We visited Santa a couple times this year. Once with cousins in Seattle and twice in Portland. No need for a story...just look at the pictures.

Chris and I were determined to host Christmas this year...which meant we'd really have to push ourselves to finish (or at least, be finished enough to party). We definitely went right to the last minute...as my mom was telling me to "put the paint brush down", 10 minutes before our family was to arrive!
Amazing enough, with a mad dash of picking up tools, paint, trim, and whatever else was lying around, we managed to shove everything in the garage-shut the door-and enjoy a wonderful Christmas Eve with family and friends.
We shared Christmas Eve with my sister's family, my brother-in-law's family, Tony, my mom, and Chris' parents. It was the perfect mix of people and we had a great time sharing stories over dinner (soup and cold cuts) and watching the kids run around and play. The kids got to open a couple gifts which they loved. Everyone got new PJ's, a snow globe, and some sort of vehicle. Cohen has a blast, but was up pretty late. By 8pm he was falling over and laying on the ground...he actually had to start crawling instead of walking because he couldn't keep his balance. (it's tough try to keep up with the 2 & 3 year olds.

From Santa x 2_Christmas Eve

All we can say is "Thank You" Dick and Sue!!! A great time was had by all...and thanks to Chris and Dick who arrived 2 hours early to volunteer so we could all roll, bake and decorate to our hearts content!
This year Sue invited my mom, sister, Tony, O and E. It was so much fun watching the kids get into the festivities. I think O may have eaten and licked her weight in cookies and frosting. Aunt Melissa had to teach O the "no licking the knife" rule which I'm sure I didn't catch soon enough :) ha, ha
Enjoy the pictures!

From COOKIE BAKE 2009

Click on the slide show twice to view pictures and videos in Picasa.

From New Folder (2)

Cohen LOVED Halloween!! We put him down from 4-6pm so he'd be able to take part in the festivities and it worked like a charm. Cohen trick or treated for an hour and still wanted to go to more houses. Our neighbors had the best decorations complete with a live Jason from Friday the 13th, except didn't quite have a hockey mask (but he was scary enough). Cohen didn't cry or scream...he starred and starred at him. It was too funny. I tried to put him next to him for a picture and he didn't want any part of that...but again he didn't cry for freak out. Instead, we both sat with him and said cheese. If you click on the slide show and view the pictures in Picasa you will see a video of Cohen at our house (his last stop). Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!!

From Trick or Treat 09

Here are pictures of our progress. I have more pictures but my card reader is dying on me. We are in the last couple months of Phase I. Should be finished by Christmas...cross your fingers. Chris is done with football in a couple weeks, so he'll actually have some time to work. It's not easy to get things done when you leave the house at 6:30am and get home at 7pm (and sometimes later than that). Enjoy

Apparently, craving pumpkins seems more fun than it really is...One 'look see' during the slide show and you will notice, the adults are doing most of the "gutting" and "cleaning." Olivia thought it was dirty "notice the blue gloves" and Ethan just said "no" Cohen on the other hand, enjoyed sampling some raw pumpkin and picking out seeds. But the best part was pretending to scoop out the pumpkin guts when all was said and done. AAhhhh...Happy Halloween!

From craving pumpkins

As I was carrying the baseboards from the family room to the dining room to be painted...I quickly had the undivided attention of Cohen(who was riding his giraffe around the island). Within seconds he was following me signing "please, please" So, I put the kid to work. Come to think of it, I should have had him helping in the first place. He is quite strong for an almost 15 month old. From then on, we slowly co-carried the remaining 4 baseboards to the dining room. Cohen grunted, (probably learned that from daddy) as he picked them up. (so so funny) When we were finished, he was bummed. He sat in the window sill waving his arms and pointing to a stack of nothing (where the boards used to be). Gotta love this kid!

From New Folder (2)

From New Folder (2)

From New Folder (2)

This isn't the first time Cohen has destroyed a box of tissues, but it is the first time I got it on video. Also, it you ever take care of Cohen it's a good idea to shut the bathroom door or else you'll discover the toilet paper bandit!!

Today we traveled an hour east (I think) to enjoy the day in Hood River. It was gorgeous! Beautiful sun, fall colors, great company...what more could you ask for. Cohen took everything in...He is so curious and loves new adventures. After an hour train ride we arrived at the pumpkin patch. They had little pumpkins for all the kids, live music, a hay maze, hay rides, and a bounce house. Cohen even got his first chance at the bounce house. The guys running it were nice enough to clear the house of the big kids and let two little ones in. Although it only lasted a couple minutes~ Cohen left wanting more :) Thanks mom, for an amazing trip!!
ps. If you click on the slide show you can see the pictures in Picasa

Oh my! What a totally awesome place! Grandma hit the nail on head when she booked this week-end last July. The Great Wolf Lodge is like Vegas for kids! You should have seen Parker and Rowan walk into their room for the first time...They were totally amazed they had their own bunk beds that were sectioned off from their parents complete with a TV and video games. What more could you ask for?

Cohen loved running after his cousins, playing in the water (after he got used to it) watching the animated creatures at story time and running after his cousins...did I mention he loved running after his cousins :)

From 1 year

Cohen is becoming quite the little charmer these days. He loves people, especially "his" people like G-ma x2, G-pa, Ethan, Olivia, Aunt Michelle, Uncle Chris...etc. His little face lights up and his lips pucker up for a kiss. He is a very good kisser, too. Not too many more open mouth kisses :) Cohen is also climbing everything. His right leg props up on everything and he is able to use toys, shoes, or the ottoman to get to where he wants to go. The other day Chris and I turned around to find him sitting on a folding chair...we couldn't believe it. (of course he pulls himself onto the most dangerous chair in the house). He is also a "reacher." Nothing is safe anymore. With arms stretched as high as he can reach and toes fully extended he can get a lot of things off the counter. It is so funny to watch because he'll run his hands along the perimeter until he finds something.
Cohen also has a lot to say...unfortunately we have no idea what he is saying but he is very passionate about a lot of things (from the tone of his voice and his facial expressions). We can't wait for some more detectable words :)
That's it for now :) Smiles

12 months stats:
20 lbs 6 oz. (16%)
2' 7.5" (93%)
Head 18.5 (69%)
walks and runs
likes to feed himself with spoon or fork
drinks from sippy cup
takes 2 naps (usually 1-2 hours)
Sleeps 12+ hours at night (6pm to 6am)
like to be swaddle
has 6 teeth
loves shoes
can slide
climbs everything
says please in sign
waves hi and bye
Says, car, cracker, ma ma, da da,
talks in jibberish ALL THE TIME
pulls stuff out of drawers and puts it back
can follow simple directions (put diaper away, clean up, stop, sit, etc.)
enjoys "pushing" mommy's buttons
wears size 4 diapers
loves to take baths
loves bananas and string cheese
hugs
kisses (a lot)
...I'm sure there is more but I'll have to write more later / someone is up from his nap :)

On August 10th, our little guy turned one. Although the first 4 months seemed to move so slowly(and I thought I'd never make it), the last 8 months came and went in a flash. Cohen had two celebrations for his b-day. On his actual birthday, Cohen's G-ma's, G-pa, and Great G-pa went to Sip N' Play to celebrate. Then we came home to open presents. I'm not too sure who enjoyed the cupcake more Cohen or Cohen's G-pa Butler. G-pa was feeding Cohen his cupcake like there was no tomorrow.
Then on the week-end we all went to Oceanside to celebrate at the beach. We actually celebrated Olivia's 3rd and Cohen's 1st birthday together. Both kiddo's had a great time.

From 1st birthday

 

From Monthly Pics

From Oceanside

What a beautiful day in Oceanside, indeed! We all had a great time walking the beach, rock hunting, chasing waves, playing in the sand, exploring Cape Meares, and of course our trip wouldn't be complete without a tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory! Yum! Cohen LOVED the sand! He will definitely be a beach baby!

From Oceanside

Chris and I love having family get-togethers and even better our family from Oklahoma (Aunt Bea and Uncle Ken) came to visit this week. They have been busy busy all week with trips to Bend, The Grotto, Multnomah Falls, Nike, and tomorrow we're off to Oceanside. Cross your fingers for a beautiful day!

From 9 months

Cohen couldn't get enough of Helen's wheelchair...as he has a fascination with wheels.He could hardly control himself. And when we brought out the walker, he was in heaven! Cohen really knows how to turn on the charm. He was flirting with all the ladies and loving the attention. I'm not sure who he gets that from....ha!

Well, this is the first time I couldn't get Cohen to sit for his picture...after trying for two days and hour sessions I gave up. Plus, our little guy is all about the noises he can make with his mouth...so a smile was hard to come by... but "fart" sounds are most plentiful!!!!

From Monthly Pics

Got it! Just had to use Pineapple as a prop :)

From 9 month appt

Cohen's Stats!
Weight: 18 lbs. 7 oz. (17%) (the pic. reads 18lbs 6oz, but laying down he was 18lbs. 7oz)
Height: 2'6" (94%)
Head: 17.76" (44%)

Cohen really turned on the charm when Dr. Costa rolled into the room. He was hilarious! You'd have thought he'd been given a 1000 binki's to choose from...his arms were wide open, his legs were a kickin, and the grunts were non-stop. Too Funny!!

