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The Cotropia Snapshot:
The Kids- Jayden: Our little lady has been an angel lately.She helps pickup her room and is keeping her little brother in check. We call her "mother hen", because she is always telling him what to do and how to do it. Jayden got her 1st pet this past weekend. She is the proud owner of a BETA fish named "My Little Pony"...she named it herself.
Landen: L is on the go everywhere. He tries talking to us, but would rather just holler and throw something. He loves to terrorize the dog. Lately, he is eating like a horse..eating everything.
Mom and Dad: We began "Project House Remodel and Cleanup". We have cleaned the garage spotless, Fixed our backyard fence, and started many other Home Improvement projects.
That's about all...Really ready for Spring !
Cotropia Family Update: After numerous sicknesses running crazy thru our little clan, we seem to all be fairly healthy now.
Jackie is absolutely loving her job. For those that dont know, she works for Dallas National Golf Club. She loves it.
Jayden is a solid rockstar. She loves her school and is doing so very well. We finally hit the "dolls" stage. She is really into Barbie right now. She is an amazing kid.
Landen is doing great. He runs everywhere he goes. He really babbles alot, but does say Daddy, Momma, Sister, Hot and Uh-Oh. He goes nuts for balloons right now, so that is fun.
All is well with me. I am still on cloud 9 from my beloved Steelers winning SuperBowl #6. Work is work.
We all look forward to springtime and some time outside at the park.
Comments
Jackie, so glad you were blessed with a great new job.
- di
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I've written an update 3 times and the computer has "eaten" the story 3 times... Now you get an outline....
I was laid off.
We had Thanksgiving.
Christmas was wonderful.
I'm employeed.
We've all been sick.
Landen went to the ER - b/c of above.
Steelers are going to Superbowl.
I Know You're Happy The "Boo" Site Has Finally Gone...
I'm so sorry that you had to hang on to Halloween for so long... The Cotropia Family has had a lot going on. Mom is painting and selling wine glasses - Landen has broken his fair share. =) It's a good thing Mom can paint, as she (I) was part of a "work force reduction" at Club Corp... Laid off. As sad as I may be to leave Club Corp behind (temp or permanent - time will tell), I must say... The extra time with Jayden and Landen has been SO MUCH FUN! I've surprised her at school and taken her for a Mommy-Daughter play day at Going Bonkers, volunteered at her school during the Thanksgiving Feast, and with the weather so nice - the kids and I even enjoyed some Jeep rides with the top off.
All in all - November finds the Cotropia Family having fun and feeling that we have a lot to be thankful for. I'm thankful for such a wonderful husband, a daughter who calls me her "best friend" (until she is old enough to figure out that it isn't cool), a son that is just an adorable HOOT, and our loving parents and friends.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Fourth Birthday Jayden!
Jayden had a wonderful birthday, that will continue through the weekend. =) Thanks to everyone for making her day so special, with birthday wishes - gifts - and treats. She loved them all.
Lot's Happening In October...
The Cotropia parents have just gotten back from a very fun filled vacation in Mexico, to attend Chris and Christina's wedding. It was beautiful. We were gone for 9 days and missed the kids more than we thought possible. Jayden had a great time with Mimi & DG, although she was a bit sad with us gone for so long. Landen was hanging with Nana & Paw-Paw, who taught him how to "high five". I thought he might be a bit shy upon our return, but I was VERY wrong. He squealed and giggled for about 30 minutes straight. =)
We spent the weekend outside, as we don't know how long the weather will be this nice. Tucker had a very exciting first birthday party, on Saturday. Jayden spent a lot of time running from one fun toy to the next. She even adventured to take a hay ride through the woods. Sunday, we took the kids to The Pumpkin Express. So much fun. We rode the train twice, jumped in the bouncy house, and Jayden had her face painted like a cat. We are all pooped and headed off to bed.
More soon! - The Cotropia's
Turning One...
