J Cooper Photography

I had an unexpected call this evening from my case worker that set my heart into triple beats.  It wasn’t our referral…but anytime my caller id shows a 917 number I must admit I start to hyperventilate.  We are getting close…not next…but close non-the-less.  Which brings me to the reason I want your junk.

We’ve debated back and forth throughout this process about the pros and cons of fund raising for the adoption.  But my pride has always one out and I’ve found other avenues for raising the funds necessary to pay the randsom for our son.  If I wasn’t a complete graphics moron I would design a ridiculously cute t-shirt to sell (my sister did that…you can support their adoption of their Peruvian Princess HERE).  If I had any sense in the kitchen I’d host a smashing bake sale.  If I wasn’t such a wimp I’d offer to mow your lawn.  Instead I’ve used my photography business to pay our fees and supplemented with my dwindling Etsy shop.  But we are chosing to lay our pride aside and allow others to be a part of this amazing journey.

But I do love junk.  Junk I know (mostly because I have a house full of it).  So on FRIDAY, JULY 9TH and SATURDAY, JULY 10TH we will be hosting an ADOPTION GARAGE SALE to try to raise the funds for our first trip to Ethiopia for our court date.  I’ve had so many people ask “what can we do to help”.  And honestly…just knowing that we have the support of friends and family in this journey is more than enough.  But if you’ve got some stuff to get rid of…bring it on over…the more junk the better I’ve started the piles already and there shouldn’t be a shortage of fun stuff…furniture, house decor, fabrics, vintage pieces, photography props, etc.  Would you consider donating your junk to our sale?   Do you have folding tables we could borrow?  Would you drop by and browse my junk?  Would you come by just to say “hi” (if you do…can you bring me a cherry limeade from Sonic…oh…and one for my sister who is a saint and is coming to help me with the sale)?

Email me or post a comment if you’d like specifics about dropping off your junk.  We are trying to steer away from clothing as it rarely sells but would love furniture, knick knacks, gardening items, house hold items, toys, books, or anything else in good repair you can’t seem to find a use for   And no…you can’t drop off your husband   Just kidding…he’s more than welcome if he wants to help us set up

Email me for directions or more scoop!

We took our little man out for a spur of the moment photo session a few nights ago to document him at TWO.   It was a serious miracle of God…we didn’t even start shooting until 8pm and he was HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!  I took 189 shots of him and he is smiling in at least 188 of them.  Fortunately, Mr. P came along to get those giggles out and he makes the BEST assistant.  He knows how to do all the gross, dumb things that make little boys smile apparently   My goal of the session was to get one great shot to print BIG for his new room.  But I got a billion that I love and now I’m in a bit of a quandary.  Can you help a girl out?  Which one is your fav?

When I loaded these onto my computer I was instantly SO mad that I didn’t dress him in more COLOR.  I love this little outfit…but a blue or orange polo would have really POPPED a lot more.  I always tell my clients “WEAR COLOR”…why don’t I listen to myself???  But I’m not going to chance it and try again.  He is too cute in these to bother with a wardrobe change!

This little car was a gift from Mimi and Baboo for his birthday {THANKS!!}  But I think it was more of a gift for ME…it makes the cutest prop!!

Thanks for all the smiles little guy!  TWO never looked so cute

…is sleeping his first night in his BIG BOY BED.  I’ve been working on re-decorating his room to incorporate his new bed and dresser (gotta get that crib and changing table into the other room to make way for a new bundle) and almost have it complete!

So here he is…reading bedtime stories with Daddy…and snuggled in tight.  It’s been 2 hours since lights out and I haven’t heard a peep yet.  I wish I had had my camera handy when I brought him upstairs to show him his new bed for the first time.  He screamed, “THAT’S A CAR!!!” and dove head first onto the bed.  (He did consequently nail his noggin right into the headboard which caused quite the bump and then he was scared of his new bed for a few minutes following the incident…but he got over it.) Funny how the girls seemed so much bigger when they moved into a twin bed?  And they weren’t….Miss A went straight from a crib to a twin bed at 20 months.   And Miss J was sleeping in an old fashioned toddler bed by 18 months.  I guess the youngest always stays a baby longer

It was so dark in his bedroom at 8:30 at night.  I’m hoping to get some cute snuggly morning shots of him too to commemorate this big step!

