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.

Giggling away

Sunday, Cole and I were playing on the floor, and when I pulled him up off his back to a standing position by pulling on his little hands, he started giggling. Three times in a row, he had the same reaction. For a while now, he has had a little squeal when he's happy, but nothing compares to his sweet giggles!