20 Months...WOW!

I CANNOT believe it!!! I cannot believe that he has only been in our lives for 20 short months when I feel like we have never been without him. I cannot believe he is going to be two in four short months. I just cannot believe it! Cole, as always, is such a little love. He has started giving the most amazing hugs again and his daddy and I try to get as many as we can everyday.

He is "talking"/babbling more and more everyday so I just know his vocabulary is going to grow any day now!

His new favorite word is "WOW" which is said in a long whisper with a look on his face like he is looking at the most amazing thing he has ever seen. LOVE IT!

He has perfected his animals sounds which include: cow, puppy, elephant and owl. He makes fish faces for fish, sniffs his nose for bunnies and scratches his armpits for monkeys {hilarious}.

He has such natural athletic abilities. If this kid does not play some kind of sport I will be shocked. He plays basketball, golf, baseball, soccer and catch A.L.L. D.A.Y L.O.N.G. The only other things he likes to do is ride his truck or sometimes play with his cars and blocks.

If it wasn't 102 degrees outside everyday and I would let him, he would be outside constantly!

He has learned how to throw underhanded!

He has started mimicking things people do. He pretends to....take a shower and wash his hair, he puts make-up on {RT has told me to nip that in the bud immediately!}, clip his toe nails, talk on the phone and slide his finger on the screen of the phone like you do on an iPhone.

I think the terrible two's are starting a little early at our house. He has been a toot lately and is acquiring an attitude {I have no idea who he gets that from:-)}. Heaven help us!

He is such a big helper around the house. He helps me unload the washer and load the dryer, he puts his toys away and put his dirty clothes in the hamper.

Oh how I love this little man. He is so sweet, loving, FUNNY, difficult, "independent" and just plain wonderful! What would I do without him?!?!

Happy 30th Birthday Jessica!!!

Today is my friend Jessica's 30th Birthday! Jessica and I have known each other since I was in 9th grade and she was in 10th grade at Vines. We have become close friends in recent years because our husbands have been great friends since college! Such a small world! Over the past few years we have become each others party/wedding buddies {with the crowd we roll with we have to stick together} and Bunco teammates. She is so sweet to Cole {when we get together she usually brings a sussie for Cole...sooo sweet} and Cole loves her! RT and I are so lucky to call Jeff and Jessica friends!

****

Happy Birthday Jessica! We hope you have an unforgettable day!

Love,

Lyric, RT and Cole

My 1st 911 Call

So it has been an eventful day around here. I called 911 for the first time and here is why. I went into my garage this morning because Cole and I needed to take some clothes to the dry cleaners and my garage reeked of gas. I mean it immediately made me light headed so I buckled Cole in as fast as possible and got out of there. A house is being built directly next door to me so I thought it could be a combination of all their equipment and the fact that a huge semi/flatbed with tons of supplies was sitting at the end of my driveway waiting to find a place to unload. So, Cole and I went to the cleaners and when we got back the smell was still there and still horrible. I called my dad to see if he could come and check it out for me. When he got here he said it was definitely a gasoline smell and not natural gas, thank goodness, but he could not find the source. My car wasn't leaking, the lawn mower wasn't leaking and our gas tank was barely full and had not spilled. He suggested I call the fire department just to be safe. I called and got a recording so, I had to call 911. The operator advised us to get out of the house until they figured out what was going on. So My dad, Cole, Finn and I piled into my dads truck and waited. The firemen got here so fast! They were so nice!!! They checked the inside and outside of my house and said that gasoline was evaporating from the gas can because it is so hot this time of year. I felt so dumb that I wasted their time on that but they assured me that I did the right thing by calling them. Everything was OK! There was so much going on that I didn't get very many pictures but here is the fire truck in front of our house. Cole was not concerned about it because he thought he was too cool sitting in the front seat of my dads truck. I tried to get him out so he could see the firetruck but he did not want to budge. Did I mention how nice the firemen were?!?! Before they left they gave Cole a Junior Firefighter Badge sticker. He thought he was pretty cool!I am so thankful to the McKinney Fire Department for their courtesy and for taking the time out of their busy schedules to check our non-life threatening gas leak! I really hope this will be the only time I ever have to dial 911!

Cole's 1st Trip to the Library

This morning I took Cole to the library for toddler story time. This weeks theme is animals so I thought this would be the perfect time to start going to story time because he is so into animals and the sounds they make. I think he liked it. He was a little shy and didn't want to get out of my lap {so there are no pictures of him during the actual story time} to dance or help put the animals on the board but I think he will warm up to it the more often we go.
We read these two books:

....and sang "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" and "Bear Hunt" before the kids were let loose to play and look at books on their own.

