best crib sheets evah!

just wanted to share one of my recent fav finds: zip-on crib sheets!

it was such a production for me everytime i went to change cole's crib sheet. i had to first wrestle the bumper off, then battle removing the super tight sheet. then finagle the new sheet back on and begin the arduous task of replacing the bumper -- which requires tying 24 little knots to secure the thing.

i always seemed to throw out my back and end up breathless, as if i'd run a mile. it was pathetic. that, and it had to be done while keeping an eye on cole as he rolled all over his nursery floor.

inevitably, he would spit up or pee on the fresh sheets the first time he lay on them. i even tried these silly "sheet saver" things -- but he would just get those and the surrounding sheets dirty. and, the awful sheet changing process would begin again.

then, in my endless search for new baby accessories, i came across these:

QuickZip Safety Crib Sheet from babycenter.com

amazing! why didn't i think of this?!? you simply zip a new "top" sheet on and off a bottom one. i ordered one bottom sheet and two top sheets. they are wonderfully made -- the zipper is completely covered by material -- soft, safe and easy to use.

bring it on, cole.

sunny days

i've always said that february feels like the longest month -- even though it's the shortest. everyone is just itchin' for spring. but, because we live in austin, we are treated to some seriously beautiful days in the middle of winter. this past weekend was one of those sunny surprises. it was gorgeous. cole was able to sport a short-sleeve onesie and show off his scrumptious limbs!

our little man has found his feet and has now mastered the left-hand turn. he still hasn't quite figured out the tummy to back roll (only done it by accident a few times). and, he can sit in his stroller without the infant car seat! man, he is growing up fast.

cole: 5-month old

he is just delicious. i seriously cover him in kisses on a daily basis.

at 5 months, cole is just starting to try rice cereal -- and loves sitting in his high chair, anticipating the good stuff!

he's quite the talker and clearly communicates his wants, likes, dislikes, happiness and sense of humor. he has a funny little whimper for when he wants to nurse, a quick little cough when he transitions from "speaking" english to spanish, a very serious reading voice, a chatty phone voice, a hefty cry when he's ready to get out of his crib or fighting sleeping in his crib, and the best smile when he sees you for the first time in the morning.

we just bought him an exersaucer -- we call it the space command center -- and he loves it. it buys me just enough time to grab some breakfast, put a load in the laundry and check a couple of emails. we've had it for about a week and he keeps discovering new gadgets on it every day.

i think the poor thing gets so frustated at times ... he's such a wiggle worm and is constantly moving, but just can't do more than roll onto his tummy. he loves the feeling of standing up in his exersaucer and i know he so badly wants to move, crawl and walk. but, i'm definitely not ready for a mobile baby yet!!

he is still drooling like a mad man. we go through sooooo many bibs in one day, it's frightening. he must be working up to some serious teething, but there still doesn't seem to be any swelling in his gums or even a hint of a tooth.

his hair is starting to grow and it looks pretty red in some areas (a ginger baby!). his widow's peak is becoming even more pronounced and the mullet is starting to disappear in the back.

here's an album with pics from the last month or so ... enjoy!

Cole: 4-5 months

my silly valentines

(ugh - blogger keeps posting this picture sideways!!)

here are my two favorite boys ... happy valentine's day!!

slacker

I'm awful about taking pictures, and even worse at downloading them to my computer. And now that I have the cutest baby, I feel that I can't submit a post without adding a picture.

Lack of photos = total blog slacker.

So, forgive me for the super sporadic updates.

Over the past month, I took Cole on his first plane ride to Arizona to visit family and friends. He met my dad (and step family) for the first time. Hung tough with his Tia Adri and Tio Stephen. Fell in love with his "cousin" little Laila. Bonded with his favorite pen-pal Clara. Met even more "extended" family in good ol' Globe -- Emilie, Ken, Tom & Sharri. It was quite a whirl-wind tour and he was such a little champ. He loved his travel bathtub and sleeping tent. He charmed everyone on the plane and fell asleep in Abuelita's arms. It was almost more fun to see his reaction when we returned home. He immediately recognized the car at the airport and was bouncing in his car seat all the way home. He was so excited to see Daddy (who had been in London again for the week), his toys, his big blue chair and his crib.

We also made a long weekend trip to Dallas to visit our dear friends and celebrate Chad's birthday. It was so awesome to see everyone and show off our lil' man. Hudson, Cecilia and Sibley are just adorable. It was just great to see the Dallas crew all together again. And, our cousin Sarah has the most beautiful bump -- due at the end of February -- can't wait! Cole does not like road trips. He slept maybe 30 minutes during the 3-hour ride -- and spent the other 2 1/2 hours fussing about being tired and cooped up!

We've started the process of remodeling (actually, more like creating) our kitchen. Our current kitchen is in a glass room, with no cabinets or a refrigerator. It's very simple -- only wire shelves, stainless steel counters and a Sears tool chest as our utensil drawer. It was fun for a few months, but with a baby (who will soon be crawling) and a growing household, it's time for a "real" kitchen. I'm super excited. We're building it in our existing dining room and moving the dining room to the glass room (just swapping our kitchen and dining rooms). Anyhoo -- we're currently working with an awesome designer and developing the kitchen plan, picking out new cabinets, appliances, etc. I hope to have it all done by mid-summer (or sooner!). Any suggestions or recommendations?

Ok, ok. I'm finally going to go and download some pics ...