From Mother's Day

On Saturday, May 9th we headed to Yacolt to celebrate Mother's Day on the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad. This organization is managed and operated solely by volunteers. It was built back in 1888 to access timber and was still in use until the floods of 1993. Unfortunately,over time, with severe winter weather, lack of maintenance and changes in ownership, the track-bed, rails, and bridges had deteriorated. Then a group of community volunteers came together in 1998 with the goal of restoring the line and building the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad into a functioning historical railroad. Working with the support of Clark County, the track from Moulton Falls to Chelatchie Prairie has been restored, and excursion service resumed on May 26, 2001.
http://www.bycx.com/

Now that you have a little history, I'll fill you in on our day. With only a few minutes to spare (or so we thought, someone else was later than us) we all made it to Yacolt in time to board the train. Upon arrival all moms got roses(a red rose if your mom is living and a white rose if your mom had passed) And of course one for Olivia, because she "needed" one too! Once the whistle blew and the conductor yelled "all aboard" we were off! The conductor even punched each and every ticket as he greeted all the passengers (just like the olden days...) We couldn't have dreamed of a better day! We sat back and soaked up the sunshine in a flat bed car coupled with a gentle breeze... aahhhh :) We passed by baby goats, goslings, llamas, horses, cows and much more. We even went through a dark wet tunnel which scared the wits out of Olivia. She said, "I'm not going through that again...OK OK. OK." I said, we don't have to go through it again until the way home... But, thankfully a stop at Moulton Falls and a ride in the caboose helped her to forget about the scary tunnel. Cohen and Ethan, on the other hand, could have cared less. Cohen was a super trooper. He slept all of 30 minutes the whole day and managed to remain happy the entire time.
When we returned we had a picnic lunch in the park and enjoyed each others company.

What a beautiful day, an amazing train ride, and the perfect Mother's Day celebration!

Chris and I had such a fun time with Cohen today. His little laugh and giggle are so contagious! Enjoy the photos and videos!!

From Gymboree Class

Gymboree is a tradition with G-ma Rathbun...It began with Parker and has continued down from one grandkid to the next. Lucky for Cohen, it's now his turn! Today was their trial run and guess what? Cohen had a great time...as you can see from the picture! From now on, Cohen and G-ma Rathbun have a date every Saturday at 11am :)

From Gymboree

April 30th marked the last day of swim class. Cohen, Grandpa and Grandma Butler had a great time. On the second time around Cohen was much more expressive and really noticed the other kids in class. I was also really fortunate because got to swim with him a few times as well. Coming up next...private lessons at G-ma and G-pa Butler's house!

From Monthly Pics

Easter began with a trip to Seattle to visit Mark, Julie, Parker, and Rowan. My sister and her kiddo's plus my mom came too! We were quite a sight trying to get all the kids fed, dressed, and out the door to make the 10am (0-3years) hunt. Goodness gravy!! If you were a fly on the wall...you would have probably got a good laugh. But at last, we were successful. Even one little girl in ballerina shoes made it to the hunt on time (of course that was due to her auntie convincing her that she could carry her there)

Parker and Rowan are the best big cousins EVER! They are so patient and loving toward the little guys...it's really sweet. They helped find eggs and helped open them all up :)We all had a blast! Cohen first experience was pretty hilarious. It was pretty cold and wet, so we had to put him in a fleece suit to stay warm (since he's a little too little for mittens, and such). Well the "suit" didn't allow for much dexterity...poor kiddo. He's still pretty darn cute though, trying to get an egg without any hands.

Then, Saturday night we drove home so that we'd be ready for Grandma Rathbun's Easter brunch at her house. And what an amazing brunch it was... complete with the "all time best ever" solid chocolate bunny from Boehmns. Yummy!! After brunch we noticed that the Easter Bunny left some eggs for the kids downstairs. So off they went so eagerly to find the eggs, only to be "more" satisfied with the play structure they forgot was in the basement. Too funny...but the Easter Bunny did something pretty cool this year. She filled each egg with one new sock. So after we opened all the eggs everybody got 3 new pairs of socks!! It was pretty cool and O did a great job sorting and matching.

After Brunch, we headed to Great Grandpa's house to visit. It was such a nice day/week-end. The best part is being able to spend the holidays with family!!!

