Two Little Men

Spring has sprung?

2012-01-31T06:34:00.001-08:00

Not really...but I can dream! Actually it has been a rather mild winter so far, with the high reaching 60 today. Even with the higher temps, we've had a low key month. I have been entertained with brooksie's ever increasing vocabulary and Coles amazing ability to read simple books. One of the highlights of my month is that Cole has finally decided to master nighttime potty training! It has taken a while but what a glorious triumph now that we are there! There have been so many blogtastic moments this month, I am saddened that I have been too lazy to write about them. On the same note, it has been a very somber, reflective month. One that for some reason leaves me very thankful for my family, my friends and for the life that I have. Nothing bad has happened to me per say, just things around me...joepa's passing, a friend of a friend's hubby dying from cancer, nanny having yet another heart procedure, learning that life can be unfair even to people we love so much. Why do bad things happen to good people?

Of Kie-Kies and Lovies: love at first nite-nite

2012-01-31T06:09:00.001-08:00

I had a conversation with Cole this week about the blanket that he carried as a baby, the same one he still sleeps with today. we talked about where it came from and how it was his uncle Justin's when he was a little boy. Cole nodded his head and proudly announced that he didn't need kie kie to sleep with him at night anymore. Fast forward a few days to 230 am this morning when a very upset 5 year old enters our bedroom, crying that he cannot find kie kie. Make up your mind kiddo!

Both of my boys have had a comfort item. That thing that they just had to have to play, to eat, to sleep. I remember lugging around Cole's blanket when he was young and being a little disgruntled that everywhere we went kie-kie came too. Wasn't it enough that I had to carry a bag big enough to fit a small child filled with all the necessary items for a baby, 2 jackets, but also a blanket ta boot? We never lost kie-kie, I was too afraid of the consequences, but we left him in familiar places plenty. Thankfully he was always retrievable.

When Brooks became attached to a small piece of fabric also known as a burp cloth, that was okay with me. It was small and most of all replaceable if lost! It was easy to clean and of course, it gave him comfort. What is it about these things that seem to replace us parents at times? I know I am thankful for them. Not only do they provide peace in our house, at least when we can find them, but they are wonderful keepsakes for my boys.

Bring it on 2012!

2011-12-31T17:24:00.000-08:00

As quick as the Christmas season came this year, it is already over and we are about to ring in the New Year! Well, at least those who stay up for that sort of thing :) Us? Nope, we're sitting in front of the Virginia vs. Auburn bowl game while a fire is burning in the fireplace and the kids are asleep upstairs. I wouldn't want to be any other place.
Christmas was full of excitement this year. The kids could barely contain themselves on Christmas morning and Cole's expression was priceless when he finally figured out that the plain cardboard box actually held the DS that he had asked Santa for. He hasn't put it down since, unless you count watching someone else play it, a tactic to gain more Mario cart players or courses to play! Brooks is bouncing around from toy to toy and the Elmo Live thinga-ma-jig held his attention for a minute. Oh well...some things ya get right, others ya don't! Overall, it was a fabulous Christmas with family gathering at our house for a meal. Our food was yummy and plentiful and we had seating for just about everyone, which was awesome to me! The only things that could have made it even better is if Nanny had been with us too :) Round 2 of visitors and Christmas brought Grammie and Shane the day after Christmas. We had a lot of fun opening presents, watching U-tube videos together and playing skeeball at Chuck-E-Cheese! Its so fun to let go and be a kid sometimes. Dave, Amy and the kids came for a visit a little later in the week. We took all the kids to one of our favorite parks and we also went to the Air and Space Museum in Chantilly for the first time. Pretty neat stuff...but a very tired crew!
I'd say we had a pretty good Holiday season and an overall great year. I feel truly blessed to belong to such a wonderful family and to have such great friends in my life. The hardest part of the year was saying "good-bye" to my Big little man as he entered into Kindergarten. No longer was he all mine, I suddenly had to share him with others. Of course I know this is just the way things go, but I miss him just the same.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Cookies, Candy and Gingerbread...oh my!

2011-12-21T10:31:00.000-08:00

The holidays are upon us and our annual gingerbread house decorating party was a success. Cole is anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival and is still excited about Jingle's location each morning. That little elf hides in the silliest places. Today he was perched above the table in the chandelier so that he could see all the decorating going on. It was wonderful to have friends and family together to do something fun and I hope it continues as a yearly tradition.
Most of our daily activities lately have been in preparation for the holiday in some way. Shopping, cookie making and decorating are a few of the things we have been doing. I helped at cole's school last week during their gingerbread man making party. They are learning about gingerbread men at school and several variations on the story. They made big gingerbread men from paper and hung them in the halls at school. Each day a few sneak into the classroom! Such a cute idea.
Cole and brooks visited Santa on Friday and both were agreeable to getting their picture taken. Cole told Santa he wanted a DS for Christmas and Santa nodded in agreement. I sure hope he plans on getting him one because Cole was pretty sure that his nodding meant yes!

Countdown

2011-12-04T18:48:00.001-08:00

I've been very busy lately of all things, making hair bows! My first ever craft fair was this past weekend and I am thankful for it to be over so that we can enjoy the entire holiday season. We made our countdown paper chain last week and Jingles, the elf, showed up. This weekend we decked the halls, both inside and out, and had lots of fun doing it. Brooks loved decorating the tree and loves the entire season. The big item on his wishlist this year is a Ds. We'll see if Santa brings one ;)

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:17:00.000-08:00

It's been nearly a month since my last post and its not so much that I haven't had the time (or thought about) writing on the blog, I just plain ole' have been enjoying life with my boys. It is Thanksgiving Day and I am sitting in Grandma and Pap's living room, while the boys watch the Macy's Day Parade, A tradition that I cherish. Brooks exploded as the Sesame Street, Elmo specifically, float appeared on the screen and Cole was amazed at how the Rockettes could swing their legs in unison! It's the little things I am so thankful for this year. New words Brooks is speaking, Cole reading his first book (wow!), home improvements coming together to make our home truly OURS, and the not so little things too...amazing friends, a loving family, and all the blessings one could ever ask for. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T17:33:00.001-07:00

the entire gang went a trick-or-treatin this year. We pulled the boys along in the wagon and headed for busier streets (because ours is a cul-de-sac and NO ONE trick-or-treats on it). It was pretty fun but I still long for the busy, festive streets of our old neighborhood in Del Ray. Wow that was fun...spooky music, people hanging out on porches, and lots and lots of kids in costume. I do think this is the best costume year we've had yet. I loved Brooksy's costume so much he wore it all day! Cole looked incredibly cute at Peter Pan~ I so wish he could have worn it to school. Happy Halloween everyone!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy

2011-10-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

Sweet, Intelligent and Independent...those are the words that best describe Brooks at age 2. You don't mind playing on your own, but definitely prefer to play with your big brother. We went to Chik-fila for your birthday tonight where you climbed to the top, with Cole's help, of a gigantic play structure. I was concerned you'd get up there and change your mind, you looked down and laughed and kept going up, up, up! What a big boy you've become. You are a pro at blowing out candles and you have new words daily. "Emmy" was your new word on Monday ....Sunday's was "tackle" (as you tackled Cole!). Tuesdays word was "apple" and I think you were asking for "tea" at dinner tonight. I also loved the squeal of absolute glee when I asked if you wanted a milkshake after dinner. My favorite birthday gift you received were the coolest high top Converse sneakers ever....yours, well that is to be determined but a sock monkey that Pap and Susan got you is becoming a quick favorite.

Top 5 Things I've learned about Kindergarten....so far

2011-10-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

1. Your child is not yours anymore....at least not between the hours of 8:30 and 3:20. School policies strictly forbid anyone from being in the school,other than the main lobby, during school hours. Try it and you will pay dearly! Seriously, I have been to Cole's classroom 2x now~ once at orientation and the second time for back to school night. Yes you can volunteer but it must be planned and they practically have to do a background check!

2. You will have more homework and stress about homework than you've ever had in all the years of your own education (all 20 years of it!). Seriously, while as an adult this may sound easy, try learning (or teaching) your five year-old his phone number, address, how to spell and write his full name, the concept of capital and lower case letters, how to stroke letters properly (for those who don't speak teacher talk~ that is how to write a letter in normal language~ all in the first 3 weeks of school. Seriously, it's enough to give me gray hair (I mean more gray hair!)

3. Teachers and parents speak a different language...and there are no interpreters. Stroking, stretching? Sounds like an aerobic activity (and a pornographic one) to me! Little did I know, they have everything to do with teaching your 5 year-old how to read and write.

4. No one, and I mean no one, is exempt from raising money for the school. Nope...not even kindergarteners. Got our first fund raiser today...yeah!

5. There is no grace period. From day one as the parent of a school-aged child, you are expected to know all school lingo, abbreviations, rules, etc. I attended a meeting on Monday regarding becoming a room parent (I'm having a real hard time with the detachment thing....I want my child back!) and there were more acronyms used in the hour long meeting than I have heard in a long time!

