Getting Ready For Church

It Was A Holly Jolly Christmas For Sure!

Christmas dinner is so much fun when you have a sweet Christmas bib to wear!

I am a bit embarrhassed by the amount of goodies in this photo so I must explain that these were not all Christmas gifts....many were toys we have had that just had to be played with today as well :)!

Ok, seriously...have you ever seen a more precious face???

Look at our big boy - standing without any help!!!

Santa brought Rhonald ... I mean Cole ... an early gift this year. We bought an aquarium and both of the boys are IN LOVE with it. I have been enjoying it so much too but I think they are obsessed! It is so relaxing and fun to watch. And if you ask Cole "where are the fish?" he crawls over to the aquarium and points....so sweet!

We had such a wonderful first Christmas with Cole this year! Above are pictures that we took trying to capture the fun we have had! We kept saying how strange it was to think about last Christmas when we were wishing and hoping for him to make his first appearance into this world...how nervous and excited we were to meet him face to face! Now, we know everything about this sweet boy and cannot imagine life without him! Last night Rhonald stayed up putting together a few toys for Cole and I stuffed his stocking (and Mason's too of course). He loved the stocking...taking things out of containers is a big deal to him right now so that was right up his alley. I think he was a bit overwhelmed with the toys and the unwrapping but he did well and seemed to love everything he got! It was so much fun watching him take everything in today! We were lucky to have Rhonald's mom and dad here with us this year and I know they loved sharing the day with Cole as well. We had a huge dinner (which Cole also loved) and then we all settled down for a long afternoon nap! Tonight Rhonald and I took Cole out to look at Christmas lights - I think he fell asleep about 30 mins into the adventure but hey --- at least we can say we did it! I included the last picture to let you know that Cole loved every card we received so if you sent one to us I promise it was looked at at least 1 million times! There is so much more to share but I am exhausted! We hope that your holiday was amazing and we look forward to hearing all about it soon! Merry Christmas!

WOW!

I read this quote today and wanted to share it...thank you Gaylee! I know you were actually sending me a forward but this really touched my heart too!

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we subconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Marianne Williamson adjusted, originally Nelson Mandela

I've Been Tagged....

My friend, Melissa, tagged me with this through her blog so here I go....7 random facts about me:

1. I am a list maker. I actually made a list of things to put in this post. I make lists everyday and I am so obsessive that if I have to add things, or I don't like my handwriting, I rewrite the list! I know, crazy huh? I love lists and I have no idea how people live without them. I do not make lists for Rhonald...that was something I promised I would never do although I would like to every now and then!

2. I love the smell of fresh cut grass and burning leaves. I love them so much that I even mowed the yard when we bought this house just to smell it. Of course, that stopped when I got pregnant and I have not picked it back up since!

3. I pray every time I rock Cole. It is about the most relaxing and peaceful time in my day. I rock him before each nap and bedtime and that is my "quiet time." I love it.

4. I wish I was southern. I was born in Michigan and have wonderful memories but I wish I could say I was truly southern. I try and I do well but there is a difference. I love the traditions of the South...the sweet tea, the porches, the Sunday picnics after church...the lazy days. If you have never lived here you think I am crazy and cannot understand but there is something so charming about it and I love it.

5. In another life I would have loved to be the star in a musical! Not any musical mind you...a musical on Broadway! When I am alone in the car (not often) I tend to put in a CD from one of my favorite shows and sing like crazy! If you know me well at all you know...I CANNOT SING (and I have never been in a play)! But I love to think I would be awesome if given the chance in another life.

6. I do not like popcorn. Well, I should say, I only like homemade popcorn and I am so lucky to have a father in law that will make it for me whenever I ask!

7. I am very proud that I have breastfed Cole for a year (well almost...we only have 3 weeks to go) and that I made all of his baby food.

Now I tag.....Kellie, Rachel C, Rachel G, Emily, Deidre, Margaret and Amy M!

