Sooooo much to say

It has been a bit since I have had a chance to blog. Going back to work on October 13th has really taken up my time! Here is a pic of Cohen and I before we left for my first day at work and his first day at the daycare. Cohen did so great his first day there. Everyone commented at what an easy transition he made and it only got better. What a wonderful group of people I found at Tutor Time. Without them going back to work would have been so much harder. Everyday they write out all the fun things he does and what he enjoys most. I almost feel like I am there!



Next up for our big news is Cohen trying cereal for the first time. We figured because he was taking in so many ounces of formula per day and definately looking at us while eating wondering where his was it was about time that we try to add something more to his daily routine. The first time he and I sat down to attempt it went so much better than I could have expected. He didn't thrust the spoon out of his mouth, but he didn't understand that he needed to swallow it either. We haven't been doing cereal everyday, but trying here and there. Tonight he sat down and ate almost the whole bowl and seemed to enjoy it. I am secretly hoping it helps him sleep longer at night even though I know that is not what it is for! Speaking of sleeping...last night Cohen went 12 hours between feedings. He ate at 6:30pm went to bed at 7:30 and woke around 3:00 crying. When I was done making the bottle I went into his room to find him sleeping...so I left him thinking he would probably wake in a few minutes by much to my suprised he didn't get up untol 6:15! I didn't know what to do with so much sleep.

Lastly we celebrated Cohen's 3 month mark on October 21. As of October 20 he was weighing in at 16 lbs. only 2 lbs. shy of doubling his birth weight. I still can't get over how big he has gotten and not to mention how fast. He is already growing out of the 3-6 months clothes he has. I might have to get a second job just to keep his wadrobe up to date.

Trip to Robinette's Orchard

Today our friend Erin invited us to join her family to pick out some pumpkins and enjoy some apple cider at an orchard just down the street from us. We took the kids on a horse drawn hay ride through the orchards. The ride had the most gorgeous views. We even got a few donuts and sat outside watching the kids play and swatting at bees!

Brody petting one of our drivers














Colin, Drew & Brody














Cohen & Brody with some very large pumpkins



















Brody being cheesy while we waited for our friends to arrive



















Cohen and I before the hayride














Cohen & Brody on the hayride














Our beatiful view














Brody on the hayride

Buddy Walk

Today Cohen and I joined my good friend Stacy and her son Aidan (along with other friends and family) to show our support for the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan. What a great time we had. We arrived at 9:00 to Millenium Park and found Stacy, Brandon and Aidan. It was a perfect day for the event. After meeting up with everyone else we started our walk around the park.


Both Cohen and Aidan were such great boys for the walk. Before we reached the end both of them had fallen asleep in their strollers. After the walk was over we stuck around to listen to music and chat with our friends and even go a few rounds on the swings.


Thanks again Stacy and Aidan for allowing us to share in this special day with you.


Cohen with his good friend Heather (Aidan's Aunt)




















The proud parents of Aidan (Stacy and Brandon)




















Aidan taking a nap after the walk

1 Year (and we haven't killed each other yet)

October 6 Clayton and I celebrated our first anniversary as a married couple. I'm not sure how we got here, but looking back there were definately some good and bad times throughout the last year. For those that do not know Clayton over the last year and a half has been working at a not so great job. I guess the job itself isn't the problem, but more the 1 hour minimum drive and the excessive overtime he was forced to work. In recent weeks he interviewed for and recieved a promotion of sorts. He has gone from being an officer to a lieutenant who now oversees the officers. With this new job title has come some much needed and deserved relief on our family. He now is working a normal schedule and is home a lot more. So I guess you could say we had our bumps in the road, but we made it and that is all that matters.

Now on to some brighter sides of the last year. We of course welcomed our 2nd son into the family and we couldn't be more proud. More to come on that.

For our anniversary I set up the world's greatest suprise for my husband. I asked his Mom to come to the house and babysit for the night. My plan was to suprise him with a dinner out for just the two of us and a visit to the same hotel we spent our wedding night at. Needless to say he was shocked. For the first time since Cohen has arrived I was able to release all of my worries that leaving him with someone else would somehow cause him to fall apart and stop loving me. Crazy I know, but I think every Mom has been there at least once or twice. That night will forever be in my memories. Just the chance to get away and remember what it is that made us fall in love in the first place. Moments like that need to come around more often then once I year that is for sure.

In honor of our anniversary and for those of you that weren't there here are some pictures from our wedding day. Enjoy!