Communication

Cole is starting to express his wishes. You have seen video of the "more" and now he has added waving and we are starting to get the "so big" down. Will try to get video soon!

Cole continues to wow people with his big blue eyes and beautiful smile. He has added a second part to his look by being shy. After flashing his smile, he turns his head into Mommy.

Cole wants to be doing whatever the other kids are doing. If they are outside, he wants to be outside and gets really excited when the back door open or really upset when he isn't also going outside. He also doesn't like to be in a different room when he can hear the kids playing with Daddy. He wants to be part of the fun!

Whole Lotta Much

Wednesday

Mommy: Do you know how much Mommy loves you?"
Chad: A Whole Lotta Much.

I am hoping to put this on an old barn board to put it up in our home. I couldn't have put it better.

I in house...

I just got off the phone with Grams.

Kaylee: I want to talk to her.
Mommy: Sorry she had to go. You can talk to her later.
Kaylee: I need to see her.
Mommy: You can't see her. She is in _____ and you are in ________ (our state).
Kaylee: No I not. I in house!

More

Cole has gotten really good about asking for more. He gets really excited when we get excited.

I Hear You, God

If you are unsure of what Kaylee is wearing in this picture, it is a pair of ears. At church on Thursday she made these ears. Yesterday morning, she put them on and said "Now, I can hear God." She has worn them throughout the weekend and most of the time reminds us that she is listening to God.

If you are under the idea that 2-year-olds can't learn about God or that Bible time is above them, Kaylee is proof that this is false!

Thank you Lord for the people who love on Kaylee, Chad, and Cole at church. Bless these people for teaching our children about God's love.

Update: At church, Kaylee's teachers asked her about wearing her ears. She told them "I listen to God." They asked her what God said. Kaylee said, "He lives in my heart."

March Update

We have so enjoyed the beautiful weather; spending most of our past few days outside. Chad spent a lot of time in the sand pile, Kaylee swinging, and Cole really enjoyed driving the little coup car.

We have been walking in the evenings as a family. Chad rides his bike up and down the lane while Cole and Kaylee ride in the stroller. On Monday I carried Cole and he got really tired!

Where's Ducky

It was time for Ducky to have a bath. Kaylee reluctantly put Ducky into the washer and closed the door. As the water started to pour in, Kaylee decided that she needed to check on her favorite friend. She sat watching the clothes.
Then...


"I see Ducky!"

Cole Talks

More Please

Papa and Grams Weekend

We had the great joy of having Grams and Papa visit this weekend. Of course Kaylee and Chad were thrilled to see them but Cole really made over Papa. Papa helped Mommy get the garden in and Grams got all of the laundry done (including summer clothes out of the attic and ready to wear) and the house cleaned. They also made sure that Mommy and Daddy got a date night in as well. The time went really too fast but we are thankful for every moment. Mommy is refreshed and ready for the week!!!

Cole's Stats

Long and Skinny, just like my brother!

Cole had a good check up yesterday for his 9 month well-baby check.
17 lbs. 3 oz - 7th percentile
29 1/2" - 85th percentile
17 1/4" head - 15th percentile

Chad and Cole were both 29 1/2" at 9 months. But Cole is weighing less. The ped is not concerned because he is VERY active (more so than even Chad). Also, since he "eats at Mommy's" he also isn't getting as much fat in his diet as he used to. As time goes by, Mommy's food gets "healthier" and less fatty. Cole will begin whole milk in a couple of months so we will see if his weight goes up then. For some reason, I doubt he ever becomes chunky as a baby!

Family

My family blessed me by letting me take their pictures!

Cole's 9 Month Pictures

Cole continues to be a pretty happy baby. He really likes his mommy and this weekend decided that Daddy was really great too. We think he is working on a tooth right now because he is more cranky than usual.

Cole really thinks life is unfair when Kaylee and Chad get to go outside and he doesn't get to join them. He stands at the back door and cries as he watches them play.

Cole is our biggest dare-devil as there is nothing too high or too far for him to reach. Rarely does he not have a little bruise on his face from falling and knocking into something. But he gets right back up and keep trying.

Cole's smiles continue to melt every ones' hearts. He has a loving personality. Unlike Kaylee and Chad, Cole is a cuddlier. How sweet it is to have him lay his head down on your shoulder.

Rain On Me

As you know, I co-lead a grief group last semester at church. I had the opportunity to work with 2 amazing women; one of which was Holley Gerth.

Holley has just published a devotional book called Rain On Me - Devotions of Hope and Encouragement During Difficult Times . In the 40 day devotional, she uses part for our story. One of the days is about our victory over grief.



When Holley told me in the fall that she was going to use our story, I broke down. We are completely humbled and honored that God continues to turn our ashes into beauty.

We Aren't the Only Ones Who Think Spring is Here

While outside today we noticed that the peach trees are loving this warm weather. The one tree is filled with little pink flowers and the other tree is full of buds. We kids got to see the little bees at work on the blossoms.

Dear Lord, we pray that You protect our little fruit trees from frost, pest, and wind or anything else that would harm the crop. We pray that You would give us lots of fruit.

Summer...We're Ready!!!

With the temps in the 70's, we spend the last two mornings working outside to get the flower beds cleaned up and the garden ready. We also had to move the hostas and a large clump of pampas grass. Chad helped me create a new flower bed by the red barn for these items. Michael helped me get the rocks and dirt moved away from what use to be the Bradford pear tree. With the help of our wonderful neighbor, Michael also got the garden tilled.

Kaylee has been practicing her swimming in the bathtub and is ready for "her" pool. Chad really wants to run around without shoes and socks and play in the water. Cole just enjoys life.

So summer...we are ready!!

Chad

Yesterday was such a beautiful day that Chad went outside to play before my piano lessons came. I looked out the kitchen window and saw him laying down, playing in the grass while watching for the first van of students to come. Of course, I had to run and get my camera! He read my love language and let me take several pictures!

Cole Knows His Alphabet

If you have been following this blog, you will know that Cole really likes the letter "e". He says "e" a lot!

Today at therapy, Chad was lacing following an ABC pattern. Miss Wendy asked Chad what letter followed "d". Without missing a beat, Cole said "e".