Back in Full Force...or Something

OK - I have been absent for quite awhile. In fact, part of the reason is because I could not get my background switched. I needed my computer-savy husband's help. And, since he figured it out, I am back sans St. Paddy's background.

We are home today, on what would normally be a summer workday, because Mia has strep throat. However, her strep is certainly not preventing her from making Cole laugh and cry simultaneously as she entertains/antagonizes him endlessly. I just sit and watch it all transpire.

We were just eating lunch, and Mia said, "Mommy, next Christmas I want to sing the Charlie song." I had no idea what she was talking about, so I tried to get her to sing a little. She sang, quietly, "Tis the season to be Charlie." Ah, I love that girl! She recently had her first dance recital, and I could not have been more excited to watch her!


And, at preschool, Cole has moved into the bigger boy class. He now sleeps on a napmat and follows the same schedule as the other kiddos. It is bittersweet for me. I want him to grow up, but it makes me so sad each time he hits a milestone. He may still be a tiny little guy, but he definitely has a mind of his own!


So, back to watching/refereeing the children.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Mia!

OK, so I am more than a week posting this, but honestly, it is because I am at a loss for words when it comes to my first-born.

Mia,
You are becoming such a big girl, and I am so proud of you. You are one of my favorite people to be around, and you are only 3! You are smart, hilarious, talented, artistic, eager, loving, obedient, strong-willed, beautiful, and a tad bossy. I wonder where you get that last one? You are the person who showed me all about the incredible bond between a mother and her children. You are my daughter, and I will never forget that moment when you were placed in my arms. I stared in disbelief at your precious, tiny, crying face.

I still find myself watching you, completely amazed and humbled that I get to be your Mommy. Thank you for allowing me to practice my parenting skills on you, my first-born child. Each day brings a new adventure, and I look forward to it every morning. You have made me want to be a better person...someone you can be proud of. You are my most special girl, and I can't remember what it was like before I met you. Happy (belated) Birthday, Miss Mia.


All my love,
Mommy

A Quick Little Snippet...

Mia: "Mommy, someday I can be Giselle (from "Enchanted") and Daddy can be a prince and Coley can be another prince and you can be the witch."
Mommy: "Gee, thanks for letting me be the witch."
Mia: "Mommy, it's OK...it's just pretend."

Happy 1st Birthday, Coley!

My most special baby boy,

I seriously can't believe that you are one year old today. I vividly remember being pregnant with you. I remember going to the hospital three times, and finally staying. You were anxious, yet cautious. You finally made your appearance 14 hours after Daddy and I arrived at the hospital. And, from the first moment that we met you, you were absolutely perfect.

When we came home from the hospital and began life as a family of four, it was not easy. You liked to eat, and you were ready for a meal every two and a half to three hours. But I secretly loved those nights - waking up, feeding you, and watching DVR'd "John and Kate Plus Eight" episodes. You would usually go back to sleep immediately afterwards - in the computer room! We set up your pack-n-play in there until you were sleeping longer nights (about 4 months). When you were 9 weeks old, I had to go back to work. But, I knew that the new job was a possibility, so that got me through the two last months of school. Then, it was summertime, and we had tons of fun everyday. As you got older and interacted more, it was obvious that you were a good-natured, laid-back guy. Of course, that doesn’t mean you don’t like to get your way.

When you were six months old, I started my new job and got to take you with me everyday. I know how blessed I am to get to do that. I think that Mia is a little more independent than you are because she had to separate from me when she was 6 months old. You don’t have to! And, you haven’t!!!

Some favorites of yours:
1. Your sister – you stare at her and grab for her and want to be playing with her all the time
2. Your Daddy – you love it when he is around and you constantly babble “Dada” – now you may not want him to hold you, but you definitely like him around
3. Toys that you can chew on – EVERYTHING goes into your mouth
4. The kitchen play set – it entertains you frequently
5. Jewelry – you love it when I wear earrings, and you fiddle with my wedding ring each night when you are falling asleep
6. Bath time – you love to play in the tub
7. Watching the dogs – they make you laugh
8. Climbing the stairs – the first time I realized this, you were six stairs up and I almost had a heart attack

Some un-favorites:
1. Baby food – you pretty much survive on a liquid diet…and it is not that we haven’t tried
2. Prevention from getting your way – if I take something away from you, you will bury your head in the ground and cry
3. Getting dressed or having a diaper change – you can’t sit still for that long
4. Teething – not that this is a favorite of any baby, but you really hate those mean teeth as they make their way out

Overall, this past year has been painfully quick, and I feel like you were just in my arms as a newborn. However, it also feels like I have known you forever, as you complete our family and fill in spaces that I didn’t even know existed. I love you, and I love our mother-son bond. Happy Birthday, Cole David. Thank you for being my son.

