the notorious trash truck

So this has probably been the most exciting thing (for Cole) about having our new house. Every Friday the trash truck - which is bright turquoise - comes down our street! It's very cute the way he just stares... It reminds me of my younger brother who used to also be very excited about the trash truck! He then decided to collect rocks on our way back inside, and made a little pile on our porch - don't you love those swollen morning eyes and pouty lips - they're the best. =)

P.S. This is also the big debut of his second round with a buzz. I think it suits our recent temperatures better...

Welcome Home!

Well everyone, today is the day! We are officially closing Escrow on our house in beautiful Carpinteria. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers during the entire process, and we can't believe how gracious God has been in providing us with this new home for our family. How funny it is that we literally found this house on Craigslist, and how God just day after day let everything fall into place. As many of you know, we first found the Craigslist post in March, so it's been a long wait - but obviously worth every minute. It's currently being tented, so we can officially get in there tomorrow at noon. We're going to paint right away, but I'm sure that's only the beginning of many projects in the years to come. Keep the prayers coming for a smooth transition, and hopefully in the next month or so we can have you all over!

I also wanted to say a little something about my incredible husband, and the spiritual leader of our family. Andy has been working so hard to help this transaction go smoothly, and I just wanted to commend him for providing for, and caring for our family. I'm amazed at the man he is, and am forever grateful for his hard work and prayer in making this all possible! We (Cole and I) love you SO much!

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

P.S. The picture above was taken in April, but once we get in there we'll put up some more of the inside...

favorite time of day...

...after coffee and breakfast, when we get to brush our teeth! Well, after I have my coffee which is my favorite time of day...and yes we share a toothbrush. ;) Cole is already starting a very good habit - brush those pearly whites!

Happy 93rd birthday, Grandma Rachel!

Cole and I drove down with my parents yesterday to Studio City, to be with my Grandma on her 93rd birthday! My Aunt Shelley, cousin Andrew, and their cocker spaniel Jake were also there, so Cole was completely entertained all day (considering it was his first nap-less day since the day he was born). She's doing so well, and it's always a treat to see her, especially Cole, since she is his great grandma! (The first picture is my grandma and grandpa on their wedding day!)

one year later

These pictures were taken almost exactly a year apart, and as you can tell nothing much has changed other than his size! Well, and his hair color, which still amazes me with each day that it gets blonder. He still loves taking naps on our bed, and lately I've been sacrificing since it's the only time he lets me get as close as I want (granted he's asleep). As most of you know, Cole has always been a mama's boy, but not as much lately...so I have to work real hard to get in my snuggle time. ;)

new shoes

So, we finally gave in and got Cole a pair of Crocs. Yes they're ugly, but for kids, they're awesome! Not to mention he loves them. He'll find them in the house and bring them to me so I can put them on him. He did it this morning, and with the pajamas and crocs, I couldn't resist...

craigslist

So as many of you know, I'm really into CraigsList. I've sold things, bought things, and searched endlessly for random stuff, but also for stuff we need. I added on the side panel a little text/picture box to show some of the wonderful things I've found. We actually got the shoes (that are on there now) a couple months ago, but they just now fit Cole. I will admit that I have come across some junk, but when I actually find what I've been looking for, it's very rewarding. If you haven't ever checked it out, I would challenge you to...

http://santabarbara.craigslist.org

One man's trash in another man's treasure!

15 months

Cole had his fifteen month check up today. I could definitely tell for the first time at a doctors appointment that he knew right away what was coming (shots). However, he did great and his current stats are:

Height: 32.5 inches (75th percentile)

Weight: 26.8 lbs (90th percentile)

Projected height according to measurements: 6'-6'2"

Words so far: Momma, Dadda, light, hot, uh-oh, papa (as of yesterday)

Favorite things: the beach (or just being outside in general), dancing, and Uncle Paul baby-sitting... ;)

sleeping beauty

Even boys need their beauty sleep... ;) After a long beach day with Dad, Cole and I needed our snuggle time. Within minutes of being out of the shower, he fell asleep on my chest, still wrapped in his towel-so special!

concert in the park

While Andy played golf, Cole and I joined our Pep group down at Chase Palm Park for a their Concerts in the Park. We brought our dinner, a blanket (which we never sat on), and got to hang out with some of Cole's buddies!