Wow..

...where has time gone the last two months. I haven't had any time to update my blog between sub plans, preparing for Talon's arrival, teaching and Cohen. I am hoping in the next few weeks things will settle down.

About a month ago, we took Cohen on his last Nelson Family Cabin trip before the cabin is sold. He had a ball sledding, playing in the snow and entertaining the rest of us. I think one of his favorite parts of the trip was pulling the sled up and down the hill; he even didn't mind pulling his cousin around. Unfortunately, little boys can't stay outside forever and Cohen didn't enjoy going in the house.

After January is over and February begins, I always get anxious for spring time. This year I found some aviator sunglasses and a hat for Cohen that I had to buy. He loves wearing them around the house and in the car, but if anyone draws attention to the sunglasses or his hat, then he takes them right off!

The other night Cohen came to me and told me he wanted his picture taken. He doesn't usually do this so I thought I better take him up on the offer. Here is Cohen cheesing the camera!

Christmas Break!!!

We had a great Christmas Break. Christmas Eve started with an early party at my Grandpa Barney's with yummy turkey and ham. Then on to Grandma Gloria's for some tasty prime rib. We definitely didn't go home hungry to wait anxiously for Santa to come visit Cohen.

Cohen is waiting patiently for his turn to open his present. This only lasted about 30 seconds, then he lost interest, and headed downstairs!

Christmas Morning before Cohen woke up. By the looks of it, he was a pretty good boy this year.

Cohen slept in until about 7:00 on Christmas morning. As he walked into the family room and saw his presents, I don't think he thought much about it because we have had a few presents under the tree all month. It took him a minute to finally realize it was okay to open them now and he wouldn't be sent to "time out" for it. I guess we were a little strict with him earlier in the month about touching the presents! Cohen loved opening his first present, but then he didn't want to open any more. He was more interested in playing with his new toy. It took a while, but eventually he opened all his presents from Santa and then was off. By the time we opened our family gifts, he was on his new bed playing with his cars.

Cohen with his new toys and toddler bed! I can't believe he sleeps in that now.

After we opened presents, which took much longer than Tyler and I thought, we headed to the Nelson's for breakfast. Cohen was so excited to go see his "Papa" and could hardly wait until they could go outside to play. He didn't care to open any presents; we could barley get him to hold still long enough to see what he got from his Grandparents and Brock.

Grandma Gloria decided to tease Cohen and take his hat. Cohen didn't care too much because he stole Nolan's new phone. I guess he figured if someone takes something from him then it is okay to take his cousin's toy.

Cohen opening one of his gifts and playing with Lilly's new toy.

Once all the presents were opened, Cohen finally talked his Papa into taking him outside. I think this was his favorite part of the whole day. He took all the baseball bats out of the garage and put them in the snow. Then he proceeded to throw snowballs at everyone's cars.

I love this picture with Cohen wearing Brock's helmet. It is too cute!

After some tears from having to stop playing outside, we headed to my sister's house to open more presents. Cohen was so exhausted from the long day and fell asleep in the car. I was hoping for a nap from him, but as soon as he saw all his "big" cousins, he had to wake up to play. Cohen had a ball running around the house and following the big kids. As he was playing, he rounded up a few wooden bats, Tigger, and a chair to hang out in.

Cohen with all the toys he found!

Over Christmas Break, Cohen spent as much time outside as possible. If it wasn't for the red hands and face, I don't know if he would have ever came in the house. He loved riding his new jeep with Papa and throwing snow balls.

Cohen and Papa throwing snowballs at his jeep!

Merry Christmas

...sugar cookies...

I have been promising Tyler and Cohen that I would make sugar cookies for over 2 1/2 months now. Thanks to my first "Snow Day" in my life, I was able to finally be a little baker. Cohen was a really good helper and assisted me in mixing the dough, but I put him down for a nap while I did the baking. As I frosted cookies last night, I told Cohen he could help me next year. Well next year is a long time for a little boy so I decided to let him "help" me now instead. Cohen was armed with a spoon to frost with (which he spent most the time eating off of), a cookie, and a small amount of red frosting in a bowl. I know what you are thinking, and yes, it was a small disaster, but completely worth it!

Before

After

Cohen loved every minute of "frosting" his cookie. When I went to take him out of his high chair, he said, "I want MORE!" Luckily, for me, it was bedtime. Overall, I think we had a successful baking day. I can't wait to continue the tradition next year with two little boys!!!

