Fountain First

With the evenings already so warm, we decided to take the boys to the Street fountains to let them burn off some energy before bedtime.  Although it cooled down quite a bit and the water was freezing chilly, the boys were champs and had a blast.

Overwhelmed with excitement :)  Pointing and smiling all the way

 Little man stayed true to his budding personality and was fearless.  First time to explore the water - he LOVED it!

Pure joy :)

 A face full of water?  Why yes. . . that sounds like fun Mommy!

 Cole stayed true to himself as well and was cautious.  He enjoys it from afar, but leaves the splashing and running to other kiddos.  Just another representation of how the Lord has created each of my boys so unique, so different.  It's exciting to think how God will use their gifts, passions, and abilities to further His Kingdom!

I am totally embarrassed by Cole's swim shirt.  Let's just say he's grown a TON since last summer and a trip to Children's Place was next on the agenda.

Ode to a Season

This past Tuesday was filled with mixed emotions as I watched you walk across a stage to receive your Pre-K diploma (yep, there is such a thing).  My heart ached for the time that has passed so quickly from infant to preschooler, yet rejoiced in what an amazing boy you've become in a mere five and a half years.  In that moment I was so proud that you call me Mommy.  It is a beautiful honor and gift to parent you sweet boy.

Your Treasure Creek graduation was just about the cutest thing I've ever seen.  Watching you parade in with your friends while singing about how God made you special brought tears of gladness to my face.

You sang the Months of the Year song like a pro with your friends and even gave a shout out to Mommy at the end :)

You also had the privilege of sharing with the audience about the Armor of God which Ms. Lisa has been teaching you in chapel each month.  Your special part was "We have shoes of peace to go where God wants us to go".  You said it perfectly - so, so proud of you!

All the classes sang "Peace, Love, and Worship" - my favorite song of the night.  Got everyone movin'!

You also did the hand motions to "I Will Pray" with all your friends and then watched a slideshow of your fun days at TC.

When it was time for you to walk across the stage and receive your diploma, all seven of us cheered for you. . . precious.

Goodness how we love you.  Your bright smile, funny jokes, love of learning, and silly faces will always have our hearts.  It's been an amazing ride so far and we can't wait to begin the next season of your life - KINDERGARTEN!

Your fan club :)  

Cole with his great-grandmother, Mom G

Cole and Nana

Gigi and Papa

A TRUE Johnson family photo :)

Opening a fun gift from Papa and Gigi - a pool to enjoy this summer!  

Cade also enjoyed watching you graduate.  Well, he actually played in the back most of the time, but I'm sure he was proud of you too :)

Ms. Donna and Ms. Missy - your sweet teachers 

Graduation cupcakes I made for your special day

Special end-of-year gifts for your teachers 

End-of-year gifts for other ladies that have meant so much to us throughout our TC journey.  A personalized message on each bag with a candle inside saying "When your eyes see this flame, may you remember the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 5:15-16. . . THANK YOU for 'letting your light so shine' before the families of Treasure Creek!"

 Remembering. . .

Your first day of TC - September 2008 

September 2009

September 2010

September 2011

Last day of TC - May 17, 2012

13 Months

You've been a busy boy this month!  Not only have you become more independent in your personality, but your mobility has moved up a notch - you're WALKING!!
You had taken a few steps here and there, but on Monday, May 14, you made up your mind to switch from all fours to two legs and never looked back.  You still have a hard time getting back up once you've fallen, but I'm sure you'll be cruising everywhere in no time!

* Your diet consists primarily of table food and you enjoy most of what we offer.  Your favorite foods are cheese, strawberries, watermelon, yogurt, pasta salad (pasta in general), peas, deli ham, applesauce, biscuits (bread of any kind), pancakes, and blueberry waffles.

*  You've begun eating with a fork and spoon.  Mommy still helps to scoop up the food, but you're a pro at getting it to the mouth.

*  You're becoming more accustomed to cow's milk.  Water is still your favorite beverage - using a sippy cup of course.

*  A bottle before bed is still routine and another is sometimes added around the 3:00 p.m. hour if you're refusing to nap :)

*  Sleeping through the night is the norm now. . . hallelujah!!

*  You've created a nice little daily schedule.  We are of course flexible if out and about, but for the most part, this is your routine:  wake between 7-7:30, nap around 10ish for 1-1.5 hours, lunch at noon, another nap around 2:30-3 p.m. for 2-2.5 hours, dinner at 6, bottle and bed at 8:30.

*  You have little interest in Baby Einstein DVDs or any other cartoon for that matter.  Baby Faith is still your favorite.

*  You still dance whenever music is played and you LOVE when Mommy sings the 'Clean-Up' song.

*  Two molars (top right and top left) poked through on May 20 - 10 teeth now!

*  You know how to remove every outlet cover and have figured out a few cabinet locks.  You love to climb the stairs and can pop something in your mouth quicker than I can retrieve it.  You definitely keep me on my toes!

*  Lots of words are in the making, and I'm confident you'll be communicating verbally in no time.  You say Da-Da, Hi, Ma-Ma (rarely, but I know you can :) ), cheese, this, and make the 't' sound for Tank.  We were also watching your Baby Faith DVD and I just know you said 'Jesus'.  So cute!

*  You love to be messy.  Dirt is your friend, and mealtime isn't complete without you smearing your face and hair with remnants from the meal.

*  You LOVE water.  Bathtime is still a favorite and we also visited the fountains at The Streets.  You were fearless!

*  Riding in your car is a favorite outdoor activity.  It's a good thing, because it kept you busy during Mommy's garage sale a few weekends ago.  When it's time to come inside you just cry and cry :(

*  You moved to a big boy car seat (still rear-facing due to new guidelines) and a big boy stroller.  Bye-bye infant carrier/travel system!

*   You've finally found a love for books.  You will independently choose one to look through and will even sit in Mommy's lap to listen to a story or two.  Yay!

*  Your blond curls have my heart.  Don't know how I'm going to find the strength to cut them one day.

*  You wake up so happy with a smile that makes my day.  You also think it's funny to throw your paci outside of your crib, point to it, and wait for Mommy to get it.

*  I may be biased, but you are just about the cutest little guy I know.  We even get compliments from complete strangers on how sweet you are - I must agree!

*  Your favorite room in the house is Daddy's office.  Lots of buttons, wires, and things to touch - not to mention that's where Daddy resides most of the day.  You love him to pieces!

We love you precious boy. . .