The Do-It Yourselfers

2011-09-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

So every once in a while I have to hijack the blog to write about plain ole' life. So here we are....deep in the midst of yet another home project. Sometimes I have to ask myself, how did we get here? Again! You see, we seem to have some kind of illness that requires us to be working on something in whichever house we are calling home at the moment. The amazing thing is that as we are in the middle of a project, we vow never to do another big project again...and then...you guessed it, we do! Before we had kids, we would spend our weekends ripping apart kitchens, redoing plumbing, drywall and dabbling in electrical work. You'd think we would have gotten it out of our system. When we bought this house, it was perfectly fine! Not a thing needed fixed or replaced...unless we wanted to. So the first project was a few cabinets in the family room...we had to get the TV off the ground and up on a wall (yes we hired this one out but there was still plenty in this project for us to do!). Next came the kitchen ~ new cabinets, counters and sink. Now its on to the floors, a project that, as always, proves to be harder than we initially thought. Wish us luck or we might kill each other before its all over!!!!

Job well done

2011-09-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

The first week of school is over and that meant it was party time! Cole and Emory had the honor of being the flower girl and ring bearer in Justin and Emily's wedding held in Virginia Beach over the weekend (on 9.10.11!). We had planned to leave Thursday evening but the torrential rains (did NOT stop raining for an entire week with 7 inches of rain on Thursday alone!) left flooded roads and heinous traffic so our departure was delayed until Friday morning. The wedding was a blast. We danced to our heart's content while Brooks was in dream land at Scott and Allison's house. Emily was a beautiful bride. Justin was a handsome groom in his black tux with white suspenders and vest. The venue was the Virginia Aquarium and it was way cool to be able to visit the shark tank without a crowd around.

Upon our return home it was back to the groove of things with the first full week of school. We are midway through the week and Brooks and I are finally finding a new groove. I think the trick is to keep ourselves busy :) Cole's teacher, Mrs. Sheaffer has mentioned to me at pick up time that Cole is very well behaved in her class and if he were her child, she would miss him all day (all of this unprompted, she must see the sorrow on my face!). She also commented today that he is an "old soul". So odd since our nickname for him has been Little Man from the time he was a baby.

That's all for now, it's late....

Kindergarten, Here I Come!

2011-09-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten, here I come!
I know I'll have lots of fun.
Lots of things to make and do,
Reading, writing, counting, too.
Kindergarten, here I come!
I know I'll have lots of fun.

The day I have looked forward to and dreaded all at the same time is finally here. In the middle of the summer, when you and your brother had me at whit's end, I had to remind myself that these were our last weeks together and very soon you'd be off to school and Brooks and I would be wondering what to do with each other. Oh how we are going to miss you!

You are so excited to start school. I don't even think you'll cry tomorrow when Daddy, Brooks and I walk you to the front door. You'll be armed with your backpack and your lunchbox. Mommy packed you a PB&J cut into a dinosaur shape....I hope you like it. At orientation you met your teachers and said they were both nice. You explored your classroom with lots of anticipation and acted as if all that was new was going to be a breeze. You were timid to introduce yourself to any of your classmates but that will come with time.

I'm proud of you buddy! I'm proud of your confidence. I'm proud of how brave you are to be starting this new, big experience. I'm happy that you are excited. I'm sad to be parting with our past routines. I will miss hanging out with you on the couch in the morning watching cartoons. I will miss my personal shopper during our excursions to Target. I will miss taking you the the park. Alas, I know we will have new routines, better routines. Just remember as you begin this new adventure~ Mommy loves you and oh by the way, I am perfectly fine with your idea from dinner today. You had the biggest smile on your face as you announced that you are moving back home after you finish college. You are always welcome even if Daddy says he is changing the locks!

22 months

2011-08-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

At 22 months old littlest man is the entertainer in our family. You told daddy to "go" (while pointing your finger to your door) tonight as he was pestering you at night-night time. You are also extremely possessive of me. When daddy tries to hug me you come running. When you reach me, you throw your arms around me and say "mine". Cole, Daddy and I hang on your every word (come on they are SO cute!). You are independent and accident-proned. As one bruise heals, another takes its place in the exact same spot. You are one tough cookie. I removed a splinter from the palm of your hand tonight and you simply stared in interest at the pair of tweezers. You love your kitty and your assortment of loveys. You pile them all into your shopping cart and push them around the house. You cover them with a blanket and tell them "night-night"! You jump from the side of the pool with no fear and handle being dunked like a champ. All of that being said...you are growing up way too fast. Slow down little man, mommy wants you to be my baby forever.

Denver

2011-08-11T18:45:00.001-07:00

We are finally into the month of August and I can say that the entire month of July was a blur of activity. The highlight of our month was our trip to Denver, Colorado with the boys. We spent 9 wonderful days exploring the City and its surroundings including a trip up Pike's Peak and a day of hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. While visiting Denver our friends, Gabe and Karen (and their sons Colin and Cameron), allowed us to crash the apartment above their garage. It really was the perfect scenario. They lived in a neat planned community called Stapleton that had amazing pools and parks (and architecture!). The boys were in love with the park particularly. Highlights of our trip~

A day in Boulder, CO where we strolled the Pearl Street Mall and had a picnic on the grass. We also saw an absolutely weird street performer put his entire body through a toilet seat!

Altitude sickness at 14K feet! Poor Cole couldn't keep his lunch down when we got to the top of Pike's Peak....or halfway back down. Poor guy :( On the way down, we also got to mine a bag of dirt in search of hidden gems (and gold!).

Crazy white water...everywhere! Every stream, river or trickle of water seemed to have crazy rapids along its length at some point. Although hard to pick a favorite, the stretch of River close to the flagship REI near Downtown Denver was pretty darn cool! There was a large group of kids with inner tubes going down the rapids over and over. Such fun!

Searching for critters and waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. I knew one of the highlights of our trip would be the Nat'l Park, it was one of the main reasons we headed to Colorado! Cole has had a passion about National Parks since we watched a DVD about Yellowstone. The Elk, marmots (groundhog like critters) and deer were really cool. We traveled up the Trail Ridge Road to a Visitor's Center and then back down to hike around Bear Lake and then on to a waterfall. One thing is for sure, our hiking days are just beginning. Both of the boys had a great time, even if Brooks slept in the pack most of the way up!

Free bus rides along the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver. A pedestrian friendly, shopping and eating mecca right in Downtown. This City knows how to do it right! Cole loved the free bus rides available from one end of the street to the other. I loved the paving details, planters and the level of activity along the street.

Red Rocks...need I say more? One of our favorite destinations in our entire trip was the amphitheater nestled among amazing and massive red stones. I would have loved to have seen a show there but we'll have to save that for another trip!

Cliff diving monkeys. Yep you read it right! One of our more random dinners was to a Mexican restaurant whose entertainment included a mariachi band and a cliff diving monkey (okay really it was a man in a costume, but it was funny!).

Super fresh brewed beer. I have a much greater appreciation for beer after having learned about the brewing process at the Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado. I cannot believe we dragged our two young kids to a brewery, but even they thought the copper kettles, where they brew the beer, were really cool!

More to come in future posts..............

Photo Book

2011-08-02T12:21:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

75 years and 21 months

2011-07-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

What a July we've had so far! It's a little more than half over and it has been a whirlwind of activity. From our day to day FREE activities with family and friends to weekends full of fun we've been watching movies, going to the park, visiting the farm animals, attending free kids concerts....phew! One of our biggest events of the month so far is that Nanny turned the big 75! Of course we had to throw her a big shin-dig! Van and Cathy hosted at their house and ALL of the family showed up. It was a great time. We took the opportunity to take lots of photos, something I have been meaning to do more of when Nanny is around.
The second exciting event of our month is coming up in a day~we are headed to Denver with the boys! I am so excited to go on a trip with the family and I am looking forward to having lots of fun with all my boys :)

Happy Fourth!!!

2011-07-04T18:59:00.001-07:00

We had a great day celebrating the Fourth, despite not really having any plans! In our usual fashion, we spent the morning at the City of Fairfax parade. Followed by the Old Fashioned Fireman's Day and then back home for some fireworks in the evening with the Ward family. It was pretty close to a perfect day...friends and family.

20 months

2011-06-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

wow little guy time is passing so quickly. Its hard for me not to look ahead and think in only 4 months you'll be two! I can only wish that the next four months go slowly but I know better, the summer always goes fast.

Your speech skills have gone berserk over the last few weeks. My favorite word to hear you say is "kitty" which comes out sort of foul beginning with the "t" sound (and almost always draws laughter from your audience) but it is still amazingly cute. You can also say cheese, pap, maw-maw, nanny, cookie and so many more that I can't remember with my end of the day mommy brain.

We've just returned from our first beach trip of the season. After a very long car ride, we arrived in Swansboro, NC to visit Uncle Jussie at his new house. We went to the beach on two consecutive days and you would have thought I brought two different little boys with me. On day one, you had no interest whatsoever to put your feet in the water...all sand for you....on day two, you discovered just how much fun jumping in the waves could be (with mom's help) and I could barely chase you off the beach! I could never trust you alone long enough to run back and grab the camera but I would loved to have had a picture of you laying in the sand and water, rolling in it and pouring it all over yourself. Did that really feel good? You sure made it look fun!

Emmy came with us too and she and Cole had a blast together. Two peas in a pod as usual. They are both great BIG siblings. Always making sure you had something to play with (or was it stealing away the toys?).

Last weekend we went strawberry picking. You were a bigger helper than your brother, who seemed to complain endlessly. You loved to pick and eat the strawberries. I brought them home and made jam. Hopefully you enjoy eating that too.

