Pajama Party!

I like dressing my boys alike. It's super cute when they coordinate. Parker loves it when they match, especially their pajamas.

Sometimes I even join in on the fun :-)

Looking forward to some days in our pjs this Spring Break!

3 Months!

It's hard to believe Cole is already 3 months old! (Actually as I write this, he's 4 months old. Hopefully that post is coming soon!) This month, as always, just flew by! He's a fast growing boy. He's up to 16 pounds 3 ounces and 26 inches long. This month he was promoted to size 3-6 month clothes and size 3 diapers. Cole continues to be the best baby ever...in my unbiased opinion ;) He's happy about 95% of the time. His fussiness is almost always relieved by eating, walking around or getting out of his car seat. His hair, while thinning, is reddish brown. He's worn off the sides and back, but still has lots on the top. His complexion remains fair and rosy toned. His eyes are still big, blue and gorgeous. I really think they might stay that way. Andy has dark brown eyes, I have hazel green, and Parker has such dark brown eyes, I never imagined we'd have a blue eyed baby.

Cole has found his voice and has lots to say. He keeps us entertained with coos, ah-goos, gurgles, grunts, laughs, chuckles, growls and howls. He loves, loves, loves, his playmat and will lay there and play happily for up to an hour. He knows to kick the side to turn the music back on and can easily reach/grab the toys. He really likes the side to side motion on the swing (Thanks Chase & Jennifer!!!) Cole enjoys his bouncy seats and has recently started sitting in his bumpo. His newest trick is inch worming across the floor on his back. One night he made it all the way across our family room. I think his favorite source of entertainment might be Parker. His eyes follow him everywhere and he ALWAYS has a smile for his big brother!

The biggest change this month (for Mommy anyway...) was moving Cole from our room to his nursery. I realized he was almost 2 pounds over the weight limit of his bassinet and after lots of "encouragement" from Andy, I gave in. Parker was in our room for 4 months, so this was a big step. For Cole, the transition was seamless. And thanks to a video monitor, I'm doing well with it, too. He sleeps in his crib from 11:00 to between 6:00 and 7:00.

And lastly, just look at him! Not sure he can get much cuter...again, my unbiased opinion! He has been such a joyful blessing! As Parker would say "We love him to the moon and back!!"

79 Shots...

Today I took 79 pictures of the boys. Of the 79 shots, there are

16 where Parker looks cute, but Cole is distracted by the ceiling fan...

9 where Cole looks cute, even though he's about to be strangled...

12 where Parker looks crazy and Cole looks worried...

19 where one and/or both boys are blurry...

21 where one and/or both boys are over this photo session...

2 where both boys are looking at the camera...

and 1 that I love...

of my two favorite boys!

Sadly, you can't see their coordinating Valentine's shirts very well.

I guess we'll have photo session round two next week :)

2 Months!

COLE IS 2 MONTHS OLD!!!

Side note: He's 2 months & 2 weeks old, but I'm running about 2 weeks behind on life these days so bear with me ;) Also this post is very detailed for when I have time to fill in the baby book someday. Feel free to just look at the pics!

Cole's second month of life flew by even faster than his first. I'm sure I'll say this every month, but he's really just growing too fast. At his 2 month appointment he tipped the scales at 14lbs 9 oz and was 24 inches long! He is still in 0-3 month clothes, for another week or so, and he was just promoted to size 2 diapers. He's obviously a good eater and is happy nursing or taking a bottle. He eats every 3 hours during the day and is starting to sleep for longer stretches at night. A typical night for him is to go to bed at 11:30pm and sleep until at least 5:30am. Although today he didn't wake up until 7:30am!!

He continues to be in the running for best baby ever! His personality is an answer to many prayers: almost always happy and laid back. This month Cole has really turned on the charm with lots of smiles and coos.

He's so active lately. His arm & legs are so busy!! I call him the "Irish Babe" because his hair has a reddish tint and when he's wiggling it looks like a baby version of Riverdance. He's most happy laying on his back, looking/grabbing at his toys, someone's face or a ceiling fan. We've started tummy time, but it's not his favorite activity. He can hold his head up much better when he's being held. He enjoys his bouncy seats and is starting to like his Taggie toys. His favorite place to sleep is still someone's chest. He loves bathtime and his wubbanubb...a pacifier attached to a small stuffed animal.

There are also things he dislikes....He absolutely hates having his nose suctioned and nails trimmed. He knows the bulb syringe on sight and starts crying when it's headed his way. He cries real tears now, so anytime he's sad it's even more pathetic :( He hates being buckled into his car seat, but sleeps most of the time he's in it which makes running errands easier. He seems to be quite gassy, but not upset by it. I've yet to determine if certain foods I eat cause his gas. As long as he's not upset or uncomfortable I'll stop worrying about it, just consider yourself warned when you hold him ;) Over the weekend, Parker called Cole a "machine toot." He must've picked up on us calling him the toot machine.

His eyes are still big, beautiful blue and they melt my heart every time I see them.
He keeps them open most of the time, taking it all in. It goes without saying that he's been the perfect addition to our little family. Mommy, Daddy & Parker love him so much! I feel so blessed to be Cole's mother and thank God for him every day! Can't wait to see what developments next month brings our way!

Snow Fun!

We had some serious snow today!

While this guy was sleeping all warm and cozy,

these guys were hard at work!

Their masterpiece?? Our snow family!

Snow fun!!

Now back inside for some hot cocoa!

Fun times!!

This week we introduced Cole to the Rainforest Bouncy seat.

At first he just stared at the lights & enjoyed the music and nature sounds.

The he became more and more animated. I could tell he was working on something. I assumed it would be some sort of diaper situation...

First, it was a sweet little grin....

then he grabbed the monkey ring!

I can't remember the first time Parker grabbed a toy. All of a sudden it was just something he could do; but I know this is the first time Cole grabbed something. I had to document his new trick. I know it's alot of enthusiasm for such a small accomplishment, but I don't get out much these days ;) Please note, his cheeks & the emerging dimples above his fingers...chubby baby parts are definetly my favorite!!

All this fun sure does wear a fella out.

Parker has been having fun, too! He and Daddy have a new game called "What could be in this big box of balls???" Here are some pictures. Can you guess how it's played?



Here's hoping that 2011 is full of family, friends and loads of fun!!

Happy New Year!!

Hey, Santa!

Last week, Andy and I took the boys to see Santa.

Parker was a big fan and Cole slept the whole time.

I enjoyed it because I got to dress the boys in matching Christmas sweaters. (Yes, I've become one of those mothers!)

Parker did have a few talking points to cover with Santa....

He wanted to know where the reindeer and sleigh were.

He wanted to tell Santa his other name was "St. Nick."

And lastly, he wanted to "order" his trucks. (That's really what he told Santa and us afterward...silly boy!!)

I love the holidays. But I really love experiencing the holidays through the eyes of a child. It adds another layer of joy and awe to such a special time of year.

Visiting Santa...yet another thing to love about this season!