Our Thanksgiving

I realize I'm a bit late posting these photos! I misplaced my camera dock and just found it at the office today!

We had a wonderful time celebrating the holiday with our friends Gene and Michelle, Kelly, Jarrett and Julie, Jarrett's mom, and two of Julie's co-workers. Gene and Michelle were our gracious hosts and they didn't even mind that unloaded a carload of Cole's "equipment" in the middle of their living room, dining room, and guest room! We don't travel as lightly as we used to when we could just tote him around in a car seat. Now he comes with his play yard (aka "baby jail") so we can set up a play area, plenty of toys to keep him entertained, a booster seat, and a pack n play for bedtime!



Cole had his first taste of fried turkey, and I think it's safe to say that he loved it! He also tried my orange sherbert salad, and I think he agreed with Jarrett's sentiment --"It tastes like angels dancing in my mouth!"



Cole seems to be growing right before our very eyes! He is taking a few steps while holding onto the furniture, and he can even let go with one hand and move to another piece of furniture. He has 6 teeth now and I think I caught a glimpse of a molar coming in today! He had his 9 month check up on November 20, and he weighed 21 lbs, 6 oz. He actually seems to be getting a little leaner and looking more and more like a toddler every day.


We are looking forward to a season of "firsts" for Cole. We'll be taking him to see Santa one day soon and I'll be sure to post the pictures!

Remember the Rangers

This Thanksgiving, more than ever, Jeff and I are counting our blessings and realizing just how much we have to be thankful for. We have a beautiful little boy who is healthy and happy and we get to enjoy this holiday season together as a family.

However, for our extended family here in Corpus Christi, this Thanksgiving will be a little bittersweet as we remember that this will be a very difficult time for the families of our friends Bret Miller and Joe Houston. For those of you who were not aware, Bret and Joe were two instructor pilots in our squadron who lost their lives on October 28 in a tragic plane crash. The T-34 went down during a routine training mission, leaving our military family in a state of shock and disbelief. Bret's wife is expecting their second child this March, and Joe had a son and was engaged to be married. We can't imagine what a difficult time this must be for them. A memorial fund has been set up for their children, and we would like to ask that you consider making a contribution by going to the website www.remembertherangers.com.

Most importantly, please keep their families in your prayers this holiday season and please pray for the safety of Jeff, his squadron-mates, and our military as they continue to serve our country.

We hope your family has a Happy Thanksgiving!

Where's Waldo?

There he is!

Fun Videos

Cole got a great laugh (and so did we!) from this party favor from the birthday party he went to today:




These next 2 videos are from a few weeks ago when we first started introducing Cole to finger foods. Now he loves them, but at first he was not so sure! We call his technique "the point and grab." Now he likes soft-cooked chunks of fruit and veggies, toast, rotini pasta, and of course, cheerios. Usually for every 10 pieces he picks up, about 1 piece actually goes in his mouth!




Sorry if these aren't as funny to everyone else as they are to Jeff and me. What can I say, we think everything he does is hilarious!

Happy Halloween

Cole enjoyed his first Halloween. However, mommy made a rookie mistake and did not try on his penguin costume prior to the big day, and wouldn't you know, it was too small! Good thing I had a back-up costume on stand-by. We went across the street to our neighbor's house and Cole hung out with two other babies, Nick (who was Frankenstein) and Avery (a monkey). Here is our little candy corn:

Cole has a hilarious new pose that he did all night! We call it the "George Castanza." If you are a Seinfeld fan, you will know where that comes from!



He lays on his side with his hand on his thigh, and just chills for a minute!



See, he's doing it in every picture!