Father's Day preview

2011-06-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

We took advantage of a rare picture taking opportunity by our friend Antonette, who is a great photographer (and a speech therapist too!). In our usual Father's Day fashion, the boys were dressed up in Daddy's ties and shoes :)

let the summer begin

2011-06-03T09:57:00.001-07:00

Preschool for Cole is a done deal. Forever! I cannot believe that phase of our little man's life is complete and we are on to the next new adventure. We got great news the same week as preschool finished, Kindergarten is full day next year! Wewhoo! I spent months worrying that Cole would be behind the other students in the same county because our Elementary School was a half day program and now I don't have to worry. Now begins the mourning period. I'm losing my little boy and quickly.
As we speak he just put in a DVD, Scooby Doo and the 13 Ghosts, and declares that "he is five and five year-olds are NOT scared of ghosts!" He has also started brushing his teeth, washing his face and combing his hair in the mornings ---all BY himself! When I holler in the a.m. that it's time for the boys to go up and brush their teeth, he's already up there and practically finished!
He was also a big, big help this past weekend as Craig and I escaped to the big City for a weekend away. We so very much enjoyed some time away, some time to bond again and appreciate the opportunity that Pap and Grandma gave not only to us but to Cole and Brooks. As someone that grew up close to my grandparents, I truly value the time they get to spend with theirs. Thanks Pap and Grandma! (and thanks to Cole and Brooks for being good boys!)

19 months

2011-05-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

Brooks you are such a cutie these days. Running non-stop, babbling non-stop and playing to your heart's content. Your words so far are "ball, daddy, mommy, COLE!, car, ba (for any liquid in a cup), Nanny and Maw-Maw". You attempt most things we ask of you, whether tasks or words. You are such a great helper cleaning up...even random garbage in stores, parking lots and playgrounds (eek have I raised a neat freak!). You love to play with your brother and are most happy when he is around entertaining you. You love to eat and have a great appetite. You make me laugh constantly. I LOVE being your mommy :)

Favorite Things

2011-05-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

As a keepsake I decided to start recording a few of your favorites.
So here they are, at age 5 you love:

All the colors because they are so beautiful. (Your fave used to be the color BLUE! )

Your favorite food according to you is still mac n cheese. You also love candy of any type, cereal in the mornings, trail mix that we make ourselves and McD's chicken nuggets with french fries.

You like to play bubbles. Your favorite toys are balls because according to you "You can roll them around and stuff".

Your favorite movie is Lighting McQueen (Cars). Your favorite toys are balls cause you can roll them around and stuff.

You love to do preschool activity books and to read any books!

You have grown into quite a young man. Daddy took you to a baseball game last night and you said it was "awesome". Wow you are growing up so quickly. I love you little man.

Five Years Old

2011-05-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

Little man, you are getting so big! This year's birthday has been a big one. Not only are you in great anticipation of your Seuss themed party but you are very excited about the prospect of presents! We spent the day together at one of your favorite parks and then daddy took you mini golfing! We also went our for ice cream, where you chose the cotton candy flavored ice cream, in a cup, with Nerds on top. Tomorrow is your big party and i have a suspicious feeling that you'll be getting up nice and early to get ready for your guests!

half birthday

2011-04-18T05:36:00.001-07:00

little man, you light up my life. It is truly hard to believe you have been in our lives for a year and a half now. you are also too big for your britches, imitating and doing things that are well beyond things you should be doing. you are at a age that we all watch in amazement and absolute adoration...even Cole. for the first time this week, you said your brother's name. so cute. speech seems to be right around the corner but for now I adore the babble and noises you always seem to be making.

please stay this little...and cute...i can't bear to think of you any bigger :)

oopsy daisy

2011-04-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

Yikes a month has passed and I'm not sure I've ever been this much of a slacker! I've definitely thought of writing on the blog but in the midst of home improvements, being mom, Easter, preparing for Cole's birthday bash and oh yea, being a wife and throwing in a little time for myself, the blog has taken a back seat. The boys and I ventured downtown last week to experience the Cherry Blossoms. I knew it was an ambitious field trip but I insisted that we would pack a lunch and do it, no matter what it took. Well it wasn't easy to trek 2 boys, a stroller, lunch and a diaper bug up a shuttle bus' steps but I did it! two times :) I am so blessed to have 2 very behaved little guys that would even attempt this with me.
Brooks continues to grow into a little man at an amazing pace. I discovered tooth number 10, a rear molar, today as we played. He seems to want to speak and babbles as if he really is, but doesn't have many real words at this point. Cole got his first "shiner" while visiting his cousins this weekend. That is injury number 4 to his face in the last 3 weeks. Ugh, what I have to look forward to as the mother of boys!

Marching on....

2011-03-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

yes I'm too tired to get up and get the camera as I start this post. With or without a photo, this blog post will happen. Who knows maybe before the I'm finished I'll feel motivated to get up and get the camera! or maybe I can get Cole to bring it to me! This mama is tired. It's been a day full of preschool drop off/pick ups, cleaning, cooking, playing, laundry, playing, changing diapers, consoling tears (because geez-o Brooks falls down a million times a day), and more cooking.
We're in the middle of our latest kitchen renovation (and by latest i mean it feels like we are always renovating a kitchen!) That means aside from the normal things to do around the house, there is an even longer to-do list. I'm trying to help out with some things, but generally I am no help...i only make more work :( I did fill in holes in the window frames today and sanded them. i had high hopes that I'd also be able to paint a little...no cigar.
To avoid the renovation mess, the boys and i headed to Old Town's St. Patty's Day parade this past Saturday. The parade was good as always but made me super nostalgic for the days when we lived close by. We took advantage of the nice weather and we visited our old park and neighbors. It was great to see everyone. Mike, one of our old neighbors said, "you can take the girl out of Rosemont, but you can't take Rosemont out of the girl!" How true. There is a part of me that would trade every square foot of this house to move back into one of the tiny ones (okay maybe one with a basement).
At 16 months, Brooks seems to be finally getting some words or at least trying really hard to get some. I held on dearly to his string cheese today until he said the word 'cheese'! It was really cute. I think he can also say ball and bah-bah (for his bottle.....yes we should be getting rid of it!). He also says mahhhhh-mahhh alot! Not that I mind :)
Cole is growing up way too quickly and while most of the time he seems so big to me, I have to realize that he is still so small. I heard his voice through a baby monitor last week and it definitely reminded me how mousy and small he sounds....so cute!

bloggin'

2011-02-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

After recently struggling to put together an entire year of pictures, memories, and stats about Brooks, I realize the importance of the blog. How else am I supposed to remember all of these things? I also realize that there are lots of gaps! Sometimes I don't post because we were simply busy. Other times it is because I am too lazy to get up to get the camera to include a photo. No more! If I am too lazy, I simply will not include one :) The blogs are too important to help me not forget these times.

We spent last weekend in Virginia Beach at Allison, Scott and Quinn's house. We were there to watch the Superbowl. Exciting, particularly for Craig, because HIS team was yet again a contender! Unfortunately, the Steelers couldn't pull it off but we had tons of fun getting ready for the game. Grammie sent a care package with silly wigs, yellow and black leis, face stickers, a cow bell and lots of other Steeler goodies. The boys loved the wigs and we took lots of fun pictures.

This weekend we attended a Chocolate Festival at our Church while Craig spent time putting up new kitchen cabinets. I cannot believe we are doing another kitchen redo!

The boys are both doing great. Brooks is running around this week doing a funny blowing thing from his mouth, while wildly swinging his arms and marching around with great vigor! It is so cute and I hope at some point I can get it on video camera. He is quite the character these days. Cole is as always getting to be such a big boy. He exhausts me recently with the amount that he can talk! Seriously, does he ever stop? Both boys have been going to their own childcare rooms while I have been working out at the gym. Cole has become brave enough to make some new friends there and even went to the other room on Friday where they do something called Kids in Motion. I was so proud of him :) He is a very timid fella when it comes to trying something new and I didn't even have to push him.

Oh the weather outside is...

2011-02-02T08:16:00.001-08:00

cold! Regardless, we have been having fun. To remain sane, the boys and I have bundled up and braved the cold heading for the playground, the backyard, or to our neighbors' for a little outside time...of course, followed by hot chocolate. Cole and Jackson have hit it off as pals, if only they could keep the pesky siblings out of the way! Brooks hit a very cranky period at the end of January~ mild fever, wanted to be held constantly~ I think he's out of it now and what do you know, tooth #7 is here. I hope that is all the crankiness was...and I hope it doesn't return!
We have begun the kitchen renovation in the new house and the boys are enjoying helping dad with the fun. Craig had to cut a hole in the floor from the basement to the kitchen and we had a jolly good time shoving things up and down that hole! I think we ought to keep the opening and scare the pants off our guests! The winter doldrums are definitely here and I am anxiously awaiting springs return. I am ready to be rid of winter coats and ready to see some signs of life outside~ I sure hope there are crocuses around here somewhere. If not, Cole and I will definitely have to plant some!

