Boutique Burp Cloths on Etsy

Aren't these gorgeous?!! They arrived in the mail today. 

The cool thing is that they're made by one of my friends from high school. Technology is amazing and I have recently enjoyed reconnecting with old friends on Facebook. Monica saw that we had Cole and wanted to send us some of the burp cloths that she makes as a welcome baby gift. So wonderfully thoughtful and nice of her - I was excited to receive them today. The quality is great and they're so gorgeous I hate to use them! If you're looking for a unique gift for someone having a baby, please check out her shop on Etsy. You can be sure that I'll be buying some for future babies!!

Monica, thank you so much for sharing your talent with me. 

Goodberry's - yummy treat

Tonight we met Carol & Ryan at Goodberry's for a Tuesday night treat. All of us enjoyed yummy ice cream except Eli. He wanted nothing to do with the frozen goodness preferring instead to run around and explore - what else is new?! I, on the other hand, had no trouble at all eating my concrete. =)

Yippee - ice cream!!

Daddy & Cole - gotta love a concrete

No problem here with eating - Ryan LOVES Goodberry's

Eli's excitement - a yellow Jeep pulled into the parking lot and they let Eli take a close up look

Our busy weekend

It was a busy weekend around our house (as usual!). Grandma & Grandpa N came to visit and help us around the house. It sure is easier with an extra set of hands. =) 

They arrived Friday afternoon and Grandma & I soon thereafter headed to the Kids Exchange Consignment Sale. I try to get most of Eli's next season wardrobe there. Got lots of good stuff for the fall / winter and even picked up a few "new" things for Cole. After picking Eli up from school, we did take-out and just hung out at home. 

Saturday was chore day. The day started off with Tim & Grandma headed to look at a chair and ottoman I found on Craigslist. We decided that we did want to keep a chair in Eli's room so I lucked upon a red one that fits perfectly in there (and was a good price!). While they were gone, Grandpa mowed the lawn and picked up outside. Then Tim & Grandpa worked on the fence in the back yard. They had started fencing the back yard in so eventually we can set the boys loose out there but they didn't finish it yet. They made good progress on the wire fencing and gate this weekend but still have the wood fence in the front to go. Grandma also did some weeding while the boys were napping. It was so great having their help! I was able to make a run to Kohl's with Cole and then to Harris Teeter with Eli (I'm only brave enough to take one boy at at time!). Saturday night we had a great shrimp dinner and good family time. 

Sunday morning Eli & I met Carol & Ryan for a walk and some playground time. That let Tim & his parents enjoy a little bit of quiet and got Eli out to burn some energy. The boys had a great time playing. While they were playing, I smelled a poopy diaper. I asked Eli if it was him and he blamed it on Ryan - he said "no Ry-Ry poopy pants". Of course, turns out it WAS Eli but it was funny to see him try to play it off like it wasn't him. More chores around the house and Tim's parents (probably worn out and happy to head home for some quiet!) left mid afternoon for home. It was great having them here and all their help - with the boys and with the chores. As many pictures as I take, I didn't have a single one of Grandma & Grandpa this time - just the boys. Will have to make sure to do better next visit. 

Sweet little Cole - 3 weeks old

Eli loves his little brother so much

I was surprised when Eli climbed this

all the way up!

His favorite thing - running across the bridge

Daddy found a turtle in the yard - Eli loved it.

Mommy and her two boys

Daddy and Cole - bonding =)

3 weeks in July

(Warning: This post will probably not make sense to many of you. Brad, I know you will totally get it!)

July 2009 has probably been my most favorite July ever. Each year, Tim & I get very excited when it's Tour de France time as it means 3 weeks (minus 2 rest days) of cycling and something we love to watch on tv (and we usually have a Tour party - not this year though!). This year's tour brought lots of excitement. Cole was born on the first day of the tour - the prologue. I had joked months ago that perfect timing would be for me to watch the prologue, Cole be born that night and then be back home in time to watch the Team Time Trial on Tuesday. Well, that's exactly what happened! He was born Saturday night and we were home on Monday. It was so nice hanging with Cole this month, watching the Tour live every day. It definitely helped me relax and recover as I didn't mind sitting on the couch for half the day. 