I can’t wait to share the whole room once I’ve got it finished but that will have to wait for the big reveal   Still working out a few details…

Sleep tight LITTLE BOY…you can sleep all night in that BIG BOY bed but you’ll still be my baby!

Please pardon the interuption in vacation photo sharing.  Monday morning while I was busy laundering and unpacking and cleaning and kid coralling…my hubby ditched me for Taiwan.  And after a couple days of single parenthood I looked around my house and decided I needed reinforcements.  So I loaded back up the car and headed to NE to spend a few days with my family (cause…you know…10 days of vacation the week before wasn’t enough quality time together).

It was nice.  We kept the kids busy (which kept me busy) and I had my parents around to dote on my (thanks Parentals)

We:

Swam at the pool and nearly drowned Baboo (twice)

Went to the Children’s Museum for the hundredth time (they can’t ever get enough)

Drove through Pioneer’s Park to watch the elk and bison and scare the ducks

Played at Antelope Park and perfected our monkey bar swing

Ate at Noodles and listened to Sam scream for “more pasta…more pasta…more pasta”

Shopped T.J. Maxx, Target, and Gordmans without the kids (I owe you big time Dad)

Visited with my Gaga and relished in a few of her hugs and kisses

and….

Made it home in time to blog a couple of quick snapshots before my hubby walks through the door.   I’d call that a success!

Back to the regularly scheduled programming soon

I’m trying to plow my way through the 800+ photos I took during our vacation…so here we go with the first 24 hours.  Ok…not really the first 24…but you don’t want to see the back of my head in the car for 2 days do you??

Mr. P came home from work in the late afternoon Friday and we headed out to Mt. Vernon, IL.  We tried to get as many miles under our belts as possible without pushing the kids to complete exhaustion (pretty sure we passed that point regardless).  We got to the hotel at about 12:30 am.  Our eldest was smiling and talking so fast you’d think she was hopped up on some type of energy drink and Ms. Middle was just plain ticked.  She was tired and people were on her bed…and that was not a funny situation.  Little man was completely out of control.  Once his feet hit the pavement he couldn’t stop running (or talking).  And as soon as we got into our room he ran for the phone…and for the next 30 minutes he did this:  “HEWWWO??  Are do home?  NO?  Otay.  Bye-Bye!”  Rinse. Lather. Repeat.  It would have been hilarious except that it was now 1 am and I was completely unamused and exhausted.  So what did I do…I took a picture of course.

We finally got everyone settled in bed…slept a few hours…then loaded back up for a VERY LONG DRIVE to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  The drive involved lots of bribery, sugary snacks, and ear piercing cries (mostly by me)…but when we woke up Sunday morning to this…it was complete bliss.

The girls getting ready to cross up and over the dunes right outside our window.

We didn’t waste any time flipping off our flip flops and running into the waves.  For J it was complete love at first sight…she went running wildly straight for the water.  A was a bit more timid but was still crushing pretty hard on the soft sand and frothy sea.   We whipped out our cameras and started capturing as many little details as we could.  Kind of handy to have that second shooter in my back pocket, eh??

The girls reluctantly flashed me a few smiles here or there to keep me off their backs while they played

Little man enjoyed the beach (from a distance) for the first few days.  Then he became mesmerized by drinking pails full of sea water.  Not sure what was going on with that fascination…maybe some sort of chemical imbalance.  Maybe we should set up a salt lick in our family room for him??

Little bikinis are a prerequisite for the beach.  Feeling quite thankful that I successfully navigated not getting caught in any photos in mine!

Really digging this image for some reason.  Looking at her wet little head…I can still taste the salt water and feel her little raisin puckered fingers.