15 months

2011-01-19T07:19:00.000-08:00

At fifteen months you are cute. That's the best word for it. You toddle around with a wobbly gait. You smile a toothy, wide grin constantly. Your adorable giggles are contagious! You just got tooth #6! I think I've heard words for ball and "this" (while pointing). You adore your big brother and seem lost when he isn't around. You are independent in a way your brother never was, only coming to find mom when you really need something. Otherwise you will contentedly play with any ole toy that happens to be lying around. You love to eat and come running when I mention the word! It is such a joy to be your momma :)

Do-Overs

2011-01-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

Can we get a do-over on Christmas? Yucko did we have a sick group on our hands! On Christmas Eve Craig came down with a stomach bug and shortly after Brooks followed. The next few days were sheer torture combined with gift opening, meal preparation and lots of visitors (who we also successfully infected~sorry to all). A week later we are happily back into our school/work routine and it seems such a waste for Craig to have had an entire week off and we never got to sleep in, not to mention we spent most of the time confined to our house. Only 360 something days till next year....I think I can wait :)

T minus 2 days

2010-12-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

and counting! Wow, the Holiday season has flown by but with a couple of days to go we are all ready! The shopping is done, the presents are wrapped, and the cookies are baked. My last mission, completed last night, was to find a turkey large enough to feed the crew showing up here for Christmas day. We are hosting our first Christmas meal this year and I am hoping it will be a success. I have been very unmotivated to do Christmas cards this year and for once I have not been in a panic about it. The cards are ordered, just not sent! I'm thinking they'll be Happy New Year's cards :)

The boys are all geared up too. I think the closeness of the day is beginning to sink in with Cole. More and more presents are piling up under the tree. I just hope he understands they are not all for him!

Merry Christmas...almost :)

Tis the season

2010-12-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

Yikes I have been ignoring the blog! We have been enjoying ourselves as we prepare for the season. Brooks has been an incredibly good boy ignoring (well not completely) the Christmas tree. It was quite fun to bring out ALL of the decorations and to be able to use them all for once. In celebration of the season, a new visitor appeared thanks to Aunt Tiffy. Our new resident is an elf named Jingles. Jingles is quite the character. He smiles constantly, bathes infrequently and occasionally has been known to hang from the dining room chandelier! He changes his location nightly and Cole rushes down each morning to find his new, odd spot.

We have also added a few other members to our family recently. Jack, Jill, Molly, Polly, Tom and Jerry, our new fish, have made quite a home in our new tank. I just love to watch them, which is a product of our childhood fish tanks, I think!

Last weekend, we hosted our first Gingerbread house decorating party at the new house. Oh what fun we had! It was so wonderful to be able to have visitors and to enjoy their company without stepping on one another!

As the countdown continues there is so much to do! I have begun to gather the cookie recipes with the bake-a-thon to begin this weekend. The presents have begun to be wrapped and the excitement level is building for sure. Cole is very in to Christmas this year and it absolutely warms my heart and makes me even more excited to have a good Christmas for him (and Brooks).

Oh, I wish...I wish..I wish

2010-11-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

that we could win FREE tickets to see Santa at Hard Rock this year. We had so much fun last year :) Our Kids is giving away free tickets so sign up today (but please let us win)!

Our Kids Hard Rock Brunch with Santa Link

Thankful

2010-11-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

November being the month of giving thanks, we have been speaking of the things we are thankful for at church recently. I am thankful for so many things. Strangely I am ever more thankful for most things in my life since I was laid off, now more than 2 years ago. That was a life changing experience for me, not only because it made me evaluate the budget time and time again but it flipped my perspective to looking at the things that I DO HAVE and not the things that I do not. I've always been a frugal person. From the time I was small, I'd save any money that I earned and in fact, I'd even say I hoarded it! Those are tales for another time :)
This week's lesson at church was about how no matter how much we have, we can never be happy...we always want more. I'll admit, I have my moments. The current one being that I want our house to feel like a home and that means buying furniture, painting walls, home improvements...all requiring more. More time, more money...just more.
Today I just want to be thankful for today. Thankful that I got to wake up to my two (I mean three!) boys. Thankful that I can be at home with them. Thankful for walking Cole into preschool and watching the cuteness of him and his classmates as they begin their school day together. Thankful for Brooksy's 5th tooth for finally appearing! Thankful for the past weekend when we got to spend lots of quality time together at the park and at Great Falls. Thankful for our word's beauty.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T17:40:00.000-07:00

Two little puppies this year...only one who would wear his ears for a photo. He's a cute one though!

A Perfect Day

2010-10-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

Today was the perfect day...not that anything special happened. In fact, I still have a touch of a cold and can barely breath out of my nose, but the weather Gods were on our side, the to-do list was small (at least the "have to-do" part) and with nothing in particular on our agenda the boys and I set off for a leisurely afternoon at Kidwell Farm. Brooks is fascinated by the animals. The sheep were fascinated by us! There were baby cows, baby pigs...I thought the spring time was baby time on a farm? It was really neat to see Brooks toddling around the gravel paths and a little difficult to keep him out of digging in ...well everything... and on a farm who knows what that could be! Cole felt the need to bring home a souvenir rock. I bet it is long forgotten now that he is home but while we were thing it was oh-so-important.

Happy Birthday Brooksy

2010-10-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

One year ago today I began to have some aches and pains that might, just might, be labor. Eight HARD hours later you came into our world and it hasn't been the same since. You have been an amazing baby. Yes, you need your mom to do things for you, but really you are such a sweet, little boy. You wave hello and good-bye now and i think you are beginning to imitate the sounds too! I know you try to say "night-night" as I lay you down for your naps. "Ma-Ma Ma-Ma" has definately become your favorite thing to say. You love attention from your older brother and you love to steal his toys, particularly any of his beloved stuffed animals. You beam when your Daddy comes home from work and love to rough house with him like only boys do. Brooks, you have been a true joy to mother for the last year and I cannot wait to be there for whats to come in the next. I love you little monkey.

less than one week

2010-10-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that in less than one week our littlest man is going to be one! Here is a sneak peek at some fun craft stuff that Cole and I have been working on. We're doing a monkey theme and have been having lots of fun making a birthday sign, t-shirt and hat for the little man.

Excuses...excuses

2010-10-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

I wish I could use the house as an excuse for my absence in writing on the blog lately but really I can't. We are really no further along with things around here than we were several weeks ago! We did finally order bedroom furniture and it arrived this past weekend. Now to paint so that we can use the furniture. When I try to think about what we've been doing, the only thing that comes to mind is that we've been trying to find our new groove. Weeks into living here, I don't think we are any closer :( We have a library ritual on Mondays but compared to our busy schedule in Alexandria, Cole and Brooks should be bored out of their minds. Many days we do much of nothing. Cole heads off to school, of course, brooks naps...I clean :) A couple of weeks ago we headed to Cox Farms for their yearly opening and again had a wonderful time of hay rides, slides, apple cider drinking and general fun. I hope this will continue to be a yearly ritual because I have as much fun as the kids. Brooksy's birthday is coming up and I have begun to plan for our first official party at the new house. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times but I CANNOT believe that my littlest,little man is turning ONE!

the Grind

2010-09-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

Summer is slipping away and fall is creeping in, both weather and activity wise. Cole began his first week of preschool this past week at a new school in Reston. All seems to be going well and i am relieved to have a few hours together alone with Brooks during the week. The boys and I have also been taking advantage of the cooler days, taking walks and even making a trip to the zoo. Aside from the constant unpacking, organizing and pure chaos (still!) of our move, I am busy trying to plan Brooks' first birthday party. It is so hard to believe he is nearly a year old. He is cruising everywhere these days and will even stand unsupported for a few seconds. I think he may beat his brother on the walking timeline. Daily I am so thankful that Cole and Brooks have each other. What a beautiful relationship siblings can have at this stage. Today they were in the wagon together and although it wasn't always friendly, it did always warm my heart to watch them interact. Priceless, as they say :)

Fun at Last

2010-09-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

After all the hard work that the move has entailed it was high time we got away for the weekend and had a little fun so off to the beach we headed for Labor day weekend. We spent a chill weekend down in Virginia Beach as guests of Scott, Allison and Baby Quinn's, while heading to the beach, visiting the Norfolk Botanic Garden and the Aquarium. We had a blast!

the BIG move!

2010-08-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

With a few tears...well a lot actually...we have finally relocated to the 'burbs. Last Thursday was a busy day of signatures and childcare arrangements as we signed away our first home and bought the next adventure. This past week has been a blur of activities as our families have swarmed in to help (thank you all so much!). A week in, we are nearly unpacked, but still have lots of organizing to do. I cannot believe how much stuff we have :) The boys' rooms are both nearly complete and they are so cute. I am thrilled for Brooks to finally have his own room. He made the transition to crib without much trouble and seems to generally relish in the spaciousness of this house. Both Cole and Brooks love the playroom (and I do too!).
If you are reading this and still have no paid a visit....come on over :)

On the Move

2010-07-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

At Brooks' 9 month check up this past week we discovered that he has fallen way off his weight growth curve. Could it be a problem with my milk supply? Regardless we are now supplementing with formula which adds yet another thing to my daily routine! Of course, since it is his well being we are speaking of, I'll do it without a fuss but blah! right in the middle of our move!

Speaking of move...we have created a disaster area of the house this weekend in preparation for the big move. This past week was a blur of home inspections, paperwork and signatures all while Craig was working himself to death at his job! Calgon take me away! I look forward to a day when things get a little slower and easier but for now this is our new grind.

Brooks has taken it upon himself to begin crawling through all of this! It's a labored movement right now...looks like he needs a good ole spray of WD-40 to his joints... but it fascinates me to watch him. He is equally interested in pulling up on everything so I am curious to see how quickly cruising around the furniture happens. For once I will be happy when we have carpet in the new house...I am sure there will be fewer big bumps. For now we deal with several a day from falling on the hardwood floors :( Brooks also got his second tooth recently!

Nine Months

2010-07-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

We have been quite busy the last few weeks dealing with house stuff. So much so that I totally missed the emergence of Brook's second tooth! He developed a runny nose last Thursday, which I attributed to a summer cold, and then I noticed the tooth on Friday. We have a doc appt on Wednesday so I'll post his stats then, for now it's off to furniture shop for our NEW house!

Family.Fun.Food.Fireworks!

2010-07-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

Our Fourth was a weekend full of fun this year. It began with the annual fourth of July parade in Fairfax city, attended this year by ourselves, special guests Chris and Mason, and Tiff, Chloe, Emory and Breon-Leigh. We stuck it out not only for the entire parade but for the fireman’s day water battle afterward too. The kids (well the adults too!) loved it! This was the first year sine Cole has been along that we attempted to stay for all of the events. In past years we’ve escaped to return home for naps , etc. Poor Brooks, being the second child and all, was forced to hang in there but in his usual manner he stuck it out and was in pretty good spirits despite the loud noise, lack of naps, and the heat!

Sunday offered lots of fun too. We had a casual morning followed by a day at Lake Fairfax in Reston. We met up with Pap, Susan and Lily, rode the carousel, played on the playground and ate lots of food. Cole was super excited about the firework portion and had no problem staying up in anticipation of the show. Brooks even managed to stay awake for the display!

Since the Fourth was on a Sunday this year, Monday was a holiday too! We spent our bonus day at the pool with Shea, Chris, Mason, Kriste and Autumn. We are so lucky to have such wonderful folks in our lives....good times!

8 months and counting

2010-06-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

you are eight months now and you just got your first tooth. even though you are still so little, you are growing too quickly. I love to hear you laugh and you laugh at the little things. when i brush my hair against your face or nuzzle your neck. when i lift you into the air like you are flying. teeth are painful and this one was no exception but i still don't mind getting up with you at night. if i can ease the pain by being there, i will. you are so precious to me. today we read books and played on the floor together. we find so much fun in the little things.

the Impossible project

2010-06-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

I knew it from the minute he was born...one good picture of the two boys together was going to be impossible! I will keep trying!

As the house continues to be on the market (sell already!) we are spending our weekends hanging out with the boys and doing a little of nothing. I have to say though, our best times are really when we have nothing planned and we throw together a simple picnic, an outing to the park or an evening walk.

All grown up

2010-06-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

you are four now and you seem so grown up. you love to color and to paint. you love videos and fruit snacks. you make your brother laugh like no one else can. i cherish the times when you still remind me that you love me. best of all i love it when you smile. your smile warms my heart.

Let the games begin...

2010-06-02T05:01:00.000-07:00

Memoral Day weekend is complete (and we made it to the Beach!...more about that later) so its time to start summer activity planning. As the second summer of being home with the kids begins, I am on the hunt for fun, and hopefully educational, things for the boys and I to do. On the fun side would definitely be the pool and what better way than for FREE! Our Kids, a local blog for activities, is giving away a family 4 pass to Cameron Run! This is a pool we have frequented in the past and I just know that Cole would love it. Hopefully he'll be brave enough to attempt the slides but if not, the kid area alone will definitely consume him...and maybe momma can get a moment to soak in a few rays too.

Bittersweet endings...and some fun too!

2010-05-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

Cole's last day of preschool was this week. I am terribly sad about this. That's not to say that I am not looking forward to our move ~ whenever that happens ~ but I am not sure that we'll EVER find a preschool that will ever be as wonderful. Their focus is just right ~ play. The staff is wonderful. They are there because they want to be and there is very little turnover. The director herself, Chris, sent her children to this school. Alas, all good things come to an end and to end the year there was a traveling petting zoo with the cutest baby bunnies I have ever seen.
We've also spent some time recently meeting new baby girl Autumn Le, the precious package of our dear friends Shea, Chris and Mason, as well as, attempting a family outing to go strawberry picking. I grew up going on adventures to pick fruit and I thought the boys (well one of them at this point) would enjoy this....guess Cole is a little too young to appreciate it yet! There were farm animals there too so I suppose he enjoyed that part. Cole's school also celebrated his birthday complete with cookie monster cupcakes. I had a lot of fun making them :)

May Daze

2010-05-17T08:39:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling the pressure lately that I haven't been writing here consistently...or doing Cole's 4 year old photo album or Brooks' baby album. How are moms supposed to keep up with it all? I haven't even mentioned that I have yet to take either of their pictures for the birthday milestones! That's a big one for me. I want so badly to hold on to this cute age that each of them is at because truthfully they aren't so cute to me when they get to be 12...15....maybe I'll change my mind later.

The amazing thing is that when I tally up what we've been doing it's a little bit of nothing. We've been enjoying the spring weather~yesterday we had to be out of the house for an open house so we went to Old Town for lunch (yummo burger and fries at the Burger Joint) then had a leisurely walk down King Street to the waterfront, where we sat on the dock and admired the amazing view and considered how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful place. Cole and Craig went on a ship docked there called the Peacemaker...pretty neat, which reminds me I need to look up whether that ship does a Pirate lunch or something similar. Pap and Grandma came to visit on Saturday and Grammie came the previous week, all to present Cole with his birthday gifts. We are so lucky to have such wonderful family in our lives.

Brooks has been battling a fever over the past few days and yesterday a rash appeared. Could this be the all too familiar Roseola that plagued us about this time during Cole's first half of life? Looks awfully similar. Brooks continues to do his flip trick...not to be confused with Cole's flip trick, the one where he puts on his own jacket...but the one where Brooks goes from his back to his front to his back :) He is also working really hard on sitting up all by himself...nearly there. It is crazy for me to think that only a month of so from now he could be crawling! All of this makes me want invent a pill, a machine, SOMETHING that can slow time down a little...just a little. Really. Couldn't we all use a little of that?

Four is Fabulous!

2010-05-06T04:01:00.000-07:00

Oh my....four years old! I think from here on out I'm going to name EVERY post "Where has the time gone?" because isn't that all I write about anyway? We are keeping Cole's birthday low key this year. A small celebration at Nanny's and cupcakes at school. I think tonight we'll go to First Thursdays in Delray and treat Cole to some frozen custard from The Dairy Godmother. Four years has gone by so quickly and when I look at Cole from day to day I can hardly believe just how big and mature he is. Every once in a while I'm able to step away from a situation and try to see it from the outside and only then does he seem little to me. I cherish those times because it gives me a different view of him.

Happy half-birthday

2010-04-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

My littlest sweet pea is 6 months old already! At 6 months and 1 day, Brooksy decided he'd try out the ole' rollin' over trick...finally. He now seems to want to try it out incessantly. I suppose if I had such a neat, new trick that I'd try it out a lot too! Still no teeth on the horizon but a whole lot of slobberin' going on :) Brooks also had his 6 month check up today. Our little "porker" is 15 pounds! Oh how I love those chunky little thighs.

Bonding Time

2010-04-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

I always find myself commenting how quickly time is flying and this spring is no different. Brooks is about to turn 6 months and Cole is almost 4 years old. Where has it gone? I am thankful daily to have this time with the two of them. Many days I am at my wits end by the time Craig is home from work but occasionally there is a day that I can truly enjoy the two of them. Today was one of them. We played, we laughed and we enjoyed being together.
Cole is saying the funniest things lately. This weekend he explained, while I was driving, that God had painted his fingernails pink. I thought he was trying to tell me that he and Emmy had gotten into nail polish and he was blaming it on God! Instead he was just telling me how the skin under his nails got to be pink :) Such innocence.

Brooks is the good, sweet-natured baby that Cole never was. I'm not saying Cole was bad...just difficult and I am so happy that Brooks is different. I love to hold him and hear him giggle, to caress his sweet features, and to kiss him. This past week he has started to babble a lot..."da da da" all the time! I am battling whether I am ready to give up the night time feedings. I think he is ready...but am I? You think I would do anything to get a full nights sleep but those late night sessions are so special and he is so sweet and innocent and beautiful when he is on the edge of sleeping. I ran into two women today that stopped me to ask how old he was. They too had sons, except they were now in college. Both said to enjoy the time...and I plan to, with both my boys :)

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

Oh what fun we are going to have this year with two little men to dress up! Mommy is all ready....cute hats (who says girls are the only ones with cute hats for Easter!), bunny ears, and Cole's favorite, candy! Happy Easter everyone. We hope your day is as special as ours.

the Third wheel

2010-03-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

I am constantly in amazement at just how much time these two love to spend together. No matter that they see each other 2 days a week at school...no matter that they spend the entire day together on Thursdays at maw-maw's house...and no matter that Cole and Emory see each other on Monday mornings (to catch up after the weekend away from each other)and Wednesday evenings for dinner at Nanny's, they just can't seem to get enough of one another. I'm just thankful that our move won't put them far from one another and hopeful that Brooks and Breon-Leigh will have a fraction of what Cole and Emmy have...now if those pesky siblings would just stay out of their way so they could play!

Big Boy Brooks

2010-03-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

Brooksie is 5 months old! We've dabbled in rice cereal, we're attempting to perfect nap times but mostly we're having fun. Brooks is nearly 15 pounds now and has the cutest, chunky thighs I have ever seen. I'm mostly infatuated with his thighs because Cole never had an extra ounce on him. Personality wise, you just can't help falling in love with him. He's such a happy baby. I just love to hear him coo and giggle. The rougher Cole tends to be with him, the more he laughs and squeals. They are going to be great playmates, I can already tell.

In like a Lion..

2010-03-03T06:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, March! Where did February go? Despite our lack of posting, we have had a busy month. Crazy winter weather...2 BIG snow storms this year and several smaller ones...have forced us inside, much more than we prefer to be. We've spent much of this time going to lots of playdates. Cole and Emory can't seem to get enough of one another. They also seem to pass every sniffle and sneeze back and forth to one another and that's on top of us passing it back and forth within our own house! I'm so tired of being sick :( Poor Brooks has slept more in his carseat carrier at night than he's slept in the Pack n Play.

All of that being said we have seen signs of Spring! Cole and I took a walk this past weekend and actually saw a crocus blooming and yesterday when we drove home after preschool there were a million (literally) Robins feasting in our neighbor's front yard. Sure signs that better weather is on the way...I hope!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T11:12:00.001-08:00

Wow, mid-Feb already! The last few weeks have been a blur. We've been in the midst of the most crazy weather pattern since I can remember in the DC area. We're up to 40+ inches of snow this year from 2 major storms. The latest of the two sent us packing for a no-snow zone, so we went to visit Scott and Allison in Chesapeake. Luckily when we headed back up to DC, the roads were clear and our wonderful neighbors had shoveled our driveway! Thanks Mike and Phuong :) A small snow, 5 or so inches, followed a day or two later but that seemed like a piece of cake after the big ones. Cole and Craig enjoyed going out to play in it, attempting to build a fort and a snowman (not wet snow so it wasn't successful). Cole missed an entire week of preschool as a result. All that being said we are more than anxious to get out of the house especially since we seem to be passing a winter cold back and forth to one another. I cannot wait till the spring in hopes that we will no longer be sick and we can get outside ~ sans jackets!

Losing Letters...Have you seen me?

2010-01-27T06:03:00.000-08:00

I am specifically speaking of the letters "m-y" and "d-y", as in the ends of the words Mom and Dad. This past weekend Cole graduated to calling Craig and I "dad" and "mom". No more cutesy mommy or daddy business. He has no particular explanation as to why. It is what it is. I simply stare in amazement and as usual wonder where did my little man go? Is 3.5 the new 20? I'm not ready to be mom! I suppose MOMS simply have to live in the past.....he was (okay he still is) so cute when he was little...........

A letter to Brooks

2010-01-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Brooks,

I am very sorry for allowing you to fall off the bed today. There really is no excuse why I turned my back on you for even one second. I understand why you were so sensitive the rest of the day and needed to be held. I would have done anything just to make sure that you were alright. Your smiles and belly laughs at the end of the day made me know that you were alright and that you are still your jolly, happy self and I am so thankful. Good night sweet darling...may your dreams be filled with happy thoughts.

From the bottom of my heart,
Your Mommy Forever

All Smiles

2010-01-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

Brooks has finally discovered that he can smile and coo and he seems to do them non-stop! The best morning so far has been one when he woke up and laid in the pack-n-play and talked to himself for over an hour (while Mommy and Daddy slept in a little!). What a good baby! I continue to attempt to capture just the right photo of him, and his adorable smile, but with the winter weather and the dark interior of our house, the right picture has escaped me thus far.

The last few days have been unseasonably warm. Since it was a gorgeous day, we took a really long walk into Old Town and packed our lunch to eat along the waterfront. Cole enjoyed feeding the ducks and seagulls his leftover PB&J and Craig and I sat and soaked in the warm sunshine.

Who is who?

2010-01-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

as Brooks approaches 3 months old, I am continuously amazed about how similar he and Cole look! I decided to put 6 pics of each into a collage and see if even I could tell them apart. Let me say, even I question a couple of the photos and I am the one who took them (not to mention, the one who gave birth to them)! It's amazing how quickly you forget how "advanced" they are at just 3 months. Cole and Brooks' new cousin, Breon-Leigh, was born just a few days ago and Brooks looks like a giant next to her. He also holds his head up, smiles (oh so adorably )and is cooing. I'm not sure at what point babies exit the newborn stage but I feel like it has come and gone overnight.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2010-01-01T15:50:00.000-08:00

Time continues to fly by as the holidays are over (I have to admit I'm a little happy to have them over) and the new year has begun. Two thousand and nine was a joyous year from the perspective of our second son's birth and a very sad year as we lost a very dear friend, Mark Papa, and a family member- my grandmother's brother, Aubrey Glass.

For the coming year we wish for the obvious things to be present in our lives such as health and happiness but honestly our biggest hope and prayer is to have a bigger house. Everything in our lives right now seems to revolve around the fact that our current house is TOO small (at 950 blessed square feet). There is no room for the ever expanding need for baby accessories despite Brooks being ready for them (~exersaucer). There is no room to hold on to toys that are outdated, although Brooks will need them eventually. There are a million other things that have now inhabited the living room, our bedroom, and Cole's room that I can't seem to find a place to put them away so I am left to feel as if the "stuff" is about to eat me alive! Not a good feeling...and so our wish...a bigger, better house where we can host family gatherings, have our parents sleep over when they visit, a place for the boys to play, closets to fit clothing-current and future, a kitchen where I can make cookies AND cook dinner at the same time, but mostly a home where we can be a family together and make LOTS of memories.

O where, O where...

2009-12-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

…has my newborn gone? Time is a flyin lately. Brooks is already 8 weeks old and its nearly time for Tiff’s new little one, Breon-Leigh, to be here. We are anxiously awaiting her arrival and hoping that she’ll make her appearance before the end of the year.

Cole ended preschool for the year and so we have been at home filling our time with making holiday cookies, painting ornaments, and doing our holiday shopping. His preschool class put on one adorable show on the last day. Poor Emmy refused to even go up on the stage! Cole surprised us once again by not only participating but also belting out Christmas carols in the loudest voice he could muster.

We have also been to two breakfasts with Santa this season, one at Cole’s school and the other at DC’s Hard Rock Café. Both were chaotic but fun opportunities for Cole to tell the jolly ole’ guy what he wanted for Christmas, but Cole wouldn’t speak a word either time.

Six Weeks

2009-11-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

Our little Brooksy hit the 6 week mark today! I'm amazed he has been in our lives for that long, it feels like yesterday that he was still in my belly :) Brooks is doing great and last week when I weighed him he was a whopping 9.5 lbs! Not that I want to make a habit of comparing our two boys but I don't remember Cole hitting the 10 lb mark until much much later! Brooks is much more awake to the world now, spending a lot of his time sitting or laying quietly and checking our his environment. He has a mellow, laid-back personality that I already love! I am hoping we can begin to space night time feedings apart a little but for now he's waking me up every 3 hours with a slight whimper (as if it were impolite to cry in the middle of the night!). Cole loves his little brother and is a huge help. He particularly likes to help with bath time, which Brooks seems to love. He lets out a big sigh everytime we put him in the water.

Thankful

2009-11-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for this year. Family is the thing that sticks out most in my mind. I am thankful that everyone has been relatively healthy. I am thankful my dad has found happiness again. I am thankful that I have such a wonderful husband who has supported us financially for an entire year and although not by choice, that I have been able to stay home with Cole. I am thankful that Cole has loved preschool and has blossomed as a result of going. I am thankful to have experienced another pregnancy (with my sis at that!) and the end result was a beautiful, healthy little boy. I'm still not sure our family is complete but it sure feels good for now. I hope everyone has a wonderful day...with their family.

Better Late Than Never

2009-11-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween to all! I have the best intentions as far as the blog is concerned...well as far as everything is concerned...but it's been hard to get to it all lately. I cannot image why! What have we been up to? We spent half of our Halloween day standing in line to get the H1N1 vaccine and the other half decorating cookies, carving our pumpkin, and finally trick-or-treating. The weather didn't cooperate in the evening, so our door to door time was cut short but it was probably plenty for 3 year old Cole and honestly for me too!

Cole continues to be a good big brother. Last week was our first at home without Craig and Cole was a good helper...most of the time :) He had his fair share of tantrums as a result of not meeting his needs immediately!

Brooks seems to be growing by the second! He is slowly awakening out of his newborn slumber and testing out his lungs quite often now. Despite telling myself that its okay for him to cry, I run at every whimper. I think he's in the midst of his 3 week growth spurt because he seems to be doing nothing except eating! I'm wondering if he's going to be bigger than his big brother because he's already outgrown all of those newborn clothes (and I seem to remember Cole being in them for a long time!).

Lastly, we said a sad goodbye to our family pet, Flower, on Sunday. She took her last breath, or tweet, as we sat in the living room with her feeding Brooks. I cried as if she were my child (well she was!). We buried her in the backyard, under a stepping stone, so that she will always be with this house...a house where Craig and I began our family together. She's seen so much with me...college, grad school, marriage and the birth of both of my babies...I will miss her a lot.