...19 months...

Wow! I can't believe Cohen is 19 months on Saturday. He is turning into a little boy over night. Recently, Cohen learned to jump/climb out of his crib. At first, he only came out when he didn't want to go to sleep, but now he has learned, he can jump out any time he wants. In return, we get a 6:00 a.m. wake up call. Yesterday, I went to hit the snooze button on my alarm clock and there was my little guy. He was up and ready to go; unfortunately, I think I hit my last official snooze on Saturday!

Even with the early wake up calls, we still love our little man to pieces. Cohen is trying to copy everything we say and can string a 2-3 word sentence together. Some of his favorite sayings include: "I want bite", "I want Dad", and "Brock school". On Tyler's day off, he taught Cohen that Mom goes to school and now when you ask him where someone is at, he will reply with school. It is really cute because he says it in the saddest little voice with his eye brows squished together.

Cohen is enjoying the holiday season. He LOVES lights. Everywhere we go, we hear about the lights. When we drive pass Christmas lights, he loves to say, "WOW!" I get the biggest kick out of hearing the expression he uses in his voice. He also is obsessed with turning on our Christmas lights in the house. Usually after out 6:00 a.m. wake up call, he wants to go turn on the lights. I am afraid he will be disappointed once they are gone.

At 19 months, Cohen has many favorite things. Tigger and his baseball bat are still on top of the list. He takes these things with him everywhere he goes. He also loves his uncle Brock and talks about him constantly. I have found that everything in our house belongs to Brock and that includes all the Christmas presents and MY BOOKS! Cohen also loves going to his grandparents' houses. He gets excited when we pull up to either house and especially loves seeing Grandpa Shoe because he will take him to get all the mental bats and hard balls available.

The last week or so, we have been trying to teach Cohen about family prayer. He has started to learn how to fold his arms, but doesn't like to close his eyes yet. He is too interested in watching Tyler and me during the prayer. My favorite part to our family prayers is hearing him say "Amen" at the end. He says it so sincere and reverent.

Cohen has turned into the best little helper. Tyler and I decided he knows exactly what we ask him to do, but he selectively chooses when he wants to listen. This last week we organized the garage and cleaned the house. Cohen was right at our side helping us along the way. For the most part, he listened really well and was good at taking things to the rooms they belonged in, but when Grandpa Shoe showed up, he needed a break. He decided he enjoyed hitting balls off the tee with Grandpa more than cleaning the house. I guess I don't blame him. I would have much rather been outside playing as well!

Boy, Oh, Boy!

Yes, it is true! We have another little boy on the way and couldn't be more excited about it. Cohen will get to teach Baby Talon how to be a trouble maker like his big brother! When we went to a 14 week ultrasound, I told Tyler that I was sure it was a girl. I seriously was so surprised to find out we were having another boy. On the way home, I kept telling Tyler how shocked I was that it was truly boy. Even though the 14 week ultrasound looked like it was a boy, I was nervous for my 21 week ultrasound. I had convinced myself of the gender and even had a name picked out, but with my luck, I thought it was going to be a girl now.

Fortunately, it was still a boy! Yay! No painting Cohen's room, buying clothes, or making more quilts this time around! Cohen has more clothes and quilts than any one boy should ever need so I am glad we will get to re-use all of his old stuff. There are a few things like shirts and shoes that Cohen destroyed, but for the most part, I can use everything again. I even have a few blankets that Cohen didn't even touch because he had so many made for him. With Baby Talon coming in a few months, we decided to put Cohen into a toddler bed. We actually have a twin bed we planned on using, but since the two boys will be sharing a room, we felt the toddler bed will work best for us; it won't require nearly as much rearranging of furniture and toys in their bedroom!

Cohen still doesn't understand that we are having a baby. I don't think the reality of it will hit until we bring Talon home, but for now, he is really cute about the baby. Whenever we say where is Baby Talon, he lifts up his own shirt and points to his belly. It is so sweet!

November...

I am not sure where November went this month, but before I knew it, it was gone! I always love this time of year and it is especially fun to have Cohen enjoy it with us. These are a few pictures from Brock's birthday dinner.

For Thanksgiving, we ate a delicious dinner at my mom's house and then had dessert at Grandma Gloria's. We are lucky to have family live so close especially during the holidays. When most people have to choose where they are going to spend their holiday, we can always work out spending time at both places. Here are some pictures of Cohen on Thanksgiving Day!