Nothing Better.

Although I do not want my boys to grow up any faster than they are, I am loving watching them interact with each other these days.  And I know it is just going to get better and better.

Kingston has to be one of the best big brothers I have ever known -- he is so kind and considerate to his little brother.  Kingston loves giving him smooches and making sure "Coley" is included in everything.  I am hoping this lasts... because soon Cole will be messing with his toys, being big brother's shadow, and doing all sorts of little brother things, I am sure of it.  

Cole is the happiest little guy there is, hands down.  Full of smiles, even though he has been teething since he was 3 months old with nothing to show for it.  He is so easy going... yet he lets you know when he is frustrated or really wants something.  He is such a joy to have around and I am so happy to see him every day.

Oh, and the above photo?  It was not planned and yet it is probably one of my favorites.

Looking Sharp.

{First Haircut -- May 12, 2103}

So I finally let the hubs talk me into getting Cole's haircut.  His first haircut... which is a pretty big milestone, if you ask me.  I know most parents don't have their little's hair cut until they are one year old or so... but I had to admit the hubs had a pretty good argument for it before then.  I mean, the boy's hair was starting to rest on his collar (which probably would have turned into a pretty sweet mullet if we would have let it), it was pretty puffy on the sides, and would stand straight up from his cowlick on the top/back of his head.  And when I heard the cashier at the grocery store say "I like his crazy hair" - I knew it was time.  

We opted for short on the sides, a wide faux-hawk-ish middle (similar to some MLB player) and my mother-in-law trimmed Cole up in no time.  The hubs is happy and I have to say I'm diggin' Cole's new look - looking sharp, my boy!     

A master's degree.

Three rows of attendees.

Two families.

One very proud group of people.

Such a big accomplishment - job well done, Sister!

Mother's Day Gift: DIY Flower Tower

The hubs and Kingston worked very hard to make my Mother's Day present this year, after being inspired by THIS project that was featured on a Home Depot commercial.   

The planter will grow and fill in the gaps to make a beautiful flower tower.  I am so excited to watch this thoughtful gift the next few weeks.  The hubs filled me in on the idea right before they started building it, so that I could take a few photos of their hard work (and Kingston really wanted to show me the pink flowers they picked out for me).  

In addition to this fun project, the hubs also tackled my least favorite Sunday chore by himself today: Laundry.  Boy, do I love that man!  

Oh, and he trimmed our Wedding Bridal Spirea from our garden and made a bouquet for our kitchen island.

I am so thankful for my husband and little boys - such a wonderful Mother's Day I had, because of them.  We also spent time with both moms this weekend and the boys gave their Nana and Mimi handmade gifts and lots of love.  

Being a momma is such a blessing and something that I treasure so very much.  It is probably the hardest, yet most rewarding, thing in my life and I would not trade it for anything.

I hope you mommas out there enjoyed your day and were spoiled just as much - Happy Mother's Day!

Homemade Banana Bread Kind-of-Day.

Kingston and I made THIS recipe today... minus the nuts... plus peanut butter chips.  Delish, friends.  Delish. 

Hula Baby + Sunny Friday

My parents-in-law brought home this sweet little Hawaiian outfit for Cole when they returned from their spring get-away a few weeks ago.  So I decided this warm weather we are having today deserved a little Hawaiian-flavor.  

While I couldn't get Cole to turn around for a front view - check out those little legs in his outfit.  I die. 

Happy Friday, friends!  

Cole: 10 months

... Is a baby on the move!  Our little guy is definitely keeping us busy these days.  And let me just say that capturing his 10 month photos this month was quite the challenge.  I was lucky to get him in a clean onesie and have him sit still for a few moments...

Here we are.  Cole, now 10 months old.  I have to say I am a little in shock and it is a little bittersweet for me.  My baby is growing up, which is fun and exciting for our little family... but also a little sad, as we are so very quickly leaving the baby stage.  I returned the breast pump I had rented from the hospital over the weekend (also a bittersweet moment) and couldn't help but wish for those first few days with our little again.  

And I'm not sure if you noticed, but our little is not so little these days.  While we did not take Cole for a well-child visit this month, I am almost positive he is still in the 100% for almost every thing.  Just call him moose. 

Here are a few other fun little facts about our little:

• First tooth sighting!  While he still has yet to officially have his first tooth, we are seeing a dot of white through his translucent gums... and it is not one of the two middle bottom teeth.  Randomly, it is his right bottom canine tooth.  Ahoy, baby pirate Cole?
• Cole can now wave hello... when he wants to. 
• He is a cruising-machine.  Like I said before, Cole is on the move... but he would much rather be cruising than crawling.  And he is getting pretty confident with it.
• He is also an eating-machine.  As I type this list, he made his way over to the hubs and they are sharing some goldfish crackers.  And an apple.  Pretty cute.
• Cole's hair is coming in pretty thick... and the hubs thinks it almost looks mullet-like.  I'm pondering his first haircut before he is one... we'll see.
• He is quite the little wrestler and is not picky on his opponent.  Daddy, brother, momma... or even our cat Jack.  
• And he enjoys a good thrill.  Whether it be a fun game of peek-a-boo or bouncing on momma's lap and dipping backwards sporadically.  
• One of Cole's favorite things is to crawl into our kitchen and pull all of the plastic baggies out of the bottom drawer.  Or find his baby wipes and pull all of them out of the container.  
• Dressing Cole is an absolute challenge these days.  And so is diapering. 
• He just figured out how to shake his head no and thinks it is pretty fun.

Want to see Cole's post from last month?  Click HERE. 

Adventures In Toddler-Sitting

Today we went on an adventure.  This momma went for a walk through our neighborhood with 3 toddlers and a baby in tow.  To keep us in line, we made sure to watch for butterflies, birds, airplanes, dogs... and the elusive garbage truck.  They had a blast.  I got a work out.  Fun was had by all.  

But before the adventure, we snapped a few photos.  The poses?  A way to keep the wiggly kiddos still.  We'll try for a "normal" photo next time. 

The shirt says it all.

I pulled out more of Kingston's hand-me-down clothes for Cole a few days ago and found this fun shirt.  It kinda works more for Cole, since he is his daddy's little twin (compared to the hubs's baby photos).  So you know I had to take a few photos of them together...   

An Early Birthday Party.

Last Saturday we celebrated my mom's birthday.  We had a great family celebration - complete with dinner, cupcakes, flowers, balloons, and gifts.  I'm pretty sure my mom was perfectly spoiled that day. 

Tomorrow is my mom's actual birthday (4/25).  Many, many wishes for a wonderful, happy, and blessed birthday Mom! xoxo