Coop and Trisha :-)

When I decided to come over last minute to spend my four-day off work with Cooper I didn't think that I'd be trapped in by the duty to post on our little superstar's blog. Anyhow, I did manage to get out of the state without doing so and back to Colorado, but my family guilt prevails and I know that before I go back on shift in the morning I must post of my incredible time with Charlie and his amazing family.

I hadn't been able to come over to visit during the time Coop was on holiday in the PCMC suites due to school, fire academy and work. It was hard being so far away and not being able to "help" with all that my amazing family did during the last three+ months. Rob and Angel were generous to a fault (again) and offered me some travel vouchers they had to come over. It was a last minute plan and yet nothing could have been more perfect. Thanks Rob and Angel for being such amazing people!

During the last four days I got to experience first hand the bumm-patting that must not end. Cooper knows what he likes and has no intention of letting his holder slack off. I learned all of Coopers meds, routines, bathtime, dressing changes, feedings (and to be absolutely certain that all the caps are on really tight), venting, and positioning fairly quickly and was able to take some of those tasks over for a couple of days. Cooper, Britt and I spent some time alone together while mommy ran some errands and we even got Rob and Angel to go out on a proper dinner date! We had big plans to go for some good walks but the weather had different plans and brought rain nearly each day. We'll get those walks in on my next visit in June.

I know that you all have some idea of what an incredible person Angel is, but you have no idea how organized she is with Charlie's care and with what simple grace she glides through her days. In addition to caring for Charlie, she manages to dedicate quality time to play with Britton; playing hide and seek, race-cars, shooting of various weaponry, computer learning games and more. She is on top of everything, has a clean and tidy house, laundry is always done, appointments are made, errands run, everyone is fed and she never loses her bright smile through it all!

Rob, Angel, Britt, and Charlie... Thank you so much for allowing me to share your gorgeous new home, your positive outlook on life and all that it brings, your glimpse of fame as a "Wasatch Woman", your massive bag of Cinnamon Bears (damn them!), and most of all the truest little angel I've ever known...Charlie.
In early January I was in town and spent some good time with all of my fantastic family. Charlie and I played lots at Grandma Cheryl's house, played peek-a-boo, bounced, and we ate lots of dinner together. Charlie is a huge fan of food and the best little eater ever. his smile would brighten a room no matter how large and he was the happiest little guy in the world. As sad as it was initially to see him lying so locked up deep inside, it's not so terrible in reality. Charlie is still the sweetest little guy in the world, I know that smile is still in there and hope to see it again sometime soon. I loved my time holding him, soothing him in whatever way I could find, talking to him and gazing into those bright blue eyes. My very favorite time with this little angel was after Rob and Ang had gone to sleep at night and Coop and I had a few hours to ourselves. He would get so upset, have a hard time being soothed and we'd end up lying side by side on Britton's bed, with Charlie cooing and me patting him and talking to him about all kinds of things until he calmed and could go to sleep for the night. I am certain that he knows how loved he is and perhaps he can even hear what we are saying or see us loving him. He is a remarkable little spirit, has a big brother who adores him, dotes on him, and loves to help in his care, two of the best parents any child who wish for, an extended family who'd do anything in the world for him, and an endless network of friends across the globe that continue to pray for and cheer him on.

I know that I'm a better person for having spent a few days with Super Cooper and have a renewed sense of exactly what is important in life.
I love you Coops!!!
~Aunt Trishie