Searching for the perfect photo....

The Pursuit of Perfection....

So, anyone who knows Mel knows that she's just a BIT of a perfectionist. (Not to mention, sarcastic.) Anyway, she still hasn't sent out Kyle's birth announcements because she hasn't found the "perfect" picture. Or, maybe she has but isn't willing to commit to one because the REAL perfect picture may be captured mere days after printing out a previously chosen photo. It's a pretty big responsibility to chose the right moment of film (or digital image) in which to announce the arrival of a new little life to this earth. That image will be the first impression so many friends and family get of baby Kyle. It should be a perfect blend of cuteness and personality. At the same time, do you know how difficult it is to photograph a newborn? If he is awake, he is squirming around, flailing arms and kicking legs. Or better yet, he's screaming because it's time to eat again. That makes for a fantastic shot. (Again, sarcasm.) Some of the most calm shots are taken when Kyle is sleeping, but do you want to send out a photo with no eyes? Also, should you take a photo of soon after birth to capture the earliest moments of life OR should you wait until he's a bit older? So, anyone reading this....Mel needs some advice. Newborn or older? Asleep or awake? Hat or no hat? Clothes or no clothes? Does any of it matter or will any photo make the "perfect" impression of our perfect little boy?

Baseball and Bathtime

The Cooper Boys

Dad's vacation time is over, and he's been having to work 4 or 5 nights in a row the past 2 weeks. This is hard because he leaves the house at 6 pm and doesn't get home until about 8 am. Then, he goes to bed and sleeps all day to get ready to do it all over again. Now, Kyle and Mom get to hang out alone for last night snacks. Here's a photo of father and son, taken in one of the few short moments they get to spend together between the time Dad wakes up and has to go in to work. They need more of these bonding moments!

Take me out to the Ballgame!

The Braves played a day game against the Mets today. (And won!) Kyle had a great seat for watching the game. He also dressed the part of a fan! He loves to have his hands up by his face, as if in deep thought on some impressive topic.

Baby Elmo After a Bath

One of these pictures is not like the others. One of the pictures is not the same. Can you tell the difference? Well, the only one that shows what Baby Elmo is REALLY like during and after a bath is the one without the plug in his mouth! Don't you love the little slippers?

3 Weeks Old

No pictures, please!

Only three weeks old, and already Kyle is shying away from the camera.


Atlas is getting used to having her baby brother around. Although she is sometimes a jealous puppy, we know she loves Kyle very much. She is protective of him and curious of his movements and sounds. We look forward to the time when they can play together and Mom and Dad can get a break from the never-ending game of catch.

Big Yawn!!!!

We got to spend some time with Great Grama Sue today. We went out to lunch at Cheddar's and had a Cookie Monster in honor of Kyle turning 3 weeks old. Too bad he'll only get to enjoy that after some recycling. Then, Kyle and Grama Sue spent some real quality time together-Kyle sleeping and Grama Sue holding!

Our Little Aggie!

He'll just LOVE these pictures if he ends up going to t.u. someday. As for now, he bleeds maroon like the rest of the family. He isn't quite old enough to have inherited Mom's rebellious, stubbon attitude. I swear to you that as soon as I put on this bib, he started giving me the thumb's up "gig 'em" sign and then wanted to show that he knows A&M is number 1! He's a genius, we're sure. It has nothing to do with random movements and coincidence.

Mom's Friends Visit

I guess it takes having a baby to lure people to Texas! After leaving Utah in 1998, we have made several trips up to Utah to see family and friends, but haven't seen many of them make their way to Texas. I understand we live in West Texas, which doesn't have much to offer unless you like desert and pump-jacks. However, in the last 2 weeks, two of Mel's best friends actually showed up at our door....IN TEXAS!!!

Amber bought a car in Atlanta and drove it home, making a surprise stop in Midland on her way back to Utah. We had a nice (but too short) visit, meeting each other's babies. Carter, at 3 1/2 months, looked huge compared to Kyle. We are interested to see the comparison when the Coopers make a trip to Utah in October.

In an oddly similar and near opposite story, Chrystal and Nathan sold a car in Utah and drove down through Midland on their way to Atlanta. Their visit was planned, thanks to the valiant persuasion efforts of Chrystal! It was nice to catch up and take them out to eat at our favorite little Mexican food place.....Carramba's, the Spanish Inn. We look forward to making a trip out to Atlanta to see them (next summer, maybe?) and the Braves, of course.

Put me in, Coach!

Today, Kyle got geared up in honor of all the baseball records over the weekend. He's ready to play! Here he is with Dad.

We also went to lunch with Great Grandma Anne. Afterwards, he dirtied his new, white uniform. (And not from sliding into third base!)

Meanwhile, Mom is on the 15-day DL with a burn to her throwing hand. It was a stupid accident involving chicken and EVOO.

The Many Poses of Kyle

We kinda like him, so we've been taking just a FEW pictures!!!

Two Weeks Old

On Kyle's two-week birthday, we went to see Dr. MacFerran. Great Grama Sue came, too. Kyle was back up to 7 lbs, 4 oz, after dropping down to 6 lbs, 13 oz. Also, his heart arrhythmia was totally gone. He passed his check-up with all A's.



Kyle also tried out his new bouncer chair.

One week old

Kyle looked like a little elf on his one-week birthday. Mom and dad just happened to wear the same shirts that day, so it worked well for pictures. We had lunch with Granna Boulter, Great Grama Sue, Great Auntie Deb, and Uncle Hubba. Grandpa Boulter got in that evening.

Home from the Hospital

We FINALLY got home on Friday at 3:30. We had to wait and wait for lab tests to get back before they would release us. It was nice to be out of the hospital.

Kyle's Birthday

We are proud to announce the arrival of Kyle Stephen Cooper, born on July 18, 2007 at 9:25 a.m. He weighed in at 7 lbs, 6 oz and measured 19 inches long. The delivery went well with Mom only pushing for 20 minutes! Kyle was ready to get here. What a great blessing and well worth the wait. We were all in love at first sight!