Funnies and Smarts

I had to post tonight for three reasons:
1. I am avoiding doing laundry
2. I wonder if people are interested enough in reading, it makes me think so, when I share stuff
3. Cole did something funny today

Since teething began, Cole's nights have been a little difficult. It's been a bit tougher getting him to sleep. He wants to cuddle for a LONG time before heading to bed. Tonight I went out with the "girls" for a while and Marc had Cole at home. When I got home, Cole was still up (which was totally fine with me...) but it clearly past his bed time. I snuggled with him in the bonus room and reminded him that "it's night-night time". He then rubbed his head on my shoulder and we walked into his room. Right when we got in there, he looked at me, looked at the door and pointed, rather intently to the door. No dummy would deny that he is suggesting he'd rather be in the bonus room with mom and dad! I thought that was funny. He did go right to sleep though. Maybe he'll wake up with another tooth!

Cole's vocabulary is growing, too. This is so exciting because I feel like we are having "mini conversations". Yesterday we were at our community group and there's a new little boy, Brock. Cole said "Brock" a lot last night. Today, he said "bath" when the water started running. Another new favorite is "cracker". This is such a fun age. I wonder what he'll say next? I'm just afraid I'll wake up to find him speaking sentences in his crib. That would be a little alarming.

From the beach

So, we might be a little out of order, I wanted to post this picture of our trip to the beach!

Cole and I went to Destin with the awesome ladies I taught with. We had a fabulous time. Cole slept in the closet and slept 11-12 hours a night (there was NO light in there!) That was a nice habit to get started! It was so hot there, but wonderful!

What we've been up to...

Some pictures are worth 1,000 words and some are priceless, like this one (I think!). Cole is so attentive and such a concentrator. He is constructing something with wooden blocks in this picture. I love his chubby cheeks. This picture reminds me that I need to get his bangs trimmed. I have given him his first "official" haircut while in the bathtub, but, reminded myself that I am in no position to get scissor happy on my child! His hair has really gotten lighter over the summer. I still think it has a tint of red, like it did when he was a newborn.

It's official! Tonight marks the one week anniversary of Cole's first steps! After a week of practice, he is making progress getting around on foot. He is so mesmerized with Baby Einstein that he could stand the entire time while watching the screen.

Four generations...My Mema came to visit. This is us at lunch, downtown Franklin. Can you tell the temperature is over 100 degrees?

Cole got this fancy bookshelf for his birthday and it appears to suit his fancy. Except for one thing, he's having a bit of a difficult time getting the books out. He points to the one he wants and grunts...as if I should automatically know, "Oh, so that's the book you want to read!". His current favorite, Snappy Jungle. It is a pop-up book with jungle animals. He tries to feed the animals. We're working on animal sounds, I am finding he is more amused at me making the sounds.

PS..the lion page is scary.

Anyone Home?

Ok...
After a couple month sabbatical from blogging...I am feeling a surge of guilt for not keeping up with this. I have, however, been so amused by the blogs I keep up with and am trying to figure out where I want to go with this one. I have several friends, who, use their blog for an online journal, per-say. Others whose stories are so touching, sad or cookey like mine. In telling you this, I am going to include some links where you can look at some stories that have been on my heart.
SO, I know I have a lot to update.
Since the last entry we have had several things happen: Cole and I went to the beach with some dear friends (while my precious husband has been working in this heat to keep us afloat), Cole's had his first "unofficial haircut", taken steps and finally....TEETH! We've had LOTS of company, including a surprise visit from Marc's brother and family, my Mema, and some of our greatest friends from California. Our house has been crazy but I love it!
It's been a busy month with happenings. Oh, I also got a job! VERY part time, and I"m loving that. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow and include some pictures. Too tired to start them now.
So the answer to your question: knock, knock whose there? I am here. I am making better attempts to blog.

1 Year Pictures

Ok, so we're a little late, but at least we have some cute pictures to show for it! Cole was quite the trooper tonight getting pictures made. I am finding that the older he gets, the fewer the change of clothes that go to the photographer! He was more excited about the camera and getting all photographers to try to get him to smile. Enjoy the photos! Hope you think they're as cute as we do!

Friends Forever

As previously mentioned, the Tepner family loves to dine at Puckett's. Today, we met our friends Leigh and Brady there for lunch. Leigh and I were pregnant at the same time and actually due a day apart. It's so nice to have a friend to share "new mommy" stories with. Although we have had our boys together a lot, today was one of the first times the boys interacted with one another! They are too cute together and will remain friends forever...we're convinced...

SO... since Cole's birthday, things have been interesting at the Tepner household. On Friday, June 29, I tripped and fell and felt a shooting pain go up my back. To make a long story short, I ended up at the Vanderbilt Walk-In Clinic that night (after attempting a romantic and much needed date night, man, did I ruin that). After visiting the orthopedic and chiropractor, I am feeling better but not quite 100%. I have been taking it easy, trying not to pick up Cole as much and laying around a lot, which is quite hard for me! Thankfully, my mom has been helping so much and Marc, too (when he's not working). It's very difficult feeling out of capacity when you have a young child. SO...this week, I will work on more updates and pictures. For now, the following is appropriate for tonight: