of the kitchen cabinet doors. He has a few he can open and pull stuff out if he wants. He has also started to pull up. Mom and dad were watching him pull up on the open dishwasher and then slip, boom... he is flat on his back and crying. I would call that his first real big spill. We all survived . Nathan is sleeping better, he has dropped his 11pm waking and is going a bit longer every night this week. Last night he slept from 8pm until 3:15am, better yet mom slept from 10pm until 3:15pm. It took me a few nights to get on his new schedule.

Week 34 - late

Nothing to report. Nathan is fast and keeping mom on her toes.

Happy Easter

Week 33 - Lots of firsts

Well to add to our busy month Nathan had a bunch of firsts this week.

1. Tooth (bottom left)
2. Time crawling forward. (oh no)
3. Funeral (Great Grandfather Cooley will be missed)
4. Road Trip (to Kelowna)
5. Meeting of Aunt Cathy/Uncle Wilson/Great Aunt Verna and Uncle Mike
6. Hotel stay and swimming in a hotel pool
7. Trip to Canada and use of passport
8. Plums and Greek rice
9. Time to pull another babies hair and make one cry, so sorry Zoe.
10. Trip to winery
11. Trip down a slide

Week 32

Really, 32 weeks?? Wow. Nathan is up on all fours this week. He has three directions, backwards, left and right.

We think he is teething but really it could just be a cold. I have no idea at this point.

Nathan had pizza crust for the first time last night and really went to town.


That is all as it was a hard week for both the grandparents and parent. When it rains...

Week 31

Saturday - Looked for bike for Laura. Bought Laura a bike. Looked at 3 wheeled strollers as the one umbrella stroller is a bit short to push on long walks.

Sunday - Trip to Costco to find a bike helmet, unsuccessful but we still bought lots of other items. Dinner at the grandparents house. Nathan tried peaches and really liked them. Thanks Gramies.

Monday - Got new car seat and installed it in under 5 minutes. Wow those Britax are easy to install. Nathan looks pretty good in his new plush seat. I wish they made them for adults.

Tuesday - Mom whipped up teething biscuits, just because she wanted to make something. Not because Nathan is teething.

Wed - Not really sure I think I walked in a daze from a lack of sleep.

Thursday - Parent/Child Class. The topic of choice this week was breast cancer. Still a daze from no sleep. Went to bed at 7:30 with Nathan and had a great night of sleep.

Friday -Went for a walk with some moms. We think teething has begun but we think he is starting with his molars first? Only time will tell. We are doing ear pulling, drolling a bit more than normal and chewing on everything.

One thing that Nathan started to do a couple weeks ago is scream in delight at the cats. He hasn't figured out that they run away when he screams. Paul has also given Nathan a new nickname. "Bam Bam". Nathan is constantly hitting or slamming toys on the floor or counter. Nathan clearly understands the sign for milk these days. He gets very excited to see it when he is hungry. I hope he starts to use the sign soon. He also has a strange love for water. A cup or sippy cup will bring delight to his eyes (as long as it doesn't contain formula). Nathan rolls to get to everything these days. So I have started to baby proof the downstairs area. I need to be better at keeping my purse off the ground as he rolls over to it the moment I turn my back. No forward movement yet but he is working on it.

Lots of pictures this week, none of Paul. Need to work on that.

Week 30

What a wonderful week to be the proud parents of Nathan. Nathan got to spend last Saturday morning with his father. Dad gave him a bath and took him to REI. Then Nathan went on to spend the afternoon with Gramies and Bestafar while mom and dad got to go roller blading and out to a sushi dinner.

Paul is a Chilly Hilly champ. Biking over 33 miles around a very hilly island with another 4338 other crazy people. Nathan and I headed over to play with Dylan and Ryan. They were very eager to let him hold pennies and nickels. Their mom was quick to point out that Nathan is a bit young for that.

Nathan had his 6 months photos done with week, too bad he is almost 7 months. Paul says we don't have to tell him he is 7 months in the pictures. :) I have to say they turned out great. I can't wait to share them with his fans.

Week 29

Quick but long week here at the Cooley house.

