cooper's lucky #11

what could i possibly say about this boy that i haven't said a thousand times? he is just incredible in so many ways. he has more natural talent in his 55 pounds than i have ever known. most things tend to come easy to him. and when it doesn't he always has his dedicated & hard working drive to push him to excellence. he is a writer, a reader, a mathematician, a scientist, a researcher, a technician, an engineer, a logician, an analyzer, a soccer player, a basketball player, a football player, a runner, a swimmer, a body boarder, & so much more. i've always been limited by my abilities, he is only limited by his time & interest. 

i live in constant amazement of this boy. he is the hardest little worker. and he has an ability to push himself beyond what i have ever been comfortable with. that's how i know he will accomplish anything & every thing he puts his mind to. the only thing that could ever stand in his way is himself. right now it's cross country season. cooper consistently wins every race by quite a distance (he has his daddy's speed). rather than hang back & just try to win, he sets his own goals & tries to beat himself. last week he ran a 5:29 mile. he's working harder & harder to run a mile in less than 5 minutes. he says that win he runs he gets in a zone where he feels like he's flying & his body seems to move effortlessly on its own. i have never felt that kind of feeling-it fills me with such joy to imagine him in such a state. i watch him run & i can't believe what i see. every time i think he can't possibly keep up at his quick pace he somehow does. that's just the kind of kid cooper is. it's something that sets him apart & something i only wish i had. when things get tough, he gets tougher.

cooper is fun & such a joy. he is starting to build a competitive side & it's fun to watch. he hates to lose & will fight so hard to win. but he's pretty good at accepting defeat when he knows that he gave it all he has. cooper seems to have inherited the best qualities from all of his family. he is a walking encyclopedia, just like his grandpa. he is a wealth of knowledge & i am constantly learning from him.  he is incredibly athletic-like his daddy. he has my love for learning & his grandma's analytical mind. and somehow he's still got his own sense of self that sets him apart from everyone around him. 

he's growing into this tweenage phase with only minor bumps & bruises. he needs a little more sleep  & a little more food. he's sometimes a little more moody, but he's pretty quick to pull out of the attitude funk. he's already up to my chin & his feet are only half a size smaller than mine. he's killing me with how quick he's growing. i have been subbing at the boys' school a lot this year. and it makes me smile every time i spot one of my boys on campus. but nothing makes me happier than seeing this big guy. it breaks my heart to think that next year we won't all be in the same place. like, literally, i have cried over this almost weekly since the start of his fifth grade year. i know he is going to conquer the world, i just wish he would slow down a little bit.

cooper, we love you more than words can say. you are such a great example to your brothers. you are a kind kid with a good heart. you are a leader, a teacher, & a friend to your brothers. they are so blessed to have you pave their way. i feel so blessed to know you, let alone have the honor of raising you. you are my sonshine. happy 11th birthday, cooper. we love you. 

**this year cooper opted out of a proper birthday party. instead, he decided to take his friends on a paintball adventure. i packed them a picnic lunch (complete with layered cake in a jar) & sent them on their warmongering way. they were a little intimidated by the big guns at first but they quickly settled in & had a blast. literally.**

1. cooper's best friend: rex & jameson & sam
2.  cooper's name: cooper j watkins
3.  cooper prefers to go by: cooper

4.  cooper's favorite animals: 

5.  what does cooper want to be when he grows up: a professional soccer player, a dad, a scientist, & an author.
6. cooper's favorite movie: avenger's infinity war
7.  cooper's favorite song: natural by imagine dragons

8.  what makes cooper happy?  when I get things, going to the park, reading, & playing video games.

9.  what makes cooper sad? when he feelss left out.
10.  cooper's favorite food:  five layer burritos from taco bells & del taco bean & beef burritos
11.  cooper's favorite place: utah, coronado island, & hana
12.  cooper's favorite color: dark blue
13.  cooper's favorite game: soccer & fortnite (his favorite non-game activity is writing)
14.  cooper's #1 wish right now: to be a successful scientist & make helpful discoveries. 
15: cute cooper quotes: 

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