Pre Va-Ca Update

Connor had his first trip to the pool and was not so sure about the water- it was a little cool. We had a picnic lunch and enjoyed some "Nanny time".

Nanny spent some great time with both boys and helped me make Connor's first trip to the pool a success...and fun for Landon.

Mommom also came to visit and we got in our little pool. Connor had his first icy pop and was not so sure about the sour taste. He was not afraid to try and Mommom loved being able to offer this treat to him!!

Landon loves showing off his "Milk Mustache"- even though he had just had gatorade to drink...

Connor still loves his prunes, loves to eat, loves to laugh at Landon and loves his mommy. This little buddy is such an amazing gift.

Things at the Cole House are going well these days...

I guess the biggest news of late is that Landon is finally pooping in the potty. Praise Jesus! He has gone 5 times in a row and told us that he is a "big kid" and does not need diapers anymore. We have giving him the prizes that have been behind the potty for months and I took him to Marble Slab Creamery last night to get a chocolate ice cream with sprinkles. He loved it and so did I! We were walking into the mall and I was holding his sweet little hand, just having a great time just talking to him. A memory that will forever be etched in my mind as this was one of the rites of passage. I took that time out- the time needed to recognize what an accomplishment this is for him and mark it with quality time. I will never regret that.

I am learning so many things about being a mom and more even about myself. Landon's behavior is finally starting to level out a bit as he approaches 3 1/2. He is responding well to our latest form of discipline 1-2-3 Magic. I also went to talk to a dear friend of mine who is a behavioral psychologist. He really helped me recognize how personally I was taking Landon's (remind myself here that he is 3 years old) fits, obsessions, mean words, behavior, etc. I am starting to take things less personally and we are all benefiting.

I was talking with a dear mommy friend this morning about the challenges of raising kids. These challenges are very gripping- at our very core. Never have I learned more about myself, more about the sinful and selfish person I am. I want my boys to be respectful young men...but in the process of wanting them to "turn out right", I can miss so much. I don't want to miss playing outside in the sprinkler with Landon, giggling on the couch as I tickle them both, taking Landon to get ice cream. I feel God shouting at me: "Take it easy! Enjoy this gift! Live in the moment."

Boy is it hard to do this at times, but recognizing my own needs, taking care of those needs and separating them from my "wants" is certainly a way I can be a better mom. I recently read a quote that was quite gripping, "Many wonderful things vie for our attention in this life, few are eternal." It made me think, am I spending time on those things that are eternal...like influencing young souls- my very children beneath my nose? Am I really focusing on those things that are most important?

It is hard to juggle, but I don't have to. I am learning that I need to rest, rest in God's peace and being present and not hurried, whether out the door or from place to place.I am also learning to let it go. Let go of my need for control, my need to have all the boxes checked and in order. Letting go is certainly a freeing feeling, something I need to do continually.

We are headed to Lyckebo for the week, with a stop first at the Lynch Family reunion followed by a visit with Pa Cole. My parents will join us midweek. Boy it will be nice to be away as a family. Have a great week!

We heart the Hills!

Our dear friends, Kevin, Kelly and Olivia came to visit us last weekend. We had such a wonderful time. Landon affectionately refers to Olivia as "Wiv", Kelly as "Aunt Kewwy" and Kevin and "Uncle Kevin". Kelly is one of my very best friends who I met in college. We were in nursing school together. Our friendship is one that there is no doubt that God brought us together at the perfect time. We both needed someone to talk to and there we were sitting in our all white marshmallow nursing uniforms (student attire is so glamorous) on the curb at 6:00 in the morning pouring our hearts out to one another as we prepared for yet another treacherous day of nursing school...in the midst of trying to find ourselves in college. Thank you Lord for wonderful friends like Kelly, who definitely helped get me to where I am today.

We decided to brave it at Marbles Museum in Raleigh, since we had the extra adult. We figured three adults could handle three kiddos... We loaded up the Swagger waggon, Kelly and Kevin's minivan which I am totally envious of and headed to Raleigh. Amazingly, all three kids did well and we had an absolute blast! Landon of course, loved playing with the sea critters in the water bins. He wanted to name all the animals after Nemo characters and loved playing as long as his beloved buzz shirt did not get wet...