Boys in my House

2009-11-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

There are boys in my house – and Spiderman shoes
And 200 papers in various blues.
There's Bob (he's a builder) and Thomas the Train,
There's a fireman coat to wear in the rain.
They have cars on their shirts and frogs on their hats
There's a glove and a ball and a red plastic bat.
There's dirt on a face and a smudge on a nose;
Grass stains on knees and sand between toes.
There's bathtime at night with bodies to scrub,
And when we're all done there is dirt in the tub!
There's bandaids and bruises and curious bumps,
There's smiles and laughter and sometimes there's grumps.
There's odors most icky; there's boogers so green
There's more yucky things than I'll ever get clean.
There's piles of laundry; there's stories at night;
There's bedtime and bathtime and dinnertime fights.
There's cars and there's trains and there's books about trucks
There's Scoop, Lofty, Dizzy, and Travis, and Muck.
Sometimes there are bugs, and sometimes there are frogs;
Sometimes they are lions, or dinos, or dogs.
There are cute little vests and darling neckties
Dragged right through the mud – oh what a surprise!
There's running and climbing and jumping and falling
And laughing and crying and hugging and brawling
And rolling and losing and finding and creeping
And whining and stealing and sometimes there's sleeping.
There's tantrums and time outs and extra loud noise –
There's love in my house shaped like two little boys.

And Then There Were Two

2009-10-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Our family of three has officially expanded to a family of four! The birth of our second son, Brooks Logan, began on Saturday night shortly after Craig and I had finished watching a movie. In his usual fashion, the baby was very active that night and I wasn't quite sure if I was uncomfy due to his movement or something else! It became clearer as the night went on that although irregular, those were indeed contractions. I encouraged Craig to try and get some sleep, just in case! At about 3 a.m. the contractions got heavy enough to start breathing through them. I could still talk through them so I called the midwife on duty and she assured me that we still had lots of time and that I should try and get some rest until everything got really regular and really uncomfortable. It didn't take long! By 5 a.m. I was really sure "this was it" and called in my mom to care for Cole. Craig and I arrived at the hospital shortly after 6 a.m. and by that time contractions were every 2-3 minutes and intense. I think I had 5 while I tried to fill out the paperwork at the L&D counter! Once I finally got to a room, I was 8cm dilated and it was nearly showtime....too late for any Nubane and since I didn't want an epidural, things were only going to get more painful. Craig was a great coach and we found a position that got us both through the more painful contractions. Before I knew it, it was time to push and Brooks fought his way into the world in 10 minutes from the time I started pushing! He weighed a hefty 7lbs 7 oz and was 21" long. It was very surprising to me considering I only gained 15 lbs the entire pregnancy...where was he hiding?

Cole unfortunately had to meet his new brother the next day in the lobby of the hospital, due to very strict visitation policies caused by the H1N1 flu. In the car he commented how small his new brother was and how cute :) I think they got off to just the right start. Today, Tuesday, Cole got to tell his preschool class that he's a new big brother. We hear from his teacher that he told his friends with great enthusiasm and the typical Cole fluttering of hands and hopping up and down.

the Waiting Game

2009-10-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

As we count down the days (wow!) until the next little man arrives, Cole and I have been hanging out and running last minute errands. He's asking some pretty funny questions lately about his little brother....like is he going to cry when I sleep and will he knock over my toys? We've also been painting pumpkins and attending as many fall festivals as we can. Cole is loving preschool and asks daily if it's a school day! I love to hear about his day, his snack and his new friends while there...even if I do miss him :) There isn't much on our future agenda, since we are waiting, but I'm sure it will be filled with fun, laughter and smiles as long as Cole is along.

Fall Fun

2009-10-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

One of our fall activities so far has been a trip to Cox Farms in Centerville. This was our first trip there and boy was it worth it. It is still early fall so the weather is beautiful (actually hot!) but so nice to spend the day outdoors with the people you love. Erin, Carl and Ella accompanied us on our day of fun at the farm, where we rode the slides to our hearts content, went on a hayride and drank yummy apple cider. We are hoping that this is the first of many festivals that we will be attending this fall. With the upcoming arrival of the new little guy we are attempting to stay close to home...but just not too close.
Last weekend we hosted a party to welcome our new little guy, and aunt tiffy's new little girl. Our little pumpkin hasn't accepted the invite yet but he's still got another 2 weeks or so to "bake".

First day of Preschool

2009-09-15T10:48:00.001-07:00

Cole's first day of preschool went without too much of a hitch. I was most concerned with getting him moving this morning but he seemed to understand that we had a place to be and that he would want to go to that place. I walked him into his class, after begging him to wear his backpack, and then he wouldn't take it off! He was quickly engrossed in playing and I was long forgotten. I stayed for a few minutes to watch him and when I decided to leave, I barely got a wave. It didn't hit me till after I left that this is the first time I've left him with a non-family member and I was a little afraid (for me and him).
At pick up time, one of his teachers let me know that he had a little collision on the playground and as a result cried. The first thing he said to me in the car was, "Mommy, I fell on the playground and I cried. Where were you?" I've never had to answer to him like that and I can't say that I liked it. Despite the minor incident, Cole told me he had lots of fun with storytime, where all the kids got in a circle and sat down to listen. They also had grapes, cookies and nice, cold water (according to Cole) for snack time. He was also excited to tell me that he sang the Happy Birthday song while he washed his hands and at the end he kissed his hands, just like the teacher told him to. I think Cole is going to learn lots of fun things at school.

Savoring the alone time

2009-09-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

So this week, more than ever, it has hit me that the new one will be here very soon. While I am completely overjoyed by the prospect of another little boy in our home, I am so sad that Cole will no longer be an only child that I have begun to cry about it...on a daily basis! I'm sure he has no true idea of whats to come. Cole is merely excited at the prospect of having a friend to play with, watching movies with mommy and new baby on the couch, and running and jumping with his new brother, all things he has told me that he would like to do with the arrival of his baby brother.
While it has always been important to me to have quality time with Cole, at least as much as possible minus the cooking, cleaning, etc required to run a house, that quality time seems so much more important right now. Yesterday, we went to the library twice! Although there isn't much on our agenda today, I am going to be sure that we have lots of playtime, snuggling, and tickling before the day is over.

Winding down

2009-08-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

..as the number of days before Cole is no longer an only child wind down, we are trying to cram in as much fun as we can. Last weekend we went on a family outing to Annapolis, where Cole spent the entire day hunting for Captain Richard (a story for another blog post). This weekend we caught up with some friends of ours...twice...for a weekend full of fun. On Saturday, Cole and I began our day at the Farmer's Market. We then headed up to Bethesda to meet up with our friends Erin and Ella for an afternoon at the spray jets in downtown Silver Spring. Cole was disinterested in running through the water but he was a trooper at watching Ella play :) The two of them were so cute conversing about their Disney experiences like two big people.
In the evening, Craig, Cole and I threw together a picnic dinner and ate in down by the river. Cole wanted to bring the play-doh along and I figured what the heck...much easier to clean up the mess. It was actually a lot of fun. There is also a playground close to where we were sitting so Cole got to play for a little while with his dad.
On Sunday evening we met up with Erin, Ella and Carl for some fun at Gravelly point, where the planes come into National Airport. We love going there to watch the planes and it was even more fun to do it with good friends. Cole and Ella romped around and played with Cole's stomp rocket while the adults stuffed their faces :)

The littlest snitch

2009-08-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

Cole has reached the age where I cannot tell him anything nor let him be a part of anything that shall remain a secret. When I asked whether he'd like to take cupcakes to Daddy at work for his birthday, of course he said yes, and then he told Craig! It's a good thing I did the present purchasing and dessert selection for tonight without him :)

Summer Adventures

2009-08-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

Our final adventure of the summer took us to Ocean City to spend a few days at the beach with our friends Scott and Allison. Scott's aunt hooked us up with an awesome beach front condo, which was totally key with Cole in tow. The waves were a little rough for Cole to manage so we spent most of the time playing in the sand. I read a book and relaxed, hoping to capture one last image of the beach before the birth of baby #2 (a must for relaxing during labor sans drugs!). We also went to the boardwalk and Cole rode some of the kiddie rides. Another evening he was co-pilot to Craig during a go-cart ride. Of course, the highlight of that adventure was the trip to Candy Kitchen afterward where he picked lego shaped sweetarts and a candy necklace as treats.

Road Tripin'

2009-07-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

What an adventure we just returned from! Tiff and I decided since we both had the summer off we would pack up the kids, sans husbands, and road trip to Michigan to visit our extended family. Surprisingly the kids handled the 10+ hour car trip very well and we arrived safely and in one piece to our destination outside of Detroit. We spent 3 days hanging out and letting the kids play with each other, which they did beatifully. We will miss all the playmates now that we are home. We also ventured to a spray park, a dairy farm (yummy ice cream) and attended Hannah's 2nd birthday party complete with pinata, pool, hot tub and marshmallow roasting by the fire pit. It was wonderful to see our family once again and we look forward to the next time that we can meet up.

Baby bumps

2009-07-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

It somehow seems weird to take photos of just me and my belly bump so I asked Cole to join in and he happily obliged! I love this pic and will cherish it forever :) It's amazing to imagine that in 82 days our next little man will arrive. Cole has taken to my pregnancy better than I expected. I can't help but get a giggle out of his reaction to my ever increasing belly and inquiring how the baby is going to get out. He knows a doctor will do it (well actually a midwife but close enough) and that the baby will be messy when it arrives. He also thinks we should name the baby Clifford or Dumbo or something along those lines! The one thing that he has had difficulty with is my inability to hold him. He is a very loving little boy and likes to be held or carried places....both being difficult with a basketball attached to my front!