I read 3 entire novels before we ever set foot on the beach…and then 2 more while we laid there worshiping the sun and waves.  And other than the perpetual job of keeping Little Man from making himself sick on the salt water…it was really quite relaxing.  We spent the mornings on the beach…packed lunches and successfully ate them despite the ravenous sea gulls…and then hit the pool in the afternoon while Mr. S napped.  It was a constant struggle for me between toting my camera around and living in the moment.  I hated viewing everything from behind the lens…but felt equally miserable “missing” the amazing moments that were happening at lightning speed all around me.  The good new is:  I’ve got a million pictures in my mind that I’ll never lose.  And that is what vacation is all about.

Every year we take one evening on the beach to try to capture a great family picture.  And every year I wonder why I torment myself with the impossible   We had the best laid plans…outfits arranged, showers accomplished, kids fed.  But by the time we got down to the beach the wind had kicked up and the sun was still blazing hot.  Throw in a wild 2 year old screaming “NO NO NO!” and you’ve got a recipe for complete and utter exhaustion.  I always leave the beach thinking “that was a complete waste of time”…but every year…without fail…I fall in love with the images as they come to life on my computer screen.  They aren’t perfect.  But neither are we.  And I know deep down it wasn’t a waste….and that I’ll treasure these moments for as long as I live.

My Dad gave me a love for photography and light.  Lucky for me to have him along on these trips to help me document our growing family.

There’s something about the beach.  The crashing waves and ever changing churning waters seem to put life into perspective.  Sifting sand and wind blown hair, lazy afternoons, turkey sandwiches packed in Igloo coolers, little itty bitty bikinis (on the kids of course), shell scavenging, sun kissed skin, gritty teeth, and togetherness.  The beach is my heaven here on earth.

I’m hoping to share a little bit each day of our adventures.  I’m missing it already…

We’re home….and nothing feels better after 2746 miles and 22 hours (one way) in the car over the past few days!  Our vacation was wonderful.  The beach was glorious.  And I have 831 pictures to prove it.  But don’t worry…I won’t share them ALL here

I have always wanted a silhoute of our family.  My Dad rocked thisone out for us on our last night of vacation on the sand dune where we went to fly our kite.  I will always treasure this image.  I love our little family.  Can’t wait until next year when we’ll have another little hand to hold.

There’s a lot to do tonight…but I can’t wait to share more pictures over the next few days.  We did candid shots on the beach, at the aquarium, formal beach photos (which were a bit of a disaster), and everything in between.  We’re all a tad sunburned and the washing machine is already working over time.  Ahhh…..

You might say a quick prayer for us as we embark on our 20 hour car ride   The kids are looking forward to some serious family time.  I can’t wait to wiggle my toes in the sand and forget about the world.

We’ll have internet access (when we can pull ourselves away from the waves) so don’t hesitate to shoot me an email if you have a photography ordering emergency

See you on the other side…with lots of pictures to share!

Peace out friends.

I know it’s shocking…but it’s time to wish my little man an official HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

We kept the evening simple.  Breakfast for dinner (waffles are usually his favorite…although in typical toddler fashion he wanted nothing to do with them tonight) and a bakery cake.  He definitely knew who was the big stuff tonight and wasn’t afraid to demand attention

We opened a couple of presents (the sand wheel was his hand’s down favorite) and hit the sack before 8pm.  It’s rough being the birthday boy and he was definitely tuckered out.  The girls had a hard time sitting back and allowing him some space to dig into his presents…always the little “helpers” they are…

I’m refusing to give into weepiness over his catapult into toddlerhood…because I have many wonderful memories of his babyhood stored away forever.  I’m so proud to be this little man’s mommy.  He is SO full of life and brings us incredible joy.

He’s a bit teary eyed in these pictures.  I was taking too long with the photos and he was ready to DIG IN!

A two year old “blowing” out his candles = a giant spit bath for the cake.

He enjoyed the cake until he was done…and then HE WAS DONE.  And someone better do something about it!