Uncle Kevin took the kids into the submarine. They looked in microscopes, out funny glass, at several mock equipment and actually kept very interested- of course Kevin is quite the comedian. :)

Sweet Olivia is such a sweet mama's girl. She is all girl, which really makes me laugh. Kelly always thought she would only be able to be a boy mom...ha! God knew what he was doing. Kelly is a fantastic "girl mom" with bows in Liv's hair and all!

One of the many things I love about Kelly and Kevin is that they have always loved on my kids. Kelly kept Landon for us from the time he was about 3 months to 15 months. She worked as a nurse and on her days off, she kept my Landon. She and Kevin offered this to us and told us that they wanted to bless us. Kelly and Kevin are true shining lights for Jesus. In everything they say and do, God's love shines through. They are so good to Landon and Connor and that makes my heart smile.

Landon and Liv are two peas in a pod. There may be 1 1/2 years between them, but they have the same eating habits and loving little strong willed personalities- Kelly and I always talk about how they are twins who were separated at birth. They play really well together, it is a joy to watch. Landon loves "his friend" and is so good with her.

It has taken Kelly no time to get to know Connor. She and Kevin just pick up our kiddos and pitch in like they are family. Kelly and Kevin have stayed with us several times since moving to Myrtle Beach (sad) and they are truly wonderful house guests. We hate to see them go each time because it is just a pleasure to have them. True friends.

One shot of Kevin with Connor. Connor had to show off his piano skills for Kevin.

Our three babies. Let me tell you, time sure does fly. It is so hard to believe Kelly and I met 12 years ago. Thank you Lord for bringing her and now her family into my life. What a blessing.

Beach Trip Recap

One week late, I am finally posting about our first beach trip of the year! It was a special trip as it was little Connor's first view at the vast ocean and yummy looking sand. :) He was a real trooper and we even got a family photo thanks to Chris who was very patient in getting Landon to say "CHEESE" bribed of course with fruit snacks immediately following the picture!

As long as Connor had his mommy, he had a smile and went with the flow as usual. He even tolerated me putting his feet in the water-though not his favorite, he didn't put up too much of a fuss and we got our first time in the ocean video complete.

Bless our friends. They played so much with Landon and just really seemed to enjoy it! This is Andy, who has devoted 2 years in a row now to building sand castles with Landon. When talking about this particular beach trip, Landon always remembers Andy building castles with him. Thanks Andy!

Landon got a little running in- having a blast in his swim trunks that seem to always show a little plumber...no matter how small I get them! The boy has no rear end. But, he had a blast running and splashing in the ocean.

This is Chris. Chris is GREAT with Landon. Landon loves Chris and always brings him up as well when talking about going to the beach. He could be heard many times saying, "Chris, Chris, come play!" Chris has a heart of gold and a special way with kids. I am so thankful to have such great friends who love my kids- when you are good to my kids, it is even more of a blessing to me than being good to me. Thanks Chris- you are the best!

Kim took this photo for us which I am so thankful for. Not many times do I get a picture with my little buddy. We had a great time sitting by the water and telling stories about Lewis the squirrel. He just sat and listened...a time I will never forget, forever being etched in my mind as one of my fondest times with Landon.

Landon was also a trooper the whole trip. All the kids are younger than he is and it was tough at times for him to understand why they didn't understand him or play the way he does, but he handled himself very well for a 3 year old- of course with some guidance from mom and dad! :)

Here is our dear friend Carol, loving up on my Connor. Like I said, when people are good to my kids, it is just so sweet and makes me so glad to have the friendships I do. Thanks Carol for always being so great with our boys!

One final photo of Chris and Landon. So sweet. So, what a fun trip with some great friends who made Connor's first beach trip extra special!

I'm OK

This past week has been full of challenges, including a stomach bug, Stan being on call leaving me with both boys until after bedtime, a little bit of a "low" week for me and some other odds and ends. I decided that I would write today about why I am OK and why "I like me just the way I am."