Today is Landen's first birthday. I just can't believe that a year has gone by. He had a great weekend. We celebrated with Mimi and DG on Saturday night, with chocolate cake, and singing. Then again, today with Nana, Paw-Paw, Great Granny Bonnie, Cara, Brian, and Tucker. He is such a good boy.
Landen went home with Nana and Paw-Paw and will return in 10 days. We were so sad to go, but are in need of this vacation too (Chris and Christina's upcoming wedding). Jayden will be staying with Mimi and DG. The kids will not see each other for a whole week. Jayden has already been asking for him. =)
Wishing everyone a Happy October!
FINALLY OCTOBER...
The weather is beautiful here. We are taking about 4 wagon rides a day on the weekend and one each night after dinner. The breeze is wonderful, but not enough to turn off the air conditioner. We've put out all of our fall yard decor and Jayden has started painting her pumpkins.
School is in full swing for Jayden. Each day is cram packed with activities, classes, and fun. Going to main stream has been a learning curve for all of us, but we are working out the kinks. Her birthday is 3 short weeks away. We can hardly believe that she will be 4. The time flies too fast. She has upgraded to a booster seat in the truck and she thinks she is the number 1 PRINCESS... And isn't she? =) She's come a long way with her new ears as well. She knows how to work her remote control and change the batteries on her own. way to go Jaydes.
Landen is officially walking now. He has to in order to keep up with Jayden. The boy is right back to teething again as well. 6 teeth now. He loves all of the wagon rides and playing with Cayman. We couldn't ask her to be more patient. His favorite word is still "catch-it" with anything that can be "turned in" to a ball. Even Jayden's pumpkins. His birthday is also only a week away. We're celebrating with a simple family lunch at one of our favorite BBQ spots. With this upcoming event, we went ahead and moved him to a forward facing car seat. He wasn't all that impressed initially... Was really quite confused. However, after on good ride to town and back... HE LOVES IT.
Wishing everyone a Happy Fall!
1-2-3-4...
Landen is taking about 4 steps at a time and giggling the whole way. I promise to take some pics and give a proper update, but Mom's calendar has been pretty full - cut me some slack. =) *wink-wink*
Hmmm....
We miss Dad and Jaydes...
~Mom and Lands...
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL...
Drop off was at 9. Jayden grabbed her back pack and I had to race to keep up. We met the teacher, Miss Tiffany, and I promptly started my departure. I could hear Jayden, as I was leaving, learning where to put her lunch box, etc. It's a new school, but she made herself right at home. Pick up was at 2 and she was ready to go. She had a great day, but asked to go get Landen first thing. She missed him. On our way to get him, she told me all about her day. "Timberly" tripped over Jayden's shoe and, as she was telling the story, I kept correcting her with "Kimberly". Finally, she says "No Momma, not Kimberly... "T-T-T Timberly". Well... That set me straight. She's looking forward to her second day.
Landen is doing well. Not much new going on. I try really hard to get him to say "ball", but he just teases me. I think he is trying to say "catch it" instead. I'll video the game of catch and you can decide. He still only uses Dadda and Uh-oh.
Hugs from us all!
Busy, Busy, Busy...
I'm sorry for the lack of updates this summer. We've just been so busy. I'm not even sure where to begin...
Jayden and Mom did go visit Auntie Angie and family. We had the best time. Jayden was an angel on the 2.5 hour plane ride and the 4 hour car ride. She had so much fun with Tommy and Jackson. Those boys are like FISH in that Lake. We were very sad to come home and can't wait for a return visit.
Jaydes and Mom also enjoyed a road trip to Houston/Galvaston with Christina and Audrey. Jayden dug her toes in the DIRTY sand and ran through the water.
While all this was going on, Dad has been traveling. With Jayden spending every other week at Nana and Paw-Paw's house, they (Jayden & Dad) went 3 weeks with out really seeing each other. =(
We've found a new school for Jayden. They have been VERY nice and we think this will be a good school for her. They've asked for Jayden's last teacher, Miss Tami, to come give them an inservice to teach them some of the things they can watch for with Jayden's speach, etc. Her new teacher even has a degree in Deaf Education. The school starts on August 25... Right around the corner.