Monday - Paul works, Nathan and Laura bring spaghetti lunch to Paul, do grocery shopping and mountains of laundry.
Tuesday - Paul works, Nathan and Laura go to the U of W for the last day of the infant hearing testing.
Wednesday - Paul works, Nathan and Laura have a quick lunch with Robin and her two kids and then do a trip to Costco.
Thursday - Paul works, Nathan and Laura go to the doctor for his 6 month checkup and then to parent/child class to learn about how to start a babysitting co-op.
Friday - Paul works, Nathan and Laura walk to the library after a long morning involving screaming from 6am until 10:30am due to the shots from yesterday. Laura cleans the upstairs and tries darn hard to get Nathan to eat anything all day.

Nathan is 17lbs 4 oz, 28 inches long. On the standard charts he is in the 90% for height and 30% for weight. He is off his weight curve but a friend pointed out the charts show all babies and most are formula fed and start solids before 6 months. I found a chart for breastfed babies and he is on the 50% line all the way. Nathan got 3 shots and won't need any at our 9 month appointment. So the doctor asks how he is sleeping.. umm not great. She asks how he is eating.. umm not great. Add that too the drop off his curve is enough to start thinking we failed at our doctors visit. The doctor only had positive things to say so really there is no worry.

Nathan was eating some food before this week, he would eat almost a whole ice cube full of sweet potatoes, today he decided he didn't want to eat anything. He does this cute thing were he won't open his mouth even to smile. Today Nathan also decided to start to learn how to whistle, that combined with extra drool made for a big mess.

Week 28

Ok ok we are getting later and later at posting our weekly update. Sorry to our fans... well Nathans fans anyway.

Last week Nathan started at the University of Washington. He is the youngest person to ever attend school there... Ok he isn't attending school, he is a lab rat.. hmm maybe that is a bit harsh. Lets call him another data point in a large infant hearing study. They are trying to find the shortest they can make a sound in different ranges that infants can hear. I don't think they got any information from him until today. They said they got a couple of data points covered. So I am glad our 3 visits to the University were worth it. The study looks something like a game to Nathan. They put a speaker in his ear and play a constant static sound, then change it. If he reacts to the sound change they give him a visual reward (turn on a DVD). They do this over and over and look for a reaction. Today was our 3rd and last visit. He got a t-shirt for attending, mom got free entertainment and some gas money.

If Nathan had not mastered sitting the week prior he has mastered it now, there still is an occasional mishap. Nathan has also mastered screams of joy. He was having a great time screaming at the hearing study today.

Well I will try to get some pictures up from last week later today. Nathan is up from his nap.

Week 27 - 6 Months old on the Calendar

I can hardly believe that 6 months have past since the birth of our son. Boy has time gone by fast. Nathan is growing very quickly. This week he has mastered sitting, well he has his moments when he forgets and goes flying back, but for the most part I am calling it mastered. He can sit at the barn that his cousin gave him for a good 15-20 mins without tipping over. Today at playgroup he was sitting and just watching all the other babies do other baby things. Another record was set, 6 days without a dirty diaper. Too much information?? Well these are things parents talk about.

Everyone seems to be interested in how babies sleep. Nathan is still practicing his sleep. This week he has averaged getting up twice a night. Bed at 7pm and up around 1am and 4am. He has absolutely no nap schedule. Most days he has 15-20 minutes naps about 3 or 4 times a day. Today he had a record 1 hour nap in the morning and a 15 minute nap during playgroup. Lets hope this trend continues.

Mom Report - I am doing well, my back is getting better. It has been 2 weeks since I last went to the physical therapist for some adjustments on my back. I have also lost all of my pregnancy weight plus an additional 4 pounds. I give 100% credit to Nathan for all the weight loss. I don't think I was ever this active in my old life. On the down side none of my new pants fit, they are too big.

Dad Report - Dad is still working hard and seems to have recovered from all illnesses. He is back in the swing of things, 4 days this week he biked into work. I think he is getting ready for a bike race in 2 weeks, "The Chilly Hilly". 33 miles, 2600 feet elevation gain.

Everyone have a good weekend. Nathan sends his smiles.

