Halloween Sneak Peak

Today I picked up Eli's Halloween costume (gotta love Craigslist). Last year, he was obsessed with his farm and animals so he was a Farmer. This year, it's all things trains and Thomas so it's only appropriate that he dress up as a Train Engineer. He tried it on tonight and didn't want to take the overalls off. He kept trying to say "Train Engineer" - so cute!

Shhh....Cole's costume will remain a secret until the Parade of Costumes at school.

A Lesson about Walking Feet

This morning I thought Eli looked so cute and like such a big boy so I took a few pictures of him. Here's one:

LOVE the jeans!

When I picked Eli up, I found out that he learned a hard lesson about inside walking feet. He has been running around class lately and they have been talking to him about "walking feet". Well today, he found out the hard way. The actual incident report said "While playing in the classroom, Eli was running and fell and hurt his face. He scraped his lip and caused his nose to bleed." I asked him when I walked in the room if his nose had been bleeding and then I saw his report. I think he learned his lesson today. We'll see.

First bloody nose and busted lip

Picture Day

Today we went to Portrait Innovations to have Cole's 3 month pictures taken. Of course, we had to take some with Eli and a family shot. Eli ran around like a crazy boy but was cooperative at the beginning so we were able to get some good ones. I know I'm partial but man, my boys are cute!!

Our family - I am so blessed

This was the best one with Eli & Cole together

Handsome! Growing up fast

Look at that sweet face

Cute and happy

Precious little feet - I could eat them up!

Cole with a grip on Mommy's finger (and her heart!)

So sweet

How can you not love overalls?

Love this one - he's like "come on people, I'm bored, let's get this over with"

3 months old

Happy 3 Month Birthday Cole!!

You are growing so fast and changing every day. Here are a few tidbits for Month 3:

• Last night you slept in your crib in your room for the first time.
• You are getting very good holding up your head. Not so bobbly any more.
• You are such a happy baby and smile a lot.
• I can nuzzle your neck and give kisses making you laugh out loud. It's so sweet!
• You already adore your big brother and he adores you. You look at him in a way that's reserved just for him.
• This is our last week together. I have to go back to work in a week so we'll make the most of it!

Leesville Library and Monkey Jim - Protector of the Crib

Lots of fun and activity today. First thing this morning, I took Eli & Cole to the Y so I could take a spin class. The boys did great in Y daycare - a complete turn around for Eli. He used to cry when I left and today he didn't want to leave - "I want to stay at the Y, Mommy" he said over and over on the playground. I explained to him a few weeks ago that Mommy needed to exercise and that I would always come back and get him. He was so cute telling me that I went to exercise and that I came back. While we were at the Y, Tim got some exercise of his own - a road bike ride.

This afternoon, we all indulged in a little nap time. I napped for an hour with Eli and Tim napped with Cole. I can safely say that that is the first time in daylight that we've all been asleep at the same time! After nap, we went to check out the new Leesville Library. We got a family library card and brought home three books for Eli. Eli also enjoyed playing on the futuristic playground. He's very brave and doesn't appear to be scared of heights.

Reading some Dr. Seuss to Mommy

Our library card

Ready to check out our books

Hanging out front

Silly boy

Climbing the ropes - told you no fear

Jump Jump - these were cool little pogo stick things

Round and round - this little seat spins you in a circle. I laughed out loud at Eli in it. He kept going around and around and blamed it on Daddy.

Climbing again

Tonight, Eli finally introduced Cole to Monkey Jim that he made him the day after he was born. It was very important that Cole meet Monkey Jim because tonight Cole is sleeping in his crib for the first time and Monkey Jim is protector of the Crib. It was very sweet watching Eli show Monkey to Cole. After the introductions, we all went upstairs to read books and get the bedtime routine started. I'm a little nervous about Cole being upstairs because 1) he's upstairs, 2) I don't want him to cry and wake Eli up (or vice versa) and 3) he's upstairs - did I mention that?! This is the same time that we moved Eli up to his room but I'm still nervous. Tonight I did enjoy reading to the boys in Cole's room and feeding Cole in the rocker / glider. I forgot how nice and peaceful it is up in that room. Both boys were asleep by a little after 8pm so we're hoping for a successful night. I know Cole will be up once but hopefully he won't wake Eli and Eli will sleep all night for us. Allow me to introduce you to Monkey Jim....

A gift from Brother

Cole and Monkey Jim

Cole's birth record - finally back from framing and installed on his wall. I am very pleased with how it turned out. You probably can't tell but the frame looks like bamboo.

Reading to my boys

Real Thomas

Today we took Eli to Spencer and the NC Transportation Museum to see and ride on "Real Thomas". We told him about it last night and he was so excited. This morning we piled in the truck and headed South. The boys traveled very well and there was excitement in the truck - it was all things Thomas. Eli had a Thomas Train Engine, a Thomas book and another engine with him.

When we got there, we walked around a bit to see everything. I am sooo glad we got tickets for today because I can only imagine how busy it will be this weekend. The set up was really neat and they had a lot of stuff for the kids to do / look at. There were mini golf stations, a Thomas bounce house, a tent full of Thomas goodies to buy, lots of food, a lego Thomas, Sir Topham Hatt - and this was all just as you entered!! We also walked to the Roundhouse and saw the turntable and lots of train displays. There were also Bob the Builder shows but we didn't make one of them. After looking around, we headed back for our 10:45am train ride. Well......we got there just as the train was pulling away! I was so upset - that was the whole reason we were there. Tim talked to the staff and we were able to get on the 11:30am train. Whew! The ride was fun and Eli loved looking out the window and waving to everyone. After the ride, we had lunch and watched the train run a little more. Eli is not a fan of loud noises and the "horn whistles" as he called them, scared him a bit. After lunch and some more train table play, we packed up and headed home. Once on the road, it took Eli all of 2 minutes to fall asleep! Both boys were angels all day and we all had a great time. A few photos of our day....

This morning Eli climbed in our bed where Cole was lying. It was so cute.

Emily banner

Very cool Lego Thomas

Front view - Lego Thomas

Waiting in line for our train ride

Mommy and her boys

Being silly (before the ride started!)

Hi Eli & Daddy!

Real Thomas

"No Mommy, I'm not sleeping"

Zonked out

Cute

Just plain cute