More Christmas Fun

We had a whirlwind of a week in Jacksonville. Cohen was able to spend lots of quality time with all of his grandparents, aunts, uncles and second cousins. Even though it was technically Cohen's second Christmas, it was the first one he was actually awake for! We took Cohen to the early church service on Christmas Eve. He did pretty well, he loved the singing, but we had to duck out early. I couldn't sleep that night...I felt like a five-year-old eagerly awaiting Santa. I guess when you have children, the excitement of waking up early Christmas morning returns, and I must admit, it was so much fun!

Cohen early Christmas morning

Santa brought Cohen a tunnel!

Look what GG and Papa gave Cohen!

Aunt Laura helping Cohen go through stockings

What a mess! Cohen is such a lucky boy. He got so many fun toys!

The mess, noise and excitement finally began to wear him down.

Also, while we were home, we celebrated Papa's 60th birthday! I'm sure I am a little biased because he's my dad, but I don't think he looks a day over 50, and he sure doesn't act like it. The party was a lot of fun...and I think the "Hey Mikey" performance was a hit! After we put Cohen to bed, we had an after party at Ragtime.

Cohen was entertained by the cooler of ice.

Brooke, Michael, Katie & David

The birthday boy

The cousins

Some Fletcher boys - David, Chris, Bryan, Michael, Brian

Holidays in Jacksonville

We've been staying busy as usual in Jacksonville. Immediately after driving six hours on Thursday, we tucked Cohen in for a nap and headed to the Jaguars/Colts game. It was an amazing game with a sad outcome. We had a fun time nevertheless.

Hoover and Katie tailgating

Cohen has had many trips to the park, and we've visited with lots of friends and family. Cohen played with Leo, Jack and Ethan yesterday morning while Carrie, Kim, Lindsay and I caught up. Later in the afternoon, we took Cohen into town to meet his new friend, Connor, and his buddy, Sam, stopped by too!

Cohen giving Connor a hug

Cohen rocking Connor in the swing

Cohen loves his new buddy!

Brr!

Brr! It's cold outside! But that doesn't stop Cohen from taking spins around the neighborhood. Check out his hat!

Big Boy

We took Cohen to his one year check-up on Friday - He is a happy and healthy boy! Cohen now weighs 20 lb 2 oz and is 29 in. He had fun playing with the paper, banging on the exam table and wall, opening and closing the cabinets, and walking and crawling everywhere (including up the doctor's leg). During his examination, Cohen passed gas and started laughing at himself (as usual). The doctor could not get over it, and we all were cracking up. Cohen did great with the many shots and pricks. He even gave Dad a high five at the end!

Tidbits

• Cohen loves British accents. Anytime Spiderus, the grumpy spider with a British accent, comes on Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends, Cohen stops whatever he is doing to watch.
• Cohen is very close to walking. He took five steps on December 5th, and he continues to grow more confident with each day. As of now, he can take as many as 10 or more steps, pause, turn and continue on. He is still a little wobbly, but he's getting closer!
• Cohen knows how to brush his hair. Anytime he sees his hairbrush, he starts to use it.

Cohen loves his warm fleece pajamas.

Cohen brushes his hair!

Cohen loves the Tickle Me Elmo his great-grandma, Mama, bought for him.

Cohen walks!

Cohen drags his blow-up duck tub out of the big bathtub (he is waving to me in this picture).

'Tis The Season

Kim and I took Brady and Cohen to see the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra (aka, the singing bears) at Founders Hall yesterday. The boys had a great time running around, and David walked down to meet us...and surprised everyone with candy canes! Cohen and Brady loved them!

Cohen Meets Santa

Santa Claus was in Charlotte tonight, and we took Cohen to meet him. Cohen was a real trooper waiting in line with the other children. The 30 foot tree with sparkly ornaments entertained him as we made our way through the crowd. We saw numerous older children scream and cry as they approached jolly old Santa. Not our Cohen. He did great! I have a feeling Santa is going to bring Cohen lots of goodies this year.

One Year Old

Cohen, you've come a long way in one year!


At 7:44 pm on December 6, 2008, our lives became complete when Cohen came into this world. The past year has been amazing to say the least, and each day brings new excitement. We couldn't have been blessed with a sweeter, more perfect baby boy. Cohen, we love every single ounce of you...here are some of my favorite things.

• the way you share everything - food, your Stanley blanket
• the way you will spot me across a room, crawl over and give me the biggest hug
• the way you clap and wave
• your teeth
• your smile
• you hair
  
• the way you try to escape your room when you realize it's nap time
• the way you kick, squeal and smile when I get you out of the car seat
• the way you shake your head when you know you're doing something you're not supposed to
• the way you love and hug Grady and Hank, your "brothers"
• the way you crawl up my leg when you want me to hold you
• the way you get excited when I brush my teeth and have to hold on to the toothbrush with me
• the way you get excited right before a bath and crawl all around the house in your birthday suit - naked baby on the loose
• the way you love your friends and always want to give hugs
• your sweet giggle
• the way you clear bookshelves
• the way you hug your stuffed animals
• the way you kick and squeal when dad comes home from work
• the way you are fearless at the park, going face first down the "big slide"
• the way you play with my eyelashes, giggle and climb up me when I'm trying to put you to bed
• your amazingly sweet heart and personality

Thanks for the best year of our lives! We can't wait to see what you have in store for us this next year.

A Day of Firsts

Yesterday was freezing, and Cohen was able to wear his big, winter coat for the first time. It's a little big on him, but he doesn't seem to mind. We had a blast at the park with his friends Brady and Lillian.



After the park, we took Cohen to see Crystal for his first haircut! Crystal worked her magic as I tried my best to keep Cohen's head still. His hair is absolutely adorable!



After the haircut, we took Cohen to the Christmas tree lot. He loved touching all of the trees. We decided not to get a tree this year because we won't be in Charlotte very long this month, and we do have a curious one year old after all.


After the tree lot, we met Aunt Laura, Uncle Mike and all the grandparents at Mama Ricotta's for dinner. Everyone is in town for the big party on Saturday!