NYE

My friend Lindsey drove down from Denver today.  After she arrived, David, Max, Cole, Lindsey, and I packed a picnic lunch and visited the Garden of the Gods.  David took pictures of Max climbing rocks and Lindsey and I took short walk around several of the rock formations with Cole.  We wore the boys out and both fell asleep before we made the short 5 minute drive home. 

We planned an incredible dinner at home, with all the favorites and some traditional treats from our youth.  For David, that included Martinelli's Sparkling Grape Juice and Bugles.  For me, it was Russian Cream for dessert.  Since Max is a little young to bang pots and pans at midnight, he went to bed and we adults enjoyed a feast of filet, crab legs, roasted potatoes and asparagus.  YUM!  

We watched the ball drop in New York and then enjoyed a fireworks show on Pikes Peak from our living room window.  It was a total surprise and really beautiful!

Here are pictures of the boys enjoying their New Year's Eve:

 

From Fred to Freddy's

It was a Freddy's day.  I had a lunch date with my small fry and my baby fry today.
We had Freddy's when we lived in San Antonio and took Max when he was a newborn, less than 2 weeks old.  I got so excited when I saw the Freddy's sign just off our exit.
Max loved the skinny fries and the "whopper" pickles.   He thought creating his own mini sundae was top notch.  His pick? Vanilla custard with marshmallow, pecans and 3 cherries.

 

P.S.  Cole slept 8 1/2 hours last night! 

Oh Dear!

Found these two hanging out in our back yard today.  They got spooked by a coyote winding around the neighbor's fence and took off shortly afterward. 

We counted 10 on our walk tonight. Nine on the golf course and one in a neighbor's bushes.  We turned around from counting the ones on the course to find the lone ranger walking right towards us.  Because I was alone with Max in the stroller, and not up for playing chicken, I ran.  They are big, and a little too friendly here. 

On the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Day of Christmas

So yesterday, I wrote a post, but due to poor internet connectivity, I lost the whole thing.  So, here is an abbreviated version as well as today's note.

Dec 26 - My little love, Max, and I made Christmas cookies today!  I've been wanting to make cookies for days, but even with several trips to the store for supplies, it just didn't happen until today.

David had his first day at his new job today and is very excited about the opportunity.  We miss having him work from home, but at least his commute is only 7 minutes door-to-door. 

Dec 27 - Our friend, Dan, and son, Brodi came from Denver to visit today.  David had to put in a few hours at work, so Dan and I took the boys to Garden of the Gods to climb the rocks and run around.  I think we sufficiently tired them out. I have some great photos of them, but they are all on Dan's phone. I will add these later.



Dec 28 - Wow!  What a day!  Poor Max wasn't feeling his best today and Cole refused to sleep.  So, we did what any sleep-deprived parents would do:  we packed a cooler with snacks and stocked the diaper bag, and then loaded the boys up into the car.  We decided to lull them to sleep while we drove to Park Meadows for a little retail therapy.  Just kidding.  Well, kind of.  We did load them up for a drive so they would sleep, but it wasn't totally selfish, I promise.  A little give and take.  After a nice long nap during our drive, they were like new. 

Cole screaming through his nap

I'm back to sleep training with Cole.  I'm looking for ways to corral Max while I work on teaching Cole to fall asleep on his own.  Max isn't into independent play.  I can't seem to get him to sit in one room while I go into another.  He also doesn't quite understand how to whisper or not talk, making bringing him with me into Cole's room impossible.  Short of actually gating him into the playroom, I'm out of ideas.  Those gates may go up soon and I'm looking at some toddler programs to get him out of the house here and there for socialization while I work with Cole.  What in the world do people do in this situation? 

On the 1st Day of Christmas:

Merry Christmas, everyone!  Hope that you are all feeling especially happy and blessed today.  And that wherever you are, whether it's with family, friends, or cozy at home, you are feeling loved.
 
We celebrated Christmas Day at our new home in Colorado Springs.  It was the first time in 6 years that we didn't travel for the holidays, and although I'm sad we didn't spend it with family this year, I'm also very pleased to not have to drag our kids and everything that comes with us through the airport.  So, this year, we were kind of surprised to find ourselves having to think about starting our own family Christmas traditions, combining ones from our families and starting new ones together.  With the recent move, I didn't feel as prepared for Christmas as I would have liked.  Good thing Max is of the age where it's pretty easy, seeing as it's the first one he can participate in, and he has nothing to compare it to. 

