Crusin' the Rink

To help support our friends' adoption, we hit the rink one evening for a night of roller skating fun. Cole had never been, so we were anxious to see how he would take to walking on wheels.

When introduced with the idea at home, he immediately began crying. Michael and I both tried consoling, encouraging, and pumping it up, but he was scared silly. After about an hour (and slowly losing my sympathy/sanity), I simply said, "Cole, we're going and I'm sure you're going to LOVE it! It's always fun to try something new". He then replied with, "But Mommy, I really, really don't like the ice." What?!?! Ice?! Poor thing thought we were going ice skating. Guess I know not to push that one in the future.

I must also note that I'm pretty sure Michael was quite relieved that 'male figure skater' is not in Cole's professional future.

After realizing that we were indeed skating on a regular floor and not ice, he was super excited. We looked at pictures of the rink on their website and 5:00 couldn't come fast enough.

We arrived, and it turned out to be the perfect night to introduce this new activity to Cole. He is very cautious by nature, and the rink was wasn't crowded at all. Gave him the perfect chance to try out his new wheels - which he chose to wear over his shoes. I'm thinking he'll be ready for real skates next time!

Brave boy surprised this mama and took to it like a pro. After a few times around he insisted on letting go and doing it by himself. . . even laughing when he fell which is HUGE for him. Kyle and Laura were also there, so they added some extra support and encouragement as well.

And yes, this mama skated too. Oh the memories of disco balls and Paula Abdul blaring in the background :)

Because the floor was pretty sparce, the manager let us take Cade in his stroller for a spin as well. A night of family fun!

We're excited to take him back on one of our 'big bro nights' in the near future.

Big Brother Love

Cole has been an AMAZING big brother thus far. He adores Cade and is so glad he's finally here :) Cole loves to give him kisses, hold his hand, watch diaper changes (he thinks they're hilarious for some reason), give Cade his pacifier when he's crying, read to him, and sing to him.

It's so precious to watch the interaction of my two sons. I can't wait to see how the Lord will bond them together as they grow!

Just Strollin'

Today's to-do list item was to clean and disinfect Cole's current car seat as well as the infant carrier/stroller combo we're using for Cade (which was also Cole's and praise the Lord doesn't expire until May 2012!).

Cole was a GREAT helper and wanted to use them as soon as we were finished. He picked out a puppy from his room, strapped him in, and took him for a stroll around the house. I must say it was the cutest thing ever. . .

He was so gentle as he fastened/unfastened the belts and lifted his puppy in and out. Just another display of the love his heart holds for his soon to come little brother.

Big Brother Class

Cole likes to visit the hospital. Actually, he LOVES it. He's been to a few doctor visits with us and is the life of the office. . . the nurses beg me to bring him and are disappointed if he's not there :) He calls Dr. Piper (my OB/Gyn) Dr. "Peter" (hey, Peter Piper. . . who can blame him?) and always thanks her for delivering him. Hilarious boy!

He loved watching the ultrasound of Cade, listening to the heartbeat numerous times on the doppler, and using the tape measure to make sure Cade was growing on track. He also got to watch Mommy be brave as I got a shot (didn't know that was coming!) to counteract my Rh negative self. Yep. . . the boy thoroughly enjoys Baptist.

Now if I could just get him as excited about HIS doctor visits. . . hmmm. . .

A few months ago, I found out through a friend that most hospitals in our area offered special classes for Big Brothers and Sisters - to - Be. Don't know how I missed it, but Michael and I both knew we wanted to take Cole, and knew that he would love it. We signed up for Saturday, April 2 and had a BLAST!

At the beginning of the 1 hr. class, all the boys and girls sat in the floor with Daddy (or other caregiver. . . mamas wouldn't be able to get up!) and a nurse began to talk about babies. How they will look (size, weight, umbilical cord, etc.), eat, etc. Mrs. Jill did a GREAT job and kept all the kiddos very engaged. Being his social self, Cole answered most questions and was proud to announce that he weighed 40 lbs. when he was born - news to this mommy! :)

The kiddos were asked to bring a doll or stuffed animal from home to practice changing a diaper. Cole brought a teddy bear and surprised us both with his diapering skills. I was also impressed at how much Michael remembered - I'm gonna have TWO great helpers!

After the 'talking' time, apple juice/water was given and we watched a short video about new babies. We then took the tour of the L&D room, postpartum room, and nursery. Many kiddos were distracted or disinterested, but Cole hung on to every word that Mrs. Amy said. It was PRECIOUS! He wanted to know all about the equipment and was especially interested in what shows were available to watch on the TV. Love. this. boy!

Of course my favorite part of our morning was the nursery. So many sweet miracles to behold! Michael and I said they looked like little glow worms all in a row. Although there were just a few present, the hospital was actually FULL with 40-50 babies that weekend. Thanks to the storm (the drop in barometric pressure really does cause water to break and labor to begin - who knew?!) the doctors and nurses had a BUSY few days :)

We are so glad that we took Cole and hopefully prepared him a little for Cade's arrival. We also enjoyed the one-on-one time with our precious boy and can't wait to see him interact with our new blessing. He's going to be such a fantastic big brother!

Regression?

While sorting through consignment clothes and tagging items yesterday, I looked up to see Cole quietly admiring all of Cade's things in his dresser. He oohed and ahhed at the blankets, bibs, burp cloths, and sleepers - all while I reminisced about him using those exact things. . . seems like yesterday.

While rummaging through, Cole came across a few pacifiers. Before I knew it, this was the scene wandering around the house. . .

Regression?

After a few moments, he tired of it and we placed it back in the drawer (washed and sanitized I assure you). Day by day, I see what a fabulous big brother the Lord has provided for Cade. Cole already LOVES him and is anxious to hold, kiss, and hug this new member of our family. I am truly blessed!