Just Beachy

2009-07-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy end of June and early July, with Mommy and Daddy leaving Cole with Grandma and Pap while they attended Hollie and Sean's wedding in Dallas and then immediately after a trip to Virginia Beach to visit Scott and Allison for the Fourth of July. In his usual fashion, Cole took it all in stride and did amazingly well without us. I am also extremely happy and proud to announce that Cole is potty trained! We're working on the night time stuff right now but in most cases he wakes up dry. I just can't express how proud I am of him and how well he has done...now to get rid of the treats!

Happy Father's Day '09

2009-06-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Every Father's Day we take a silly "impression" photo of our daddy. This year Cole actually wanted to wear Daddy's shoes and tie...but his expression wasn't nearly as cute as when i had to force him to do it. Happy Father's Day to all the "daddies" in our lives. To celebrate, we took our Daddy to see UP as our first family movie in the theater.

Mommy's too fat

2009-06-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

....just thought I'd write a quickie for a "coleism" that I just loved! Today I was explaining to Cole that when the weather gets hot that we need to hurry and get him in his seat so that Mommy can get up to the front to put on the A/C as fast as possible (he is sooooo slow at not only getting in his seat but he doesn't help AT ALL with the straps or buckling). Sometimes, mostly when its raining, I will hop up to the front without getting out of the car (a real bonus to being a "small" person) but today Cole pointed out to me that, "Mommy is too fat to go to the front that way", as he pointed to the space between the front seats. Thanks pal for pointing that out...thanks!

Boot Camp

2009-06-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

...potty training boot camp to be more specific. Yesterday Cole and I began what I hope to be the beginning of the end...of diapers! We had a couple of errands to run in the morning so the start of boot camp was to begin post naptime. One of our stops was Target to choose a prize for the end of the week, if and only if it proves to be a successful week. We also bought a book about going to the potty, some new improved treats (jelly beans weren't enticing enough anymore)and lastly, a potty timer. Who knew there was such a thing (there really isn't but Cole believed me). A good ole kitchen timer to count down the minutes when we HAD to try to go potty again. Our 1/2 day start was a good one with no accidents up to bedtime. Today is a different story. I am truly understanding that if there is no timer he will just pee (or worse) on himself. I know that its nonsense to think that we will get through the training exercise accident free but I know now why I've put this off for so long...it is no fun. Cole is already anti-timer, hiding it at every chance he gets, and he sat beside the potty today and did #2...BESIDE it! Why couldn't he have just moved over 12 inches and pulled down his pants? Shortly after that I decided to let him tell me when he had to go....accident again. Ugh!

Brothers

2009-05-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

Our biggest news of the Spring didn't even make it to the blog yet! As most of you already know, Cole is going to be a big brother in October. Our family is anxiously (but patiently) awaiting the arrival of Baby Boy #2. Although slightly bummed that a little girl didn't complete our family this time around, I am thrilled that Cole will have a brother to play with, pick on, or otherwise torture for the rest of his life. But really....I know what the bond of sisters feels like and I can only imagine that brothers are no different and for that I am so thankful.

Birthday Boy

2009-05-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to believe that 3 years ago today Cole came into our lives. Now that his big day is here, there will be one last celebration of the Big 3 with pizza and cake at Nanny's tonight but the real festivities were over the weekend with a pinata, cake, and unending presents with our family and friends. Leading up to his birthday, Cole would always say, "Mommy, this is going to be the best birthday ever". I just hope it was...for this year.

Say What?

2009-04-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

Easter Egg Excitement

2009-04-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Cole couldn't wait for the official Easter Egg Hunt at Nanny's on Easter Day. We've been practicing for weeks now but the "real" day was finally here and Cole was prepared with basket in hand. The first excitement of the day was an Easter basket full of bouncing balls, marbles and oh yea, candy! The Easter Egg hunt began after our midday meal and the kids couldn't wait to hunt the over 200+ eggs that Maw-Maw filled and hid for them. What a great grandma!

My gifted child

2009-03-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

On the way to Nanny's house we pass a major construction site, where Cole is always interested to see what the workers are up to. If they aren't on the job he wants to know why and if they are, he wants to know what they are doing. On this particular day, there were several men on the job site and most were gathered around the footings of what appears to be an upcoming sound wall. As usual Cole wanted to know what they were doing so I put it simply, "they are building a wall". He replied, "For Humpty Dumpty?" and I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. I later shared this story with Cole's Aunty Tiffy and she said that his connection was very good and was a actually a sign of giftedness. I'm not sure where he's getting that from since I am more than positive that there is at least one (or more likely several) improper uses of English in this post as well as a non-existent word or two!

Growing Hearts

2009-03-06T12:29:00.000-08:00

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and while that may be true, I have lately found that the more time I spend with our little man, the bigger my heart grows for him. I am so happy at the little person that he is turned into (not that there aren't bad days!) Here is a pic of our cutie at the St. Patty's Day festivities in Old Town. His favorite part of the parade were the dancing ladies :) (not those kind but the Irish dancing kind!)

Oh Man

2009-03-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

Cole has really enjoyed playing trains recently. He loves, most of all, the battery operated Thomas and James engines that he received for Christmas. He loves to load them up and make them really work for their loads...today there was a little accident as he was helping one of them up the incline and he pushed a little too hard. "Oh man," he said. It's one of his favorite phrases right now so I was happy to capture it :)

Hockey Time

2009-02-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Cole, Craig, Scott, Allison and I all went to Cole's first hockey game on Sunday. We had lots of fun while Scott and Allison stayed for the weekend and we finally had a place for visitors to sleep...in Cole's big boy bed. Sadly for most of our crew, the Pens lost, but I was happy that the Caps won!

Happy Times....Sad Times

2009-02-11T13:57:00.001-08:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Cole and I have been making the best of my layoff by scheduling lots of playdates and other activities at home. Play-doh and painting are our favorite pastimes. Beautiful weather has set in the last few days so we've headed outside to enjoy the 60 degree days. On the other end of the spectrum, we were very sad to say our goodbyes to our beloved family dog, Toni, last Friday night. Toni lived a long and happy life and I've loved her like no other dog. While it was a difficult decision for my dad to make, I am sure sure that Toni is in heaven with Nancy and they're having a grand ole' time.

A New Day

2009-01-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

Cole, Craig and I made it down to Market Square today to view the swearing in of our 44th President. This is the first Presidential Inauguration that Cole will see in his lifetime. I love the way he says our now President's name...in his cute toddler way and almost as if he enjoys saying it. As I put him down to bed last night, I explained that tomorrow was a special day that we would have a new president. He looked up at me and questioned "Bawwack Obama?". Good boy was all I could say.

Disney Days

2009-01-03T13:03:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas

2009-01-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

A very abnormal Christmas this year...in Florida. We enjoyed a balmy, 80 degree Christmas Eve on Fort Myers Beach. Cole enjoyed playing in the sand and playing with his "friends" Kristen and Brittany. We loved staying with Grandad at his house and having dinner with the entire family each night. Cole also got to pick oranges off of Grandad's tree...they were delicious. Next stop...Disney!

The happiest place on Earth

2008-12-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

I can only imagine what Cole might have been thinking as we entered the most magical place on earth. I myself was brimming with excitement at the sounds, sights and smells of Disney. Although timid at first, Cole warmed up to the rides and characters and began each morning with a groggy voice requesting to go see Micky Mouse.

The days of Christmas

2008-12-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

Cole's favorite day of Christmas is the Fifth Day. That's because that is when Daddy's bursts into our nightly storytime routine to announce that Cole's true love gave to him...."FIIIIIVVVVEEE GOOOOOLLLDDEENNN RINNNNNNNGGGGS"! Cole bursts out laughing EVERYTIME to this sillyness and Daddy has to stay close so that he can throw the door open at every verse of the song. I'm wondering if we are going to have to read that book every night from now until the big day...cause Mommy's singin voice isn't so good.

Let it Snow...Let it Snow...Let it Snow

2008-12-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

Cole's first real snow was during Thanksgiving Weekend in Johnstown. I say real because he was way too small to appreciate it any other time in his life. He had a ball sledding down Grammie's hill and making a snowman in her front yard complete with a carrot nose. The nose seemed to be Cole's favorite part. Now that we're home he continues to ask when we can go out and play in the snow!

Giving Thanks

2008-12-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cole, Blake and Connor made their own tablecloth for their big meal. I think we spent more time cleaning off the markers/crayons from this exercise than the food from their meals!

More about our PA weekend in the next post.

Playdates and Cookies

2008-11-24T05:02:00.000-08:00

One of the many things that Cole and I have filled our time with lately are playdates. Last weekend our friends Erin and Ella made the trip down from Bethesda (you'd think this was hours away since we've seen each other 2 times since Erin, Carl and Ella moved up this way in July!)...but such is so in DC. A mere 20 or so miles and you see folks every few months! In fact, it is just the same for friends of ours that live minutes away. Being at home with Cole all day has left me craving adult conversation and I have realized just how bad Craig and I are about keeping in touch with our friends. The sad thing is that I can't promise that this experience will make me any better about it. Sometimes it takes too much effort to coordinate children's schedules, then there is the space issue. I love to entertain but the house can seem so small when even 4 people are in it :)

Anyway other than playdates we have been taking part in plenty of free library story times and also spending time at the park, when weather allows. I am also trying to get motivated about job hunting! When every call I make ends with "No, I'm sorry we don't have anything right now," it gets a little distressing and each time it's easier not to pick up the phone. Hopefully things will look up after the Holidays...and after the Inauguration.