Summer Soccer

We decided to sign Kingston up for summer soccer this year - the first year he is eligible to play.

To get him pumped up, we picked out some shin guards and socks to go with his hand-me-down soccer cleats over the weekend.  The boy thought he was Joe Cool with his "gear" on... so you know I had to take a picture.

Kingston ran around our house for a good 15 - 20 minutes "practicing soccer" by himself.  We were rolling.

But seriously - how cute are those little legs all dressed up and ready to go?!  I die.

Practice starts June 17th, games June 24th.  More photos to come, for sure.

Cole: 11 months

One month and you, my little Cole, will be one year old.  We've started planning your first birthday party and are very excited to celebrate you!

Next well-child visit will be at the end of June/beginning of July, so no updates on weight and height this month.  But seriously - look at those thighs.  Probably still 100%, or pretty close to it I am sure.

Oh, and with daddy's help (and maybe a few yogurt bites), we were able to take a few photos of you today.  Sitting still was not in the cards for your 11 month-monthly photos.

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

• So yeah... Cole has yet to sprout a tooth.  There were some thoughts of a possible canine-tooth-sighting, but nothing ever came of that.  Now, it seems that Cole's top two front teeth may be the possible first-tooth/teeth candidates.  I'm not holding my breath.
• He sat through his first haircut and looks pretty cute with this little trim.  
• If there were awards for foot-thumping while laying in a baby crib, Cole would win hands down.  The boy thumps his foot to fall asleep... when waking up... or sometimes, just because.
• Cole has started to show a little frustration when he doesn't get his way and seems to be understanding the word "no." 
• For Cole, there is nothing better than getting to climb up and down the stairs.
• While the boy gets very excited for bath time, he tends to take very quick (maybe 5 minutes tops) baths. 
• He can stand, unsupported, for quite some time (as seen in the photos above).  But that is all... he doesn't seem too interested in taking a step or two on his own yet.
• Everything goes in the boy's mouth.  EVERYTHING.
• Patty-Cake has to be the best game ever, just ask Cole.
• In another big-boy step away from babyhood, Cole can now hold his bottle when he is drinking milk at naps or bedtime. 

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

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!