We've also just been told that Jayden's new processors are in. They are more advanced than the ones she currently has. Check this site for more details:
http://www.medel.com.ar/ENG/US/ . She will be getting the Opus 2. We'll keep you posted on any outstanding changes that we notice in the near future.
Landen is doing great. Honestly... He is all boy and we spend most of our time saying "NO SIR, LANDEN!"... He is into everything... EVERYTHING. I fear the day he starts walking, as keeping up with him crawling is exhausting enough. He still eats anything that you put in his mouth. The kid loves to eat. His latest favorite is Ritz crackers at Mimi's house.
Not much more to report really. Jayden is well and enjoying summer. Landen is just growing like a weed.
More next time!
A Quick Story:
I lost Landen in the house yesterday.
One minute he was in his room on the floor (we were cleaning up and I left to start a load of laundry... was gone for just ONE hot second...), the next... GONE... I found him in Jayden's room, UNDER HER BED. This is how fast he crawles on the carpet. He was tracking down her grocery store tub, which we had played with earlier in the morning. When I lifted the quilt and busted him, he just tucked his head and giggled... J & I both gave him the "that's just not funny" look...
Good Times...
Landen's first word is Dadda and he actually knows what it means. I pushed for Momma, but it got me no where. =) He still could care less about crawling, even though he has it down.
We've had a great time the past few weeks. Jayden was able to hang out with Ella, a friend from HSSW. We all had the best time. They live on a very large ranch with plenty of room to play. Her Dad is a mean Master Of The Grill. She spent a week at Nana's, with nothing but fun, snacks, and visiting. The pool has been our best friend this summer, as the sun is brutal right now. We hit the Children's Parade on the Fourth and then had some friends over for dinner, swimming, and fire works. Landen pooped out early, but J was up past 11! We had a nice visit with Mimi and DG on Saturday, then more swimming. Sunday was spent on Lake Lewisville with Etley and his family. We all had a blast. Jayden had her first adventure with tubing. We thought she should get ready, as she and Mom are going to spend the weekend with Auntie and Jack-Jack at their lake house. We can hardly wait.
'Hoping everyone had a WONDERFUL fourth of July!
What A Week It Has Been...
Sorry, but you guys get the short version of this update... Jayden did great the first 3 days after surgery. From there, she went down hill FAST and HARD. She choked on the scabs, as Dad had to come to the rescue (literally). She quite drinking. She went through MAJOR mood swings from the Lortab. She couldn't go to the restroom, thanks again to the Lortab... We've cut the Lortab and now have our daughter back. Today, Friday 6/20, is her first day to really feel good in the last week. Poor kid. Dr Bauer was true to his word... This will be/is the worst surgery/pain she has had to date. However... Like I mentioned above... Today is her first good day of many more to come. =)
Who's The Rock Star?
Jayden is, by far. I'll give you the short version of the weekend:
The surgery center was fantastic. They have everything you can think of to keep a child calm... From portable DVD's to X-Box. Dr Bauer came to chat w/us and Jaydes right before the silly juice really kicked in. Five minutes later, they came for her... Twenty minutes later we were hanging out with her in the recovery suite. Now, that was no picnic. It was a deja vu to the CI surgery. We stayed a good hour and then headed home. She got sick in the car and twice after we got home. She and Mom laid down for a nap and when we woke up she was feeling great. She practically ate and drank everything in the refrigerator. Saturday wasn't much different, although she tired very easily. Today, Sunday, she has slacked on the eating, but her energy has really increased. We will attempt to let her attend her summer camp tomorrow, but will be prepared to go get her at any time. Like we said... A ROCK STAR!
Tonsils and Ads .. See Ya
This morning Jayden had her tonsils and ads removed. She did great thru the surgery and we are at home now. She is taking her meds and staying hydrated, but just not feeling her best. We tried some pudding...YUCK ! We tried some jell-o... YAK ! So now we are just napping and taking it easy. Thanks for all the good wishes. We'll update again soon
GRADUATION DAY...
