Bouncy Time

Cole has been loving his new bouncer that he got a couple of weeks back.  He's still a little short for it, so we have to put a text book below it, but he'll grow into it.  Here's a video of him enjoying the good times.

Photoshoots

Well, as usual we're well overdue on updating photos, but things have been busy.  We haven't stopped taking pictures though, so you might see a flood of photos here shortly if all goes as planned.  

Below are a few different photo sessions, which as you can see, Cole is a little skeptical of.  He is generally concerned when the camera comes out, so its hard to catch a smile on camera.  There are a few below though, so its getting better!

Below would make a pretty good stop motion video, if you wanted to showcase the rapid change in emotions a baby can exhibit (I'm currently experiencing this change as he sits next to me).

Cousins and Auntie!

Long overdue on this post, but we finally got to see Melissa, Jack and Maggie last weekend.  It was a long awaited and quite worthwhile visit.  It is incredible to see how much the kids have grown and matured.  Jack is wild and inquisitive as ever, but a little more tolerable of the dogs and interested in everything.  Maggie is talking and understanding conversations, but still quite shy!  Last time we saw her I think she was just saying "momma".

Melissa found a VRBO near our house, so it made it quite convenient.  We also got a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Hadley for one night; their first time seeing all three grandkids together.

Overall it was a great visit, and we couldn't be happier Melissa made the extreme effort to bring Cole's cousins near (they live in Japan for those that don't know).  I am still waiting on her pictures to be sent to us, but in the meantime, here are some shots from our camera.

 Photoshoot!

 We went to the zoo on Sunday, but none of the animals were up to much on this dreary day.

 Maggie was not a fan of the giraffe (or many of the animals for that matter!)

 I thought I had Cole in this picture too, but I guess not.  Sorry bud!

Jack messing with the monkeys.

Cole Giggling

We've been trying to do a better job of using the video camera that was lent to us (thanks Grandpa Reed!) and capturing some of Cole's younger days.  Obviously the cameraman could use some lessons in how to properly frame a shot, but the audio is what's most important.  Cole always seems to be happiest after a big bottle, so here's a shot of that happening.

Smith Family Visit

This past weekend we had some guests in from out of town.  My mom's brother Norm, his daughter Kelsey, our cousin Lori and my sister all flew in for the weekend.  We rented a beautiful home 1/2 a block up from Greenlake. It was a wonderful weekend with family that we love and don't see nearly enough.  Overall we didn't do much - we relaxed, reflected on memories from our childhood, and thoroughly enjoyed an evening of sharing memories of our grandma.  I truly wish the weekend could have been longer - Cole adored everyone that came to meet him.  After a couple hours of "being shy" he broke out of his shell and started talking and smiling at everyone.

We wish the rest of our family could have come for the visit as well, but we completely understand that life can be quite hectic sometimes and getting away is just not a possibility.  I'm hoping to make a trip to CA to introduce Cole to the rest of his extended family some time this summer.  

Here are a few photos we took from our weekend.  My cousin Lori took tons of great photos - I'm hoping we'll be able to get a couple to post on the blog...

Cole's first cousin once removed, Lori - yeah ,we had to look that up online ; )

Cole with his other first cousin once removed, Kelsey

The whole gang

Great uncle Norm and Kelsey

5 Months!

Today was a big day for the little man as he passed 5 months in our world.  Can't say we did a lot to mark the day, but looking back, it is all quite surreal.  Cole is definitely growing fast, physically and mentally.  Some times it feels like forever since he was born, others, its hard to believe we're already 5 months in.  Either way we are definitely loving time with Cole and enjoying watching him grow up.

Happy 5 month birthday Cole!  We love you very much!

New Cole Pictures

Here's some of the latest photos from around the house.  We've had a lot of happenings that we haven't been good about keeping up on, but we're trying to catch up.  We're also really looking forward to seeing Cole's visiting aunt and cousins.  Unfortunately Jack has been sick so that's been keeping us from seeing them, but hopefully it happens soon! 

The first few pictures here are a great pictorial of the range of emotions Cole can run through in a short time.

Happy!

Content 

 Furious

 Sleepy

This great knit hat is from our family friend, Leslie Dahl.  I would say it fits perfect, except for the blatant choice of purple for the yarn.  I would've prefered crimson Leslie, but Cole loves it despite its shortcomings. Thanks for making that especially for him!  It is great.

Cole is starting to grab quite a bit and hold on to things.  Its fun to watch him develop.

 And here he is showing off his neck strength

More grabbing.  Thanks to Emily's Aunt Kathy and Uncle David, Cole has a new favorite toy.  The zebra is a big hit and keeps him quite entertained.  That is until it is time to eat!