Making it Personal

I was out trying to finish up Kevin's christmas shopping this morning, and I ran into these little ornaments that had names on them. Emily was with me, and we found Kevin and Sarah, but imagine my surprise when I saw Cole. It's not that uncommon of a name, but I think it is making its way up the top 50 baby names, so maybe that's why they had it. I'll admit I was surprised, you always think you've chosen a name for your child that's unique and uncommon, but I was happy they had it. For some reason, it was a perfect little display of our family unit. And they jingle.

Lights

Here are the pictures of our outside decorations. We have a 'friendly' competition with our neighbor each year. I don't think we really know who won this year, but they put theirs up after thanksgiving so maybe they get points for enthusiasum.
The snowflakes actually twinkle, it's a big show at the Spillman House.

Christmas Time is Here

We have the tree up. it's not crooked, that's just my bad angle. Cole has done surprisingly well thus far keeping his hands off. He calls the ornament "ball" , but it mostly interested in the lights. We also did the outside, but i haven't gotten a good picture yet.

The other picture is of NY the morning we left. Snow. And I think they got more of it. None of that here (sigh........)
I am dreaming of a white christmas. My southernized mother (at least weather-wise) would just as soon be spending Christmas in Boca Raton Florida. :)

New York!

Kevin and I took a 4 day trip to NY without Cole this past weekend. We consider this our official celebration of our 5 year anniversary, which took place in May. Despite a handful of health issues for me, and a broken bone for Kevin, we decided to make the best of it and it turned out to be just the thing we both needed. It was such a treat to have no schedule, and on top of that, we had sunny, albeit cool, weather the entire trip. It was a busteling place for sure, but exciting to in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Our official Bugaboo count was 14. (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, it is the "it" stroller, which I wanted when pregnant with Cole. Problem is, it's about $800. I will let it go someday, but it's hard when Kevin told me, months after I gave birth that he was going to get me any stroller I wanted.....).

We had a great time together, and it wouldn't have been possible without family like Mom and Dad, Michael and Emily pitching in to watch Cole, and also our good friends Stephanie and Lizzie who helped out the day we left.

Next trip: Hawaii!!

(but probably not for another 5 years.)

Day 1

We made it! It was an easy flight to NY with no delays or problems. Our apartment is on the cusp of a not too super place, but thankfully we are just a few blocks to a lot of activity. It's a nice little one bedroom with a small kitchen, so that's an extra bonus.

Today we set out pretty much right away towards the Empire State Building. I checked out a few fabric stores nearby, and we also found a great Starbuck's to visit before we went up. We had hoped to stay up to watch the sun set, but it was too too chilly. But thankfully it was clear, so we could see all around.

After that it was down again where we went to Macys to see their windows. Each window was a book that opened up and kept opening up more and more of a christmas scene. It was pretty neat.

We made a stop at Grand Central Station on our way back to the apartment, where we got takeout chinese for dinner.

Day 2

We started today with a breakfast at a greasy spoon. I can't remember what it was called, but we both had ham and cheese omletes and it hit the spot. We were going to the Guggenheim, and the wind was like freezing rain. We found a Starbuck's, and killed another 15 minutes until the museum opened. They were featuring an exhibit called "Russia!" and we figured it was a small selection. No, it's the entire Guggenheim. So that was slightly dissapointing. But we did get to see a few Van Gogh's, Monet's, Manet's, Picasso's and Mattisse's. It was still fun to go to such a unique museum.

After that we headed downtown to the mayhem. We visite Bloomingdales, which in my opnion, was way better than Macy's, Tiffany's (Kevin didn't buy me anything despite SERIOUS hinting)Trump Towers, FAO Scwartz and Rockefeller Center. The christmas tree was pretty, but as usual, it was packed to the gills. So we shoved our way through and then headed back out.

We came back to the apartment to take a power nap about 4:30 and headed out for dinner. We found a great little italian place a few blocks down the road. It was perfect. There were probably only 25 tables in there, and it was quiet and fast and hot. Great way to end a great day.

Day 3

Today we started out by taking the subway to the Brooklyn Bridge. It was huge, but very chilly out. We made our Starbuck's stop to take off the shivers. We headed to the Staten Island Ferry to ride by the Statue of Liberty. It was a great free ferry ride. Nice and toasty warm, and beautiful views. We've had great sunny (but cold) weather here all three days. Being on the ferry reminded me of being in Seattle again. Kevin loves skyline pictures, and of the 100 he took, this is one of the better ones.

