Doe Eyes

I do believe this little baby knows just how to use his big doe eyes to get WHATEVER he wants!  He sure knows how to tug at his Mama's heartstrings!

Black Friday

Oh yes, we went.  And boy did we shop.  We set off for the shops at a bright and early 2:30 am - and I must say, we did our share to jumpstart the local economy.

We took a lunch break at 11:30 at the delicious Cheesecake Factory - then shopped even more! 

(photos by Stu)

Black Friday in Portland was awesome!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with my side of the family up in Portland:

Isn't he the cutest?

Cole's first Christmas presents - since we won't all be together for Christmas this year, we had an early Christmas up at Meaghan and Stu's.  Cole thought the wrapping paper and bows were pretty awesome!

Cole and his Auntie Meg

(photo by Stu)

We sure have a lot to be thankful for this year!  And as always, family tops the list when we count our blessings.  We love you all!

A project of epic proportions

I began this project when I was 15.  I optimistically (and stupidly) bought the cross stitch kit at an after Christmas sale for 50% off. 

7 years later, I finally finished it.  And ten years later, it's framed and actually in my baby's room.  I can't even tell you how many hours I devoted to this Noah's Ark cross stitch.  And with every stitch, I thought of the baby I might one day have, the nursery I might one day hang it in, the child that might examine my stitches, naming the animals.

It's a silly, sort of meaningless accomplishment.  It's not going to save the whales, or promote world peace, or anything important.  But it's important to me.  It's a reminder of just how much love I had waiting to give my little baby. 

Eat, Eat!!!

One of my new favorite things to do with Cole is to feed him solid food.  The boy LOVES his food!  And his favorites are the weirdest things - squash, prunes, and green beans.  Umm, can you say ick?! 

 "Food goes in HERE, Mama!  Here!  Right here!  Where my mouth is! I'm opening up wide so you don't get confused!"

On your half-birthday

Dear Cole,

I absolutely cannot believe that you are six months old already.  How is this possible?  How has time flown by so quickly?  I know that before I know it, you will be crawling. And then walking.  And then driving. 

My darling son, I try so often to find the words to express just how much I love you...and I fail every time.  It's something so massive, so far-reaching, that the English language just cannot cover.  Just know I love you just a little more each day.

Love, Mama

HO HO HO

Cole met Santa yesterday...tell me this is not the mostest adorableness in one picture EVER!!!

I'm pretty sure he's been good this year! :)