Week 26

For the last couple of posts we've been getting tardy. Observation of the week: Time really flies when you have a child. No body warned me strongly enough about that. Wow, week 26, that sounds like half a year to me.

This last week was really great. We went to Nathan's Grandparents cabin for the weekend, met Jason, Kirstin, Ruthie, and Celia. To make it even better there was snow and ice to keep us entertained. The lake was frozen which provided a picturesque backdrop for a weekend of catching up, scrap booking, xbox playing, eating, and general fun.

Memories include: Jason stepping thru the ice, pushing our cars up the snowy driveway, A chilly cabin to start with, lots of tasty food -- mmm chicken ole, mmmm chicken lasanga, a frozen lake, a frozen lake after a snow fall, talking about Jason and Kirstin about their new townhouse!

Nathan has certainly slept better in the past. He sometimes got up with only 1.5 hour spaced between the last time he was up. Mom and dad are trying everything they can think of to help Nathan sleep better; more clothes, less clothes, softer sheet, warmer house, ...

Nathan seemed to really have fun at the cabin. The new space keeps him entertained. He got along well up in the loft with Jason and Paul and the xbox. We all played games. However, Nathan was more interested in the controller cable than the game.

Additionally, Nathan is now the roll-over champ. This is a good thing, but it also is strikes me that we will one day long for the days of the less mobile Nathan ;)

Week 25

Another wonderful week at the Cooley home; albeit a busy one. It was chilly outside in Kenmore for the week, but there was some rare Sunshine.

Nathan started rolling over by himself. The parents encouragement maybe got through to him finally? However, more likely he just felt like figuring it out.

One thing about Nathan that seems fairly unique is he leg/feet drumming. Most days he spends part of the day drumming the floor with his feet. He can really go at it at times, I suspect it is he daily exercise routine.

Week 24

Things are falling behind here. This week's post was delayed for another bout of Paul getting ill. He'll need to remember to avoid being sick more often. Nathan got to see more of his dad, but sadly had to stay away -- to avoid to spreading the germs around much.

Mom and dad enjoy entertaining Nathan with jokes, gestures, and funny sounds. Nathan currently doesn't require a subtle punchline and careful setup for a joke. He is happy with a head bob and an explanation on how to say 'Zed' in the USA. Blowing on his stomach can also work. On and off he'll laugh at bouncing or swinging around but each day it is different.

He also spends time talking to some of his toys. Hard to say whether he is asking them where they've been and how they are doing or whether he is telling them not to leave without his permission. He can spend a pretty good amount of time focused in on the toy, inspecting it and talking to it.

Win some but not all of them.

Well it was an exciting game to start off. Nathan was excited and then he did the sign for touchdown.













Then he notice a bad call and started to toss his pacifier around.
















During half time we did some cheers to motivate the Seahawks.






















We were losing in the 4th quarter and he was so mad he started to yell at the TV.

















In the end he knew the season was over.

Go Seahawks! Beat Packers!

Week 23

We have a little screamer on our hands. Nathan and Laura went to their first yoga class. About 15 mom plus baby combos were there. The whole class was quiet doing our breathing exercises but Nathan screaming just to hear his voice. The instructor even tried to put the pacifier in. No such luck.

Nathan is getting pretty good at sitting. He still is pretty tippy and you have to be careful because he will randomly straighten out but he can sit on his own for a few mins. He can also be pulled into a standing position with him holding your hands.

Nathan is still eating twice in a night. He isn't too excited about eating but he does love to suck on ice. Also a cube of ice will keep him entertained during dinner.

Week 22

Wow, another fun filled week with Family. Grandma and Grandpa Cooley can down to have Christmas with us over the New Year break. Yeah. Nathan got to hang out with them for several days. He sure liked that.

Plus there was a trip to Pike's Place Market and a trip to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens.

It was also a short week of work of Paul.

Nathan spent a little of his time sucking his toes. He also likes it when his parents laugh, that is pretty entertaining. Nathan also placing everything he can move into his mouth.

Week 21 - First Christmas

Few, what a whirlwind of good times. We had a wonderful Christmas. Nathan did well with all the attention but had a bit of trouble sleeping with all the noise that was going on.