We headed to Greenwich and Soho to check out the shops. We found a great corner restaurarnt called the Riviera and started with lunch. Turns out we would need the energy. All these little uniqe stores are great, but they are PACKED full of people, so it was actually hard to even browse. But it was still neat to visit a different part of town. We stopped by Dean & Deluca which just happened to be sampling some Gruyere cheese. Don't mind if we do! We bought some to bring back to our apartment.

After that, we headed back to our apartment stopping at a bakery for cookies, then at a small grocer for soup, bread and fruit to go with our Gruyere. A little mni-feast! We are ready to chill out, as today it seems we did the most walking of all.

Thankful

Here is my Thanksgiving post, a little late. We had a great long weekend. We spent a beautiful thanksgiving day on the "Spillman Farm" in High Point together with Kevin's family. It seems like every year we get a gorgeous day out there. The sun was out, the sky was blue, it could not have been better. We also pick up our tree from the farm on thanksgiving day, which is a tradition I'm going to miss when Spillman's Christmas Tree's officially retires next year. But I video taped it this year, so Cole can see how much fun we have.
The rest of the weekend was spent in Raleigh, here at home and at mom and dad's. Dean and Chris were in town and we were able to go to an exciting hockey game together. I think we say it every year, but it's really true that we are blessed with our wonderful family on both sides. And of course my wonderful Kevin and Cole, who make each day better.
This month, after a particularly rough week, a verse really hit home with where my thankfullness should be:

Psalm 90:14-15
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.

I wish every day were a picnic, but unfortunately, it's not. I was reminded this month, though, that my satisfaction doesn't come from the events of each day. It comes from the love God has shown me. And it's for this reason alone, that I should be thankful for each day I have, be it "afflicted" or not.

Brrrrrrrr

Well it finally feels like winter here, and last week we had two particularly cold days where the high only reached the 40's and the wind was howling. Cole and I had cabin fever from being cooped up inside while we were sick, and so this day he was begging to go outside. So we bundled up and away we went. This is also the first time he's had his mittens on, which are the ones that just cover his entire hand. He stared at them for about 5 minutes and tried to shake them off, but eventually got used to them.

Table Time

A few weeks ago, a friend of Kevin's gave us thier son's old play table. We had been wanting to get one, so it was treat to get a hand me down. Cole just loves it. Here he is at his table, organizing his crayons. He will color for a few minutes, but then will dump his crayons onto the table and put them back into the box one by one. He's very serious about it.

My Favorite Things

Cole and I have come down with a really yucky cough and cold this week. So we've been house-bound for almost 7 straight days now. I think we are turning a corner (I hope) and we are praying that poor Kevin doesn't get it as bad as we got it. But it's been a long week full of jammies and movies, crackers and juice, naps and tissues. Two things got me through this week, though. The first is Cole's pacifier. Say what you will about pacifier use, but try as I did to keep it away from him, he would walk through the house frantically saying "passy! passy!" and it truly helped give him some comfort since his medicine options were limited. The second is the Hershey Kiss. I am not kidding when I say I believe it has medicinal powers. Nothing helped my sore throat and cough like the Kiss. It didn't over-coat and it soothed an itchy cough where cough drops were not working. Plus, it's chocolate. Kevin put up with a house turned upside down, and a blanket of tissues. But it's been some good mother-son time too. Cole, who's usally too busy to sit through a book, has spent the better part of the week in my lap listening to books. His new favorite, Sandra Boynton's "Red Hat, Green Hat." and he thinks the "oops" part is just hilarious. He has this froggy little laugh. Hopefully I will be 100% by Thursday, when we have our next Hurricanes game. I am convinced my absence is the cause for last night's 9-0 loss. :)

A Big Gift

Kevin was gracious enough to give me my birthday/christmas present early...as it was on sale at the store. Here is my new sewing machine, which is just fantastic! It doesn't look as fancy as other sew/embroidery machines out there, but it does beautiful embroidery. I have yet to sew on it, due to the sickies (see above post). But I am so very excited to have this wonderful machine. It's going to bring me years and years of sewing fun! A great husband for agreeing to invest in this big gift.