I'm OK

• With Landon watching TV


• With Landon eating donuts


• With Landon wearing Buzz Light Year shirts everyday


• With Landon not being fully potty trained


• With a less than clean house and dust bunnies in plain view while I BLOG


• With letting my baby sleep in my arms


• With the fact that I am too busy to read about what to do when I miss the certain pill that I am on


• With having a glass of wine here and there


• With less than a "sleep routine" with my Connor


• With my style of parenting


• With me as a mom


• With not making my own baby food


• With working part time


• With admitting that I need help with this parenting thing


• With less than perfection


• With my faults


• With my car


• With my postpartum body


• With staying up late to exercise


• With taking time to smell the roses, letting Connor sleep in my arms, Landon sit on my lap and tell stories and talk with Stan on a regular basis while leaving some other things that I used to do undone


• With my boys not napping at the same time


• With driving an hour to work
• With being late most places I go now
• With me

And you know why? See the video below...

Landon, Mommy and Nanny Therapy

What sweet precious boys I have. What a dear sweet mother-in-law I have. I was able to capture these photos- and give a lot of credit to Kay and I for actually getting everyone to look- smiling is next! :) We four have so much fun together and today was no exception.

Today Kay rescued us from a rainy day cooped up inside! We surprised Landon and took the boys to Chuck E. Cheese. I could tell this morning was one of those mornings where we really needed to get out. Landon was basically bouncing off the walls! Off to Chuck E. Cheese we went!

Landon and Kay playing the fish game. Landon was of course thrilled that it looks like Nemo and kept challenging Kay, " I got another one! And another one!"

As a prize from the owner for eating a great lunch (which we are all, in fact, thrilled about), Landon got to taste his first cotton candy. Needless to say, it was a huge hit!

Ski ball as always- such a treat. I think Nanny had the most fun on this one and actually made it into the 10,000 slot at least once! We ended up with 200 tickets! (give or take a few since I think the owner fudged a little again- because Landon was stealing the show with his charm).

Connor loved to watch. I am sure he will be thrilled when it is his turn! He is just SO easy going. He is absolutely the perfect 2nd child. We can basically take him anywhere...as long as mommy is there! :) He is attached to me and my hip and I don't mind a bit!

We also had a blast over the weekend playing in our pool. Landon's friend Porter was over and the boys just laughed and splashed and jumped around...we parents had a great time watching them and trying to dodge the freezing cold water. Stan actually added several gallons of hot water to the pool in an effort to warm up the water. The boys didn't mind...but mommy and Connor stayed out under the shade. :)

Connor was happy to sit under the umbrella and talk to me while I tried to start a little tan on my legs...whoooh. Long way to go on that one!

In other events of the week...Connor found his reflection quite entertaining. :) I love watching babies look at themselves and just laugh and laugh.

Connor got his first bath without a sit up tub and loved it. He was in there with this guy who had mixed feelings...I had to include this face because it is his classic whiny face. He will kill me for this one day!

See- mixed feelings. He was obviously happy to have his brother in the bath tub here. I just love this picture. Brothers. It is only the beginning of what I pray will be a beautiful relationship. What genuine smiles. A pure joy to watch.

Happy Mother's Day

We had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend, complete with a Cole celebration on Friday night and a Frey celebration on Sunday afternoon. We were busy taking care of kiddos and trying to get dinner on Friday night, so no pictures were taken...boo. But I decided to include this recent picture of Nanny and Landon in honor of Mother's Day. Kay is just the best Mother-in-law in the world and loves our kids immensely. Landon's favorite playmate is Nanny and when she is around, everyone plays second fiddle!

Then there is Mom-mom, another Landon favorite! He learned to shuck corn with her this weekend. Mom-mom teaches Landon all kinds of fun things, especially having to do with gardening and outdoor life (feeding squirrels, birds, etc.). Mom-mom made a special trip to see Landon and Connor and got this great porch time with Connor too. :)

I had a lovely Mother's Day. We went to church and enjoyed a wonderful sermon about women. I made it just in time for the sermon b/c my little Connor has been sick. I let him finish his nap, had to give him a breathing treatment, then we met up with Stan and Landon who were already at church. We came home, ate some leftover grilled hot dogs with chili and prepared for the Freys. Mom, dad, Karen and Marc and Zaiya came over and we enjoyed grilled chicken, corn and fresh cantaloupe and rolls. It was a beautiful day that ended with us taking the boys the the park followed by bedtime then Stan and I worked out.