From Easter

From Easter

From Easter

From Easter

From Easter

From Easter

When O was little my sister would say "eyes" instead of "no" when she reached for things she was not supposed to touch....meaning look with your "eyes" not your hands. It worked so well for O we thought we'd give it a try with Cohen. Guess what? He has taken to "eyes" just as O did. He's not to sure what's going on but he does understand not to touch. It has been working with the cat food too!

On Tuesday's and Thursday's Cohen spends the day with his cousin Ethan (16 months) and my mom. Ethan loves Cohen and is constantly looking for "his baby" especially if Cohen is sleeping. It is pretty darn cute because Ethan signs for baby making a cradle with his arms. Anyhoo, before Cohen goes down for his nap, Ethan hugs and kisses Cohen (kissing his baby).
When Cohen got home he found his "own" baby to kiss!!

From New House

Cohen was a very good helper today! Every time Dad took off the outlet plates Cohen would crawl over and pick them up! They were a great team. Cohen loved following Dad (especially when he had the drill in hand). With all the extra help we'll be done in no time!

I guess the crib rail goes up now! On Wednesday morning when Chris went to get Cohen he was standing up with a big smile on his face. Oh dear...the surprises keep coming! This wasn't the first time he has stood up in his crib, but it was the first time he did so without us watching him. We thought we could keep him down by putting him in the sleeping bag PJ's but apparently he's figured out how to maneuver in spite of us! Where there is a will there is a way!!

From Easter Bunny

Yesterday, I got out some Easter eggs for Cohen to play with and he had a ball! He would sit at the basket and reach in or knock the basket over and go after the rolling eggs. The face says it all...

"Anything Cohen" is so much fun these days! Even dinner time is a blast. Cohen is really trying out his voice and facial expressions...just click on the video and see for yourself!!

From Monthly Pics

From Birthdays 2009

WOW! 34...I can hardly believe it! I started my birthday with my favorite two guys fussing over me to make sure I had a wonderful start to the day. The big one went to get me Starbucks and the little one snuggled and cooed at me like I was the end all and be all! It was great! Then we ended the day with dinner at PF Changs...yum! My mom organized it all even down to special little cupcakes for everyone (even Ethan). What a great day! I am so blessed to have such an amazing family :)

At the last minute, Cohen and I decided to join Grandma Rathbun on a trip to Seattle! We loved every minute of visiting with friends and family. One of the highlights was going to the Space Needle for lunch. Yummy!!! We ate so much we could barely move. Thank you, Grandma!!

From Janette's House

Cohen also got to meet Dirk. They became instant friends...kind of. I think Dirk may have been a little jealous but when Cohen started playing catch, Dirk warmed up a little bit.

Look at me go...
* sits up and plays for 30 minutes at a time
* rode in double stroller with Ethan and loved it!
* pulled himself on all fours/rocking
* Visited Auntie Helen - flew home with Olivia 2/4
* sat in high chair at restaurant for first time 2/4
* ate rice cereal for the first time 2/5 slept 10 hours
* scoots backwards on belly across room (especially on hardwoods)
* Celebrated 6 months with a 1/2 birthday party / ate peas for 1st time (loved them)
* 6 month check up / 15 lbs. 14 oz. (20%) / 27 inches (71%) / HC 17.01" (34%)
* Cohen was on his belly when he woke up
* spent 1st night at new house 1/14
* FLU shot 1/17
* 6 month photo shoot with Jennifer (he did awesome) 1/18
* Began swimming lessons with G-ma and G-pa Butler
* Lost his comb over
* Stood up using his toy by himself (he was so proud of himself)

From Birthdays 2009

On Saturday night I surprised Chris with a b-day dinner out with friends. We rarely get a night out to spend with friends (as it's difficult to coordinate sitters for everyone)so it was real "treat!" Chris loved it and was continued to be spoiled for the rest of the week-end...as my mom prepared strawberry waffles and whip cream the next morning. yum! Oh and let's not forget the chocolate peanut butter cake that Olivia picked out.....it doesn't get any better than that!

For the next month Cohen will be taking swim lessons with Grandpa and Grandma Butler every Monday and Wednesday. It was so much fun watching Grandpa play with Cohen in the pool. Cohen's legs were kicking and his hands were splashing just about the whole time!! He didn't even mind water on his face and really loved putting his hands in the sprinkler. Next Monday, Grandma Butler is going to join in on the fun!! We think he might be a swimmer by his first birthday :)

From Valentines Day 09

Chris surprised me with brunch at The View Point Inn on Valentines Day. It was the best start to the day that Chris and I have had in a long time. It even lightly snowed as we were enjoying breakfast! What a great memory!

