Happy Birthday, Cole!!

Two. TWO! Unbelievable. To celebrate the big day, I took him to Java Mama Cafe for a couple hours. It's a coffee shop with a great play area for toddlers. It's near Aunt Sarah's work so she came by and joined the fun.

Typical.



Twins! I didn't get the memo to wear stripes...



Da-Da came home early to celebrate, but someone wasn't awake yet! Who takes a five hour nap on their birthday?! Once he woke up, we let him open one present before we walked to Lefty's for his favorite pizza.





Obviously they all had to join us for dinner...



When we got back the fun continued.









Too bad we didn't let him eat any! The late start to our evening had him blowing out candles at 9pm. Definitely too late for a sugar rush! He didn't mind - Nothing like extending the b-day another day!

Happy Birthday, Bubby - Hoping the next year brings more words, less drool (seriously - his shirt?!), and a lot of fabulous memories!!

Best Present of All

On December 22nd we had our first trimester screening and were told everything looks perfect. We found out we were expecting the day after my birthday (Nov 9th) - It being my Grandma McGinn's birthday made it even more special. We're thrilled, incredibly thankful for a healthy/low-key pregnancy thus far and anxious for the day we become a family of FOUR!

Christmas Day

I'd always heard on Christmas morning babies are more interested in the boxes and wrapping paper than their new toys- That was definitely the case last year. Toddlers apparently don't need much either - Cole saw two cars at the top of his stocking and he was THRILLED. He kept saying "Oh boy!" and "Wowwww" and ran off to play. Santa didn't bring much knowing Cole is too small to truly know what's going on, but he didn't realize $4 was all it would take to make this kid's Christmas the best day ever!









On to the presents under the tree!

















Surrounded by his new trucks, bulldozers, cars and books - Clearly in heaven.



Later in the day Uncle Mike, Aunt Sarah and Wrigley came over and they surprised Cole with a fabulous new ride!



Cole with 'Ike,' 'Arah' & 'Igley'







Another day of fabulous memories - Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Eve

Favorite appetizers? Check. Elf? Check. Cookies for Santa? Check. One of my favorite evenings of the year... Now even more special enjoying it with Cole!







Hope Santa likes oatmeal cookies!







Cole's pajamas - 'Dear Santa, Define Good...' Pretty fitting!

O Christmas Tree

Last night we braved the elements in search of the perfect tree - Okay, maybe it was 55 degrees out... Maybe we just drove to Home Depot... Whatever. It was freezing in my book and the music blaring from their speakers made it festive!



Searching for the perfect tree?



Nope, letters! He probably screamed "C!!" and "O!!" 900 times. Fortunately, the other customers laughed at our little monster and didn't throw wreaths at him.





Ready!

Lowry Park Zoo

Our week in Tampa flew by - A beach day, a fishing trip for Grandpa & Dad and a lot of great home-cooked meals... But my favorite part was our day at the Lowry Park Zoo. It's a small zoo, but has so many activities and rides for kids. We hit them all!











1st Horse ride!





Yeah, not so much. Running from the scene... Maybe next year!





The kids behind me were singing "Boring... Boring... This is SO BORING!" Not for this kid!





Yes, our child is nearly naked at the zoo - Why deny him fun? That's what towels are for!











Amazing.