Geez...I wish this kid would smile more, huh?
Cooper has several baby "rides" that he enjoys. He likes to sit in the laundry basket as Jakob carries it from room to room. We call that, "Boy in a Basket." Then, he likes to lay on a blanket while Jakob drags it and he slides around on the hardwood floors. Naturally, we call that "Boy On a Blanket." Since this is a bucket swing, this ride is referred to as "Boy in a Bucket (Swing)."
When I see him grin from ear to ear like this, my life is perfect. 
We attended a Cajun Festival in Simi Valley with Uncle Alex & Aunt Edy on Saturday. 
Coop kept trying to get chicks to show their boobs for beads. I told him that it was a family fair and he should get his mind out of the gutter. 
Sunday was a big, BIG first: first time in a pool! He loved it. He more than loved it, he went nuts! He splished AND splashed. He laughed the whole time.
Thanks GrAnnemarie and Pepere!
Today--a floatie with a canopy. Tomorrow--a surfboard.
Swingin' and Swimmin'
Let Me Slip Into Something More Comfortable...
As you can see, Mr. Cooper Kingsley White is wearing the latest in toddler fashions...a blue doggie hooded robe/towel. 
This outfit is perfect for any occassion.
It's casual, yet can be dressed up with slipper socks.
The luxurious cotton/polyester terrycloth blend is, to quote Cooper, "YAAAAAAAAAAEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!"
If he were any cuter, I don't think I could stand it.
Will Cooper be the type of man to wear a robe? Jakob doesn't wear a robe. He's a "towel-around-the-waist' kind of guy.
As an adult, wearing a robe on a daily basis might mean you are one of the following:
1.) a wrinkly, aged playboy (Hefner)
2.) a bowling, freeloading bum (Lebowski)
Or maybe a robe manufacturer. I'm sure they wear their own products.
Malibu Mommy Day
On Mother's Day, the whole fam went on an adventure. 
We braved the busy freeways and headed to Malibu Lagoon State Beach. It's one of those places that's so pretty that you wonder if it's real. 
The look of joy on Cooper's face when he started to play with sand was magnificent. 
His little hands threw the sand up in the air. His little face was beaming with facination. It was the definition of happiness. 
I like the concept of the Japanese movie 'After Life.' In the film, counselors help people who have passed away pick one memory. The recently deceased describe the memory and the counselors work with a crew to film it and screen it at week's end; eternity follows. 
This day would be my memory to take to eternity.
Best. Day. Ever. 
The Grizzly Bear
Once there was a grizzly bear
Who only wanted honey
He was an educated beast
Well read, well fed and funny.
Yet his aim to snag a tasty treat
Played him for the dummy
He sat upon the ground
Peering keenly at the hive
He knew that the venture
Would make him feel alive
And though his fear did overwhelm
His stomach he'd not deprive
He climbed up the tree trunk
With carelessness and speed
He was driven by a hunger
A dire, ravenous greed
But he kept falling to the ground
Another plan he'd need
He decided to strike the tree
Beating it with fierce might
Not thinking about the bee
Who'd come looking for a fight
His blows did shake and rock the hive
The angered bee took flight
As the bee was stinging him
The bear growled with agony
"You tried to take what wasn't yours,"
Said the aggravated bee
"And this is what occurs
When you choose to steal from me."
(In case you were wondering, the bee stung the bear in the bum.)
The end.
Firsts
The first time I saw you was on an ultrasound.
You were no bigger than an M & M.
Now, you are nearly a year old.
You got your first tooth.
You went on the bucket swing at the park for the first time.
You got your first stuffy nose. 
You said your first words.
You took your first steps.
You climbed stairs for the first time. 
You got your first nosebleed.
You ate your first "non-baby food" food (scrambled eggs).
You got your first pair of sneakers. 
And now, it's my first.
My first Mother's Day as a mom.
Knowing that there are so many "firsts" yet to come is the best Mother's Day Gift of all.
Friday Time
I'm just going to write a bit about my morning.
Jakob likes to throw his pants over the chair in our room. It's fine that he does this. He has a small closet and I tend to throw my clothes in one big pile by my dresser. I tell myself it's not dumpy, it's modern art.
Anywho, his jeans are draped over the back of the chair and, more often than not, he leaves coins in his pockets. Whatever change he's accumulated throughout the day is just barely defying gravity as it clings to the inner most region of his pocket. I go to sit in the chair to put on my shoes this morning and a bunch of coins fell out of Jakob's pants and into the back of MY pants! My 'coin slot' LITERARLY became a coin slot. I had to fish change out from my crack. Think about that the next time you get change at the store!
Then, I go to get a Friday latte. I normally get a black coffee because I'm all cool and hardcore and a tough cookie and all that. (Um...I'm a poser.) But on Fridays I get a latte to congratulate myself for making it through another week.
