Fall Festival #1

Tonight we went to a "Fall Festival" at Cole's school. We didn't stay long b/c he was acting tired and ready for bed (I say acting b/c he is playing and pulling on my shirt as I type which is over an hour after we left - haha). But I wanted to post pictures b/c we debuted the turtle costume that Grammie (or Nay-Nay) made for him and he was pretty cute!!! And no the suit is not too small, it's actually pretty big so it rides up his legs a bit as he crawls or squirms. Anyway, here are a few pics, not the last you'll see of the turtle costume!

Cole is One Year Old!

It seems unbelievable that a year ago today Cole was born! To Cory and I it seems like it was yesterday. But when we think back to all of the changes and developments that have unfolded in his life and in the lives of our family this year, and realize that it has been a VERY busy 365 days.

So to recap the big birthday weekend....
Gigi and Pops picked Cole up from daycare and spent the afternoon and evening just being grandparents. They took Cole to the park and he fell asleep in the swings so it was back to the house for a "pre-party nap". We had our annual OU/TX party on Friday night. Cole played with his pal Peyton and we had a great time with the OU crew. Grammy (or Nay-nay), Grandad, and Uncle Eric all arrived on Saturday and Cole had a very busy afternoon entertaining and loving on all four grandparents. Cory went to the game and had a great time, he got home just in time to help us prep for the big birthday party. We ate dinner and then Cole ate his first cupcake! He absolutely LOVED being the center of attention. He laughed and clapped and smeared green frosting on his daddy's face while we all laughed and clapped too! Then he opened presents and rode his new four-wheeler around to more laughing and clapping. A good time was had by all and Cole ended the evening with the to-be-expected post sugar high meltdown. But we thought he totally deserved it b/c he had been so well behaved all day. He has so far celebrated his actual birthday with a morning of grandparent goodbyes, church, lunch with Grandad and Nay-Nay, skype session with Aunt Biz, phone call from Aunt Katty and an afternoon nap.

And for the record...
At a year old Cole, you are VERY active. You can crawl very quickly and when you see your daddy across the room you "turbo crawl" to him. You can pull up on ANYTHING, you will take some independent steps to get from mom to dad or vice versa. You are soooo close to walking that I'm guessing you'll be really doing it in a matter of weeks. You think that everything is a push and walk toy..... boxes, pots and pans, chairs, your highchair.... absolutely everything. You are very interested in the dogs, you love to chase them, feed them, pat them and in general just chatter at them until they run around like crazy! You are also very snuggly. You are always willing to give hugs, lay your head down for a quick snuggle and pat backs, arms, etc.

You are still VERY interested in all kids. You cry at daycare drop off but then through the day you play like a champion with your buddies. You are inquisitive, quietly observing things that are new. You are a little mimic - making any sounds we make, clapping when we clap, clicking your tongue when we do and just this last Wednesday you figured out how to wave. That was the 14th and by today you were waving goodbye to the grandparents like a pro!

You are an adventuresome eater and will try anything we offer you. However, you have a funny little habit of throwing things off your tray onto the floor when you don't like them or are finished with them, especially your sippy cup which makes a loud bang when you do it! We are working on breaking you of that habit. You have always loved water and bathtime so that is often a favorite part of our day. You giggle and splash and generally make a big comotion in the tub. You have also learned in the last few weeks to turn the hot and cold knobs. We tell you "no, no" b/c we don't want you to burn yourself and so now when you touch the handles you'll shake your head no as if you are telling yourself not to do it even as you reach for those forbidden knobs!

You are full of giggles and curiosity, a joy to all who meet you. You are also going to be a big brother in a few months and we are already seeing little signs (like the snuggling and the gentle patting of the dogs) that you will be a great one. We love you very much and are so proud to have a one year old baby boy who is so wonderful! Happy First Birthday!