better late than never...Cooper's baptism!

My baby turning eight was a big deal to lots of people. 

His friends were excited because they knew he had a snake party planned and they were invited.

The Primary made a fuss over him and he was sung too.

The Bishop interviewed him and called him to come up onto the stand for everyone to join in welcoming him as the newest official member of the ward by raising their right hand.

Some of his aunts, uncle and cousins came to share and help celebrate.

His two Grandpas spent the week.

Maddison and Davis were happy to see their little brother have the experience they both had.

Dad was honored to take his son into the waters of baptism and then place his hands upon his head in confirmation.

  

But it was a big deal to no one more so than

the mom.

My baby turned eight.

Does that mean he is no longer my baby?

Sometimes on Wednesday nights when Maddie and Davis are gone to YW's and YM's and Brent has work in the Stake offices, he'll ask me..."so what do you want to do tonight? put a movie in and snuggle?"

One morning when I let him sleep in a bit after a tough night, I walked to school with him hand in hand.  It was just us.  We were about half an hour late so the scurry of other kids making their way to school was long gone.  Our hands were swinging between us and I said, "cooper, how long will you let me hold your hand?"  He replied without a pause, "until I'm at least 19, but by then probably not in public."

I work in his class everyday and even with his classmates all around he never shys away from a hug, a stroke of  his cheek or a love tap on his tush.  But he probably won't appreciate that last one when he's 19 and we are in public : )

My baby turned eight.

And I turned 44 on his baptism day.

I couldn't have wished for a more wonderful gift.