Love, Mommy

A Hugger, I Am Not

I am not a good hugger. And, all of my life I have been surrounded by hugging situations - Drill Teams are full of girls who like to hug. And it is not that I don't like a good hug, it is just that I am no good at it. At Kilgore, my friends recognized my weaknesses and attempted to help me learn how to hug well. And, today I have a few friends who I feel like I can hug un-awkwardly - but mostly because they know I am not a hugger and they compensate for my inabilities. Usually I end up giving one of those weird side-hugs, that are void of any true hug qualities. The majority of the people who receive hugs from me probably leave wondering why I hugged them in the first place. I know that I over-think hugs. I wonder where to put my arms and how hard to squeeze. And there are times when I know a hug is a good idea, but I just can't bring myself to initiate. I will return them happily, but rarely initiate them.

Funny Tidbit

We decided to purchase a Wii with some family gift cards from Christmas. When we made the decision the day after Christmas, we called many, many places to see if they had any. I always said, "Yes, do you have any Wiis in stock?" Well, after a couple of days, we finally located one. Today, while we were driving, Mia asked if she could go home and play the weezun stock. It took me a minute to realize that she thought the name of the game was "Wiis in stock" since I said that every time I called. It made me and Chris laugh quite hard. :)

Christmas 2008

It was truly a wonderful Christmas. It was our first year as a family of four, and I feel blessed beyond measure when I think back now. It didn't get off to a flawless start, however, when Coley got an ear infection the Sunday before. Three days of scary high fevers, sleepless nights, and needy cries made things a little tough. But I know that it is just part of the parenthood journey. My children manage to find inconvenient times to fall ill. Last year, when Chris went to Orlando and the ice storm hit, Mia got really sick with a bad virus. With no power at our house or the doctor's office, we just toughed it out. Oh yeah, and I was 8 months pregnant with Coley too. So, when Cole got sick and we had to take him in on Christmas Eve Eve, I was not surprised to find the after-hours clinic closed for the Holiday a day early, and we ended up in the ER. The doctor reassured us that he did not have pneumonia (which was a fear of our pediatrician's, and why we took him in that night), and we went home. But, I digress. This was my post about Christmas!

This year, our church had a Christmas Eve experience, and we were so happy to get to attend. That was after a frenzied morning of cooking for dinner and wrapping presents, and it was a much needed time of re-focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas Eve is traditionally spent at Momo's house.

Kenny, Alyssa, Ana, Helen, and my Dad all joined the four of us and Momo. We ate a delicious dinner of smoked turkey (Chris had to go to her house at 3 am to get it started - and it was worth it!) and ham...plus a bunch of other great items. Then, after the dishes were cleaned, we started into the presents!


The highlights for us:
Chris - his helicopter from Brookstone - he and Kenny flew it all over the place, even hitting Ana in the eye

Mia - her Princess tent from my dad
Cole - his ride on/push train from Momo
Me - my new purse from Momo
After all of that plus dessert, we headed home...for Santa had a busy night ahead of him! We left Santa cookies and chocolate milk (according to Ruby from "Max and Ruby," chocolate milk is his favorite) and we left the reindeer food on the front lawn. We put the kids to bed, and Cole stayed in his long enough to let us fix the breakfast for the morning, assemble his train table and train, and wrap all the presents for the kids and each other. Of course, we got into bed at 1:15, and he was awake at 1:30 - still with a fever, and still really fussy. We brought him down with us and slept off and on until about 8:00.

Christmas morning was so wonderful! Mia was SO EXCITED to see if Santa had come. All she wanted was a singing Sleeping Beauty doll, and her little face was so thrilled to see it sitting there on the fire place. We opened all our presents and ate breakfast pizza. My parents came by for a brief time, and we spent the day playing and playing and playing.
The highlights for us:
Chris - I think it was his thin wallet
Mia - the singing Sleeping Beauty, of course - with the princess dress-up shoes a close second place
Coley - his dump truck - he will have to grow into the train table
Me - my earrings from New York - Chris had Megan pick them up for me when she was there :)
That evening, we went to Faye's house to see Tim, Jenn, and Sarah. It was a great day and a great evening. Even better, Cole slept all night in his bed (although not without an hour and a half of crying first - me going up every 15 minutes or so). Since he was finally fever-free, we knew he just had to tough it out.

