Back to school....

Wow - I really am in shock that we are in our last week of summer vacation? I cannot believe how quickly it has gone. We had a very very busy summer but I think we enjoyed it to the fullest. As the summer began, I wasn't sure what to expect - I had never stayed at home with Cole before and I was worried with how we would fill our days - that actually wasn't hard. Looking back we had so much fun together - music class, walks, trips to the zoo, beach, playground, visiting with Super Gram, meeting friends for lunch, visiting Daddy for lunch, time with grandparents, visiting friends out of town, having friends visit us, and taking some road trips. We managed to create some great summer memories. I am so very thankful for this time that Cole and I had together. As we look forward to his first birthday, I can't help but tear up a little at the thought that we will never have "this" time again. Of course, I am so so so thankful for my profession and the built in breaks that I get and I know there will be a "next" summer (which I'm already looking forward to!) but Cole will be at a different stage. I guess I just need to be excited about the stage he'll be at next summer and how much more we will be able to do because he will be walking/running, talking, etc. I looked back at some pictures of Cole from June and was thinking about what he was doing when I got out of school and what he is doing now. These two short months have produced such huge changes in such a little guy - he went from barely crawling to crawling like a maniac and now standing independently, from two teeth to almost ten teeth, from babbling to saying "mama", "dada", and his favorite - "bob", from laughing at his parents to truly interacting with us, to watching Zoey to playing with Zoey. Boy is Donna - his day care provider - in for a shock! It has been such a joy to watch him grow and change and despite my reluctancy to go back to school, I know in the end that it will make me a better Mom! I love you little Cole bean and I'm so thankful for these last ten weeks! Already counting down the days till Christmas vacation......

Not sure how this video will come through - first time uploading one. But if it works - enjoy Cole saying "Bob"! More videos and pics to come!

Take care!

Eleven months...well almost!

Can't believe we are two days shy of Cole turning 11 months old! I remember Tom and I having a conversation when we brought him home from the hospital about how drastically he would have changed over the course of a year but I didn't think I would be as emotional about it as I am beginning to be! We are continuing to enjoy the summer (or what is left of it!). Cole has spent the majority of his summer teething - not so fun for any of us! We started out the summer with just the two bottom teeth and he is currently working on teeth nine and ten!!!! Ouch! Needless to say - we are lacking in the sleep department but hopefully we get through these and then get a reprieve for a bit while Mommy adjusts to being back at work!

He has begun to stand independently which he finds very funny and appears so proud of himself. He hasn't mastered taking any steps yet but I'm sure that will only be a matter of time as this boy is just like his daddy and doesn't like to sit still! Every night before we go to bed, I am amazed at tornado of toys, books, etc. we are picking up. This boy certainly knows how to make a mess like his daddy too!

Last week we got a visit from Mommy's friend Rachel. They were roommates in grad school and now Rachel lives in Chicago. Cole (and Zoey) took a liking to Rach right away and it was great to have an extra set of hands around. Come back and visit any time Rach (and we promise we won't make you sleep with Zoey again!)

We have also spent some time welcoming some member of the next generation and new play mates for Cole - Kiernan Eve Russo (proud parents Shayna & Chris) and Nico Christian Anacone (proud parents Diandra & Matt). Cole can't wait to meet his new play mates! We are also anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby Girard - any day now and Baby Boy Doorly in November! Yay for new friends!

Last but not least - we spent a day with the Mima & Papa, Uncle Brian, Auntie Tat, and Cousin Mason celebrating Mima's 60th b-day - a few weeks late. We enjoyed a true Rhode Island day - some time at the beach and then a trip to the Charlestown seafood festival! The boys were great and we had a blast! Happy b-day Mima - we love you!

Here are pics of our recent events, etc. Enjoy!

Daddy has been taking Cole to the park while Mommy hits the gym - as you can see - he loves it!

Hanging with Rach!

We took Rachel to the beach while she was here and she snapped these shots

Our trip the seafood festival was complete by the boys enjoying their first carnival ride w/ Daddy and Uncle Brian. I think the Daddy's had the most fun!

Waiting in line...

Mima also got a temporary tattoo

Cole enjoying the music from one of the bands!

Mason trying on some stylish hats

Uncle Brian and Daddy though it would be fun to bury Cole's legs - he thought it was fun too until he realized he couldn't move!

Cole rocking out to the Summer Concert Series on the Today Show - this boy loves music!

Loves sharing his toys with Zoey

Where has the summer gone?

We can't believe it is August already and summer is coming to an end. Mommy is not enjoying thinking about the start of school because it means her days spent with Cole will be coming to an end! We had a very busy July and we are looking forward to a more relaxed August! Cole continues to be on the go - we lovingly refer to him as "Dennis the Menace" since he has a way of getting into everything he is not supposed to and usually coming out with some sort of scrape, bruise, etc. to show for it!

We cannot believe that in six weeks our little guy will be turning a year old! Everyone told us how fast it goes but wow - we didn't expect it to go this fast. When I go and check on him at night before I go to bed, I am amazed that the tiny little five pound baby we brought home from the hospital is now on his way to being a big boy! While it certainly has been a year of ups and downs and many many many sleepless nights - we would not trade it for the world! I recently came across a quote about motherhood that really struck me with it's truth - "Being a mother is the hardest thing I love the most!" I couldn't agree more!

Here are some recent pics! Enjoy!

One of my favorite pics of these boys - cousins and best buddies!

Cousin Mason chomping on some grass!

Cole playing with cousin Mason's airplane!

Lunch/Dinner club with the Blount/Wildeman/Noyes clans!

Myles and Cole playing

Family trip to the beach - wave riding with Daddy - he LOVED it!

Our beach bum!

What is this sand stuff?

Hmm....which book to read?

That's his "I'm gonna do it even though you said No" face!

So much for the barricade - notice Zoey's astonishment since she couldn't figure it out!