Today is Jayden's graduation day from The Hearing School Of The Southwest... Bitter sweet. We are sad to know that she will not be with these children next semester. 'Children that Jayden calls "my friends". But... WE ARE SO PROUD OF HER. She was one of 6 children to graduate this year. These children will be attending main stream schools next semester. Very impressive. The HSSW is just a blessing.
Jayden was giving 2 awards this year. One serious and one funny:
The Funny Award: The Golden Glove Award - The Lightweight Champion Of HSSW... In honor of the day she knocked the block off one of the boys in class who dared to stand in her way. Although she got in trouble, Jayden walked the halls of HSSW a little taller from that day forward, knowing she was a force to be reckoned with.
The Serious Award: Most Expressive Language... Meaning she had the most increased vocabulary and use of it this year.
We plan to remain active parents at the HSSW. How could you not want to remain a part of something so wonderful? Jayden will continue to see Great Sarah twice a month.
Jayden has a big summer planned. This Friday, the thirteenth, she will be having her tonsils and adenoids taken out. Because of this, she will miss her first summer camp next week. We anticipate that she will be ready for some fun the following week, so she will be attending another summer camp for the week. This summer, we have decided to let Jayden spend every other week with her Nana and Paw Paw and the other weeks with Landen at Pattie's house. What more could a girl ask for?
Landen is growing us way to fast as well. He is a maniac in the walker. He loves that thing and litterally runs us all over. He is very close to crawling and can not be left alone for a moment. He now has two teeth and wants to try a taste of every food you put in your mouth. I think he gets the obsession of food from Mom. =) He loves sleeping on his tummy and we will have to lower the mattress in the crib this weekend, as he has learned to manuever to the rails. He loves the water and watching Jayden play in the pool. He's picked up Sofia's love for the blue tub and that's where he hangs out to splash and catch some rays. Over all, he is a very happy boy, always smiling, and trying to get your attention.
I'll try to stay on top of the updates, but with all the summer fun ahead... It might be tough. =)
Time Slippin' By...
Jayden Update - She is doing GREAT. As you will see from the front page, the HSSW school year is wrapping up in the next few weeks. We are sad, as this will be J's last year as a full time student with The HSSW (she will attend a preschool w/normal hearing children), however we will remain connected in several ways. They can't be rid of us. =) Jayden will still get her weekly therapy with Sarah. We will still attend all of the Parent Ed nights. Jayden will also (fingers crossed) get to rotate in and out of The HSSW's classes on a routine basis. We were all able to participate (for the first time) in the Fifteenth Annual Children's Classic. Jayden's school is strickly not for profit and this tournament makes up 1/3 of the money need to run the school for a year. We volunteered for the day and just before the tournament began, Todd found out he was able to play. The dinner was great and the silent/live auction items were exciting. The school does such wonderful things for the children and it was nice to see so many people show up and give their support. With such a large event finally over, the school took the week off and Jayden is having a vacay at Nana's. We can't wait for her return.
Landen - He's 7.5 months old now and a barrel of laughs. He is so active and such a joy to hang out with. He loves to eat, play with his Sister, flirt with Cayman, cruise around in his walker, splash in the bath, ride in the wagon with Jaydes, and SQUEEEEEEEEEEEL! He is also very HANDSY. You have to watch everything that you walk by, as he will reach out in a hot second and GRAB it! He's on to the baby toast (long, hard croutons), but isn't sure about the texture on his tongue. He LOVES ice cream and avocados.
The Parents - We managed to sneak away to CT to visit the Sannella's for Joe's b-day. Was so much fun to see Sofia. We just know that Sof and Jaydes would have a wonderful time together and we'll soon find out for sure. They are coming for a weekend slumber party at the end of May. Can't wait!
PS - We just discovered he has a sweet tooth for Ding Dongs too!
UPDATE...
I promise a proper update in the next day or so.
A lot to tell about the Cotropia Family.
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