In This Corner...

Weighing in at 20lbs 2oz (12%) and standing tall at 29.75in (49%) with a big 'ole head (93%)... COLE!

Our 12-month appointment was at our new pediatrician (due to insurance). Dr. I-Have-No-Interest-In-My-Practice-Or-My-Patients started the appointment off by saying it was great to see us again. Right... So, he clearly reads his charts... Cole wouldn't go near him so he tried to show him an animal clipped on his stethoscope. I tried to help and said, "Cole, look at the koala!" He turned with, "I don't typically use words like 'koala' with children this age. 'Bear' would suffice." Really? Shouldn't the reprimands be saved for the parents that baby talk and treat their children like idiots? I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, and asked some questions about whole milk vs. toddler formula and Cole's weight. His responses were "Marketing ploy" and "He's on the curve." No consideration for his digestion issues and how to introduce whole milk or that he only gained 11lbs in 12 months. He ended the appointment with several lectures on nutrition and safety. Strike Three. "Cole, say goodbye to the bad man and the arboreal herbivorous marsupial native to Australia!"

Other 12-month stats:

*Runs everywhere! No more crawling or walking for this kid!
*"Ba" - Balloon, airplanes, or anything up in the air
*"NaNa" - Bottle
*"Hi!" - Only received when you walk into his room after a great nap
*"Bu" - Tom's belly button. He's obsessed with it. When Tom sits on the floor, he'll come over, lift his shirt and point. If Tom puts his shirt down, he'll lift it again. This can go on for 30 minutes... But if Tom tries to lift him when he's not wearing a shirt, Cole freaks out and won't touch his chest.
*"Oog" - Dogs and cats. He LOVES them and points while screaming "Oog!"
*Neighborhood watch - His face is always pressed against the front windows. Clearly has a bit of his dear great-granny Virginia in him! Ambulances... Dogs... He loves it all.
*Stalks girls at the park - He'll follow them, stand about five feet from them and just stare. We're working on trying not to be so creepy.
*Points at most to say hi. Once the moment is over, then he'll wave. Few get the double wave!
*Makes the best sound when he falls - "Ohhhh" in a grainy voice.
*No clapping yet :)
*Loves cars and makes a "vroom" sound when he pushes them on the floor
*Great at playing alone for 20-30 minute intervals. Took down some safety gates so he has his room, the living room and the bonus room to roam to. Allows me to get some work done!
*Whole wheat pasta and grilled cheese are go-to's if we're eating something spicy, otherwise he's eating what we're eating.
*Doesn't realize he can climb - Wohoo!
*Terrified of car alarms.
*Mastered the sippy cup - Wish us luck as we put an end to bottles!

Happy Birthday, Cole!!

Where does the time go?! I feel like I was just announcing we were expecting, and our little guy is ONE! To celebrate the big day, we took him to Rubio's for lunch - He scarfed down an entire chicken taco! After lunch, we made our way to Playtown, an indoor playground for 5 & under kiddos. He had a blast and played nonstop for 2 1/2 hours - A lot for someone that usually fades every 90 minutes! We loved watching him push the shopping carts around, so we stopped at Toys-R-Us for a lawnmower. He's such a great kid and always makes us laugh - And that smile? Can't believe we managed to walk out with only one item!

















Don't let him fool you...



CRAZY!



Patrolling at Playtown, making sure everyone is behaving and playing nice.







He SCORES!

Christmas Fun with Friends

Later on in the day Uncle Mike, Aunt Sarah and Aunt Robin came over to celebrate with us - We watched football and enjoyed way too many appetizers. It was wonderful having them in town and I wish I would've thought to grab the camera and capture more adorable moments like these.





Photos with Aunt Sarah? A nice family photo where we were showered/dressed? Not so much... Add *Take more photos, including posed shots* to the list of resolutions!

Merry Christmas!

In the past we've traveled over Christmas but it was decided Cole's first one should be a traditional day at home. He wasn't too sure about the tree or all the new toys, but he was all about the wrapping paper, dad's bottle of scotch and the shoelaces on my new shoes. Watching him bounce from one thing to another was so much fun...











Skittles from Dad's stocking!!

Christmas Eve

For the past couple of years, Tom and I have always celebrated Christmas Eve the same way - We gorge on our favorite appetizers, drink wine (or last year, grosser than gross alcohol-free wine) and watch Elf. This year, we added a few new traditions to the mix.

There is a house near us that has lights set to music (they have a radio station that works only on their street). We bundled up Cole, figuring he would love it.



Yep. My FAVORITE holiday song blasting, lights flashing and he's more interested in the buttons on the door. Took him out of the car and he only focused on the other cars driving by. The kid's a character! Next year.

We came home and made cookies for Santa.

Finally. All ready for the big guy!





Then we waited.

One Week Later: Little David Beckham

Up to Ten!

Dear Santa Claus

I'm very sorry for the way I behaved today. Please don't hold it against me on Christmas morning.

Sincerely,
Cole