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 :)

Baby Room Transformation

We are ready, but he has yet to arrive.... The baby room has been transformed from pretty pink to a subtle mix of primary colors. I found the circus crib bedding items on sale at PBK for under $60 for all three pieces - the bumper, skirt, and sheet. (I love a good sale). I made some wall art to mimic the circus animal appliques on the bumper - using some craft papers on canvas. And my mom made the coordinating curtain and chair pillow using an inexpensive sheet set we found at Kohl's. Lauren likes to visit the 'baby room' but luckily she seems to enjoy her new 'big girl' room even more.

Chocolate Biscotti

Tried a new biscotti recipe - Chocolate-Pistachio biscotti, a 'reader favorite' from this month's Everyday Food. I made a few substitutions - special dark cocoa for regular cocoa, white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks, and craisins for pistachios. The recipe made a softer biscotti than the Cooking Light recipe I normally use, but it was still quite good, and the chocolate is a nice variation.

B-day Freebie

Last year I signed up for Sephora's free Beauty Insider club in which you receive some pretty good coupons, special offers, etc. And near your birthday you get a lip gloss trio, completely free. Not bad!

Bag Lady

Lauren found a stash of shopping bags in our closet, and went to town stringing them all on her arms. I'm not really sure of her plans once she had them all, as I was able to distract her with a call for 'snack-time' or something like that....

Happy Easter!

There was a lot of talk of eggs around the house this weekend. Lauren had a Easter egg hunt at daycare on Fri, and also got a really cute flower felt Easter basket from her teacher - filled with bubbles, raisins, fruit chews, and a lady bug felt bracelet. Then on Sat, we colored eggs at home. And on Sun, Lauren had fun checking out her Easter basket from the Easter bunny, and had no problem quickly locating the 6 plastic eggs hidden for her. After dinner there was another treat - pink and yellow frosted mini-cupcakes. The Easter bunny left her a foil-wrapped chocolate bunny in her basket, but it might accidentally get misplaced.... as she may have already exceeded her monthly sugar quota.

'Me' Time

The cats love the 'after-eight' hours when Lauren is all tucked into bed for the night. They come out from their hiding spots to enjoy some quality lounging time. They even take over her chair....