Looks like we will need to get a library card soon because I think we are going to become regulars! I LOVE that Cole LOVES BOOKS!

Cole's Nursery

This is a totally random post but while I was working on Cole's blog book I realized I did not have documentation of Cole's room. So, I thought I would go ahead and post it so I have it documented forever!

When we found out we were having a boy I knew I did not want to do the whole sports theme {had I known then that he was going to love sports as much as he does right now I might have changed my mind but life doesn't work that way} because I felt like that is what everyone does for boys. I thought the surfing bedding from Pottery Barn was so precious and thought it was something that he could grow into and it would still be cool when he was 6 or 7. So surfing is the theme we went with and I am so happy we did! I bought the comforter that matches his bumper pad so I won't have to change the theme when he gets older. I have a few more ideas for things I want to add but I think I will wait until we put him in a big boy bed...maybe it will make it feel like a big boy room.

From top to bottom, left to right: The view from Cole's bedroom door; a woody car that sits on top of his dresser; his crib with a surfboard with angel wings over it {LOVE IT} and a grass bed skirt; his hamper and name {obviously} and hanging on his closet door is a bear my family bought on Cole's birthday and my sister wrote all his stats on it; shelves on one of his walls with sentimental nic-naks; his changing table, his piggy bank that my mom had made to match the theme of his room; his dresser.

*****

Thanks for indulging me with this post. I know most of you have either seen his room or don't really care what it looks like but I never want to forget it!

Aunt Kori Turns 26!

We celebrated my sister's birthday yesterday! She turned 26 and we had some fun in the sun and yummy food to celebrate! The girls lounged in the pool while the boys played Cornhole. We had yummy veggies and dip for appetizers. Everyone was having a wonderful time until we brought Cole in for a bath and he just lost it. He was being hateful and ugly and acting like nothing we had ever seen before. Nothing would satisfy him. We tried food, drinks, Mickey Mouse, playing in the playroom and nothing worked. He even rejected his favorite person...uncle Jon. That was huge! So we tried to ignore him for a while and my dad prepared Kori's requested meal, grilled Salmon, roasted squash, potatoes, onions and zucchini and grilled peaches. It was AWESOME! Cole did not want to eat and caused a scene throughout dinner. He became a little happier when we asked him to hand Kori's presents to her and throw the wrapping paper away and then his mood came back. He didn't even want to eat his piece of cookie cake! I am pretty sure a tooth must have actually been breaking through the skin because he was clearly agitated by something. Here are the few pictures I took while I wasn't dealing with my child.

{Kori checking a b.day message}

{Rachel and Kori chillin in the warm pool}

{Cole getting what he deserves based on his tude}

{daddy and Jon caught a frog for Cole to see}

{Cole sniffing the flowers on the cake}

Happy Birthday again Aunt Kori! I'm so sorry Cole was a toot! I hope you had a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday Aunt Kori

HAPPY Birthday to YOU! HAPPY Birthday to YOU! HAPPY Birthday Aunt KORI! HAPPY Birthday to YOU!

You're the BEST AUNT EVER!
Love, COLE

Food and Fun at Peter Piper's

After a pretty uneventful and relaxing weekend so far we decided to take Cole to Peter Piper Pizza for some food, fun and games tonight. We have taken Cole before but he was either not walking or just learning how so he never really enjoyed himself until tonight. He was ALL A.B.O.U.T IT! He road the cars, merry-go-round, played Ski Ball and climbed up and into the tunnels for the first time. I loved that he was having so much fun! I will have to say he threw a couple of tantrumlets when he wanted to shoot baskets with daddy but couldn't reach the balls and when we told him it was time to leave. Otherwise it was a fun and successful trip!

Plano Heritage Farmstead

This morning Cole and I headed to the Plano Heritage Farmstead to take the "Farmer Duck" tour with some of the moms and kiddos from the mom group at church. {Just a little background info...I visited the Plano Heritage Farmstead on a field trip way back in elementary school. It has been around that long!} It was HOT! The tour started off with story time {they read Farmer Duck} and then it was off to do chores that would have been done on a farm way back in the day when there was no electricity! Cole was not that into it {he hates being hot...just like his mommy} so we left a little early. He did "pick" apples, feed the chickens, and collect firewood. Here are some pics from the farm:

"Picking" apples.

It was a fun tour but I think we will wait and come back when Cole is a little bit older and in the FALL when it's COOL!

Play Date X2

Yesterday was a fun day for Cole and me. Our first stop of the day was to Mrs. Shannon's house so we could catch up and the boys could play. Shannon fixed us lunch and gave me a tour of her amazing new house while Cade, Cruse and Cole played their little hearts out! We had so much fun and will have to have them over to our house soon!