Nathan got his first taste of solid food, if you can say that rice cereal has a taste. He pushed out more than he ate and did even worse the second time around.

Grandma and Grandpa Cooley are coming today to spend the long holiday weekend with us. Nathan has not seen them since he was 2 weeks. Boy has he changed from back then.

Happy New Year to all.

Week 20

This week we had to say au revoir to Zoe, Laura, and Reid. They are returning to Calgary now that Reid's 3 months at Microsoft are over. We are sad to see them go, but we aren't allowed to keep them. Maybe they liked the area enough to come back in the future. All the best to them!

Laura and Paul got to go to Imprev's Christmas Party at the Bellevue Club. While we were there Joyce and Arvid got some time with Nathan. I think they were teaching him to roll over, because the next night he rolled over in his crib a couple of times. He doesn't seem to retain the knowledge for very long however.

Another fun event was the Christmas get together for Laura's parent-child class. Paul got to swing by and see what that little world was like for 30 minutes. Definitely some talking about babies goes on there.

Joyce, Nathan, and Laura took Wednesday to go and shop. Nathan came home with some clothes that he can now fit into, at least for the time being.

With all that said, We wish everyone out there a Merry Christmas!

Week 19

Saturday - Family was getting over colds. Nathan continues to recover from shots of last week.
Sunday - Walk at the botanical garden to view the spectacular lights.
Monday - Swimming
Tuesday - Parent Baby Class. Diagnosis for Laura's sore middle back (since labor); prognosis 'popped-out-rib'. Solution: Physical Therapist returned it to correct location. Currently hurts worse than before, but is healing.
Wednesday - Make cookies for cookie exchange group. Lunch at Molbacks with Laura and Zoe. Up twice in the night.
Thursday - Lunch with the old work crowd and shopping at Bellevue Square. Great sleep night from 7pm until 3:30am. Paul is finally over his cold.
Friday - Cookie exchange group at our house.

Mom is ready for the weekend!!



Plus a couple just in from the week before:

Week 18

The week started out good with a dusting of snow and just went down hill from there. First was all the flooding in the area. Swamp Creek went turned into a wild river flooding many of our neighbors homes. It was very hard to leave the house on Monday and we braved the storm so we wouldn't miss our swimming lessons. Then the family got hit by a cold bug. Nathan and I took a trip to the doctor, him for his 4 month checkup and me for my back. Nathan is growing I was thinking he was going to be 16lbs but he only ended up being 15lbs 6oz. He is now in the 50th percentile for weight and 75-95th percentile for height at 26 inches. He is doing most everything a 4 month old should be doing. He got 4 shots, yes I said FOUR. I have to say our nurse is so quick it probably was done in less than 20 seconds. I start physical therapy next week for my back, she seems to think I have some nerve damage in my back.
We had some visitors from Canada for dinner during the week. Shawn and Julie got Nathan a Cars dish set that will be fun to use once he starts solids.
Nathan has pretty much grown out of most of his 3-6month clothes at this point he is wearing the 6-12 month stuff. Mom needs to do some shopping or he will be sporting the bare look this winter.
I know 2 weeks ago I said Nathan would be rolling over by now but no he still is stuck on his back or front. He is very good with his hand to mouth coordination. He will hold on to his fish teether for a really long time. He isn't wanting his plug, sucker, soother, mute button, pacifier much these days, instead he likes to scream when you put him in his crib for bed. I am hopping it is just the cold/shots that has made him into this grumpy child.

Week 17

This week was fun. Nathan and I went swimming on Monday and had a surprise visit from Dad. Nathan took his first trip underwater. He did great. No laughs or anything but he wasn't mad either. We put up our tree last weekend and Paul put lights on the house. Nathan and I took a trip to see Santa. Santa didn't really dress up for the occasion, it looks like he is in his PJs. Nathan and I also went to Sears to have his pictures taken. Sears had some girl that had never really done it before. So it was frustrating for me. I shouldn't have bought any pictures. We won't be going back to Sears for pictures. I don't think I posted that Nathan had been refusing a bottle, well he drank one ounce this week without crying. Looks like mom and dad get to go to his Christmas party on the 16th.