The guy at Indie Coffee asked me my name. I said, 'Nicole.' He said, "Nickel?" Yep. That's my name. Nickel. What? Who's name is Nickel? I corrected him and took my drink.
As I walked away, I started thinking about my name and how I've had such a love /hate relationship with it over the years. I feel like I don't fit in with other ladies named 'Nicole.' They tend to be powerful or sexy and I am neither. Then there are times when it suits me. 'Nicole' could be adventurous. Sure. Nicole could be the name of the tomboy who climbed trees with you and played in the mud and eventually became your first crush...maybe. And as I was getting lost in this thought, I fell. I tripped. It was an incredibly goofy trip, one you can't convert into a wobble or a dance move. I tried to save my latte, but my congratulatory beverage was destined for the pavement.
I remained on the ground and laughed. No one was even around to see my beautiful blunder, so I had to write about it.
Splish Splash
After dinner, Cooper had liquified lasagna in his hair and cookie crumbs embedded in his fingers. It was time for a bath. 
As we sang 'Rubber Ducky, You're the One,' I suddenly had a vivid memory of my own mother blowing bubbles with me in the tub. 
Bubbles are a great way to mind-freak a 10-month old. They're round. They float. They fly. They vanish. He was fully entertained. 
Cooper recently discovered "splashing." 
How can I even begin to describe the look of glee on his face as his hand came slamming down against the water and made a mighty splash?
That's pure happiness.
The Tube
There's a video music channel called, ,THE TUBE that I'm a little in love with. You may or may not get it in your area. If you do, isn't it the best?! If you don't, it IS the best. I can't call this a poem. Here is today's musing.
The Tube
I accidentally press 304, but the channel I want is 305.
Occasionally, you disappoint.
Those lapses into Matchbox 20 and James Blunt almost make me want to shun you.
But you keep me hangin’ on with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Something old (Talking Heads)
Something new (The Raconteurs)
Something borrowed (Elvis Costello singing ‘God Only Knows’)
Something blue (Aimee Mann)
Natalie Merchant singing ‘Because the Night.’
She has black eyes like a dead shark.
Would you ever dare to play the Patti Smith version?
Maybe someday.
The Smiths, “How Soon Is Now.”
Classic.
Makes me feel young, silly and want to kiss boys who wear eyeliner.
Whale’s ‘Hobo Humpin’ Slobo Babe.’
1994. That’s the year I lost my silly and got angry.
Mad at the world and attracted to the rage of others.
‘Naked Eye’ by Luscious Jackson.
Karen and I in our messy dorm drinking forties and eating nachos.
For a minute, I’m sad.
All we grow is old.
I’m not cool.
I’ll listen to The Killers
But I can’t bring myself to like ‘My Chemical Romance.’
Then the Red Hot Chili Peppers come on.
I don’t know the name of it.
It’s a new one.
Just imagine a modern Chili Peppers song.
That’s what it sounds like.
They all sound the same.
Depressing.
But then Beck’s ‘Devil’s Haircut’ saves the afternoon.
Beck was good then and he’s good now.
That makes me feel better.
You Are 10 Months Old & You Are My Sunshine
Dear Cooper, 
I mentioned that you were 10 months old today and the woman I was talking to uttered an enormous, "WOW!" 
Wow, indeed.
You spend LONG stretches of time on your feet. You're so strong. I can't believe how much strength your small body has. You're a powerful kid. Changing your diaper has become a Herculean task! You keep flipping all around the changing table like a Yugslavian Yimnist. I've been meaning to talk to you about these flip-flopping episodes. It's frightening for me when you've had a gigantic poop. All that enthusiastic twirling is terrirying when turds are involved.
It seems that you'd much rather stand than sit. You eat little finger foods. You really like banana flavored rice puffs and apple wagon wheels. 
I can't believe it's been 10 months. You used to be the size of an M & M. 
Next thing I know, you'll be going to college. (Note to self: SAVE MONEY NOW.)
I love you, Cooper. You're my boy. You're the best.
XOXO,
-Mom
Thank You, Easter Bunny
Coop is too small for candy, so the Easter Bunny got him these winsome striped pajamas instead. Halloween and Valentines Day already focus on candy. More holidays should focus on pajamas.
The Eastern Bunny also gave Cooper this jacket. Jakob wishes he had one just like it.
Shouldn't the caption for this pic be, "Yeah...reading's pretty cool."
It looks like he's steppin' out on the club scene. 
Pepere and Cooper in their Sunday best. (Dig those bunny slippers, Mimi! Thank you.)
What will it take to get you to by this suitcase today?
Coop had bits of glazed ham today. He went nuts for it. He's a ham fan. Doesn't surprise me.
He's addicted to the Muppet Show. He likes Fozzie Bear.
It was a great Easter. And if you want to hear about the results of our 'Peep Joust,' visit MightyMcPilgrim.com.
