Monkey boy

Malaki has many nicknames but one that is used often is Monkey Boy. Malaki has been in a hurry to get some where since he was born. It started at him rolling over at 2 1/2 weeks and he hasn't stopped. Almost everyone that sees him crawl comments on how fast he is. He's getting braver with the walking and has almost started running, almost like if he goes faster, he'll stay upright longer. So far, it hasn't worked really well for him Recently we bought a slide for the kids at a garage sale and it's a big hit for both kids. Malaki especially likes the freedom to climb and slide down. He crawls up the slide and then when he gets to the top, slides down on his belly. If he tumbles, well that's just something that makes him laugh even harder. The best $1 I ever spent at a garage sale.

August Recap

Summer of 2009 went by so fast, especially the last month of August. We started the month with Malaki's birthday (see previous post)& we had the Angeli's and some friends join us at Jump Zone, finished the swimming lessons and ended with me being sick.

*cute cake a friend made for Malaki's birthday


*this boy loves cake!

Olivia took 6 weeks of swimming lessons at the local Parks & Recreation and had a blast! The last 2 weeks Logan joined her. They kept trying to graduate her to the next level but she kept demoting herself back to level 1. I think it's because level 1 played lots of fun games and was in 2 feet of water. On the last day of each session (Olivia got to do this 3 times) they turn on the water slides and just have a fun day. For this day, level 1 kids are suppose to wear life jackets but because Olivia knows how to swim, they let her take hers off.





Mid August I was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy. I didn't realize how serious or painful it was until I did my research. I'm doing much better now but it really took me a long time to feel like "myself" and my OB says that it'll be over before I know it. As of right now I have to go into the office for weekly blood draws to check my hormone levels, I can't wait for this part to be over.

And because today is September first, it's the first day of preschool. Along with some moms from church we are doing a co-op preschool. The bad part, 10 kids, good part, my first turn isn't until January. Wish me luck!

Olivia

I haven't talked about Olivia much lately but I just have to say that I love this kid!

Happy Birthday Malaki!

I can't believe this little guy is a 1 year old! In this last month, he has had one more surgery (palate repair), has learned to sign for "more" and has discovered how to play cars while on his knees and my favorite, he's learned to cuddle with mommy (a little bit). He's still a mover and shaker and keeps me on my toes and he does this all by crawling, no walking yet! Malaki is a joy to have in our family and we love him more and more every day. A year ago today, my pregnancy ended with a bang, a c-section and learning to care for a little boy with a cleft. This year has been an incredible journey with Malaki and I'm so grateful that he picked me as his mom. Love you Malaki!

Today we used our home studio and took pictures of Malaki with a smash cake. He loved it! He's a true Cottrell and loves, loves frosting!

At the start


Really getting into this yummy cake


End of the cake

Palate Repair

waiting our turn in a cute purple gown....



photo with Dr Obaid
Malaki had his palate repaired yesterday. This is the 2nd of many operations but we're done for a few more years. This surgery went really well but recovery has been a little more rough on Malaki and myself. I think it's due to him being a little older and more aware and the location of the surgery, the roof of his mouth. He can eat but he's on a liquid diet for 3 weeks and no bottle and he has to keep everything out of his mouth so everything can heal. It's never easy to send off your child to surgery but I'm grateful for our wonderful surgeon, Dr Obaid and the hospital staff. Dr Obaid now has hero status in my eyes, for being a wonderful gifted surgeon but for meaning it when he said, call me at any time and he meant it! At 3 in the morning it became obvious to me that the meds were wearing off for Malaki and per orders he couldn't have any more until 5. I couldn't see him lasting that long, so I asked the nurse to check. Her answer was, that we had to speak with the dr and they didn't have a number on file. So I whipped out my cell and rattled off his office and cell number and said call. She was so surprised that he answered and immediately gave a new dose of meds so that Malaki could be comfortable.

post op getting some love from mom.

11 months

Wow... I can't believe how fast this year has gone by! Some of Malaki's favorite things are to: stand up at the TV, turn around and smile/laugh and then turn it off, he plays with and then pulls off the rubber stop on all the door stops, none are safe from him. He waves "HI" and makes a sound that starts with an H and is the right symbol. Speaking of speaking, he has 4-5 variations of Ma, he does, MA, MAMA, MOM, and something like MOO. He's into everything and we call him our little monkey, he climbs and gets into everything! Malaki also has decided that he's ready for big people food and eats a banana and a bowl of oatmeal everyday. Since eating solids more consistently he's gained 2 pounds, per my scale at home. As of right now, his palate surgery is scheduled for July 14th, stay tuned for more details!

More pictures with the Cottrells

All the boy cousins -JJ is showing his muscles.

cousin group plus Jay

Girl cousins

My curtains that I have had for 2 years waiting for someone to come hang a curtain rod for me. I'm so glad my brother drove all the way from California to hang them for me :)