All Grown Up

Cole had his first day of preschool this morning. (Sigh...) I'm not sure it's hit me yet that my baby boy has grown up to be this little boy who carries a school bag, has a cubby to hang it in, teachers, and classmates at his very own school. Although we had only planned on sending him 2 mornings a week this year, the 3 day class seemed to be a much better fit for him. Since he will always be one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in his classes it was important for me to have some kids that also had fall birthdays for him to socialize with. The majority of the kids in the 2 day a week class had just turned 2, and so Justin and I decided that we'd rather send him the extra 3 hours a week if it meant more kids his age to play with. So he will be in school Monday/Wednesday/Thursday from 9:15-12:15. We were nervous about the switch because the teachers Cole met last week and the classroom we told him would be his at orientation was all going to change on his first day. Thankfully, we did have the weekend to talk to him about who his new teachers would be and that he would now be in the 'Marvelous Monkey' room instead of the 'Terrific Turtle' room :) The cut off is August 31st, so he is still in a 2 yr old class, but the 3 day a week class happened to have more older kids in it. Cole continues to amaze us as he adjusted seamlessly to his room and teachers, and didn't even notice that I left the room. The teacher said he had a great time, and although one of the little boys was crying for his Mommy when I went to pick him up, sweet Cole was happy as a lark playing with all the toys, seemingly unphased by the meltdown of his classmate. I guess I can thank Kellen for Cole being used to tantrums :) I am absolutely thrilled with St. John's Preschool, and can't be any more proud of my first born boy for being so brave and doing such a great job on his first day. I'm really looking forward to hearing about everything he does at school, and all the fun crafts he brings home. I'm also really looking forward to some quality Mommy-Monster (K) time!! Running errands with only one child is sounding pretty fabulous too! Here is Cole on "meet the teacher day" last Thursday.

He found the puzzles, no surprise there!

These are today- on his very first day of preschool. Justin was off work today, and offered to take Cole so that I could sleep this morning after working the last 2 nights, but I couldn't miss being with my baby on such an important day.

This just makes me melt!

Making silly "stop taking pictures of me smiles" and playing with the trucks in his classroom.

The teachers even wrote every childs name on the sidewalk up to the school as a welcome on their first day!

As I mentioned earlier, Cole is a Marvelous Monkey this year, and I'm loving his teachers sense of humor!! I think we will get along well!

I love you, Cole, and I couldn't be any prouder to be your Mommy than I am today. Happy First Day of Preschool sweet boy! (sniff sniff)

No words necessary :)

Don't ask....just LAUGH!!

Michelle's Wedding in Loretto, PA

Justin and I took a 4 day trip to Pennsylvania the last weekend in July for one of my best friends' wedding. Michelle was a bridesmaid in my wedding 4 years ago, and I was honored to be the same in hers. I didn't get too many pictures because I left the camera at the house for the wedding and reception, but here are a few of the pre wedding festivities!



Shelly's parents house before the rehearsal.
3 of the 4 blonde amigas from Duke ICN 2005/6.

Hair all did, enjoying a mimosa :)

We all enjoyed the early morning champagne!

Shelly and her sister, Joelle.

Wait... is there something missing from this picture? There are no toddler boys running around underfoot!! We missed the boys terribly but SOOO enjoyed our time away with friends. Thanks Nina, Pops and Kristen for keeping the boys for us. We knew they were in the best hands and not missing us one bit!

Although you may not recognize us, we clean up nice every now and then :) Look at my handsome hubby!

Lauren!! "Fancy" did an awesome job with a reading during the ceremony, and looked gorgeous doing it. Whew, better you than me girl! I was nervous for you and all I had to do was sit in the pew and hold some flowers!

I miss you already, my Shelly. The only thing more perfect and beautiful about the day of your wedding was you. We had an amazing weekend thanks to you and your wonderful family! MUAH!

Big Boy Underwear.... wooo hooooo!!!!

I've been purposely waiting to post this because I guess for some reason I thought it would jinx his progress (I know, I'm crazy), but I am SOO proud to announce that my big boy, Cole, is a 'big boy underwear' wearin' champ! He wears a pull up for naps and bedtime, but hasn't had an accident in his underwear in weeks and we are SO PROUD OF HIM! It was a little stressful to get there, but we made it, and I definately learned a lot about potty training a boy in the process! I thought about posting a picture of his cute little tooshy in his tighty whiteys but decided maybe everyone else wouldn't think it was as cute as I do! But let me just tell you, the urge to squeeze that cute little hiney without the 'diaper butt' overtakes me sometimes and I just can't help myself :). It's so nice only changing one child's diaper, and Cole has even gotten to the point where he can do everything almost by himself, with a little help getting his clothes untwisted on the way back up!

Fun with Kristen

We've been having a blast this summer with some great visits from Kristen. The boys adore her, and I have to say I do too!! I love these pictures of us having pizza at the pool and then playing Hide-and-Seek at home.

My big boy is growing up so fast. I can't believe he starts preschool in a few weeks.

Note the pool toy torpedo K is carrying around in his bib :)

Haha!! I told you I was going to post these!!

Kristen wins for most original hiding spot!

Found you!! He gets SO excited!

Straight from the tub and being tickled for smiles... I mean, I never have to tickle my kids to capture smiles on camera- they always cooperate :)