Cole, at 18 months old.

You are such a big boy at 18 months now, Cole.  Not only are you big in size wearing mostly 3T clothing (100% for height and weight... 99% for head circumference), you are also a big boy in behavior.  You want to be a part of everything, especially if it involves your daddy and big brother.  You absolutely love balls and sports; nothing better than a little baseball practice or a good basketball hoop.  While you grunt more than speak, you love to clap your hands to show your happiness.  You are probably "Daniel Tiger's" biggest fan and your favorite toy is your stuffed animal named "Dog Dog."  You have 7 teeth and one molar.  You can't quite jump off the ground yet but try often.  Your most favorite food is oatmeal with blueberries, but really if we're honest, you'll eat most anything except for tomatoes.  You like to splash in the bath tub and enjoy the outdoors.  You are our youngest and we love you dearly.    

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.

Cole: 9 months

And then, just like that, you were 9 months.  Only three little months until you are one year old.  You constantly amaze us these days, with how quickly you are becoming a little boy and less a baby with each and every day.  Please stay little just a bit longer Cole.

But, based on your stats and the strength you have, I doubt that will happen.  

Weight: 29 lb., 6 oz. (100%) 

Height: 2 ft., 6 in. (98%)

Yow-wee!  My little chunk-a-monk be a-growin' and a BIG boy! 

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

• As I have mentioned before, we have a crawler!  But his new thing: the bear crawl.  He likes to get up on all fours and walk around the house.  I mean really, a standard crawl is something an 8 month old does, not a 9 month old.  Silly boy.
• Still no teeth... and really, not that much drool.  Maybe we'll have to invest in some baby dentures.
• He is able to pick up food off of his tray and feed himself now.  
• Cole is a very content little guy; one little toy can hold his interest for a long time.
• He says the word "Mama."  Not "ma ma ma ma ma ma..." Not "ma."  But "mama."  Better yet?  He will say it and look at me with the sweetest little smile.  Melts my heart every time.
• Cole already wants to do every little thing his big brother does.  That heart I mentioned in the bullet above?  Yeah, re-melted. 
• Cole is a water baby.  Although I have mentioned his love for bath time before, he loves to splash around in the tub each night before bed.  Definitely one of his favorites.
• Apparently, our little is a big sports buff.  He likes to sit around with his daddy and catch-up on the sports highlights of the day.
• He has a love/hate relationship with his stroller.  We're working on it.
• Because he is a crawler, he can pull himself up into a sitting position... and a standing position pretty quickly.  I think lots of tumbles and possibly cruising could be in our near (but hopefully distant) future. 

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

Valentine's week?

Just like last year, Valentine's Day came early in our household (see last year HERE).  I brought home two heart shaped balloons for the boys yesterday and they, of course, saw them right away.  Luckily, Cole sat patiently with his balloon so that I could get a few pictures - Kingston, on the other hand, needed to run as fast as he could through the house with his balloon, or jump with his balloon, or shake his balloon...  Boys.

So I guess yesterday officially started our Valentine's week here at our home... which is fine with me.  Why not show your love on other days besides February 14?

Baby Leggings

Baby Leggings.  For both girls and boys.  This trend has not been lost on me, as I am a card-caring member of the grown ladies in this world who still wear a few pairs of leggings in any given month week.  So when I found a pair of heather gray baby leggings for $3, I just had to give them a whirl on my little Cole...

And I'm in love.  I feel baby boy pants can be a bit too baggy and expose too much skin during the cool winter months - this is a nice, comfortable option that will keep my little warm.