The big Christmas wrap-up

The Christmas tree has been an item of intense fascination for Cole. It will be interesting to see his reaction when it comes down.

Not unlike socks

Although very interested in opening his gift, this time, reality did not quite live up to his expectations...

Pizza party

Christmas morning brought all sorts of new things to stimulate Cole's emerging interest in play. Despite his own stocking stuffers, he was extremely interested in Franny's new pizza toy. She was actually very patient with him and included him in her activity. But the two were still quite amusing playing together. In retrospect, I should have shot a movie...

Whats up, doc?

Rice cereal--no thanks
Rice cereal again--no thanks
Bananas--no thanks
Rice cereal again--no thanks
Bananas again--no thanks
Pears--no thanks
Rice cereal mixed with apples and cinnamon--not a chance
Carrots--success, at last!

Table for two

Once Franny moved out of the high chair, we started to use our kitchen counter a lot for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. For the last few months, Cole has been using the high chair, which per Franny's request, we place right next to her stool. The high chair, however is not high enough to make him inclusive to whatever meal or activity is going on. So, I found this chair for Cole that attaches to the counter and lets him in on our action. He loves it, as does Franny, and I love seeing my two kids eating together and having so much fun!

Sit up and take notice

The last couple days Cole has really extended the duration which he can sit and balance by himself. It's his new favorite position to be in, and can last for several minutes. Once he topples over, he complains until he is propped up again. From what I can tell, I think he is very pleased with himself!

post topple

A season of firsts

Cole isn't quite sure what to make of it all, but it is unquestionably intriguing!

Guess who's coming to dinner

Cole and his "eggs"

In our house, Cole is the most frequently invited guest to Franny's tea parties. She is continuously bringing him her latest entrees. Sometimes she delivers plastic pizza, milk, hot dogs, strawberries, or other food from her collection; other times, she whisks up a plate of eggs, a bowl of soup, or hummus--just to name a few. In the end, I think Cole will probably have pretended to eat most foods before he is actually introduced to them. Right now, I am sure he has no idea what to make of it all, but it does seem to be intriguing to him. And, since he is Franny's favorite guest, I am glad he is too young to object.

A solid beginning

Cole had his first experience with solid food today. The introduction to rice cereal actually went better than expected. After the initial grimace and a few extremely cautious bites, he seemed interested and almost pleased! He probably felt he was eating like his big sister. We'll see how he feels tomorrow...

The charmer

Everyday, Cole just brims with more and more personality. He's a very different baby than Franny was at this age. With Franny, at this point she had been rolling around for over two months and was days away from starting her commando crawl. In contrast, Cole is much more interactive, rather than active. He will hold eye contact for long periods and will laugh, coo, and talk the whole time; when he is playing on the floor he will break into a huge grin the moment he manages to catch someone's eye. When I'm distracted with some task, he will feign a cry only to smile and laugh the minute he gets my attention. As incredibly charming as he is, however, I do wish he would get a little more intent on rolling, sitting up, and crawling. I suppose, he is who he is, and will do things his own way. And when he gives me smiles like these, I realize that I really shouldn't complain!

Silly siblings

Two sick kids with cabin fever can result in some interesting interactions throughout the day. Today, Franny insisted on trying to share her adored Cookie Monster with Cole. At first, I don't think he quite knew what to make of the blue monster being shoved in his face. But, in the end, I think he sided with his big sister.

Sweet feet

I love little baby feet. I find it so sad that we won't ever have Cole's footprints from his birth. But we do have this beautiful little boy, so I shouldn't complain. Yesterday, Cole put his cute little toes in his mouth for the first time. From the look on his face, it might have been the last. Those sweet feet must not taste so sweet!

Dragonflies

We've kept Cole in the bassinet much longer than we did Franny, partly for convenience, partly out of dread due to Franny's reaction, and partly just because it's Cole. In my preparation for his transition, I purchased a dragonfly mobile to hang above his crib. He so adores Franny's butterfly mobile, that I wanted to get something very similar for Cole. (I think he likes her butterflies more than she does!) After getting it set up today, I had Cole give it a test run. Judging from his coos and giggles, I think he approves!


Cole checking out his dragonflies


Dragonflies from the Cole point-of-view


Look of approval

A picture worth a thousand words...

...with a few choice ones from Cole.

In due time

Cole doesn't yet have the most sophisticated grabbing skills, but he does love his scarf...

Little pumpkin'

Sunday morning, we traversed to Fir Point Farms for their Pumpkin Festival. It was quite an adventure, with lots of activities for Franny, but not much for this little guy. With the morning air being very cool and foggy, Cole stuck very close to Daddy for most of our trip. Even with the chill, I think he looks downright cozy!

My new favorite picture of Cole

Music Together, together

Franny has been going to Music Together classes for two years, now. I love the philosophy--that music should be experienced and that each child will do this in their own way. There are no rules or requirements beyond respecting each other and allowing everyone to have their own experience. That, and no shoes. Bonnie, our teacher, is quite exceptional in her ability to connect with all the kids in a very special way. I am so thrilled that we found this program and that Franny has been a part of it.

Now, what I love most about this program is that it something that Franny, myself, and Cole can all do together, and is a wonderful experience for everyone. It isn't just Cole tagging along giving Franny the opportunity to maintain another activity. Cole loves Music Together, as well. We have gone three weeks now, and he smiles, coos, and is fascinated with everything, unlike anything else we have done. It absolutely thrills me that when we go to music it is for both of them and that they both love it. For myself, it is the one thing that I do where I don't feel that I am compromising either of them--for 45 incredibly sweet minutes I don't have that little voice in the back of my head telling me that Cole really should be home in his own bed for his nap or that Franny deserves my complete attention and is once again, not getting it. Since Cole was born, I have really struggled, attempting to achieve balance for my family--and myself. Needless to say, this short period of time every Monday is truly invaluable, and to say that I love it is a tremendous understatement.

Vigilance, tuned up

Franny is always giving things to Cole that she thinks he will like. Toys, blankets, crackers usually top the list. So, this morning, while I was making breakfast, when she put a Curious George magnet in his lap, I didn't think anything of it. But a minute later, I turned around and Cole had grabbed it with both hands and was chewing on it! I felt so bad when I had to take it away from him. I traded it for a teething toy, but he wasn't too impressed. Next time, I'll have Franny give it to him.

Is it the hat?

Is might just be the hat, but I think they are starting to look like siblings.