YUM!

If Cade could talk, I'm sure that's what he would say about rice cereal. We experimented with it today for the first time and he LOVED it! Quite a different experience than that of his brother :)

First bite. . .

He immediately wanted more. I couldn't get it to his mouth fast enough! If I lingered he would begin to fuss and try to eat his fist or bib - hilarious!

Here's hoping that the rest of our food journey will be as successful!

Four Months

Growing and changing more each day. Just when I think you can't get any cuter, you surprise me! I love your sweet spirit, wide grin, and steel blue eyes. You have my heart sweet boy!

You did great at your 4 month well-visit. The shots didn't seem to affect you this time around and you were back to your smiley self in no time.

Stats:

Weight: 14 lbs. 12 oz. (47%)

Height: 24 1/2 inches (33%)

Head Circumference: 16 1/4

* We've gotten the go ahead to begin cereal/oatmeal and baby food shortly after. I can't wait to see how you react to this new found texture. Your brother wouldn't have it and didn't eat most things until 9 months. . . hopefully you'll enjoy it!

* I left you in the nursery at church for the first time. You were sound asleep when we walked through the doors and I knew that the worship music would wake you right up. SO I added your name to our family check-in and off you went to Room 104. I'm sure Bro. David's sermon was excellent, but I could barely concentrate. . . be still my heart! You were wonderful and perfectly content when I arrived at the door.

You still ventured to small group with us. One step at a time for this mama :)

* After months of fussing during 'tummy' time, you now love to roll from your back to your stomach and play. We place rattles and mirrors all around you for added stimulation which you enjoy. Cole really enjoys playing with you now as well - you reach for him, laugh at his funny faces, and talk to him constantly. Love. Love. Love.

Staring at your brother

No one makes you laugh or coo like he can!

* EVERYTHING goes in the mouth these days. Hands, toys, clothes, blankets - wondering if teeth will pop through soon?

* I believe that separation anxiety is beginning - yikes! Gigi held you the other day and you scanned for Mommy while puckering out your bottom lip. It's no fun, but secretly I cherish that you love your mommy so much.

I found this photo of your brother wearing the same outfit at the same age as you. So sweet! You each have your own look (Cole's cheeks. . . gracious!) but definitely show that you're siblings :)

Cole - March 2007

Cade - August 2011

Bye Bye Preschool. . .

and Hello Pre-K!

This week was a big one for Cole - we met his Treasure Creek Pre-K teachers on Tuesday evening and his first day was today!

As I watched my sweet boy walk through his classroom door, I was immediately taken back three years ago when we visited TC for the first time. I was a nervous wreck leaving my 21 month old 'baby' for a few hours. . . oh how I counted down the minutes until it was time to pick him up :) Fast forward and here we are - a short year away from kindergarten. How can it be?

First day at TC: 21 months, August 2008

August 2009

August 2010

Today!

Cole, I am so thankful and proud of the young boy you are becoming. Your delightful spirit has truly captured my heart! Here are a few things you loved about your first Pre-K day. . .

* Eating lunch with the other Pre-K classes outside of your classroom in the Gathering Area

* Calendar time

* Sitting with Miley and Madalyn - friends from your previous years

* Learning about your computer class (you can't wait to go!)

* Finding out you can check out books from the TC library

* Showing me your take home folder and the colorful picture you drew

* Playing with Brody on the playground

* So proud of yourself for not crying when Mommy and Daddy left (although Mommy may have shed a tear or two)

As per tradition, I also made Teacher Survial Kits for our new teachers, Ms. Donna and Ms. Sharyl.

We are so excited to see what this year has in store for you sweet boy. I know you will learn lots and my prayer is that you not only grow in academic knowledge, but in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ferris Wheels and Funnel Cakes

I love that we're making a visit to the Wilson Co. Fair an annual end-of-summer tradition for our family. Touring the rides, exploring the exhibits, listening to some down South music, and grabbing a bite of yummy (albeit not so figure friendly) fair food is a perfect evening if you ask me! This year, we brought along my parents and my brother/sis-in-law. They had never been to this particular fair and had a ball right along with us.

Cole especially enjoyed this year as he had grown just a bit and was able to ride quite a few more rides - even a few by himself with 'Frog Hopper' being his favorite. He had his eye on the Mouse Trap roller coaster (he is fearless when it comes to heights and rides), but was still 4 inches too short. . . maybe next year :)

First up - the ferris wheel

Yep. . . that's us in the purple up top. We hung out there quite a few times - Cole LOVED it!

Free face/hand painting booth where ladies told the Gospel message through the colors used in each picture. So sweet. . .

*And this mama was sooo proud as Cole explained the Gospel message to her!

Pig races :)

Pick me!

Lovin' all the action

Petting zoo

Ride time! Thank goodness Aunt Laura came along. She's the only one that can spin without feeling loopy afterwards :)

Didn't realize we had the stripe theme happenin' :)

My mom and dad

Frog Hopper = pure joy

Sweetness and I watching the go-kart races. Don't you love my 'slobber' shoulder? :)

Super Slide. . . definitely my fav!

Precious, precious boy!

Fireworks + Daddy's shoulders = perfect ending

15 Weeks

I normally just do a month by month post for you, but there's so much you've done in the past few weeks!

* Your exersaucer is a new favorite activity. You have great control of your upper body and enjoy exploring this new toy. I still place a blanket around you for added support. . . your expressions say it all!

* You've moved into size 2 diapers - and a few brands of those are too little - yikes!

* You no longer sleep in your 'napper'. You have transitioned well from being 'snuggled' to laying freely in your bed. You still wake yourself up squirming from time to time, but overall, you've done great!

* You ROLLED over! (That's a previous post all its own :) )

* You belly laugh when we're changing your diaper and we say "Shoo-we!" It's quite hilarious.

* You've definitely found the TV and enjoy watching your brother play the Wii. You also enjoy Praise Baby and Baby Faith DVDs.

* You've outgrown all of your 0-3 month clothes. A few 3-6 month outfits are even too small - my oh my! I'm so anxious to see how much you've grown at your doctor visit soon.

Lovin' the Rain

After weeks without rain, the steady sound of raindrops on the windows was a beautiful thing this weekend. I actually love rainy mornings spent at home. Lounging in pajamas while playing with fun indoor activities is the perfect start to a day if you ask me :)

We broke out Cole's Puppy Play-Doh set which we played with for the better part of 2 hours.

Cade even joined in the fun as he sat in the infant highchair - can't believe he's big enough for this already!