A Messy Kind Of Day

You know, it has been one of those weeks! Cole and I have had a great time together but we have been stuck at home much of the time (except for play group - thank goodness for that) because of the weather. As I mentioned a few days ago, Cole is not a pasta fan! That is ok with me but I felt like he would like it if he could learn to have fun with it. So, today was the day! I bought some Beefaroni (I know, gross-but every kid tries it) and off we went! He loved playing with it and making a mess and he even ate quite a bit more than I thought he would. He did not gobble it up but it was a start and it was fun! Now, looking back, there are a few things I would have done differently....like take his clothes off before he ate! Needless to say after lunch we jumped in to the tub - that turned out to be fun too since we usually only take baths before bed. Overall, it was well worth it and hey- I got a few great pictures too!

A New Kind Of Dinner Party

Saturday night we had a few friends over...all who have children! It was a fun and wild time with 4 little ones running around but it was well worth it! And, once again, we were all reminded of how times have changed...every child had a seat at the table while every adult stood while eating! Oh - and the centerpiece has changed from flowers to Clorox disinfecting wipes!!!! Oh well...such is life! Cole had an absolute blast sharing his toys and home with his buddies. We enjoyed lots of good food and company and I actually hope that we do it again soon!!!

Just A Few Pictures To Share

Cole is really into the cabinets and drawers these days. This morning I cleaned out a drawer and put all of his cups, bowls, bottles, etc in it so that he could get to them easily. Well, as soon as there was a little extra room in this TINY cabinet he climbed in. I could not believe that he could even get in there but he did! We had a small amount of trouble getting him out but he did not seem to mind...he tried to climb right back in! What a silly boy!

How many Searcy men does it take to child proof the kitchen? I am thankful to Rhonald for putting locks on some of the kitchen cabinets...so that I did not have to do it myself! It was an annoying job but one that needed to be done.

A family picture taken by Miss Amy. I promise I am not that pale!!!

If Cole is not in the kitchen getting in to things he is usually reading a book on Mason's dog bed. He loves rolling around on there and bouncing. He really loves it if Mason is there too but after several minutes of sharing his place Mason usually finds a new place to rest.

Dear Santa...

Today marked a very special day for me...we took Cole to meet Santa! Rhonald has the worst memories of visiting Santa of anyone I know so, needless to say, he was not as excited as I was. The Santa I was able to visit growing up actually went to our church so he knew me by name and even dropped a gift off at our house every Christmas Eve! We made an afternoon of it and had a nice lunch and then went to the mall. Luckily there was not a line so we were able to let Cole look at Santa and wave at him which he loved. He did very well sitting on Santa's lap too...until he actually realized he was sitting there. Santa told us not to worry....he said children cry when they see him all of the time. We were laughing about that on our way home...how horrible would that be?! I can't wait until the day when Cole knows who Santa is and gets just as excited to go see him as I was!

Has It Really Been 11 Months????

Today our baby boy turns 11 months old! It is so hard to believe...time simply flies! Cole is very busy these days doing everything from clapping and waving to digging in the kitchen cabinets! He really loves playing with other children and, of course, Mason. He is babbling more and more. Cole can walk around the furniture and can stand by himself for about 40 seconds. He is still enjoying his food...he eats basically anything and everything. Right now his favorites are pears, bananas, peas and corn. Cole still hates all kinds of pasta (crazy kid, I know!). He is nursing 4-5 times a day depending on what he has going on...if he has something else on his mind I cannot get him to sit down with me to eat! Cole can hold his own sippy cup and drink from it. He can also drink from a straw. Cole can crawl up stairs and then back down again. He loves music and loves "bouncing" to it. If you ask Cole to hand you something (for example: can you please hand me your cup?) he will do it. He loves to help us pick things up - but then he usually wants them back!!! If you ask Cole where something is he can point to it (for example: where are your shoes? where is Mason?). Cole loves when we chase him and if he hears the phrase "I am going to get..." he assumes it will end with "you" and he takes off crawling and laughing! Cole is still sleeping well - from about 8 pm to 6-7am. He is taking 2 naps every day. It seems like there is something new each and every day which is so much fun! I hope you enjoy the video - it was hard to get him to pay attention with food sitting in front of him....and please disregard my "singing."

