Turning One

Cole had a blast on his first birthday. He started off the festivities with his 12 month check-up, measuring up to 19.7 oz (5-10%) and 30.5 in (75%). We also got back the results from his allergy test - he is allergic to eggs (both yolks & whites).... Never fear! Grandma Pennie prepared him a yummy egg-free cake for his party with all the Grandparents on Saturday. Didn't get much reaction from him w/r to the cake (although he did like squishing the icing in his fingers), but he certainly enjoyed tugging on his balloons, and ripping the paper off his presents. He received lots of fun gifts - including a Thomas ride-on toy, some adorable outfits from Gymboree, fun books, a toy CD-player, and a pair of sunglasses (from Lauren). Party on!

Taking a Stand

Cole figured out how to pull himself up and stand in his crib a couple weeks ago. He also likes to bounce and chew on the rails a bit while he's up there - he thinks it's party time. This, however, makes the transition to nap/bedtime a little more challenging...

Weights and Measures

Cole went for his 9-month check up last week, measuring 17 lb 2 oz (10%) and 28.5 in (50-75%) - up a pound and an inch from his last vist. We also learned he has an ear infection, which was the reason for a lingering runny nose/congestion :( That hasn't slowed him down much though - he's learned to sit, crawl, and pull himself up in the last month. He loves to grab anything in reach (e.g., Lauren's hair, a pair of sunglasses) and is quite squirmy when it's time to change his diaper or clothes. He has two teeth so far, and many on the way - what a drooler! He started day care last month, and continues to be a very happy baby - enjoying peek-a-boo, laughing with Lauren, and a good tickle.

Here Comes Trouble

Cole kicked off the new year with a bit of a forward crawl... and the rest is history. He's becoming quite speedy already, and is especially fond of the tile floor, the TiVo, and any of Lauren's toys (which usually results in 'No, mine!').

Checking In

Cole went for his 6-month check-up last week - logging in at 16 lb 2 oz (10-25%) and 27 1/2 in (75-90%). He has a healthy appetite, and has sampled a few baby foods now; peas and sweet potatoes are his favorites, green beans, not so much. He loves to roll over, has been practicing sitting up, and likes to say 'ba, ba, ba'. He just got some pictures taken at JCPenney (shown here), giggling all the way. And Lauren likes to greet him in the morning with 'Good Morning Big Boy!'

Double Digits

A few weeks ago, Cole discovered his toes. He hasn't tried to put them in his mouth yet, but he sure loves to grab them. He's still not very interested in rolling - has done it once or twice, but is otherwise pretty content to lay in one spot and touch those toes.

No Pain, No Gain

Cole reviews his immunization record from today's 4-month check-up. 'Sheesh! Enough with the shots already!' He continues to pack on the pounds and inches, doubling his weight and adding a little over half a foot since birth. The stats: 14 lb 2 oz (25-50%) and 26 in (75-90%). And, in other news... bring on the rice cereal!

Sweet Dreams

Last Friday, Cole slept an amazing 10+ hours at night, 8pm-6am. It began as an experiment, but it seems he's turned a corner - the new sleep pattern has continued for a full week. We are all overjoyed!

Pretend Play

As I rounded up the trash for garbage day, this is what I found in Lauren's trash bin... three 'dirty' diaper wipes, individually sealed in ziploc baggies, from Lauren's babies who did poo-poo in their diapers.

Best Buds

Two brown-eyed friends, one showcasing his best 'deer-in-headlights' impression. Cole is starting to grasp at stuff these days. He particularly likes the animals hanging from his bouncy seat. And Lauren gets such a kick out of every time he pulls one off. 'Mommy, Baby Tole knock el-phant down!' (giggle, giggle) :)

Mom's Best Friend

The baby swing; what a great invention. Buckle him in, turn on the music, turn on the rotating birds, and set it in motion. Works like a charm almost every time.
Before:

After:

Stickin' to the Curve

Cole had his 2-month check-up yesterday. He's steadily gaining in height and weight - now up to 11 lb 4.5 oz (25-50%) and 23 1/4 in (50-75%). He did pretty well with his 4 shots too (didn't react until the 2nd one hit). When Lauren got home she noticed his band-aids and exclaimed that 'baby Cole has owie; two!' and surmised that 'baby Cole fell down, on the floor'.