Barista Java

Isn't that what you call the people at Starbucks' who work the espresso machine? Well, sign me up. Kevin was out of town last night and today, and I was on my own for coffee. So after a brief refresher on our machine, I gave it a go. Aside from a slight mis-hap with the milk steamer, it couldn't have gone more smooth. And let me tell you, that was one good latte.
(WAY better than Dean's and his 'home made' syrup. Just buy it like normal people, Ok?)
I think I'm going to go make myself a green apron.....

One Happy Customer

I bought Irbe a frisbee at Petsmart, and it was .99 well spent. He loves them. They are destroyed in a day, but worth it to see him play himself silly outside with it. He'll chew it to bits, but will still carry around a 2 inch piece of frisbee, begging for you to throw it.
Bou even joins in the fun. I managed to get an action photo of them. Fast doggies!!

Party of Four

This weekend we had a rare occurance, 2 boxers and 2 weiner dogs at the house. We were watching Buddy for my parents, and they in turn were watching Daisy for my brother, Dean. I hoped it would go well, and actually it went really well. Note: I am not suggesting that you go out and buy four dogs. Buddy has been here before, so nothing new there. Daisy, though, hadn't visited in quite sometime, and she hadn't had much time with Bou & Irbe. She was timid at first, basically just standing next to her food bowl. Maybe it was because it was a new house, maybe it was because Bou kept chasing after her like a squeaky (JUST KIDDING CHRIS.) but by the weekend everyone was old pals. They would just all four go outside and sniff around, basically piddling 1/4" next to the spot where another dog had just piddled. Exciting stuff. Here's the best picture I could capture of the 4 of them. I'm proud to say my dogs actually came through for me, sitting for this picture when asked.....you can see that Buddy & Daisy aren't quite as, how can I say this delicately?....smart.

Toot Toot

I'm not trying to toot my own horn....I am just really enjoying learning to sew more.
I made this little clutch blanket and burps for a friend's baby shower this weekend, and I was honestly shocked that it actually turned out. I decided to wing-it on the burps, getting the accent fabric at the bottom. It has been such a surprising hobby for me here at home. I never, EVER would have thought I would take it up. It's so fun to find unique fabrics and make things. I have been collecting patterns and have a few more on my list of projects I would like to tackle. Next on the list, though, is getting my spare room finished. The plan is to set up my machine on a high table so I can work while Cole plays in there too. It is a perfect work/play room that has LOTS of windows (4) for such a small room, and it actually has room to function as both. I've decided to ask Kevin for a sewing machine for Christmas/Birthday so I have spent the past few weeks researching machine's online. We bumped into one this weekend which I think might be "the one." It's a Husqvarna Viking brand, which I really have no idea how to even pronounce. But mom tells me she thinks this is the same brand Grandma Mattix uses for her beautiful quilting. So Grandma, if you are reading this, tell me how much you love (or don't) you're machine. I wish we didn't live across the country, and I could be at your house often, sewing together.
Once again, I need to thank my wonderful Mother-in-law, Nancy, for patiently showing me the ropes. Sure I took home economics (twice), but that was 18 years ago. [ Hold on a second.......I'm quietly freaking out as I realize I am old enough to remember something 18 years ago.] Anyway, Nancy was giving of her time and expertise and didn't laugh at me once. :) She also has a killer machine she lets me come use whenever I ask her.
I could go on and on about sewing plans....but I need to get to work on Carine's tote, so Mom and Dad can deliver it to her this weekend. Ta-ta for now.

Buddy's Back Part.....whatever.

Buddy's here for a little sleepover, and we captured this heart warming moment on film tonight. It was short lived, as Buddy knows he, ALONE, is allowed on the couch (mainly because he is the size of a paper-clip). So he didn't want to settle for Irbe's stink when he knew he could be sitting in my lap. Irbe loves the cooler weather. He spent the better part of today, sitting outside in the sun, barking at helpless school children as they emptied the bus. He's also started eating the thousands of acorns that the squirrels have been pelting us with. In fact, yesterday I was sweeping outside and I turned to see Cole with a handful of acorns, feeding them to Irbe one by one.

