Trust

To me picking a pediatrician is like selecting a spouse.  You interview various candidates (dating), you check out their office (seeing his apartment for the first time), meet their staff (like meeting the family).  When you select a pediatrician it's an 18 year commitment.  In the US sadly, the relationship with our doctors has a higher probability of lasting longer than a marriage. 

So, when I selected a pediatrician for my boys it was with the mindset that this would be our doctor for the next 18+ years.  I made sure he was a single practitioner, we had similar vaccination schedules, he was someone that enjoyed working with children, knowledgeable, with a good sense of humor and mostly I trusted him with my sons lives. 

I found this doctor and I love him.  He listens to me, hears my concerns and talks me through my worries.  So, on Cole's 2nd well check we had a long discussion about Cole and his lack of words.  See, Cole only has a few words; mama, dada, more, owww, ohhhh, wow, ouch and yes.  All my friends with children Cole's age are speaking 3-5 word sentences.  Dr. A had me bring in a video of Cole working puzzles, mimicking me with letter and sounds and playing.  He watched all my videos, closed my laptop and said..."he's fine"  My reply was but he doesn't talk.  Dr. A assured me that what he saw on the video indicated that yes, he's a late talker and only a late talker.  So, I will continue to work with Cole an hour+ a day working on sounds, words and hopefully he'll start talking soon.  That's why I did my homework before to find someone I trust and I trust his opinion

I trust Dr. A and for now I won't worry.  When family or friends ask if I'm worried I'll smile and say," Nope.  He right on HIS schedule!"

Happy Birthday, Cole!

Where have the days, weeks, months and now years gone?!?!  I have been a mother for 2 years.  It doesn't seem like to 2 years but Cole is living proof :)

I have made mistakes, both good and bad decisions, I have questioned myself (almost daily) and I have laughed at myself all in the name of motherhood.  At the end of the day my son is healthy, mostly happy, loving and caring.  I think Brian and I are doing a decent job so far :)

Today for Cole's birthday we did a lot!  We had a play date with J at Central Park, then we went and picked out his birthday cupcake, then home for his nap and when he woke daddy surprised him with coming home early.  We decided to take Cole to Wasabi (equivalent to Benni Hana's) then home for cupcakes and presents.  

The cook at Wasbi was the best. He created fire bombs for Cole over and over to keep Cole engaged.  Cole ate with chopsticks and drank lots of soda (its his birthday).  

His drum set was a huge success.  We actually had a hard time getting him to bed tonight b/c all he wanted to do was play his drums. 

I hope you enjoy the video!

Happy Birthday, Cole!  Mommy and Daddy are beyond proud of the little man you are turning into.    

Happy Birthday, Cole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbNFDl4_gc4
Cole enjoying his drum set
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo1VDi9-YmE

Greyson being cute on Cole's birthday

Cole watcing the fire bombs

Birthday Cupcakes are the best

Someone enjoyed their cupcake



My little drummer



action shot

Christmas Morning

This Christmas was the most fun by far.  Cole still doesn't understand the concept of Santa but don't worry I'm working on that.  By next year, I think he'll understand and help me with the countdown.  Greyson was a trooper this Christmas and sat in his exosaucer (delivered by Santa himself) watching Cole open all the presents and play with the stocking suffers.  I am very blessed to have such an amazing family!

Christmas Morning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubIKqrR2G6k

I hope you enjoy the pictures and video!

Cole & his new train set from G-ma & g-pa E

Christmas Morning

Greyson and his exosaucer

Greyson passed out after opening presents

golf thingy :)

Christmas aftermath

Getting ready for Santa

Last year when we went to visit Santa, Cole was not happy and cried the entire time.  This year, Cole was still no fan!  However, he did sit there so I could take a few pictures.  Greyson on the other hand thought Santa was a pretty cool dude.

We also made lots of cookies this Christmas season.  We made several batches at home but we made a special trip to aunt T's house for a day of cookie decorating and lots of playing with R. 

Lastly, to get ready for Santa we needed to buy a Christmas tree.  I set out, picked out the perfect Stevens tree and brought it home to decorate.  With my mothers help we were able to get Christmas setup in about 30 minutes.  I swear she has the energy of a 2yr old!

Running Weight Loss Monthly Update

November 1st Weigh In-  157lbs
December 1st Weigh In - 154lbs

I have to admit that I think the Dec 1st weigh in was a little bit of luck.  I have been fluctuating between 153 and 157 all month and on Dec 1, I just happen to weigh 154.  

I am still going strong with reducing the amount of soda I drink.  In the last month I've had, maybe, a dozen sodas.  Which before giving soda up, I was drinking a dozen a week.  I am very proud to admit that I not only made the seven day goal but went 10 days with no soda.  Now, I have one occasionally and that typically is following after a long night with the boys and I need something to get me through to nap time :)

Cardio Stats for Nov:
Walk - 8.2 miles
Elliptical - 13.6 miles
Run - 19.1 miles
Total - 40.9 miles

December 04, I officially started my third marathon training schedule.  Wish me luck.  I will be back next month to report my Dec numbers.

Thanksgiving 2010

For those that knew me 10 years ago they know this better than anyone; I was in a bad place, making really bad decisions.  At the time, I kept most of this to myself but one friend, A, knew what was going on and she helped me realize my life was spinning out of control.  She didn't lecture me, or tell me how to fix my problems or life.  She just provided unconditional love, support and brutal honesty and with time and her friendship I was able to get my life in order.  I am forever grateful for this friend!  Thank you A.  I love and cherish you!!

I bring this friend up because she is the one who helped me onto the path I am leading now.  A path that I cherish more than words can ever express.  I have a husband who us patient, kind, thoughtful, funny, sexy, loyal, and above all an amazing father.  I have two healthy boys who bring more laughs and smiles to my face, daily, than I thought ever imaginable.  I am surrounded by family and friends who would walk to the end of the earth and back for me or my children (they proved that this spring and fall when I was on bed rest).  I thank My Heavenly Father for all the blessing in my life.

I thankful for my past because it has taught me to appreciate what I have today.  I am thankful for all my family and friends who have been part of my life.  Thanksgiving is the holiday to give thanks!  So thank you.  I hope I prove how thankful I am for each of you daily in my actions and words.
xoxoxo

Visit from Texas

Cole and Greyson are very lucky to have grandparents who love and adore them.  Several weeks ago Greyson met his grandfather, J and J's wife, A for the first time.  It was a wonderful visit filled with lots of hugs, kisses, spoiling of the boys and relaxing. 

We spent one afternoon at Balboa Island watching the seals play in the water, going on the ferris wheel and for carousel rides.  I can't believe I am 32 years old, have lived in Southern California my entire life and this was the first time I'd been to Balboa Island.  It was a ton of fun and Cole could not get enough of the ferris wheel. He kept asking for more.

We also spent one afternoon looking for the perfect toddler golf set, just like daddy's.  After some searching we found the perfect set.  Cole is getting better and better at hitting the ball.  I think my hardwood floors are the most thankful for the sudden coordination.  

http://www.youtube.com/user/BBCZS?feature=mhum

Their visit was over way to fast and we miss them already.  Hopefully, we'll be back to Texas early next year.  Cole can't wait to spend some time with PawPaw and his ice cream obsession :)