Chillaxin'

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!

Happy Easter

Easter was a lot of fun this year. Lauren colored a few eggs on Saturday, while Cole watched from the comfort of his high chair (while snacking on Cheerios). Sunday morning the kids checked out their Easter baskets,
and Lauren went in search candy-filled eggs in our family room (the two blue ones must have been for Cole, as they contained Cheerios). Then we dropped by the egg hunt at Rawhide, and Lauren (and Cole)picked up a few more candy-eggs. After a nice long nap (woo hoo!), Lauren helped decorate some cupcakes for another Easter treat, by placing jelly beans on top. She had a little trouble falling and staying asleep at night though -I'm guessing because of too many jelly beans!

Tight Squeeze

There comes a time when it's handy to fence Cole in. We've been using 2 ottomans and a wicker basket to keep him in the family room, where he can play with his toys while we cook, eat, etc. However between these objects there remains a little gap, and he has managed to escape once or twice now....

High Hopes

We went to the Chandler Ostrich Festival a couple weeks back, and Lauren really wanted to go on the big swing ride. She was quite disappointed to learn that she didn't meet the 42" height requirement. Alas, she finally settled for the Jumbo Dumbo kiddie elephant ride. (As a side note, since then, she's been 'pretend-checking' her height at home against the wall - probably hoping to grow a foot or so taller before the festival returns next spring....)

Hired Help

For Valentine's Day, Lauren and I baked heart-shaped sugar cookies. Although, after rolling out the first batch of dough, she grew bored after cutting out only the 3rd cookie.... So I finished up the rest, but she agreed to pose for this picture, and to sample the results.

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...

Produce Galore

I decided to place an order with Bountiful Baskets last week, and I was pleasantly surprised with the selection this go-around: asparagus, cauliflower, romaine lettuce, zuchini squash, corn on the cob, jicama, garlic, tomatoes, a pineapple, mandarin oranges, pink lady apples, asian pears, and bananas. What a good deal for only $16.50.

4 weeks and 40 necklaces later...

Last month Lauren started in a Montessori school. It was a little rough for her the first week, but she is now more comfortable and is enjoying herself. Her favorite school activities (aka 'work') are making bead necklaces, gluing, sweeping the floor, and 'nature' walks. And she also likes to find out what I've packed in her lunch box each day :)

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.