Victorian "Passion" Cry Generator
WARNING--Today's post is NAUGHTY in a 1850's kind of way.
I love online generators. There's The Random Band Name Generator and then there's the Screenwriter's Logline Generator for those suffering from writer's block.
But I have a new favorite! My dear friend Kate Turnipseed turned me onto the Victorian "Passion" Cry Generator. NOTE: This site is not really "work safe." It's sort of dirty, so refrain from clicking on it unless your cubical has high sectionals.
Anyway, here are some examples of Victorian Love Cries. These are great for when you need something sexy to say, but you're sick of using words like "hump" and "boink."
"Your lips pursue me, so that I cannot escape from kissing them in purest self-defense!"
"What floods of bliss! What melting transports! What agonies of delight!"
"You have caused me to suffer a pleasure that transports me to the land I knew not but dreamed of unawares!"
"These fleshly orbs shake with undisguised pleasure!"
"Quickly, my love! These bonds excite me to a fever's pitch but I fear me that the Lady will soon be wanting her petticoats back!"
The Hippo and The BumblingBee
Ready for another silly Friday poem? Here ya go.
(And, yes, it's meant to say 'BumblingBee.')
The hippo and the bumblingbee were sitting down to tea.
The hippo looked upon her friend with nervousness and glee.
She mustered up her courage to ask,” Would you think of stinging me?”
The bumblingbee then made a joke, which he would often do.
“To sting one of your tremendous girth, what damage would it do?”
His eyes were full of mischief and his grin slightly askew.
The hippo was embarrassed, but she smiled just the same.
She didn’t want the bumblingbee to talk about her shame.
She added sugar to her cup to help relieve the pain.
The bumblingbee began to brag about possessing wings.
He noticed the hippo's sadness as he said these things.
He asked, “Do you tire of our tea and the joy it brings?”
“Of course I like to see you,” said the hippo’s shy voice.
“I look forward to these times to make merry and rejoice.
But you can always fly away. You always have that choice."
The bumblingbee began to sense the mood was getting strange.
So he promptly excused himself from their awkward exchange.
The hippo watched him run away, knowing he would never change.
Zoo Cooper
This past Sunday, the fam went to the Los Angeles Zoo.
Just as we entered the park, Coop fell asleep for his afternoon nap. To quote Jakob, "This is a pricey nap." 
But he perked right up as soon as he heard the loud honking of flamingos. I told him they were pink because they ate shrimp. Most of the animals were asleep. The lions looked particularly lazy. To quote Jakob, "King of the jungle, MY EYE!"
The giraffes were a real highlight of the day.
And we got to see some Red Apes. There was a mother and her baby. 
The baby ape was clinging to mom as she climbed up a rope. I read on the little 'Red Ape Info Plaque' how ape babies learn everything from their mommies.
That tugged at my heart.
Then we went to the Cheesecake Factory where Coop flirted with copious waitresses.
My father and Cooper are best friends and are having a blast. However, I know they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Grannemarie. I can't wait until we're all here to enjoy days like this.
Love you, Mom! We'll see you soon :)
7:42 am Ode to the Sad Skinny Gals Who Hang Out at My Starbucks
(I never share my stupid poems, but what the heck.)
I'm deconstructing an organic blueberry oat bar
Crumb by crumb
Hurray for gluten!
Each day there’s a new one of you in line
Your arms folded
Your pouty mouths covered in lip gloss
Sulky 'Pink Meringue'
All you say is, “Tall drip"
You wear plastic clips in your hair
But it’s still partially in your face
When you go to sit down, you slouch
I slouch because of my DD’s
What’s your excuse?
Maybe it’s the chairs
They DO encourage slouching
You all wear the same low-rise jeans
Not quite black, not quite blue
Denim oil slick
Paired with the same fashionably faded, tattered sweatshirts
Ranging in color from sage to slate to camel
What’s that you’re listening to on your ipod?
Bright Eyes?
Interpol?
Or are you more folky?
Oh, I get it. Ryan Adams.
You take out a journal with a pink skull stitched on the cover
You probably made it yourself
“Hand crafted” is the new black
So...
Why are you so sad?
Your bag matches your shoes
You don’t have cellulite
You have clear pores
You buy a cup of coffee that costs $1.55 every day
You can’t be sweating it that much
I think one of these days
I’m going to say “hi,” to you
All of you
It’ll be a pleasant greeting
Delivered in an ebullient manner
I wonder what will happen
I wonder
Will you say “hey,” or “hello”?
Or will you just look at me like I’m hideous
Like something the grave rejected in disgust
I hope you nod your head and smile
Because if a girl like me
Who doesn’t have an ipod
Or a pretty nose
Or a cute butt
Can find a reason to grin
Before 8 in the morning
Than I challenge you to, too.