What Really Matters

It's getting cold outside, and while it does mean the change of season, leaves, fresh air, etc., the important thing is that Cole is now able to wear some of his fall wardrobe. Today he's got on one of my favorite new items, the baby gap winter coat. I actually got this coat at a great price on sale almost a month ago. Sort of weird that it was already on sale. I worried about black for a little boy, but looks like he wears it well, and obviously it goes wonderful with his black tuc and mittens (not pictured).
Really, though, we do love this weather and it has gotten very cool quite quickly. It's nice to play outside and come inside and have a hot cocoa or hot chai latte. Stay tuned for more fall fashion.

Picture Time

Cole's first picture. Not too bad, kind of artsy if you asked me. I like how he got the hockey man in the picture. This picture was followed by 7 of the cuff of his jeans, one of our bedskirt, and one more of hockey man.

Don't Look Now

Cole has just discovered how to crawl up on our bed. You know it's happening because you hear about 3 minutes worth of grunting, usually followed by the word "phone" (which he is now touching, and calling his friends at 911).
So this morning while I was loading the dishwasher and heard him, I came to get him off the bed, only to find him here: at the computer. He had crawled up onto the chair, and looks like he's doing some excel worksheet. What he is actually doing is clicking the mouse about 1000 times per minute.

The Fair

Today we braved the fair. We managed to get there before it got too busy, but it gets packed so fast. It was a great day for it, though. Chilly but sunny and clear blue skies. We managed to steer away from most of the fair food. Here are a few pictures. I did them small for space, but you can click on any of them to enlarge them.

Visiting the cows


Playing Bingo. We love Bingo at the fair and this year they had TWO stations. Cole did well. We played four games...


BINGO. Kevin won. Which was good. But another guy got Bingo too, so instead of a prize, we got 3 more free games. My Bingo streak ended. Very disappointing. If Cole wasn't with us and getting restless, we would have played another 30 minutes.


At the e. coli --- I mean petting zoo.


I fed this Camel. All the other goats were getting porked up, and this camel was in the same pin, but blocked from the goats and a little further away and just stretching his head....so we thought, "oh, this poor Camel. no one is feeding him." So I popped my quarter in and got a handful of who knows what and stuck it out and I'm not kidding when I say I have no idea what happened. I didn't feel teeth, gums, tongue, lips.....he must have inhaled it. All I know it was there and suddenly it was gone. Good Camel.

So Cute it's SCARY

We had a play date Thursday and it was a Halloween party. Our good friend opened her home and everyone brought fall yummies and had hot punch. The kids amazingly all wore their costume's without complaint. A miracle for us, as the first time we tried to put Cole in his, it was a first degree freak-out. :) The funniest part, though was this picture. The kids slowly started migrating towards the hallway and suddenlty they all start sitting down on the stairs. It was a mad dash for the camera's. I can't believe we got this picture. It was a great afternoon, all the kiddies and mama's had a wonderful time.

All By Myself

It's becoming increasingly clear that Cole wants to do things by himself. Not only does he refuse your help, he swats you away, totally annoyed. So while we are trying to harness this fierce independent streak, most of the time it is a good thing.
Here he is, eating his yogurt/oatmeal/strawberry breakfast. I know, sounds totally delicious. He loves to do all of this himself. He still needs some help with the fork. He'll basically attack the plate with the pointy end until something comes up on the fork. By the time that happens, he's so intriqued by the fact that his theory has actually worked, he forgets to actually put the bite in his mouth, and decides to pull off the 'bounty', place it back on the plate and start over again. This is why I read the newspaper during lunch.....lots of time.

Birthday Boy

Kevin's 33rd Birthday was the 9th, and we celebrated it last saturday while Dean and Chris were in town. We had a great time outside, grilling hot dogs, eating Rotel and having cake. Here he is holding up a birthday card. Why, you ask? If it's one thing I have learned in my 5 years with Kevin (and counting!), it is that you don't ask those kinds of questions. :) Seriously, what a good looking guy.

Daddy and Cole

Kevin put on his Yard-Man shoes today and got a ton done outside. It's so so funny to watch Cole out there with him. He will follow him everywhere, just jabbering the entire time presumabely about whatever Kevin is doing. We'll have to put in the "after" pictures in a few days to show how it all turned out. Kevin always has a vision, and it always turns out great.
Here some pictures of the Worker and his Wing-Man.