13 Months

Dear Cole,

It is always amazing to see how much you change from month to month!  Here's what you're up to right now:

- You still L-O-V-E to eat, and you are intense and moody about your food.  One day you'll love something, and the next day you'll spit it out as soon as it hits your tongue!
- You have figured out that cabinets have FUN things in them, and you try to open them all.
- You love to dump things out- the tupperware cabinet, the book baskets, the toy box...
- You are a quick little crawler, and you love moving around and exploring things.  You love the window by the door, the lego and train table, and anything you can find in the kitchen.
- You've taken a couple of steps on your own here and there.  I've noticed that you're getting a little bit braver (especially when Levi isn't around!)
- You are clapping and waving (when you feel like it).  I've noticed you waving at your food.  I'm not sure if you're saying, "Oh.  Hello!" or if you're saying "MMM....goodbye!"  :)
- I have noticed lately how much you are understanding.  For example, you'll pick up objects that I'm talking about like your paci or the fish in the bathtub.
- You notice your reflection (not as you but as another baby).  Tonight you tried to share your paci with baby in the mirror.
- You are a big flirt.  You smile, giggle, and put on a show for the crowd.
- You are drinking only milk and only out of a sippy cup.  I think these transitions were easy because you have a big brother to watch and look up to.  If he leaves a sippy cup laying around, you make a beeline for it!  You love straw cups!
- Your very favorite toy right now is this little captain that goes with your bath boat.
-You've started "talking" on phones and toys.
- You have started throwing fits lately, and it makes me giggle!  Last night, Levi had a snack and you wanted one too.  You were sitting on the floor, and you just fell flat on your face crying.

We love you, Colar Bear!

Soccer

For the last few months, Levi has been playing soccer.  He was on a team with a few friends, and all the moms and dads had a great time giggling at the funny things our kids did.  This was definitely a learning experience for all of us!

We had one night of practice and one soccer game each week.  Leading up to our first practice, we had a lot of conversations about listening to his coach, following directions, and participating in practice.  I definitely saw progress in Levi's participation and abilities through the season, but we're still talking about toddler soccer!  There were lots of distractions- dirt, dogs, snacks, other soccer balls...

We had two great coaches that were so patient with a group of 3 and 4 year olds!  At practice they did things like racing to the goal, kicking the ball with a partner, and even dribbling the ball down the court and kicking it into the goal.  Levi of course didn't dribble the ball straight down the court- it was a round about path to the goal, but maybe he was dodging imaginary opponents, right?!

Soccer games were stressful.  At the beginning of the season, we tried so hard to get Levi to go onto the field when it was his turn and follow the ball.  As the season progressed, games were stressful because every time Levi got near an opponent, I had to hold my breath and said a little prayer that he wouldn't knock down, roar at, or throw dirt in anyone's face.  Levi had a few time outs (from us- during games!) and one game that we actually had to leave early!  Now that the season is over, Levi asks when he can sign up for another soccer team.

Overall, soccer was a great experience for all of us.  Levi learned about team work, following rules, and earned his medal (which he is so proud of!)

Halloween

Levi decided this summer that our family should dress up as The Incredibles for Halloween.  It is one of his very favorite movies, and he'd watch it every single day if I'd let him.  The movie is about a whole family of superheroes.  Levi decided that he needed to be Mr. Incredible (the Dad), I needed to be Violet (the daughter), Mat needed to be Dash (the son), and Cole needed to be Jack Jack (the baby).  This might tell us something about how he sees our family dynamic, huh?!  No matter what we said, this was what he insisted.

Mat and I weren't about to put on spandex superhero costumes, but luckily we found t-shirts and black masks so we could be supers in disguise!  I ironed an Incredibles patch onto a red onesie for Cole, and of course bought the whole costume for Levi.

Levi was so excited to finally get to wear his costume.  We went to Trunk or Treat at our church again, and it was the perfect amount of 'Halloween' for us!  Trunk or Treat lets Mat and I enjoy a night with friends from church, and it gives Levi the chance to experience trick-or-treating.

We had fun decorating our car this year with a little inspiration from Pinterest.  It was a very last minute decision, but it was super quick and turned out pretty cute!