And for a little fun here is a funny part of the Shrek Christmas special - Shrek the Halls:

Week 16 - Thanksgiving

Busy week but fun because Paul was home this week. We ate lots of great food and cut down our tree. It was too bad that Nathan got fussy at the end as his Aunt wanted to play with him more. Nathan moves his lower trunk all over the place these days. I have a feeling he will be rolling over in the next 2 weeks.

Irratable Child Found Feet

Well it is only week 15.5 and Nathan is doing lots of new things. He can full on laugh. I bounce him on my legs and he just laughs and giggles. So fun for mom. Also today all he has been doing is staring at his feet. I got a good picture of it outside today. Yesterday we took a quick trip to the ER as our doctor was unable to see Nathan. He had spit up a bit of blood, was screaming uncontrollably and I wanted to get him checked out. The ER checked him over real quick and he was fine. They discharged him with the diagnoses of "Irritable Child". All I can say is babies should not spit up blood. I still finding myself second guessing my trip but I am sure last night and today I would be wondering if he was really ok. The ER doctor said this is going to be one of those wait and see type of problems. By the way Evergreen ER is very cool. They just added on and it is really very nice. We got our own room, unlike when I broke my wrist and I had to share my room with 4 other people. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and then next day is the day we cut down our Christmas tree. I am looking forward to dressing Nathan in his new red sweater. Also it is the anniversary of the day we found out I was pregnant. I remember being on cloud nine last year as we were walking around the Christmas tree farm. Check back on weekend for more pictures. :)

Week 15 in pictures

Here is Paul's selection of week 15 photos.

Week 15

Nathan is sleeping. That is what he does now. Typical night is from 7pm until 4am up and eat then sleep until 7am. Mom is happy so the family is happy. Nathan is also eating less frequently. I think a typical day he eats about 5 or 6 times. 4am, 8am, 11am, 1pm, 4pm and maybe a bit at 7pm. For now that is the pattern, I am sure it will be different next week. You can see that he can see much farther, I can smile from across the room and he will smile back. Nathan can also look and then grab for an object. This week he also passed his fish teether from one had to another. Another skill that he has mastered is drooling. I guess you know that from Paul's iDrool photo. I have to admit I didn't know that you needed a bib before they starting eating solid foods. I thought bibs were for eating, turns out you need them for the never ending supply of drool. Paul and I hear laughs from Nathan now. More than just the ha that he has been doing. He has all kinds of gurgle sounds. Nathan can also hold himself standing with just his hands. You have to be careful holding him like this because he randomly lets go when he is done. Pictures will come later. I am hoping Paul will do that his week. We will see.

Nathan will have some cousins from Kenya... Check out here for the news flash: http://fuzzypoopers.blogspot.com/2007/11/our-kenya-heritage.html

New Apple Product.... iDrool

Week 14

Nathan and I have been working on rolling over. He seems to enjoy being on his stomach too much to roll over these day. I don't believe he has rolled over since he was 2 months. Oh well so much for me thinking he was so advanced. Oh and our sleep anomaly was just that. He went back to a 3-4 hour wake up schedule last night. Speaking of sleep there are two ways of thinking about infant sleep. Ether they should be sleeping like an adult or a baby. Developmentally Nathan is not ready for long periods of sleep, he will get there with time. Plus Nathan is the talk of the moms, they are impressed how well he sleeps in class. He will fall a sleep while laying on the floor. They say the need to rock/hold their babies to fall asleep. One last random thought on sleep, Nathan has also started to take naps in his crib.
Let see.... what else is going on. Nathan has all kinds of new sounds. He seems to like to "talk" when he has his hands in his mouth. This week he has spent a great deal of time with his hands together in front of his face.

Additionally, we had a great weekend last weekend spent with Jason and Kirstin -- spent it at the Tellevik's cabin. They got to meet the little guy for the first time and it was obvious that everyone got along great and there was lots of love to share! We will have to do that again. Board Games, Scrapbooking, puppies, Xbox, and food galore.

