Made Up Songs that Melt My Heart

I love the way Cole is growing and changing. He says something new everyday (most of which makes us laugh) and is definitely becoming Mr. Independent.

A routine kept from long ago is singing a song together before tucking in at night. As a newborn, Amazing Grace was the one that lulled him to sleep, toddler years brought about fun Scripture songs and a lullably passed down from my childhood, "Jesus Is With Me", and now it's changed to made up songs by my sweet boy.

These imaginative concoctions began at Christmas when he would sing about the star on his Christmas tree, Jesus, presents, and other seasonal things. After the tree was put away, he began to make up others - a few favorites being titled "My Books" and "DVD's in the DVD player" :) The sweetest though, he seems to have saved for last. The past three days, he's sung about Jesus, Papa, and Gigi - while adding a little strumming on the guitar.

Here are a few lyrics. . .

Jesus:

Jesus, you are so wonderful

You are so wonderful to me

I love you so much

You are powerful and wonderful and you love me

Jesus, I love you

Gigi:

I love you Gigi

You are so sweet to me

I love your house

I love to play with you and spend the night with you

Gigi, I love you

Papa:

Papa, I love you

You are my favorite Papa

I love when you play with me

I like eating dinner at your house

I want to visit you in Kentucky, Papa

I love you

Cole, how I love the innocence of your heart. I pray it never changes!

Zoom Zoom!

Today we had another round of Christmas fun - I love it!  Granny and Grandpa (Michael's dad and stepmom) traveled up to visit and spend the day from Chattanooga. . . all while playing Santa and bringing lots of goodies along.  Although their visit was cut short by the snowfall on the plateau, we enjoyed chatting and watching Cole open up his gifts.  

Granny and Grandpa have a tradition of getting the grandkids little things such as small cars, bubble bath, play-doh, a fun toothbrush, etc. (wrapping each individually) and then giving them $$ (or should I say, giving mommy and daddy the $$ at this age to put in the college fund).  Cole oohed and ahhed at every package, even once exclaiming "Oh my goodness!  It's shampoo!  My favorite!".  Have I mentioned that I just LOVE this little boy! :)

Aside from the small goodies, Uncle David and Aunt Kelley also sent a special package for Cole - a remote controlled ATV with rider.  Cole could hardly wait for Daddy and Grandpa to take it out of the packaging and add the batteries (yes, it took the two of them).

  

He's had a ball zooming it around the house.  Now if we can just teach him the coordination between forward motion AND turning the wheels - my poor furniture is taking a beating!

Wipeout!

One of Cole's new favorite shows on TV is Wipeout.  His love for the show grew as he and Daddy watched it on Tuesday evenings last summer/fall while I was at my Bible Study.  Listening to his sweet laugh as contestants fall, slip, jump, and well. . . wipeout. . . is contagious.

The show stopped running for a short time and we all awaited the new premier "Winter Wipeout" on January 6.  To mark this special event, we decided to have a Wipeout party.  Since Christmas, Cole's been counting down to this date - anticipating a fun night.  When he awoke yesterday and looked at his calendar, he exclaimed "Tonight's our Wipeout Party. . . YAY!!"  Of course we couldn't disappoint. . . with his birthday a mere month before, he remembered how to party and wouldn't be satisfied without a few necessities.   A homemade banner, balloons, friends, family, grilled dinner (porkchops, cowboy beans, corn-on-the-cob, garlic bread), party blowers, and cupcakes made for a fun night.  And of course the highlight - Winter Wipeout - didn't disappoint. . . it was one of the funniest episodes we've seen by far!  I'm sure chiropractors everywhere love it as well.  Those contestants surely need major adjustments after leaving the show! 

Table set with party napkins, blowers, and horns

I had another dessert in mind for the evening, but Cole insisted on cupcakes.  Thanks Gigi for helping to finish ice and decorate!

Barrett, Brittany, and Gigi

Chillin' in his chair watching the show

Food, Friends, and (Puppy) Fun

Last night, we had the joy of hosting Allen, Jessica, and Jonah Willis  in our home for dinner.  With the anticipation of their new little girl, Eve Amelie, due to arrive a mere two weeks after Cade, our families have much to share and rejoice together.  I so look forward to sharing this season of life with such dear friends. . . and excited to see how the Lord will strengthen our relationship through the journey.

After dinner, we adults enjoyed chatting while the kiddos played (although Cole ADORED Jessica and wanted her to be his playmate instead of Jonah :) ).  Michael also brought out the laser for Tank to chase which was a hit for everyone.  Jonah especially loved shining it on the floor while watching Tank run - such a sweet boy!

Cole kept everyone entertained through the evening with silly songs, dances, and funny phrases.  He definitely wanted the spotlight and would do just about anything (including a few 'misbehaves') to get, and keep, attention.  Oh boy. . . Cade is going to rock his little world (and mine I'm afraid!).

Although it will be an adjustment for us all, I know without a doubt that he will be a wonderful big brother and great helper when Cade arrives.

The List Continues. . .

With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

Ezra 3:11

After having 'one of those days' parenting a 4-year old, it's good for the soul to reflect on the blessings of the day.

14.  my foundation - the Rock of Jesus Christ

15.  sharing a meal with good friends

16.  a little boy that loves to shop and run errands with his mommy

17.  reminiscing through old photos

18.  the innocence of childhood

19.  made-up, silly songs

20. the smell of dinner filling up the house

21.  capturing the 'perfect' shot on camera

22.  sharing this stage of life with friends that 'get-it'

23.  baby talk and thoughts of little ones with my expectant mommy friends (there are six of us due within 6 weeks of one another!)

24.  clean sheets

25.  a freshly vacuumed floor 

26.  a sweet friend sending a random message of encouragement - the Lord knew I needed it!

Is Christmas REALLY over?

To say that Cole loved Christmas would be an understatement.  Not so much the presents, but it was the lights, trees, ornaments, and other decor. that captured his amazement.  He continues to come out of his room every morning with the anticipation of turning on the tree lights and then solemnly remembers, "oh yea. . . we put the tree away".  How heartbreaking!  

One thing that has kept the Christmas spirit alive for this little boy is wearing the pajamas he got on Christmas Eve.  He loves them and asks for them almost every night.  I'm thinking I can give 'em a wash and 'secretly' move them from the dryer to the attic bin, but not really banking on that.  I've got too smart a boy!

So, for now, I'll let his little heart be content to continue Christmas. . . even if only through pajamas. 

The New Favorite

Cole's favorite Christmas gift by far was his V-Reader from Papa and Gigi.  It's a book-like computer that let's him read stories, play reading/phonics games, and other fun features.

We didn't exchange gifts with my parents until late Christmas Day and it was quite disheartening to hear Cole say (after opening our gifts earlier), "oh man. . . I didn't get my V-Reader. . . (imagine the saddest little 4 year old voice - almost brought tears I tell ya!).

BUT oh the joy when he opened it at their home. . . he couldn't wait to play!

Since then, it's ridden with us in the car, eaten with us at restaurants, and even made it's way to Lowes once or twice.  Thank goodness for the M&M headphones or Mommy and Daddy would have surely memorized the books and games by now too :) 

 

He LOVES it (and we love, that he loves to read).  He's already mastered a few of the rhyming, beginning/ending sounds, and word hunt games.  Such a smart boy!