From Vancouver House

For the past 5 months we have had our eye on a home in Vancouver...and for 5 months we've been trying to purchase it. First it was in short sale, then it went up for auction, and then back to the bank. And now, finally it is ours!! It is a beautiful home on 1/4 acre in the neighborhood we love. It is close to the freeway, shopping, the movies, and in the school district we wanted. yeah! We hope to move in by June after we finish some updates to the kitchen, family room and master bath. Keep posted for more remodel pic's....

From 6 Month Checkup

Once again our little guy "turned on the charm" when he saw Dr. Costa. (not so much when was being weighed, as you can see) He is continuing to grow and flourish in every way. Next check up at 9 months!
Cohen's stats:
Height: 27 inches (71%)
Weight: 15 lbs. 14 oz. (20%)
Head: 17.01 (34%)

Cohen's 6 month photo with Big Bear!

From Monthly Pics

From Half Birthday

February 10, 2009 marked Cohen's 1/2 birthday! Yeah! Mommy and Daddy made it 6 months...Cohen's celebrated his birthday with his grandma's, grandpa, aunt, & cousins. We had a great time :) Celebrating 1/2 birthday's is a tradition that my sister started with her kids. Basically, the idea is to get together to witness the introduction of solid foods. But since,Cohen had already tasted rice cereal a week prior we decided for his birthday we'd try peas! Grandma Rathbun was the first to shovel them in...and guess what, he loved them! Then Dad, then Grandpa Butler,and Mommy took a turn feeding Cohen. By the end of the bowl he had a green smile and a full belly.

Cohen has been watching us (and everyone) for weeks as we eat. His eyes have been closely following our every bite as his little mouth munches up and down. We had planned on giving him solids on his 1/2 birthday (a tradition my sister had started) but the poor kid just couldn't wait any longer. So, we gave in and served up some rice cereal for dinner! Enjoy

From Visiting Auntie Helen 09

On the 4th of February... Cohen, Olivia, Grandma Rathbun and I traveled to Port Orchard to see Auntie Helen. The kids traveled very well and slept most of the way (thank goodness). When we arrived in Port Orchard we met up with Mark and the boys before driving out to Helen's place. Helen lives with a few other ladies in a home with 24 hour care. The people are wonderful and they "fuss" over Helen which she loves. Helen loved seeing all the kids as well as listening to Parker and Rowan play their violins. After our visit we headed to the ferry to cross the sound into Seattle. Then Cohen, Olivia, and I flew home "thanks" to Grandma. Amazingly enough we all did great! Olivia is such a little helper and quite the traveler!

January was a month of changes and new routines! Cohen has done great...probably better than his mom and dad :) It's a different routine to get you and someone else ready to go in the morning. Chris and I have a pretty good strategy though. He takes care of Cohen on his parents day and I get Cohen ready on my mom's day. So far it's worked out really well.
Take a look at what Cohen has done this month:
* kicks all the time
* loves to see Mommy after work
* loves to stand up while holding onto someones hands
* Sits up with support (1/6/09)
* Flew home from Kauai~ slept the whole way (thank goodness)
* Cohen stayed with G-ma and G-pa Butler & G-ma Rathbun while I went back to work 1/2 time (1/5/09)
* 1st night without Cohen (spent night at G-ma Rathbun's)
* turned 5 months
* 1/20/09 Inauguration of Obama (Cohen was at G-ma Rathbun's house)
* Stayed with Aunt Michelle all day (1/21/09)
* Stayed at G-ma & G-pa Butler all night (we went to DDHS ski bash)
* sit up unsupported (1/25/09)
* Went to Joy and Jason's wedding (he was a perfect angel)1/30
* Went to Kristi's baby shower for Milo (1/31) "all smiles"

Cohen has figured out that he can roll over to reach for his toys...It is so fun to watch him. His little wheels are always turning. Enjoy

On January 5th I returned to work!!! It felt so good to be back in action doing what I love. I really missed my kids and loved meeting my new first graders. Lucky for me...I get to have my cake and eat it too. For the remainder of the year I get to work 1/2 time and Cohen gets to spend time with his Grandparents and his Aunt Michelle. Every Monday and Friday he gets to see G-ma & G-pa Butler, Tuesday & Thursday he sees G-ma Rathbun and every other Wednesday he get to play with his cousins at his Aunt Michelle's. What a lucky little boy! He is so happy when I come to pick him up that it hasn't been hard to leave. I love that he is getting to know his family! Now...if we could only get him up to Seattle somehow...

Cohen's 5 month photo with big bear!