Sleep anomaly

There was a strange sleep anomaly last night in our house. I woke up at 1AM and it was quiet. I woke up at 2AM and it was quiet. I woke up at 3am and I heard a little one sucking his thumb. Since I was up I fed Nathan after 8 hours of sleep. 7PM until 3AM. Then he slept until 7AM. Got to love that guy. Just for reference he broke his record of 6 hours, he has done that twice in the past 2 weeks. So I am feeling pretty good with my 5 hours of sleep in a row.

Zoe and Nathan's First Swimming Lesson

On a bright and sunny Monday afternoon, the girls and the babies started their first Water Babies class. Everyone had a great time. The babies loved the water, the mothers loved being there with them, and the fathers enjoyed capturing the moments on film (digital, mind you).

Week 13

Busy busy week. We survived. Swimming lessons start on Monday.

Week 12

Wow time is flying by. Nathan and I did our last 0-3month class this week and we are moving up to the 3-6 month class. Should be fun because most of the moms that I know are now in that class.
This week Nathan became a champion hand sucker. He can suck his thumb too but he is not quite as good at that yet. I am completely fascinated by this for some reason. You can see him think about it and then move his hand. Wow so smart I think to myself. So far he does not seem to favor one hand over the other. At first I thought it was all right handed sucking but now it seems to be more left handed. My parents are hoping for a left handed child. My mom because she is left handed, my dad because he would be a more valuable baseball pitcher. I just want him to be able to use the right handed scissors in school.
This week I was also thinking to myself that he is generally happier, less fussing and crying. Well it figures on Friday I was at my wits end by 5pm. He didn't take any significant naps and was so crabby all day. He did have another 5 hour sleep last night so that made up for the long day.
Last weekend we visited the fruit market by our house and got a couple of pumpkins. I did a product focus group this week for a bottle/pump company. They have some neat product ideas that I can't share. Nathan and I also went to a playgroup in Redmond.
Next weekend we get to visit with the Jason and Kirsten at my parents cabin.

Week 11

This week was filled with a storm and power outage, an installation of a new freezer, helping mom and dad put in some shelves, and plenty of more smiles.








By Laura Just wanted to add a few things. Nathan is getting over his love of black and white objects and is starting to like colors. He is tasting his stuffed dog a lot and has started to grab objects and bring the towards his mouth to lick. Nathan has had one more 5 hour stretch of sleep this week. He has also decided that he likes to be held outwards so he can see the world. Swinging is also lots of fun in his swing. Eating has been a challenge for the past few weeks. He gets so unhappy if he has to burp or if the milk isn't flowing fast. Other than that he has been sleeping more and is generally much happier during the day. Bed time is getting earlier.

Week 10

Busy fun week for the family. This past Sunday we got to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with Zoe and her family. Zoe's mom made a really yummy turkey and stuffing. Nathan and I had parent child class on Tuesday and a play date on Wednesday. We had one night of a 5 hour sleep. Most of the other nights we are getting 3 or 4 hours in a row for the first session and then he is up every 2 or 3 hours after.
Nathan also rolled over from tummy to back on a hard surface for the first time. He has done that many times on the bed since he was 3 weeks old.

Did the stars align?

Did the stars align? Was there a full moon? Did someone cast a spell on my little bundle of joy? Write this down in the records books... Are you ready for my big news. Nathan slept for 5 Hours in a row.... Did you get that... 5 Hours in a row. It could even be 5.5 hours because I didn't count the light sleep that he got when he was still making noise in his crib. So after he woke up ate he slept for another 3. 5 hours in a row. This is short of a small miracle for mom. Just so you know he broke his record of 4 hours. Mom only got 4 hours of sleep in a row but that is because Nathan went down around 9pm. The downside to all this sleep is Nathan wakes up as a hungry little screaming monster that is unrecognizable as my sweet little son. I will take sleep over a happy baby at 2am.