Now for the actual Tour, loved it! There was the soap opera drama between Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador on Team Astana. I'm sure the media overplayed it but it was obvious on the podium in Paris that there's no love lost between the two. I mostly enjoyed watching Team Columbia HTC (love George Hincapie). I haven't enjoyed watching sprinters so much since the days of Mario Cipollini and his Acqua-Sapone lead out train. Columbia executed every sprint lead out to perfection and Mark Cavendish is truly the fastest man in the world on a bike. The final sprint on the Champs Elysses was spectacular and definitely put his stamp on the race. Unfortunate things, hated the day that George Hincapie didn't get the yellow jersey (dang Garmin Slipstream team - more soap opera drama) and when he fell - hopefully his collar bone isn't broken. Hated that Levi Leipheimer broke his wrist and was forced to abandon the tour. But overall, it was a very enjoyable Tour for me. The mountain stages weren't as exciting but the sprints and time trials sure were. Next year will be interesting to see what team Lance builds with the new sponsor RadioShack. I'll enjoy following it all, seeing how the team develops and looking forward to 3 weeks in July 2010. 

In honor of Mont Ventoux

As a tribute to today's Tour de France stage up to the top of Mont Ventoux, Cole is sporting his 'Born to Ride' onesie - vive la tour!!

Bee-Boo

Today was a very exciting day. Cole now has a belly button - bee boo!! When I changed him this morning I noticed that his umbilical cord stump had fallen off during the night. Bring on the good bath time. =) Other events of our day: tummy time for Cole and a visit from Robin and Noah. I picked Eli up from school early and Robin brought Noah over to play. It was the first time the two have played together alone so it took a little while for them to warm up to each other but before it was over, Eli was saying lots of "mine" and trying to take toys away from Noah. Noah, Mr. "I'm so calm about everything" didn't get too upset. Robin swears to me that he's not like that at home so I'll take her word for it - I know I'm not the only Mom with a 2 year old that hears "mine" quite a bit. It was so great to see them and hang out for a bit. We're looking forward to meeting Noah's little sister later this year (oh yeah, and the visit gave Robin a small taste of what it's going to be like with two little ones). 

Tummy time - "Why Mom Why?"

Eli and Noah hanging with Baby Cole - unfortunately it's the only picture I took all afternoon

2 week check up

Today was Cole's 2 week check at the doctor's office. All went well and the doctor was very pleased with his growth and progress. His facial bruising is almost gone - just a little spot above his right eye. Eyes, ears, throat, heart, it all checked out good. We don't have to go back now until 2 months (then we'll start vaccines, sorry bud!).

Stats from today:

Weight - 8 pounds, 14.5 ounces (50th percentile)

Length - 21 1/4" (75th percentile)

Head circumference - 37 cm (50th percentile)

Our 1st weekend alone

with two kids and we survived!!

This was our first weekend at home with both Eli & Cole. We did a lot of divide and conquer but we managed quite well (I think). Saturday morning Tim & Eli went on a bike ride while I hung out at home. Once they got back, we watched the Tour de France as a family - Eli loves cheering for the riders and can even name a few, he definitely knows Lance Armstrong. After nap, we all went to the pool. Cole & I only stayed for about 45 minutes but it was fun to watch Eli push his truck around and run in and out of the pool. Then it was dinner and normal night time routine. 

Sunday morning, Tim & Eli went on another bike ride (Eli is getting really good wearing his helmet and staying awake) and then it was more Tour de France. Our friends Jamie & Patty came to visit (and meet Cole) with their little girl Sarah. Eli and Sarah played very well together and it was fun to catch up with our friends. After lunch, nap time again, then snack and pool. This time Cole & I stayed home. 

So nothing too exciting but we did enjoy our time together. Eli has been pushing his limits and has started learning about "time out" and also being put in the corner. Guess this is what the "terrible twos" are all about. 

Lots of pictures from our weekend - after all, it IS all about the pictures:

Friday morning waiting for 'Thomas' on tv

Saturday morning bike ride - got to have snacks!

Tim and his boys watching the Tour

Eli practicing his tricycle 

Pushing his truck around the pool

Mommy & Cole - his first pool visit

Eli learned how to ride the truck into the water. It was very funny. 

Aunt Patty and Cole 

Eli and Sarah playing trains very nicely

Gitty up!