Cole and sweet Cade playing. I didn't get a picture with Cruse because by the time I remembered to get a picture he was already down for a nap. Next time!

Then it was off to my aunt and uncle's house to see Lauren, baby Shae and Jordan. We got caught up on everything that has been going on and got to play with baby Shae. She is so sweet!

Cole's not too sure about her.....

.....he finally warmed up to her and she just kept starring at him the rest of the time we were there. So cute!!!

****

Thank you Shannon for letting us come over and play! We had such a fun time!

Baby Shae, you are too cute!

Celebrating Daddy

We celebrated Father's Day with a pretty relaxing day. I cooked my wonderful husband breakfast and then Cole helped him open his presents. I did a few things around the house {and made strawberry cake balls for daddy} while daddy and Cole played and watched golf. Then it was lunch time followed by naps for everyone!


Then we headed over to my parents house to celebrate my dad! He opened presents and then the boys went swimming while my mom and I made dinner {steaks, baked potatoes, salad and lemon chiffon pie}. Cole entertained everyone throughout dinner {which included some funny dancing, whining and a time out}. He had a melt down {his last 4 teeth are coming in and he is having a hard time with them} and it was time for us to go.

Happy Father's Day to my 2 favorite dads!

To my husband for being the most amazing dad to Cole from day one. You are not scared of poopy diapers, boogers, spit-up, discipline or any of the other challenges we have and will have as parents. You work so hard to provide for us and I love you so much! You are my rock and I could not imagine my life with out you.

To my dad for loving me unconditionally. You have always been supportive of me and been by my side even though I haven't always made it easy for you. I love you so much and feel so lucky that you are my dad! Thank you for everything you have always done for me!

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Happy Father's Day to the BEST daddy in the WHOLE WORLD!

I love you!

Cole

My Last Birthday In My 20's

Yesterday was my 29th Birthday....I can't believe I am going to be 30 next year. Getting older doesn't really bother me but I will be sad to say goodbye to my 20's next year. They really have been the best years of my life. So much has happened in my 20's....college, getting married, buying a house, having a baby....such wonderful memories that all happened in the last 9 years. Ok, enough with the sentimental mumbo-jumbo {I'll save that for next year} here is how I spent my 29th birthday.

My brother-in-laws birthday is the day before mine so we decided to celebrate our birthdays together with my family. We had fajitas from Uncle Julio's to-go and ate at Kori and Jon's house. Dinner was followed by awesome gifts and homemade {by my mother} Red Velvet cake. Heaven! My absolute favorite cake! Here are some highlights from the evening:

Cole and the birthday girl.

Cole and the birthday boy.

Just cute!

Cole passing out the presents.

Cole checking out uncle Jon's new swim goggles.

Daddy and uncle Jon getting Cole's jammies on.

On my actual birthday Cole and I had lunch at Celebrity with my mom and Kori. I picked up the CD of Cole's 18 month pictures and Sara {the photographer} gave me the cutest photo necklace with one of the pictures she took of Cole in it because she new it was my birthday. So sweet! Then we headed to the mall for a little shopping and then Cole and i went home to meet daddy who left work a little early for me! We ate dinner at Gloria's {mmmm...black bean dip} and finished off the day with Marble Slab {chocolate ice cream and peanut butter ice cream side-by-side anyone?!?!} It was a wonderful day! Thank you to those who sent sweet birthday wishes!

From Kori and Jon I got a fabulous bag, "M" and season 3 of Friends

From my husband I got a new gold chain for my initial necklace

From my sister-in-law and brother-in-law I got an American Express gift card

From RT's grandparents {Walter Lee and Arena} I got a card and money

From my mother-in-law and father-in-law I got season 2 of Friends and a Pottery Barn gift card

From my parents I got the precious frame, measuring spoons, bracelet with a "C" and Cole's birthstone, earrings and a Pottery Barn gift card.

The Pottery Barn gift cards were requested so I could by these sconces for our bedroom! I am so excited! I have wanted these sconces for the last 4 years!

Thank you everyone! I love it all and thank you for making my birthday so special!

I Wish I Had a Cool Bean Bag Chair

Cole and I went over to my parents house to swim on Thursday afternoon and after we got cleaned up my mom surprised Cole with his very own bean bag chair! He thinks it is so cool and lounged in it while watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I wish I still had my bean bag chair from back in the day....so comfortable!

THANKS MimiK!!!

Happy Birthday Uncle Jon!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST UNCLE EVER!
I hope you have a great day!
Love, Cole

Cole Says His First Word!

BABY!

Over the past couple of days he has been saying "baybaybay...beebeebee" so I thought I would get pictures of babies out and see if he could just say "baby" and today he DID! Now every time we point to a baby he says it! We are sooooo excited today!