It's Finally Christmas At The Searcy's

It took us a little longer than normal to get the decorations up this year but we finally did it! And I love them!!! Rhonald and I always decorate the tree together, drinking hot chocolate and watching Christmas Vacation. This year we waited until Cole was sound asleep to put the tree up so we were able to continue our tradition and not worry about him getting in to everything while we decorated. Rhonald even decided to put lights up outside this year. I have never lived in a house with outside lights and I was thrilled when he mentioned doing it. And I have to say, they are beautiful and I love looking at them when we drive up to the house! We were so excited for Cole to see the tree that, in a moment of insanity, we almost woke him up - BUT we thought about it a moment longer and realized that would be totally crazy so we waited for morning. He was a bit unsure of the tree at first but quickly adjusted and then just stared at it for a long time. As the day progressed so did his curiosity and he did manage to snag a few ornaments off of the tree. Since then we have been working with him to not bother it - just look - and he has been doing very well. Every morning he acts like it is the first time he has seen the tree and all of the decorations and it is precious! We are so excited to continue making new Christmas traditions with Cole .... last night I bought a copy of The Night Before Christmas to read on Christmas Eve and Friday we plan to go see Santa! I love it - it is like reliving Christmas as a child but better!

Mommy and Me

Cole and I attended our first "Mommy and Me" class at Gymboree Play and Music this afternoon. I wish I had a picture to share with you but I did not even think to bring my camera! It was such a blast! Cole is the youngest in his class and, honestly, I thought he would be a little bit shy and intimidated but boy was I wrong! As soon as we got there he started following his friend, Ben, around and playing on the equipment. When the class started we sat in a circle to sing a few songs and Cole LOVED it. Like, loved it with all of his heart!!! It was so sweet to watch him - he even clapped his hands for the 1st time! He played well and tried a lot of new things (like crawling up stairs and through tunnels). At the end we sang a few more songs and again, Cole went nuts! I was so happy that I signed us up for the classes --- the hour went by much too fast and I am already excited to take him back next week!

An update - thank you for your prayers....they have worked! We have had a great day with a long morning nap! He is 26 hours out from the Splenda oranges and seems to be back to normal and happy! Poor thing...I hate that his tummy was hurting so much but I am so thankful that he seems to be feeling much better!

Some New News

So, Cole has been doing a few new things since we got home from our trip! It is always exciting to watch him learn something!!!
1. He likes to hand us things....anything and everything. Last night he kept handing me food during dinner!
2. He can hold his own sippy cup and drink out of it...if we are holding him and can lean him back a little bit.
3. He can drink out of a straw! Funny story about that...we were at lunch with our playgroup friends Tuesday and he was playing with my straw. I told my friend, Kellie, how he liked to play with them but he could not drink out of them. Then Wednesday I had a milkshake for lunch (yes, you read that right and I am not ashamed!) and he wanted to play with the straw as I was getting him out of the car. Well, when I got in the house I looked over at him and he had ice cream all over his face and was smiling so big! Then I watched him take a big drink!!!

In other Cole news....we had 4 glorious weeks of Cole sleeping through the night and then we had the nerve to go on a trip! Needless to say naps and night time sleep have not been the best for us over the past few days. I think 2 things are going on....I think another tooth MIGHT be coming in but more than that I think I made a boo boo! Cole has never tolerated artificial sweeteners...major tummy upset. We have never directly given him any but whenever I would drink even 1 Diet Coke and then nurse him he would cry and cry. Well, we accidentally bought some mandarin oranges over the trip with Splenda in them and when we got home - to save room - we took all of the fruit out of the boxes to put them away. He loves oranges so he gets them a lot and I thought last night...I never got rid of the Splenda oranges and I bet he has been eating them! UGH!!!! So, I share this story with you to ask for prayers for patience as Cole has not been his normal happy, sweet self and for prayers that he starts to sleep well again so that mommy can be her normal happy, sweet self too!!!!