We kept it pretty low-key.  I think David and I were more excited about stockings and ripping off wrapping paper than he was.  Max did enjoy opening packages though.  He even volunteered to open Cole's gifts.  He got a little overwhelmed after about 5 gifts though and we had to hurry through lunch to get him in bed for an early nap.  Before he did, we looked out the window to see that Santa had left one of his reindeer behind! 

Blitzen on the patio

Leaving through the front walk

Taking a nap in our backyard

Here is a picture of Max opening gifts this morning.  The cute Santa outfit is a hand-me-down from cousins Abby and Jack.  He changed out of the top and bottom after breakfast but wore the Santa "slippers"  all day long. 

Max's first gift from Santa - wearing Santa jammies

We made Christmas cookies, took a nice long walk, and then enjoyed an easy dinner.  Now the kids are in bed and David is sleeping (read: snoring) next to me on the couch.  I'm praying Cole decides to gift me with a full night's sleep tonight.  Wouldn't that be the perfect Christmas gift?                     

 

Christmas Eve 2013

'Twas the night before Christmas...
We got the boys all dressed up for  the Children's Mass tonight.  We told Max that we were going to Church to celebrate Baby Jesus' birthday.  It probably was not the kind of party he was expecting, but it did help us get him to wear a tie. 

Happy Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!

A visit with Santa

We've been slowly introducing Max to the concept of Christmas and have included just a little about Santa Claus.  Today, we decided to take the boys to Santa's cottage in Colorado Springs for Max's first visit with Santa.  I prepped him a little bit about sitting on Santa's lap and that Santa might ask him what he wanted for Christmas. 
When it was our turn to go in, Max walked right up to Santa.  Santa was about to pull Max up onto his knee, when Max stepped just out of arm's reach.  Then he looked right at him and said, "Toys."  He then repeated, "toys, toys, toys" over and over again while staring at Santa.  Santa asked Max what kind of toys he wanted - "a car, a truck, or a train?"  Max just kept repeating, "Toys."  So Max is going to be easy to please this year. 

T minus 2.

'Twas the 3rd Night Before Christmas and all through the house, the kiddos were sleeping, and we  (finally) finished decorating our tree! 

Max adding his first ornament to the tree

Behr Tree 2013

I also made my first batch of Christmas treats.  I've made at least 3 trips to the grocery store in the last 2 days in order to stock up on the ingredients I need to make Christmas cookies.  And, after the kiddos were in bed, and David was asleep on the couch, I whipped up the first batch.  YUM!

Here are a few pictures of the boys playing together.  Max adores Cole.  And Cole thinks Max is hilarious.  I love the love I see between them.  Praying it sticks around for a long while. 

Dec 21, 2013

Add caption

 'Twas the 4th Night Before Christmas and Cole tried to stay up past his bedtime by sporting a moustache. 

Frosty

We woke up this morning to this:

19 degrees today at noon.  This after 63 degrees yesterday.  Oh Colorado!  But it sure is beautiful!  In fact, our new home has the most magnificent view of Pikes Peak.  I'm really loving this place. 

Every time we move to a new place, I start to reminisce about where we were at that time of year last year and the year before, etc.  Makes me realize how fast a year goes by and how quickly our boys are growing up and changing.  In the last week, Max has started making 4-word phrases and has picked up so many new words that I've stopped counting.  It's truly unbelievable.  I'm sure every parent is just astounded how quickly they learn at this stage.  I've heard it before, but now that I'm experiencing it for myself, it's pretty cool.  Max is such a little guy and sweet as can be, but keeping me on my toes just the same. 
Cole is holding himself up really well and now holds on when you carry him.  He cuddles and grabs your finger to hold.  He loves to watch and listen to us at the dinner table and almost always responds or initiates with a smile.  It's pretty much heaven to watch the boys interact with each other. 

'Twas the 5th Night Before Christmas and David and I are getting the tree ready.  David likes to put the lights on and I'm happy to let him do so.  It's getting a little late to add ornaments (especially since Cole had us up all night) so perhaps we can get a few of the fragile ones on before we let Max help tomorrow.  Can't wait to find some music and sit back to admire our work!

