My Big Boy.

I had a parent/teacher conference with this little toothless cutie's teacher yesterday.  It is so interesting to hear about your child from another person's perspective.  Eric and I have often wondered if other people get to see the same Gavin that we do.  When we are around people that he doesn't know, he always comes across as quiet and shy.  We know a very different side of him--a smart, funny, loving and sometimes wild kid.....but we didn't know if others get to see that.  Well......we are happy to know that they do!

{Gavin lost his front top tooth last night!  So adorable!}

His teacher had nothing but amazing things to say about him.  She did say that he was very shy and quiet the first few weeks but that went away once he got used to his environment, teacher and classmates.  He is definitely like me in a lot of ways.  Eric is comfortable in any situation and just doesn't care what anyone else thinks about him....a quality I wish I had.  I am not shy or quiet but when people first meet me they think that I am.  It just takes me a little while to warm up.  

{today was Hat Day at school}

I knew that he was doing well in school based on his report card that came home on Friday.  He had all A's and E's.  She said he is a quick learner and very bright.

She said that he is very popular...especially with the little girls.  I mean....look at that face?  Of course he is!  He is definitely not interested in girls yet but she said they all love him.  HA!

She also said that he is nice to everyone.  This made Eric and I very happy.  Every morning when I take him to school I pray for him (my Mom did it every single day from kindergarten until I graduated high school) and I always say "help him to be kind to everyone".  It's good to know he is listening.

He definitely makes his Mommy and Daddy so proud.

Ok...I am done bragging for now.

Cohen's Party

We had Cohen's birthday party on Saturday.  Things got off to a rough start.  My car was in the shop across town with the birthday banner in it.  Gavin had 2 football games and someone blocked Eric's truck in at the field.  I didn't have time to put out half of the decorations I had planned to.  If it weren't for our family coming and helping, I wouldn't have gotten it done.

You know what though?  This little guy didn't care one bit.

He helped open his presents.

My friend Jody made him a few hats for this winter....too cute!

He really enjoyed reading his cards.

Birthday boy.

Cohen and his cousin Caedmon.

Cohen and his scrunchy face.

Checking out his cake...

He did not need any encouragement....he dove right in.

I don't know who that kid is in the background with his mouth open with food in it....but his Mama needs to teach him some manners!  Oh wait.....he belongs to me.

This was Cohen after the party.....he was pooped.

seeing double....

I have said so many times that Nolen is Eric's "mini-me".  Today, Eric's Mom brought a picture that she found of Eric.  I could not believe it.  It is seriously crazy.  

The picture is a little blurry.

This is Eric when he was around 5 or 6.

And this is Nolen at age 4.

When I picked up the boys from school today, I showed them the picture.  Nolen stared at it for a long time and when I asked him who it was....he said "me".  It was almost like he was confused because it looked like him but he didn't remember wearing those clothes and posing for that picture.  

Gavin said it was Nolen too.  It is crazy how much they look alike.  I guess I don't have to wonder what Nolen will look like as he grows up!

Cohen through the months....

This banner is from Cohen's party.

Here is a close up of each picture.  It is crazy how much he changed in just one months time.  Right around the 5 month picture is when he really starts to look like "Cohen".

Love my baby.

Family Fun at the Pumpkin Patch!

When we asked Gavin what he wanted to do for fall break since we weren't going to Florida, he said he wanted to spend the night with Mamaw and Papaw and go to to Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch.  That sounded pretty reasonable.....so Thursday night he spent the night with Eric's parents and had a blast and Sunday after church we headed to Oakes Farm!  

This little mini Eric melts my heart.  That smile and those dimples....he is quite the charmer.

They really do love each other....most of the time.

Gavin being silly.

Mommy and Cohen.

In the corn maze with cotton candy = happy kids

Nolen searching for his pumpkin....it took him about 5 seconds.

It is so funny how different the boys are.  

It took Gavin forever, he wanted to find the perfect pumpkin.

Nolen on the other hand, just ran out and claimed the first pumpkin he saw.

Daddy and his boys

Our family.....we are so blessed.

Cohen is 1....say what?

Cohen is ONE today!  I cannot believe it.  I know it is so cliche to say.."time flies" but it totally does!

Cohen is a great eater.  He will pretty much eat anything I offer him.  I think our days of baby food are numbered....he wants whatever we are eating.  He is done nursing.  Nolen was so attached to nursing and it took forever to wean him.  Cohen could care less.  I could tell he was starting to get distracted and would only nurse for a minute on each side so I started cutting feedings.  I have this fear of him suddenly quitting and me getting Mastitis (which is what happened with Gavin).  It has been 2 days since he nursed and he just doesn't care.  It is kind of sad....he isn't a baby anymore.

He is very busy!  Always in to some sort of trouble.  He has almost eaten dog food and has played in the toilet.....twice.  It is hard to keep that lid down....just ask Gavin and Nolen.  He can climb out of his walker and climbs in to and on top of his toy basket.  He can stand for as long as he wants but has zero interest in walking.

He is still in a size 4 diaper and weighs just under 23 lbs.  He has definitely slowed down on growing.....and still wears mostly 12-18 month clothes.  

He has nothing to do with a pacifier but will not go to sleep without sucking on his elephant.  I ordered 2 more of them and I now have a rotation to keep them from getting stinky.

He jibber jabbers....a lot.  He will try to say most things I ask him to if he is in the mood.  Most words sound nothing like the actual word but at least he is trying.

He is definitely not shy and will go to anyone who will take him.  He reaches for everyone....even strangers in the grocery store.  

I have to tell a funny story about the birthday boy.  One night last week, Gavin and Nolen went to spend the night with Eric's parents and we took Cohen and went to dinner.  We went to this little Mexican Restaurant and it is so yummy but the tables are on top of each other.  We were sitting really close to a table with 3 younger women at it.  Cohen would not quit staring at them.  He kept turning around and smiling and waving at them.  He was totally flirting with them.  There was an empty chair at their table and he kept grabbing it and pulling on it.  Eric got on to him a couple of times and he didn't stop, so the 3rd time he smacked his hand and told him "NO".  Cohen looked at Eric and then looked at the girls, turned around and gave Eric this look that said, "Daaaaddddd, you totally embarrassed me in front of these pretty girls!!"  Then he started crying his pitiful--you hurt my feelings cry.  He was so mad at Eric, he kept giving him dirty looks....it was so funny.

Anyways, Cohen has had a great first year of life and we all feel so blessed to have been a part of it.  He is just the happiest most lovable little boy.  I love him so much!  

Stay tuned for pictures of his 1st birthday bash and his 1 year pictures!