The next day brought our third Christmas celebration. The Poseys all came over and we opened presents with them.

Cole slept through the opening ceremony, and awakened just in time for lunch of smoked pork tenderloin. Then, he had his own present-opening time.


The highlights for us:
Chris - I am guessing his gift cards
Mia - her Sleeping Beauty barbie
Coley - his much-needed clothes
Me - my gift cards, of course

After all of that was over, all four of us rested for quite awhile. It was an exhausting three days, and we needed some down-time.

All in all, this Christmas has been the best one I have ever had. Mia is at the age where everything is so exciting, and just having Coley here makes it feel complete. I know that this post is lengthy, but it is more for me and my memory. Sorry if I bored anyone! :) I just know that Christmas is supposed to be a time of togetherness and worship for our wonderful God. This year, it was exactly that for the Posey family. I hope that yours was just as remarkable.

Freedom...and Boredom

So, we have officially had our first day out of school due to snow/ice. And I was really excited about it this morning. Until I realized that I still was up at the same time (11 month olds do not exactly go back to bed just because it is a possibility)...and that Chris still had to go to work...and that I would probably be home-bound all day. Don't get me wrong, I have been rather productive (laundry, dishes, more laundry, etc.), but I get a little crazy just being at home. It reminds me of the first month or so of both kids' lives. We stuck to the house, since it was the middle of winter and RSV season, and I just felt cooped up and anxious. Today, I have so much I need to do, like Christmas shopping, and it is like my body knows that I need to be doing things so it leaves me feeling uncomfortable. Anyhow, I think I would be much less moody if Chris were here. But he, like most other people, still had to work today. Boo.

On a positive note, however, the weekend trip went well for Daddy and the kiddos. I got home on Saturday night, and both kids were in bed fast asleep. And it was wonderful to spend some time with friends and away from the house.

Right now, Cole is asleep in his bed for his second nap today. Mia, on the other hand, is throwing a fit in her room. She is still required to "rest" most days for at least an hour. It lasted about 5 minutes before she started yelling for me. Thankfully, Coley sleeps through her yelling. She will remain up there for the entire time regardless, so I may just go into the bedroom, shut the door, and fold laundry.

Oh, and a few more random things. Recently, I asked Mia what she wanted to be when she grew up. I knew that she might not even have a concept of the idea, but I wanted to see what she'd say. Her reply? A gingerbread man! :) HAHAHA! And for the record, I love the Oxford comma. You know, the one that is used in lists before the and. Reading sentences without it makes me feel weird, and even though it is grammatically acceptable, I don't like it.

That's all from the Posey household for now. On to fold some of that glorious laundry.

A Momma's Boy He Is

Well, here I am! I know that you have missed me, and I have missed you too! I have been reading, but not writing lately. I have been formulating blog posts in my head, but not taking the time to put them down. Anyhow, I am now.

Coley is a Momma's boy. I have always heard about the special relationship between mothers and sons. And I believe it now! I am sure that my working at the preschool has much to do with it. The fact that I am in there with him all the time (when he cries or eats, or when he won't sleep, or when I want to see him) probably also contributes to it. I often carry him on my hip, making copies or delivering things to classrooms. Most of the kids know him (although some can't get his name quite right..."Cool" is what one little girl call him), and he is happy to be my helper. He is truly a joy, and seeing his little not-so-toothless smile (4 teeth now) makes me happy in ways I never knew.

But having a Momma's boy comes with some strings. I can't miss bedtime. He will not go to sleep with a bottle. He also will not (usually) calm down in the middle of the night for anyone but me. Dinners out (I have only had two, I think, since he was born) are often ended abruptly, with my having to return home to feed him and put him to bed. And I don't mind it all in the grand scheme of things - it was my choice to be a nursing mom. But there are times when a glass of wine and an adult dinner with my husband would be awfully nice.

And all of this makes my over-night trip to Oklahoma City this weekend a little more than nerve-wracking. I may come home to a sleep-deprived husband and a son who has not slept or eaten in 24 hours. It should be really fun!

