A new era

Well, we've officially entered a new era. We just came back from Toy Story 3, which we decided to attempt for Father's Day.

Cole's first feature length film, and he was amazing. Totally impressed us - laughing with everyone, brave during the scary parts, and clapped at the end, asking for more. We were so proud!

A great father's day gift. Can't wait to bring him to more great kid's movies! We'll have to take out a second mortgage to pay for all the popcorn, though......

Half Birthday

Well, it's that time again. Another half birthday. Cole is 2 1/2 today, can't believe it!

We've had a busy time of the last 6 months since we entered the two's, even though the blog hasn't really reflected it. Lots of work, and play, and travel, and time with friends...but mostly, Cole's been growing. And growing. Getting bigger, and older, and more amazing every day.

These days he eats most everything in sight, chatters up a storm, and makes his opinions HEARD! We all know (everyone on the block knows) when he wants to read a book, or draw with sidewalk chalk, or (not) go to sleep, or eat "guaca-lo-le and chips," his favorite. It's really fun watching him learn to communicate and express himself - and his great imagination!

Tonight we made another mark on Cole's wall and were shocked to learn he has grown an entire 2 1/4 inches since his 2nd birthday, making him exactly 36 inches tall today. Wow!!!!!

Or, for those of you who are more visually inclined, Cole has officially reached Italy:

This marks the first photo shoot of the growth map where Cole understood what we were asking him to do ("lie down here, put your head here, stretch your legs out straight"), smiled for the camera, and thought it was fun! A much more pleasurable experience than all those that came before - which were mostly the product of luck and about 15 tries.

Speaking of previous growth pics, looking back at the blog, it is bizarre but it looks like we never did a post for his 2nd birthday. How can that be? I guess we were just having such a fun time with the festivities that we didn't think of it. Happy Belated Birthday, then, Cole!

Here's the pic from 2 years old - barely reaching France. And not too sure about the whole thing.

And for those of you who wish to take a real stroll down memory lane, other earlier pics mapping Cole's growth can be found here.

Happy soon-to-be summer, everyone!