Salty and sweet

I'm not sure what we did today and it's hard to tell what progress was made.  There are still boxes and suitcases all over the house.  It seems that we accumulated much more than our little Cole in the last 6 months.  We obviously got comfortable knowing there was a possibility we would be staying in one place longer than usual.  Our move wasn't as lean and mean as we like it.   In addition, the kids have stayed in 4 houses in the last week and are more than a little confused about where "home" is.  So Max is pushing buttons and I'm low on patience.  I'm not quite sure why my expectations were so high this time, considering we have more possessions, an extra tike, and David wasn't even present for the first 6 hours after we arrived.  So yesterday wasn't our best day, but at least today started out sweet. 

 Max is enjoying a cinnamon bun with breakfast.

I'm thinking a kid-sized mop and broom might be in order for Christmas!


'Twas the 6th Night Before Christmas and we are STILL unpacking...

It's Moving Day!

We got back from Steamboat on Tuesday afternoon and stayed the night at my friend Lindsey's place so that we could break up our drive.  Today is Wednesday and it's Moving Day!  Max is having a picnic on Lindsey's dining room floor because I don't trust him with yogurt on any of her beautiful furniture.  He was happy as a clam to have an excuse to picnic on the floor.

'Twas the 7th Night Before Christmas and we've moved into the new house!  Here are the boys at the front door of our new home for the next several months. 

So far, it seems this place will be perfect for our family.  I love the layout of this ranch-style patio home, especially the lack of stairs.  Max might disagree and think it's a flaw, but I think he's quickly forgotten now that he can run the length of the house over and over again. 
David and I are just about to turn in.  We've got everything out of the cars and garage - now it's just a matter of finding it's new landing place.  Looking forward to putting everything away tomorrow and then getting organized for Christmas.  We have to go tree hunting pronto! One week to go! 

Triple Threat

'Twas the 8th Night Before Christmas:
Max is such a proud big brother!  Thankfully, we have moved past his short-lived aggression and at this point we are more at risk for sibling abuse by smothering than anything else.  Tino, pictured left, is also very much a fan of Cole's.  The two older boys were helping me by rocking Cole while I prepped breakfast.  These boys are going to be trouble in a few short years! 

Steamboat Snow Day

'Twas the 9th Night Before Christmas and David and I got to snowboard for our first time in 3 years!

It's just like riding a bike. 

David and I went out on Monday afternoon for a few hours.  It was super nice to jump in the car and be at the lift within minutes, giving us the most bang for our buck, with respect to our 1/2 day lift ticket and our kid-sitting time allotment.   
The views were spectacular!  I guess I forgot how beautiful the Yampa Valley is.  I think I enjoyed the scenery just as much as I enjoyed the adrenaline pumping through my veins.  

Chug-a-chug-a

'Twas the 10th Night Before Christmas
It was only my 2nd run since Cole was born 3 months ago.  And it was just about as cold as my first, but this one was way more fun!  Look at how gorgeous the day was!  Blue skies with the ski area in the background.  I got out to run about 3 miles (1 mile for each month Cole is old) on the Core Trail in Steamboat Springs today, thanks in part to my friend Cristin, who loaned me her YakTrax (and her running jacket, running gloves, and headband - apparently I came ill-prepared).  I've never actually owned a pair of these amazing things, but it sure made my run a lot easier.  I am adding YakTrax to my Christmas wish list.
Anyway, the adrenaline was pumping and I'm officially hooked again.  Yahoo!

Oh Happy Day!

'Twas the 11th Night Before Christmas
This is what I get to wake up to every morning:  the bright, sunshiny face of my little Cole, no matter what it looks like outside.  Since it's a bit cloudy and cold, his round happy face is just what I needed.
Love you, bug!

"'Twas the ..." Photo-a-Day Challenge

I've decided to challenge myself with another picture-a-day series.  So today, I'm introducing the 'Twas the ____ Night Before Christmas series, to be followed by the 12 Days of Christmas series.   Being the type A person that I am, I was having a hard time starting a photo-a-day challenge in the middle of the month.  However, because I can do almost a full month this way, I was able to rationalize my former tardiness. 

