Canoeing, Buckeyes, Pears & Politics

What do these four things have in common? Henry! 

Today Henry had a BUSY day. We started the day at Griggs Reservoir (Scioto River). Several years ago, Matt and his buddy, Kurt, purchased a canoe for hunting purposes. It's currently in Matt's possession, so we took it out for a row (actually, Matt did all the rowing). It was a gorgeous day, and Henry seemed to enjoy being on the water. Check out his stylish lifejacket. We weren't thrilled about the colors, but the marine store had a limited selection. 

And speaking of colors, after canoeing, we rooted on the Scarlet & Grey as today was their season opener. They dominated the Horseshoe, and although we didn't make it to the game, we enjoyed watching the game at home, thanks to Time Warner's recent deal with The Big Ten Network!  

While we watched the Buckeyes, Henry chowed down on his usual, pears. Our little man loves to eat. 

Our evening ended on a political note. Obama & Biden made a stop in Columbus today - as a matter of fact, they stopped in Dublin at Dublin Coffman H.S. Although Matt and Ali don't completely agree politically, we decided to attend the rally considering we live only a mile away from the high school. After standing in line for well over an hour, we made it into the stadium. By that time it was standing room only, but we both agreed that it was worth it. Of course Henry didn't know what was going on, but we look forward to one day telling him about all the fun and crazy things we dragged him to while he was just a baby.

Anniversary Video

Bless Morgan's heart. She posted the Anniversary video on YouTube. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM54v4uUetM

Birthdays and Celebrations

This is an eventful week for the Hooper family. On Thursday Jaeger celebrated his first birthday. We've included a few of his "baby" pictures in this post - we can hardly believe that we brought him home at 7 pounds. He now weighs over 70lbs!

Also this week (actually, on Monday), Henry will be five months old. Like Jaeger, Henry was just a peanut when we brought him home, and now Henry is pushing 18 pounds. The two "boys" are the best of buddies. As you can see in the video, Jaeger insists on giving Henry a bath regularly, and wherever Henry goes, Jaeger follows. It's hard to see in the bounce portion of the video, but as Henry is bouncing away, Jaeger is lying right by his side.

Finally, Matt and Ali celebrate their one year anniversary on Tuesday. We both agree that this has been the absolute best year of our lives - we thank God everyday for all of our blessings. 

Morgan delivered the most precious anniversary gift to us today. She put together a video of pictures and video clips from the last couple of years, and the song accompanying the video is Carrie Underwood's "I'll Stand By You." That is the song that we danced to on our wedding night. What a special treat. Thank you Morgan!

To check out the video of Henry and Jaeger, click on the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9dpGfvroX4

At Jaeger's first home in Indiana

The car ride home to Ohio

Home at last

Nap time with Mommy

Mom, can I have more pears, please?

Thanks Mom - those pears are delicious.

I love to eat.

Hey Shorty, it's my birthday.

I'm gonna lounge-around-da-house like it's my birthday.

Henry at church

Our church's Children's Ministry staff put together a 'thank you' video, and it was presented to the congregation on Sunday.
To check it out, click on the link and scroll down to the video titled "Thank You Vista." About halfway into the video you will see little Henry holding a 'thank you' sign.
Too cute!

To the farm without Mommy

Henry spent his first weekend away from home without his Mommy. That's right - the three boys (Matt, Henry & Jaeger) spent Friday and Saturday in McConnelsville while Ali stayed back in Dublin. While Ali has spent the night without Henry before (thanks to Oma, Opa and Aunt Mo), she has never been without him while he was over 100 miles away! Ali feared that she wouldn't be able to get to her little man if there was an emergency, but just as Matt promised, Henry was in good hands. The boys arrived safely home Saturday night, and as you can see from the pictures, Grandma, Grandpa, and the three boys had a great time spending the weekend together on the farm (although there are no pictures to show for it, Auntie Kelley & Uncle Joe were able to love on Henry over the weekend as well).

First time in The Shoe

Today the Buckeyes hosted an open practice at The Horseshoe. We headed down to campus when Matt arrived home from work (early - he only seems to make it home early when it involves Buckeyes or hunting), and we started our evening off with a Louisiana favorite, Raising Cane's - Yum! By the time we made it to the stadium, the scarlet and grey had begun running drills and practicing plays. It was a beautiful night to sit and enjoy Buckeye fever with our fellow fans. Henry was well-behaved, as always. He dozed off for a short while, but he was awake in time for Carmen Ohio. It was certainly a sweet moment to sing the alma mater together as a family.

"smallest fan"

Dreaming about a perfect season...

Headin' home

Growing boys

Henry's 4 month appointment was yesterday although he is nearing 4 1/2 months old. He weighed 16lbs, 11oz, and he measured 25in long. He continues to be a healthy and happy baby. He is now eating bananas, pears and sweet potatoes (all pureed), and we will probably introduce a grain in the next week.

Henry's buddy, Jaeger, is also growing. Matt weighed him over the weekend, and Jaeger is now 73lbs. We still cannot believe that, less than a year ago, we brought him home at only 7lbs. 

We absolutely love these two growing boys!

Summertime and the livin's easy

After weeks of begging, Ali's dad finally granted Morgan's wish: a hammock in the backyard. It has been the PERFECT weekend for a hammock, and Henry has enjoyed it thoroughly. Check out the short clip of Henry swinging (and sleeping) away http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuxOhSEKG84 (video courtesy of Morgan).

Cuddlin' with Opa

Sound asleep

Celebrating His Irish Roots?

Dublin hosted their annual Irish Festival last weekend. Matt's parents came up on Saturday, and we spent the afternoon at the festival enjoying live entertainment, good food and cold drinks. It was also Henry's first opportunity to get in touch with his possible Irish roots. Both Matt and Ali have some Irish in their blood, so we assume that there is a bit-o-green blood in Henry as well. Minus the large crowds and overpriced vendors, we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon.

I love Grandma and Grandpa!

I really love my feet.

I love Mommy and Daddy too.

How can you not love this cute face?