Week 9

Nathan had his first trip to a museum this week. Boeing's museum of flight. I recommend it for anyone that comes to town. I hope that Nathan learns to love airplanes. This week he had his 2 month checkup. 12lbs 8oz. He still is in the 75 percentile for height, weight and head size. The doctor said he is doing everything a 2 month old should be doing and that we don't have to come back until 4 months. During his visit he also got a round of immunizations. 3 shots. I have to say it was easier for me than the heal stick he got at his first appointment. Now granted he was very fussy after his shots. Nothing seemed to help so Dad and I decided Tylenol was the only way to go. Sleeping is about the same he is up every 2-3 hours at night. We have tried everything. 4 different swaddles, keeping him up until late, putting him to bed early, adding a hat, adding a incline to the crib, gas drops. Paul can get him to sleep for 4 hours in a row if he holds him. I have decided he will sleep for as long as he sleeps and I am not going to go nuts over it. Yesterday Nathan and I spent the day in bed as I had a fever. Turns out I have an infection and I am on antibiotics, feeling much better today. Next week is busy Nathan and I are doing swimming lessons, parent/child class and a play date at someones house from class.
I almost forgot. Nathan has a new friend in town. Zoe came all the way from Calgary to spend 3 months in Redmond with her mom and dad. Zoe is 12 weeks old and is super cute.

Week 8

Mommy went to the dentist and had a good checkup. She doesn't have to go back until March. While mom was out I went to Nana's and Papa's. I had the best nap at Nana's and Papa's she might need to leave me there everyday. Nana even made cookies that I couldn't have but boy they smelled great. Right now mom is typing for me as I am talking up a storm in my crib.
This week I am starting to copy mom. I can say "ohhhhh" and "ahhhhh" so well. I am even better at holding my head. I actually like alone time where I can just look at the pictures or play gym.
Most of the time I am happy during the day and fussy before bed. Just like to keep mom and dad up. I still only like to sleep 2 or 3 hours at a time. Sometimes I like to wake mom up every 1.5 hours. I really just get so hungry and lonely in my crib. Check out my pictures. Mom didn't get to take as many because she forgot the camera at Nana's house.

Week 7 - II

To satisfy your sense of hearing. This is what Nathan often sounds like while awake. Laura's idea of course!



Paul & Laura

Week 7

Week 7 is over, few. Great to have some extra hands on the weekend. The fridge is now working, we think. The guy couldn't tell me if the timer was broken or not but he showed me how to fix it if it is indeed broken. Aunt Karen and Uncle Ian had us down for a mid afternoon lunch where we dinned on Turkey burgers that were quite yummy. Karen also made cupcakes for the Septembers birthdays. Nathan and I attended our parent child class and did a long walk to the library. Mom had us over for dinner due to the fridge being out. Let see updates on Nathan. He went for his longest time between feedings, 4 hours, the only problem with that is he was up until 1am with Dad. Paul and I have decided Nathan is most happy on his changing table. That is the place that he "talks" the most.

Week 6

Well this week was very busy. Paul and I had our 3 year anniversary. We celebrated by getting some Mexican take out and taking it to log boom park and eating it by the water. Nathan missed it all as he was sleeping in his car seat. I had my postpartum check up. Nathan missed that too. He was sleeping in his car seat. Friday was my birthday and we dropped Nathan off at the grandparents place. We hit the BluWater Bistro in Kirkland for a wonderful dinner. I had Macidamia nut crusted Mahi stuffed with shrimp and crab. For dessert we shared fondue. So Nathan missed that too but he was awake at my parents. He did great with out mommy around.

Nathan is still growing, my guess is he is almost 12lbs now. We will find out on Monday when he goes in for his checkup. He is fitting in his 3-6 month clothes now and has out grown a bunch of his newborn sizes. Nathan is starting to watch everything around him. He is very fond of black and white objects. His grunts are turning into coo'ing sounds now and he can hold his head pretty well on his own. Last night he slept for a record 3.5 hours in a row. Followed by some not so great sleep. Well the goal of keeping Nathan alive for another week was successful. On to next week.

Week 5

Week 5 was a busy with a long weekend visit to Laura's parent's cabin. Nathan's first overnight out of this home since he came home.

Following that it was a bit too much activity with a couple of related problems with our fridge. Having things thaw when you don't want them to is no fun.

Nathan is keeping up with a 2 hour sleeping pattern in the nights. He has a significant number of smiles, mostly in the morning. He is fussiest in the evening. Laura heard him say: ahh.

Mommy and Daddy are sleepy, ZZzzz. Goodnight.

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