My Little Dancer

So, I have officially watched my daughter in her first performance. The studio performed at my great aunt's assisted living home this weekend, and it was pretty darn precious. As you will see, Mia was a little disoriented at the beginning, and the cuteness of it brought tears to my eyes! I know that I watched the entire song with a goofy-looking grin on my face. She loves to watch it on video and sing along with herself. Ahh...it's only just begun...and I love it!

Both Sides of the Coin

So, I feel like I have had the unusual blessing of experiencing three different work/kid scenarios. First off, for two school years, I was a teacher and dance team director. So, that was a full-time (plus some) job. Mia was in preschool every school day. It was really hard. I missed her in a way that I didn't know I would. While I enjoyed teaching, I felt like a piece of me was sitting about 4.5 miles away and I did not know what that piece was doing. Sure, I called every day on my lunchbreak that first year (while simultaneously pumping and watching Days of our Lives...I know you are impressed). But it never felt good when I would leave her in the mornings. Since I was teaching, I had summers off, so I did not have to take her to preschool and I was able to wear the stay-at-home-mom hat. I could pretend, for about two and a half months, that play-dates and afternoon swims were possible. And while I loved every minute of the past two summers, I knew that we could not afford for me to not work. So, I now have a job where I take my kids with me. They spend time in their respective classes (Mia more-so than Cole...he ends up on my hip about half the day) and I spend time in the office or helping teachers or doing other administrative duties. I know what a gift this job has been. Because while it is frustrating in many ways, I have my babies with me. I can see what they are doing at any moment. Two pieces of me are not 4.5 miles away, they are about 25-50 feet away.

But I think that I have the perspective to understand both sides of motherhood. For working moms, it is hard. Really, really hard. Not being with them all day and leaving them in someone else's care is uncomfortable and disconcerting. What if one chokes? What if one gets so upset that he can't sleep, and only mommy can comfort him? The good side of working is how thrilled you are to see them afterwards. And, even if it is not always pleasant (remember, I taught 9th graders), work gives moms a break. All moms need a break. Sure, the house cleanliness may suffer, but the time you do have with your children is quality...in order to make up for the lack of quantity.

Staying home is also tough. There were days this summer, with a 2 year old and a newborn, that we didn't even make it out of the house. And Chris would come home, and all I would want to do was go anywhere...go get gas in the car in 105 degree heat...just to escape for 5 minutes. There are times that you become resentful of the fact that you can't get a shower or a nap or a meal. Kids are needy, and your one, sole job is to fulfill their needs. So, I get that staying at home is a job. It is not not working. And many of the parents at our preschool are stay-at-home moms who bring their kids a few days a week in order to get a much needed break.

And then there is the third option - working with the kids. It is, like I said, a complete gift. And I would not trade it for anything right now. But, I also realize that it does not allow me the chance to miss them. It is just a part of adjusting to a new lifestyle and a new normal. And we are getting there...but I sure could use a trip to the mall (with money to spend, of course) solo! :)

Thirty-five Things (You Never Cared to Know)

1. I have a paralyzing fear of arachnids. I can't even type the specific name.

2. I wanted DeAnna to choose Jason.

3. I can still kick my face. Did it recently, and was very sore the next day.

4. I don't like steak.

5. Although I had fun in high school and college, it was nothing compared to the joy in my life right now.

6. I procrastinate.

7. I like sugar and cream with a little bit of coffee in the mornings.

8. Aside from my family (and not all of my family), there are only 2 people with whom I can completely be myself.

9. I do not cuss.

10. I get angry at smokers.

11. I tip well...usually.

12. I am insecure around new people.

13. I love to shop for my kids.

14. I can sing the entire intro song to Max and Ruby.

15. I wanted Will to win, and Katee to be runner-up. So, Joshua was a disappointment to me.

16. I am obsessive about having my nails painted. Since Coley has come along, that often doesn't happen as much as I want it to, and it drives me nuts!