Here is a little video of him saying "baby" when we point to the picture. You will also see his other talents...barking like a dog and mooing like a cow. Hilarious! I just LOVE this little man so much!

Sneak Preview

I thought I would give you a little taste of the "photo shoot" Cole had yesterday with Sara. I wanted these pictures to be really bright and colorful and "springy". So far, I am liking what I see! I will post the rest when I get them! Enjoy!
{P.S. A couple of you wanted to know where I got the camo diaper bag I love so much so here you go! I got it at Babies R Us and the brand is Jeep. I hope you can find it! Good Luck!}

19 Wonderful Months

19 months old. WOW! It does not seem like a month could have possibly gone by since I wrote his 18 month old letter but here we are. I have a 19 month old little man! I just cannot believe it! He is such a fun little guy. He is definitely ALL BOY. He still loves to be outside, collect bugs, draw with sidewalk chalk, play in his sandbox, go for walks, ride in his wagon, watch his daddy and uncle Jon play Frisbee, play in the pool {not swim...just play in the fountain}, play ball with daddy and anything else you can do outside...he LOVES it. Here are a few other things he has learned in the last month:

When asked he can identify the following animals: bird, duck, puppy, kitty, giraffe, gecko, koala bear, mouse, turtle, cow, rooster, sheep, frog, pig, bunny and horse.

He can also identify the sun, moon, airplanes, bees and lady bugs.

He has started singing to any song that comes on the radio or TV.

His new obsession is Finding Nemo.

He will make a cow sound if you ask him "What does a cow say?"

He runs. He runs all over the place!

This is not new but he is soooo ticklish!!! His armpits are the best place to get him. There is nothing better than his belly laugh!

He is definitely testing us these days {he had 3 time outs before 2:00 today}. Parenting is so hard!

He has turned into a very picky eater. I swear this kid would live off of bread and cheese if I let him.

He likes Diet Coke {really bad I know....I don't let him have it everyday and he only gets sips of mine} and lemonade. He still loves water and drinks a crazy amount of it everyday.

He taught himself how to blow his nose. The other day he just started holding TP or wipees up to his nose and blowing. It's hilarious!

Cole, you are an absolute joy and I feel like the luckiest mommy alive because you are my son! I can't wait to see what the next month brings. I am sure whatever you accomplish will amaze me. I love you so much it hurts!

I will leave you with a couple random but cute pics from our weekly Sunday dinner at my parents.

GO Uncle Jon GO!

Last night we went to watch uncle Jon play softball. We knew Cole would have an absolute blast! He was able to do 3 of his favorite things. 1, hang out with uncle Jon. 2, play outside. 3, throw the ball around with daddy. Cole was in heaven! Here are some of the highlights:

Cole's shoe fell of in the middle of the parking lot so he just sat down to fix it. Daddy had to move him to the curb so we could safely put his shoe back on. {also, this is the only picture I got of him with his hat on...I love Cole in a hat!}
Wishing Jon good luck before the game started.

Running around...chasing the football with daddy.

Cole telling Jon that he is doing an awesome job out there.

Cole made friends with Brianna. Her mom and I are in the same mom group.

****

We left with a very tired and sweaty little guy. He had the time of his life.

Diaper Bag Evolution

Friday was a sad day for me. For some reason retiring Cole's diaper bag was a hard thing for me to do. To me, it really meant he wasn't a baby anymore. I mean, I know he is a big boy and can do so many "big boy" things now but he still seemed like a baby to me until I put his diaper bag away and gave him his first back pack. Of course he will ALWAYS be my baby boy but I feel like part of that little baby innocence was lost of Friday...too deep...to emotional?? Maybe. So in honor of this big step I thought I would show you the diaper bags I have had for Cole {yes I had more than one....it took me a while to find the RIGHT one ok!}

This Petunia Pickle Bottom bag was Cole's first diaper bag. I. HAD. TO. HAVE. IT and then I realized it didn't function the way I needed it to. The flap Velcros. All you moms out there know that with a baby or carrier in one had and you need something out of the bag ripping the flap open is next to impossible. I could never get to what I needed so a couple of months after Cole was born I bought this bag:

I picked this bag out because it was always open and had lots of pockets. The only problem was that it just wasn't quite big enough for all the stuff I wanted to carry. So, after a couple of months I decided to buy this bag:

LOVED. IT. This ended up being the perfect bag for me. It was open on the top, had great pockets, was big enough for all my stuff and didn't have a stitch of Velcro on it. I carried this bag for the next year and couldn't have been happier with it. Now we are down to a little back pack for Cole and it is the perfect size for him.

This holds his diapees and wipees, snacks, sippy cup and a change of clothes and shoes if we need them. PERFECT!