Thankful

This Thanksgiving made me feel especially happy because I have so much to be thankful for...

I am thankful for my heavenly Father and for the love that he gives to me every day. I am thankful that I live in a country where I can freely worship Him and teach my children to do the same and why His love is so amazing.

I am thankful for my husband. He is our protector, our provider, our rock. I love him more every day as I watch him be such a wonderful father. I am thankful to have a devoted husband who works so hard to keep us safe as a family and our marriage strong.

I am thankful for my boys. I am thankful for their health. I am thankful for the home that I can provide, the education I have to be able to better care for them. I am thankful for the ability to stay home with them and work part time. I am thankful that I have them in my life. I love them so.

I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for the help they have given us with our newest addition. I am thankful for the love they always give. I am thankful that they live close. I am thankful we can depend on them.

I am thankful for my friends. I am thankful for the family they have become. I am thankful I have the opportunity to share life's journey's with such special friends. I am thankful to have their shoulders to cry on and their listening ears when I need them most.

If you are reading this, you most likely fall into one category. So, today I am thankful for you!

Miracles

Having a new baby in the house reminds me daily of miracles. Seeing his tiny fingers and toes with the perfect little nail beds, his eyes, nose, mouth and ears perfectly formed, his little belly button where his very life was sustained by mine, his arms and legs, learning to move on their own, seeing his eyes start to gaze into mine, hearing the sounds from his little mouth as he begins to find his own voice... Seeing new life makes my faith so much stronger- that God orchestrates life so intricately, so perfectly. I am thankful today and everyday.

My Sweet Boys

Life at the Cole household is going well. Big Brother Landon is getting acquainted with Baby Connor and is starting to level out in his behavior. Stan and I are doing our best to understand how 2 year olds express emotion- especially emotion involving being "dethroned" as the first born and only for almost 3 years. Landon is actually doing great and teaching Stan and I a ton. We are so proud of him for being such a Big Boy and he reminds us all the time that he is not a baby.

Here is a sweet photo I shot of Connor sleeping. He is such a good baby. He is a great eater and sleeper and really likes to grunt. :) He is already in size one diapers and has 3 month clothes on today. I think he is going to be our big fella. Kay says, he will be the football player and Landon will be the track star. :) We are so blessed with this guy and I am esp. enjoying spending Tuesdays and Thursdays with just Connor as Landon goes to daycare and plays with his friends. I even braved giving a 2 week old a bath by myself today!

Here is my Big Boy. Landon was surprised by his Tahti Karen with this giant Lollipop! He had a hard time giving it up for sure. Our families have been so good to Landon. It is such a blessing to see him react to his family and see the love that is so mutual between he and his grandparents and aunts and uncles. We are so blessed!

Unfortunately, that is all I have time for. I will most more pictures as I can. Little Connor is starting to go from his grunt to a soft cry...in other words his dinner bell is ringing!! :)

Welcome Baby Connor

We are so proud to welcome Connor Douglas Cole to our family. He was born October 23, 2009 at 4:51am, 7lbs 15 oz, 20 1/2 inches long. We are doing well and enjoying our precious new addition. More to come in the coming weeks.

Fall Fun

So, we made it to the pumpkin patch over the weekend with some dear friends of ours. Derek, Janise, Sophia and Emelia joined us. It was a hoot to watch Landon and Sophia run around together and us chasing them trying our best to get pictures! Janise was a smart mom and brought M & M's to bribe our little 2 year olds into smiling for pictures! :) It worked as you can see above. Immediately upon getting down from Stan's arms, Landon said, "M?"

Landon and Sophia with some of the Goards- very interesting these goards...not sure what the hybrid status was on these. Many of them looked ghoolish...

Trying to get two 2 year olds to smile for the camera is a joke! But, we had a blast watching them run around. They are just the sweetest of friends. Enjoy...

Kitty Cat Cookies

Landon and I had a blast making cookies together this week as we prepare for Halloween! Landon had his cars help, as you can see- he is holding one up for the picture. :) It was really funny b/c I made a whole plate of cookies and this boy has such a sweet tooth that he did not want to share with his mommy! He actually put out his bottom lip and started to cry. Then I convinced him to pick out a cookie to share with me and since he got to pick it out, it seemed to be okay with him. :)

His sweet tooth comes honestly...especially from his Pappa, his aunt Moo and I have to admit...ME! :)

Baby update- I am 2cm dilated and about 39 weeks (in 2 days). I went ahead and scheduled an appointment today for 41 weeks when I will be induced again if this little man doesn't come on his own by then. I am trying to be patient and know that God's timing is the very best timing. I hope he comes on his own, but if not, he will be a true little pumpkin with his birthday most likely on Halloween.

Halloween and Landon's Baby Brother are coming...

This shot was taken when my parents were visiting. Landon was so excited about his pumpkin shirt and I must say, it was pretty darn cute. He was running around the house in it and acting crazy- showing off a bit for his Pop and Mommom- I am sure no one can relate. :)

This is a preview of coming attractions...Landon picked "Buzz Lighteningyears" this year as his choice for his costume for Halloween. It is funny because I was trying to figure out a way for my petite framed little fella to actually fill out the costume...without taking on an entire sewing project. I realized we had a Bodyglove flotation device from the summer with floaty pads all in the chest area...PERFECT! Now he actually fills out the costume and obviously is SO proud. He was running around the house saying, "To Infinity and Beyond, I am flying mommy!"


I took Landon on a trip to a local toy store...turned out the be a disaster but I will refrain from returning to the past that involved carrying a screaming 2 year old out of the mall while being 37 weeks pregnant...Anywhooo...Landon picked out a lovey for his little brother. You can see that he is holding his two giraffes ("Raffie" and "Bunny") and also the little horse he picked out for his baby brother. So sweet. I can't wait to see him give it to the new baby. I am thinking he will take to his role quite well. I just have to be patient with all the adjustments this is bringing into his life.
A mommy and me picture where he is actually smiling. I love this little boy. What a precious gift.