It was a beautiful Mother's Day and my husband was wonderful. He asked me what I wanted to do, bought a beautiful card and let me pick out beautiful flowers for our front porch. We spent some good quality time together and began talking a lot about our boys and being parents. I have started reading a book called, "Bringing Up Boys" by James Dobson. It has given me a lot of insight into the things that drive little boys and men for that matter. I see it as a huge responsibility to raise men and want to do the very best that I can.

I have recently started to develop a much more protective nature when it comes to my boys. It is not like it wasn't there before, but I think as kids get older, other moms and people in general, tend to feel more at liberty to chime in about your children. My friend, Virginia, calls it the "mommy mofia". I am so thankful to have the friends that I do who can listen and support me through the rough spots of parenting, while every moment encouraging me and also speaking positively about my boys. My boys are the most precious thing in the world to me (along with Stan and second only to Jesus).

I told Stan, I have recently felt like saying, "Get off of my kid!" I know it sounds crazy, but there are little subtleties that can really hurt my feelings and nothing more tender is the heart of a mommy. Yes, my Landon is strong-willed...but boy is he bright, boy is he tender-hearted, boy is he a laugh a minute. I wouldn't change a thing about him. Maybe he isn't yet potty trained for poop, but I am sure he won't go to Kindergarten pooping in his diaper. And while we are waiting for that glorious day when he decides to go in the potty, I don't want to shame him in the process.

Mothering is hard work. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am so grateful for my Landon and my Connor. Both are God's unique gifts to me, the ONE person who was chosen out of everyone else in this whole world to be their mother. I am honored. I am so blessed. I pray that I will be the kind of mother who makes my boys proud.

That Little Boy of Mine

Two eyes that shine so bright,

Two lips that kiss goodnight,

Two arms that hold me tight,

That little boy of mine.

No one could ever know how much your coming has meant.

Because I love you so, you're something heaven has sent.

You're all the world to me.

you climb upon my knee.

To me you'll always be,

That little boy of mine.

-Grace Wolgemuth

Cole Boys and Cousins

This week Tahti came over for the day on Wednesday and I got some special time with baby Zaiya and Connor. It was quite amusing to see my "monster baby" beside little Zaiya. They are three months apart but WOW the difference. Poor Zaiya was NOT pleased. Connor was so interested in Zaiya and wanted to touch him. You can see Zaiya's reaction!

We had a nice week complete with a second visit with little Zaiya. Karen and Marc went to a benefit for Haiti and we were the lucky recipients of baby Zaiya for the evening. He was a trooper- especially since we had our neighbors over that night and there were 2 six month olds, 1 two year old and 2 three year olds plus all of us crazy adults! He was so happy and I even got a little lesson from him in this picture. Too darn cute!

Landon, Connor and I made our debut voyage to the airport. I used to take Landon all the time and was a little intimidated with the two kiddos...but they did GREAT! Landon loved being there again and we had a little picnic lunch. Connor was just amazed at his big brother, as always. Connor just loves to watch Landon. Connor and I were entertained by Landon's original song about throwing away band aids and counting to 10 (all the while missing 4, 5, 6), his play by play of the planes landing and taking off and of course, his sweet little way of saying, "Silly Baby Connor."

It has been great seeing Landon adapt to baby Connor more and more, saying he loves his baby brother and wanting to include him in whatever it is that we are doing- though he did ask me to leave him here while we went to the airport. I have been really trying to spend even more special time with Landon which has been really fun. We were playing monster trucks tonight and he said, "Superman crashed him and he falled down. He was really sad." I am glad to know that his monster trucks have feelings and that he is able to recognize that crashing into things makes them sad. I tell you, "boy play" is just all out. That is the only way I can describe it. I think he broke a sweat playing monster trucks...I am actually not sure I didn't!

Hope you enjoy!