Growing Up Already?!

I can't believe that Cole is 6 weeks old today. It has been the longest and shortest 6 weeks of my life. (If you have kids, I know you know what I mean.) We have been blessed with such a cute and healthy little boy who has begun sleeping for 7-8 hours in a stretch. (Knock on wood!) He's already gained over 2 pounds and grown almost 2 inches since he was born. Yikes! As you can see from the picture below, he's already getting too tall for 0-3 month clothes, although he hasn't begun to fill them out. Yep, he's our long, skinny boy.

But, the best part is that he's begun smiling and talking to us. It really does make it all worth it!

Leaving Dad in Charge

Last Saturday, I left Bryce in charge of Cole while I went to run errands. This is what I returned to:

According to Bryce, he "forgot" to put Cole's pants back on after he changed a diaper. Oh well, it makes for a funny picture and a perfect shot of my little boy's chicken legs.

Witnessing History

I have been a little reluctant to bring politics into this blog, but I would be negligent if I didn't express my feelings this morning. I am not very good with words, so please bear with my attempt!

Many of you know that I have been an Obama supporter throughout the past year, so I'm obviously very happy with the election results. But, as I watched the results come in last night, and our next President's speech, I felt the full impact of the historic moment. In my lifetime, I have often taken for granted the equal rights that were secured for me by other courageous individuals. As a woman, a hundred years ago, I would not have been allowed to express my opinion by voting. The idea seems ludicrous - just as ridiculous as a person not being allowed to vote because of the color of his or her skin. I am not naive - I realize discrimination still exists today - but it is hard for me to imagine that level of hatred. It is then with amazement and excitement (and a small sense of shame that it has taken this long) that I witness this historic election.

As I watched the election coverage, a particular moment really stuck out to me. A reporter relayed a story of interviewing an African-American man in Harlem who was asked how he felt about the election. The man responded that now, when his son asked if he could be anything he wanted to be, that he could look that son in the eyes, and honestly answer yes. In that moment, I thought about my own son, and how, he too has all the opportunity to choose his own path through life.

Anyway, thank you for bearing with me through my soap-box post. I do hope that this election may have the power to unite the country, and that we can all truly work together to make it better.

Halloween Fun

For Cole's first Halloween, we decided to keep it low-key and spend the evening with my parents. I don't think that bothered them one bit. :)

My mom with a bright-eyed Cole.

My dad with a not-so-bright-eyed Cole. This is just before he jerked his head away from the burp cloth and spit up all over my Dad's shirt.

Cole's first Halloween bib. It was heavily used.

I think the "Snack-o-lantern" onesie was very appropriate.

Bryce's brother and sister-in-law gave Cole this adorable tiger costume. It stayed on for longer than I thought it would.

Bryce and I "dressed up" as frazzled, sleep-deprived, new parents.

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!