We are enjoying a week in beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado with our friends the Sarmientos.  We are staying in a gorgeous home in the Tree Haus neighborhood, which is situated just across the highway from the ski area, giving us awesome views of the mountain.  The boys, Max and Tino, are having a blast chasing each other around the house, toddling through the snow in all their gear, and watching the train pass through town.  Today, we enjoyed story time and crafts at the local library.

David and I took a stroll thru Steamboat Springs yesterday, thanks to Cristin and Leo who stayed back with all the boys so we could get out kid-less.
'Twas the 12th Night Before Christmas, when we were in downtown Steamboat with the ski area in the background.  

David's last Denver seminar went tremendously well.  It was the first time I was able to attend in about 3 years.  I was so proud of David.  Not only did he get 500+ people in the room, he did an awesome job giving his sales presentation.

Last week we also moved out of our Wash Park home.  I'm so happy we had the opportunity to live where we did for the last 6 months.  The Park has such a draw.  We took many walks while waiting for Cole and Max loved the playgrounds there.  It hasn't quite sunk in that we won't be there any longer.  After we leave Steamboat, we'll be taking the final load to our new abode in Colorado Springs.  I will certainly miss our great neighborhood in Denver, but we will have an excellent view of Pikes Peak from our new place.  We will also be directly across the street from Garden of the Gods and I look forward to many hikes through the park with the boys.

Before then, though, we have a few more days of vacay to enjoy here in Steamboat.  More pictures to come... 

Cole's Baptism

Cole Rogers Behr - Baptized November 4, 2013

We planned Cole's baptism to coincide with David's family's visit in November.  Since I had my annual Girls Weekend in late October, my Mom also came out to help David with the kids while I was away.  We are blessed that so many could be part of Cole's special day.

We asked our dear friends, Leo and Cristin Sarmiento, to be Cole's godparents.  We asked Deacon Patrick, who helped prepare us for our marriage, to preside over the ceremony.  It was a very intimate gathering of our family and closest friends at Church of the Good Shepherd in Denver. 

Cole wailed for a solid 10 minutes, up until the water was poured over his head and the blessing read.   

I wish I had gotten a close up of Cole.  He was wearing his godfather's shirt, handmade in Columbia, by Leo's aunt, when Leo was just a tiny baby.  The shirt was embroidered with flowers and the word Domingo, signifying it as his Sunday shirt.  He had one for each day of the week.  We thought it was extra special for Cole to be invited to wear such a beautifully decorated and lovingly made article of clothing that was worn by his godfather as a baby.  Thank you, Leo and Cristin, for sharing it with Cole.

Valentino and Max

Nana, Aunt Diane, me with Cole, Opa, Aunt Laura, Grammy, David and Max

Happy Baptism, dear Cole.  We look forward to sharing a faith relationship with you and forming a solid foundation from which to grow in your faith with God.  We pray that your ears be tuned to the small voice of the Holy Spirit so that you might be a voice to your generation.  We pray that you will know God and come to know many God ideas.  We love you, Cole Rogers.

The Leaf Jumper

We were so excited to share one of our favorite childhood fall activities with Max this year - Leaf Jumping!  (Last year, he was still into sticking leaves in his mouth.)  So, as soon as the leaves turned, we talked to him about the leaves falling off the trees and how we would rake them into piles and play.  With all the rain in September and two snowfalls in October, we finally saw the results. 

Since our yard is treeless, we had to snag most of the leaves from under the neighbor's tree, but I'm guessing they didn't mind much.   Right now for Max, in terms of size, something is either a "baby" or a "whopper."  Therefore, we have two piles in our front yard labeled accordingly, and these are pointed out on a regular basis.

David's family came for a visit in early November.  While here, we celebrated Opa's birthday.  Max enjoyed helping him blow out the candles on his New York cheesecake. 

Opa and Aunt Laurie helped Max rake more leaves onto his "whopper" pile.  It got so big, it seemed he would disappear into it.  Grammy is keeping an eye on him from the front porch. 

I think they were outside for hours!

Here he goes again!

And again...

And again.

This week we will go from 60s and sunshine to snow and temps in the single digits.  Max's leaf piles are packed down and crumpled, and we've moved from talk of leaf jumping to stories of snowflakes and sledding.  Winter is on the horizon!