Sam at 2:

babe magnet (especially with the over 80 crowd)

chunky thighs

crazy climber

perpetual talker (no extra points for annunciation though!)

builder extrodinaire

lover of all things “ou-sigh” (outside)

spoiled by 2 extra mommies

a true momma’s boy

photographer’s dream

picky eater

big brown eyes

partial to cars, choo choos, balls, and blocks

ear infection King

belly laugher

music enthusiast

perfect bedtime kisses

I can’t express the ferocity with which I love this little guy.  He has chiseled his way into my heart so deep that sometimes it takes my breath away.  I am completely and wholeheartedly smitten by him.  If you are one of my many friends who has recently complimented me on my boy and I have unashamedly agreed with you rather than politely said “thank you”…I do apologize.  But he IS quite possibly the cutest little boy on the planet.  And we couldn’t love him more.

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY Super Sam….WE LOVE YOU!

1.  I’m really boring with no photos to share.  Sorry about that.  I’m knee deep in laundry (actually more like armpit deep) getting ready for our trip to the beach this weekend.  Seriously…who wears all these clothes?

2.  3 more sleeps til we jam pack the car with every shovel and sand pail in the Cooper house and head off for North Carolina.  Did I mention it is a 20 hour car ride?  I’m fairly certain I might die mid-way through the trip.  Did I mention I loathe being in the car?  Oh the things we will do for a vacation when we are broke   The kids are beyond excited to make our yearly trek though and I must admit, they are starting to wear off on me.  The lap of the waves and salt air is starting to call my name!  I love our tacky little condo.  We have loved it so much the last few trips that last year we bought our week to ensure that we always take the time to come together as a family and take a break.  Hopefully next year we’ll have another little one to buy tiny swim trunks for!

3.  I am having a decorating crisis.  Meaning…I have the overwhelming urge to pilfrige through my entire house leaving no corner unturned and re-decorate everything.  I can’t seem to shake the feeling.  Which is rather unfortunate as we have absolutely no money for decorating (it is all going towards our first round of ET airfare!)  So.  This is what I’m thinking.  There has to be someone out there with a BIG OLD house in the country with shabby cottage decor who wants to trade places with me, right?  I’m happy to provide a modestly decorated (albiet early 2000s sage greeb and red) newish house in the burbs.  Come on…who wants to make the trade??

4.  J’s got her BOB back.  Whew…I’m SO glad.  Man I really should have a picture of that.  She decided Sunday night she wanted to cut off her locks.  I breathed a huge sigh of relief.  She’s a bob kind of girl.  Now she’s got her spunk back.  A is still apparently growing her locks to her ankles though so don’t fear…there will still be plenty of ghastly shrieks and tears during our morning ritual.

5.  Tomorrow is the real, official BIG DAY for my little man.  {sigh}  We will likely celebrate with a few cupcakes after dinner and a couple of presents (sand toys and a new swim suit).  We had him tested yesterday for some speech help…he was border line for a referral.  Then today at the “hair cut store” he came running to me and said, “Look Mommy…I have a ball” as clear as day.  Crazy kid.  Stay little forever buddy…you’re killing me here!

6.  I’ve got a fun little chair project I’ve been working on this past week.  I’m hoping I haven’t ruined it.  I’ll share pictures when I get back if it doesn’t end up in the dumpster

7.  We are still battling some big (and little) decisions in our household.  Things that make my brain tired and are bigger than I know how to think.  I catch myself feeling completely overwhelmed and then remind myself that I’m not really in control anyways.  I’m getting pretty good at giving things up.  The problem is…I’m pretty good at taking them back too.  And that is a dangerous game.  Lots of prayer and late night chats.  But life is still good in the meantime…while we watch and pray.  And for that I am very thankful.

8.  If I had the guts I would totally do THIS.  I’m wiping the drool from my keyboard as I type.  Isn’t that loverly?  I have an obscene obsession with paint (see #3) and have to daily resist the urge to cover every surface in my house.  Paint is glorious.

9.  We are still holding at #3.  We should receive our monthly update email this week although I’m fairly certain nothing has changed.  We are still getting deliciously close though!

10.  It’s stormy and pitch black right now…and I have little ones to bathe and Baby Magic to smell.  HAPPY TUESDAY friends!