WWF with Gumby

Standing in the corner after acting up - probably throwing toys, I can't remember

These are some pictures from today: 

Cole hanging in the bouncy seat with his duck rattle

Such a sweet face

Eli with some of his trucks - he wanted to line them up on our bed tonight. His lineup was impressive. 

Hey Tim

Eli has learned that his Daddy's name is "Tim". When he's trying to get attention he starts with "Daddy", then "Dad" and then yells "Tim" really loud. It's pretty darn funny! 

A Great Day for Mommy

Yes, today was my birthday and it was a wonderful day. The day started with breakfast with my boys - all of us at the table together - and Eli telling me "Happy Birthday Mommy" over and over. Even better, everyone had a good night of sleep! At breakfast, Eli & Cole gave me a very sweet card and a charm for my pandora bracelet (with some help from Daddy of course). After taking Eli to school, Cole & I settled in for relaxing day. Cole got a bath and I even managed to squeeze in a shower myself - ah the joy of being clean! My friend Kara (with Owen and Faye in tow) brought me lunch and we hung out for a while. Lots of phone calls, cards and emails from friends made it a special day. We had our weekly Thursday night pizza night, took a family walk and then I put Eli to bed. It wasn't exciting by some people's standards but it was great because our house seemed to be in perfect harmony and I just enjoyed the day. (ps - the above cookie bouquet came from my team at work - the cookies are incredible.) Pictures from my day....

Eli climbing behind Daddy on the couch - he was pretty funny

Tummy time action for Cole

"Mom, I don't really like this bath thing"

Touchdown sleeping just like Eli used to do

A Special Surprise Visitor

This is my friend Ron from New Zealand. He surprised me today with a phone call that he was in Chapel Hill and going to come see me. I was so excited, it has been 2 years since I've seen him - I was pregnant with Eli at the time so he's never officially met Eli. I picked Eli up from school early so he could meet Mr. Ron and, of course, Cole was home with me. We had a short but great visit. His daughter lives in Charlotte and they have friends in Chapel Hill so whenever he's in the States he gives me a call and visits when it works out. It was such a wonderful surprise today! Thanks Ron!!

My boys

Happy Birthday Grandma C!!

Today is Grandma C's birthday and we were lucky enough to have her here to celebrate. Grandma C has been here since Wednesday helping us out -  mostly keeping wild man Eli busy. He has played his little heart out and loves his Grandma time. Grandma has also done some cooking and shopping, taking care of the grown ups too. It has been great having her here and all the help. I think she had fun playing with Eli and then snuggling down with Cole. She had to go home today and go back to work tomorrow - thank you Mom / Grandma for coming to visit and all the help. 

Eli was so sweet presenting Grandma with her birthday present

Yummy strawberries

Strawberries with Grandma

Running through puddles with the wagon - Eli loves his puddles (and he wore Grandma out running back and forth!)

Grandma and her two grandsons - so sweet!

Today

Quite a busy day in our house. Tim made us pancakes for breakfast including some yummy chocolate chip pancakes (chocolate chips make everything better!). We spent some time playing around the house and hanging out watching the Tour de France. Then Tim & Eli went on a bike ride while I ran to Kohl's and BJ's and Baby Cole stayed with Grandma C. It's amazing how much money I can spend in BJ's in half an hour by myself!! By the time I got back, it was lunch and nap time. Eli fought his nap pretty hard and gave Tim a hard time going down. He was overly tired as he has played with Grandma like a crazy child and had so much fun. 

After nap, Eli helped give Cole a bath. He was so cute being a helper. It'll be so much fun one day when the two of them take baths together (chaos probably but I know it'll be fun!). Tonight we had country style steak for dinner that Grandma made - it was very yummy. Very nice having someone make dinner for you. Isn't it amazing how things taste so much better when you didn't prepare them?! 

Now Eli is in bed, Cole is snuggled with Grandma and we're watching more bike racing. Here's hoping for another good night of sleep for everyone. 

Daddy & Cole all snuggly and warm this morning

Who's taller - Eli or Gumby? Can not believe how tall Eli is. 

Hanging out watching 'Thomas' this morning

Bath time for Baby Cole

Eli helping rinse Cole's hair

Big Brother / Little Brother - less than 23 months apart

Cole meeting his Amy

Eli being silly with Henry and Samantha - he was so happy to see them

Cole's birth record cross stitch finished (an accomplishment today!)