All in the Family

Here's a side by side of Cole and Lauren, at 7 and 10 weeks respectively. As noted previously, I see a remarkably similar hair pattern...

Smiles & Grins

Cole has dished out his first smiles. All it takes is a little song, or a few tickles. 'Pop Goes the Weasel' and 'Rubber Ducky' work well. He has 'cooed' once or twice so far, but nothing too consistent just yet.

Here he sports his flashy new grin, and a new pair of overalls too. And if you look really closely, you can see some new hair coming in on top of his head - woo hoo!

On the Up and Up

Cole went to his 1-month check-up yesterday. He is now 9 lb 3 oz (25-50%) and 22 1/2 in (75-90%). He had a good visit, and only cried briefly when he got his Hep B vaccination. The nurse commented on his new 'do' - as his top hair has disappeared! She actually chuckled (we won't tell him) at his newfound male pattern baldness :) Lauren sported the same hair-style for quite some time, but the difference is she didn't have any hair there to start with.

Like Clockwork

Now a month old, it seems Cole has already established a relatively regular nighttime feeding pattern. He eats around 8-10pm (sometimes twice, what a snacker), then 1am, and 5am. These times aren't actually all that bad, since I'm really only waking + returning to sleep for the 1am feeding. When he's done with the 5am feeding I hand him off to Stew for a burp/change, since it's almost time for Lauren to get up anyway, and I enjoy a quick bowl of cereal (I really look forward to that; ah, the little things...)

My Faves

I love to eat, and sleep, and eat some more. Here are my other 'Top 5' favorites....
- a good burp
- a clean diaper
- kisses from my sis
- getting my hair washed
- snuggle time

3 Weeks and Counting

Grandma Pennie made these yummy baby-blue frosted cupcakes to mark Cole's 3-week birthday. It only seemed fair, since we had cupcakes when Lauren turned 3 weeks too :) This time however, Lauren got to enjoy one as well. But none for Baby Cole, since as Lauren points out, he has 'no teeth'.

Turning Two

Lauren turned two this week, and we celebrated last weekend with a small birthday get-together with the grandparents. She sported a new dress for the occasion, and really enjoyed having everyone sing Happy Birthday to her (she'd been practicing herself all week!) She was a little frightened of the flames from the candles, but we eventually got the smiles out after she stuck her finger in the frosting. She had a blast opening all her presents (it took quite a while!) and got lots of cool things - including this kitchen set from Mommy & Daddy and a wooden cookie baking set from Grandma & Grandpa. She got some really cute clothes too, and upon opening a pair of denim capris, she immediately pulled off her diaper cover and put on the pants - wearing them under her dress for most of the afternoon. Lauren also had a good 2-year check-up at the doctor's; she's up to 35 in (75%) and 25 lbs (25%), and no shots - yippee!

He's Here!

Cole Matthew arrived on Wednesday April 29th at 5:29 am. He weighed 6 lb 13 oz, and measured 19 1/2 inches. Labor and delivery went pretty smoothly, only lasting about 6 hours. We thankfully headed home the next day, after a long, dark, and cold night due to a 'planned' power outage as a result of hospital construction (perfect timing, right?) We also got to participate in the new 'baby LoJack' system at the hospital - note the object on his left ankle. The system still needs a bit of fine tuning though, as we learned... As I was wheeled to the nurse's station and we waited to leave, he apparently set off the (loud!) alarm, locking down all the exits on the floor, and sending a security guard our way. Too funny. Cole is a pretty mellow baby thus far, only crying a bit when he is hungry or needs to burp. He's had a few sponge baths with no major complaints, and finds getting his hair washed very soothing - just like big sis Lauren as a baby :)