Superhero Cole

Cole was born with a number of nevi simplex across his forehead and on the back of his head and neck. Also called"stork bites," "angel kisses," salmon patches, or vascular stains, these are blotchy pink or purple flat marks that are formed by dilated capillaries near the surface of the skin. This is the most common type of birthmark, with up to 70 percent of babies having one or more. Unlike what I had originally thought, they are not the result of the birth or position in the womb. Before birth, every child has these--they are actually leftover patches of the way the blood vessels looked during fetal circulation.

These types of birthmarks become more noticeable when he gets upset or mad or when there's a change in temperature. The ones on the back of the neck, usually last into adulthood. The ones on the forehead or eyelids, usually go away anytime from three months to age two.

Regardless, some friends and family have referred to the largest of them as heart-shaped and "V for victory". Personally, I think they make him look like a superhero, not unlike Black Vulcan on Superfriends. Now, I barely notice them unless I'm viewing a photo where the flash has made it look more prominent. But, it will be interesting to see when they actually fade away.

Photo: two weeks old