Monday, March 14, 2011

10 1/2 months...

Wow...OK it's been a while. We've been so busy lately with my dad's 60th birthday party, a visit from Tutu, Auntie KC, Kalia and Maya, a fundraising event for Kits for Africa, sinus infection for Cole, Cabo for Vere and I and lots of other stuff. All the while Cole has been getting into anything and everything. He's a totally different baby than he was just a month ago. He's been opening cupboards and drawers and pulling everything out. A couple weeks ago he was in the office digging through one of the drawers when a pair of scissors flew through the air. We were basically living for a week or two with chairs in front of anything that Cole could open. I finally had a chance to do some baby proofing last week. Although Cole has already broken through 2 drawers with baby proof latches on them. He can also pretty much walk on his own. Not super far but he's gonna get it real soon. Today he walked from the ottoman to the TV, which is about 6-7 feet. It was amazing! But now that he's vertical, there's so much more he can reach! The other day he was trying to reach the door handle of the bathroom. I'm hoping he hasn't already figured out that that's how you open it because in another inch or so we're gonna be in big trouble!

Some of the fascinating things Cole has discovered in the last few weeks:
  • The button on the TV turns it on and off and on and off and on and off...
  • He can scream and it's slightly more effective than crying alone.
  • Toilet paper
  • The remote controls the TV. When he plays with the remote, he actually turns to look at the TV to see what happens. It's crazy!
  • Water comes out of the water cooler. 

I'm walking!

Cole used to hate this activity mat because of the animals that hung above his head. Now he likes to lift the whole thing over his head.
The aftermath

Here, Cole is practicing Mario Kart for the Koga Kup one day...

And he can climb the stairs...

So the last weekend in February, we had a surprise birthday party for my dad's 60th. It was awesome! He was totally surprised and genuinely touched that everyone came out to celebrate his birthday. We had been planning it for several months and although we made all the invites, party hats, centerpieces, menus and decorations, the hardest part was keeping it a secret. I have no idea how my mom did it because I only saw him one weekend and almost blew it. But the party was great! We love our dad so much and it was so nice to be able to do something special for him since he's been taking care of us our entire lives. And it was nice to spend time with friends and family.

Dad at his party wearing the crane lei that Joy and Mel gave him. 


Dad's birthday mini cupcakes!

Oh ya, did I mention we did shots?
 

A few days later Tutu, Auntie KC, Kalia and Maya came for a visit. Cole was so excited when they got here. I've only seen him like that when Vere comes home from work or trips. He was laughing and wanting to get up close to them. He really enjoyed having his 2 cousins here and was more than happy to share his toys. Which is good because he probably won't be the next time he sees them. We had a picnic at Seagrove Park and played at the playground. 

Checking out the surf.

Kalia on the slide!



On the swings with Maya! Push me Auntie KC!
 
Picnic at Seagrove

Auntie KC, Kalia and Maya checking out the beach
 Thanks to Kalia and Maya, he finally knows how to use this!

We also had our 2nd fundraising event  for Kits for Africa. Which was why my mom was coming down to SD in the first place to babysit Cole. And of course right when I was about to leave for the event, Cole had a fever of 102.3. His highest ever. Turned out he had a sinus infection and had to be on antibiotics for 10 days. He seems OK now though.

Last week, Cole discovered my belly button. He kept lifting up my shirt and jabbing his finger in there. It was funny at first but then I had to hide from him. Luckily he hasn't remembered about it since.

This past weekend, Vere and I had a weekend alone for the first time since Cole was born. Vere had a conference in Cabo from Wednesday to Sunday and at first I wasn't going to go because I didn't want to leave Cole. But then I decided we really needed a little getaway to be husband and wife again and not just mommy and daddy. So my parents came down for the weekend and I flew out on Friday to meet Vere. I did cry twice the morning I left and then maybe again after I had a few too many drinks one night. But other than that I was fine...and so was Cole. He had a good time with Tutu and Grandpa. He even took hour+ long naps for them in his crib. In fact, he wasn't even that excited to see me when we got home. It was like he wasn't sure if it was me or not. But today he's back to his old self, including his 30 minute naps.

Some of my favorite pictures of Cole...


At the park

With daddy and Lucy

Not quite ready to eat out of a bowl yet.

Eating grass at the park.

Quick video of Cole taking a few steps today