17. I love to read.

18. I judge people. And I know that I shouldn't, but I do.

19. I do not think I am good with kids in general. I do OK with mine, however.

20. I know that I should want to exercise, but I don't want to.

21. I like to be in charge. I am a self-proclaimed "Bossy Pants."

22. I would go to Starbucks everyday if I could.

23. I am pretty darn excited for Thursday - the prospect of a new Office and a new Grey's makes me smile.

24. I prefer to write in a calendar as opposed to using my phone's calendar.

25. My favorite food is Italian.

26. I have never liked my legs.

27. I can hardly remember my life six years ago.

28. Medication works too well on me (unrelated to the fact that I can hardly remember my life six years ago - I am talking about small-time stuff like Tylenol PM or cold medicine).

29. I believe that a kidney stone is more painful than labor (with an epideral, mind you).

30. I hate buying/wearing jeans.

31. I cry at almost every episode of Grey's Anatomy and ER. And at almost every novel I read.

32. I tend to over-commit.

33. I want to read the bible, but I am overwhelmed. (I hope my devotion book will help with that feeling.)

34. I don't know how anyone could not believe in God after experiencing the miracle of children.

35. I am happy - genuinely happy.

Ahhhh....

Well, it has been an absolutely insane couple of weeks. I started my new job, and as with all new jobs, there are good and bad things. The good things are that I work with some really wonderful people, I am close to my kids (in a very literal sense), and I am growing to love all the other preschool kids. The bad things...well, they are just going to take some time to work out.

In the course of my first two weeks of school, I have hired three teachers and fired (sort of) one of those three. She didn't show, so I take it she was quitting anyway. It was a blessing, believe me! I have helped more children use the bathroom that I have ever thought I would help. And I mean really help. I have rubbed backs and patted heads, in an attempt to help sleepy babies take their naps. I have answered a million calls and emails - most of which amount to nothing. And I have conducted a fire and tornado drill - a difficult feat with 40ish children under the age of 5.

But I have also peeked in on Mia while she is in class, playing and oblivious to my watching. I have hugged and kissed her many times - in fact, every time I see her in the hall or outside. I have fed Coley everyday. I have rocked him to sleep and sat on the floor playing with him. And those things make it more than worth it.

Some other recent happenings...
1 - Mia started dance class. I will post pictures soon. But she is really enjoying it and I am too. She is taking from my dance teacher, which is pretty neat.
2 - Cole is sitting up alone. He loves for me to turn his tub of toys sideways so he can just dig in.
3 - Cole is almost crawling. He gets on all fours and rocks back and forth.
4 - Mia is singing all the time. Some of her favorite songs are "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid and "Mama Mia" from the movie. She also sings "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" with a twist...
Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily life is butter dream.
It makes me laugh every single time.

That's about all from us! I am so looking forward to the long weekend. Happy Labor Day!

My Boy

Coley is growing so fast that I can hardly stand it. He is so sweet and so happy...unless he is tired. But we are (finally) getting the hang of naptimes. Some of those naps are even in his bed! :) He is almost sitting up on his own and he desperately wants to crawl. He is getting pretty good at rolling wherever he wants to go.



Look at that belly! Seriously, he is a solid guy and getting so heavy. At six and a half months, he weighs almost as much as Mia weighed at one year.


And here's a classic paci face.

Napping in the swing with Cookie Monster. C00kie is dressed as a bunny - it was for Easter.

My two favorite guys, hanging out at Uncle Kenny's pool.

Nutty

So I am borrowing from zumthemum when I say that life is NUTTY these days! And in order to keep all my (3) readers happy, I want to let you know what's happening at the Posey home. :)

I am transitioning into my new job as a preschool Director. I think it will be wonderful once I get the hang of it all. Like any new job, it is overwhelming and stressful right now...especially since I need to hire three teachers by next week! But I am so excited about the year getting started and getting into our new normal.

With that, it is also so weird to not be going back to teaching. It was a little sad when I cleaned out my room. I will miss the kids and the other teachers. But this is a new opportunity, and I am completely embracing it!

This past weekend, our upstairs AC went out. Of course, it happened on Saturday afternoon. So, Saturday night was an adventure with Cole sleeping in the pack-n-play in the computer room, and Mia sleeping in bed with us. Coley did great, but Mia did not settle until almost midnight. Sunday night was worse. Cole woke up at 1 am, and would not go back to sleep. We had only been asleep for about an hour when he awakened, so 3 am brought all four Poseys in one bed. Yep - we slept like that until about 8 am. Thankfully, the AC was fixed on Monday and we resumed our regular sleeping locations. :)

And now, it is Wednesday night...a little bittersweet because it is the last Wednesday night of SYTYCD! And tomorrow is the finale! What am I going to do when it is over?!?!?! We do have tickets to the tour, but that is not until October. I am just so in love with that show!

So, I hope life settles a little bit. I am sure it will.

Happy Half Birthday, Baby Boy!

Coley,

You turned 6 months old on Saturday, and I can't believe it has been half a year already. You are such a joy. Here are some recent discoveries:

1. You have started blowing raspberries, and you think you are pretty funny. You especially like to blow them when you have a mouthful of peas or carrots.
2. You have eaten a variety of veggies (green beans, peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes) and desperately want to drink from a cup! If you see one, you start wriggling around and reaching our for it.
3. You laugh and smile all the time, and your favorite person is still your big sister.
4. You spend time in your saucer and your jumper. Those chunky legs will slim down in no time at the rate you jump!
5. You weigh 17 pounds, 3 ounces. Mia, at her 1 year check-up, weighed 18 pounds. :)
6. You roll quickly and are trying to crawl. Oftentimes, I find you under Mia's play-room table or under your jumper.
7. You are sensitive. When Mia's upset and crying, you start to cry. When you hear a loud noise, you pout that lower lip and the tears start to fall.
8. You are still a cuddle bug and I love it!

I love you more than I could ever explain. You are my precious son, and I thank God for you every single day.

Over the Hump

There are a few events in my life that, after the fact, I can't imagine going through them again. And all of them are happenings that I would not trade for anything, but I am just glad to be through them...you know? Some of those events include (but are not limited to):
1 - My freshman year at Kilgore
2 - Moving - each and every time I do it
3 - The first few weeks at home with a new baby
4 - The latest home rennovations at the Posey household
We are FINISHED! Well, we have been finished with our part for awhile, but the floors are not completed and all is back to normal. Well, except for the fact that I have to call Lowe's on Monday due to the carpet in our closet that is coming up. If I can just ignore that fact, then I can pretend that we are finished.

And a recent Mia-ism...
Mommy: Mia, please do not take off your shoes in the middle of the store.
Mia: Mommy, don't get fustrated!
Yep, she knows the context of frustrated.

The Happy Dance

So, we entered Mia in the So You Think You Can Dance Happy Dance contest. However, she is not 18, which is one of the stipulations. But she is pretty darn cute, so maybe they'll ignore the rules. Ha!

Miss Chatty

Some funny, recent conversations with the 2 year old...

Mia: Mommy, you have a bar?
Mommy: Yes, do you want a bite of my (granola) bar?
Mia: No, I'm good with my muffins.

Mommy: What's Mommy's name?
Mia: Kristi.
Mommy: What's Daddy's name?
Mia: Father.

Mia (on the 4th of July - much later than she is usually up): The fireworks are making me so HAPPY!

Mommy: Mia, do you want to talk to Momo (on the phone)?
Mia: No, I'm busy.

Happy Days!

Well, we had a wonderful July 4th. We traveled to see Chris's brother, his wife, and his daughter. Mimi went with us, which pleased Mia immensely. We had a great time and Mia LOVED the fireworks!!! Here are some highlights...

* She played with some "poppers" during the day. Cole enjoyed watching her. :)

* We all watched Daddy and Uncle Tim set off big fireworks that night.

* She was up later than she had ever been before...and bouncing off the walls!

* Cole slept through all the fireworks like a champ.

* Mia shared a bed with me and Chris for the first time. She, having never slept in anything other than her crib, does not know bed-etiquette. She ended up pushing her feet into Daddy's back on the first night and kicking him out of the bed completely on the second night. Her feet ended the night where her head began. It was actually pretty funny!

* We did some outlet mall shopping, and everyone behaved. :)

We came home, hoping to have our new flooring installed this week. Chris hurried to get the kids' bathroom ready to tile...

but of course, the installation has been delayed until next week. I am beginning to think we will have to live forever with this nasty, now-painted carpet.

Yesterday, the kids, Momo, and I went swimming at Uncle Kenny's house. It was Cole's first time to get in the water. Look at this picture of Mia (left) compared to him at about the same age. Although I think Coley looks so much like Chris, he also looks like a boy Mia. Oh, and yes, I know he is wearing a girly hat. I just wanted something to cover his little bald head in the sun!

The girls all had fun swimming and eating.
And here's a view from the other side. :)