Day of Silence for Baby Cohen

On The Road Again

Somedays it is nice to do something besides just stay at home. So the other day we decided to head to Evansville for the day.

Evansville, IN is about 40 minutes north of Owensboro. From Hartford, it takes a little over an hour. Nolan used the drive to take a much needed nap and I got a chance to listen to a wonderful worship cd my sweet niece Allie made me. It was so refreshing and made for such an uplifting drive.

I packed Nolan around with me all day. We went to some of my favorite spots: Marshalls, BBB, Eastland Mall, Stein Mart, BRU, TJ Maxx, and Target. We definetly made a day of it!

Nolan was a champ! He only had one major meltdown in Old Navy towards the end of our mall excursion. He was wanting out of his stroller so bad. So I decided to try a couple of things on and let him out. So we headed to the dressing rooms so I could cry at the sight of my pastyness and thighs and so he could play for awhile. Ironic: his crying stopped and mine began. I hate dressing room lighting. Could they be any worse?


Mid-meltdown


Yes, my son is sitting on the dressing room floor, shoeless, and playing with a piece of a tag that he found on the floor. Geez, I must have been desperate because I usually have a little bit of dignity. Let's face it, sometimes you do whatever works. And this worked for about 5 minutes. :)

Our last stops were to TJ Maxx and Target. I parked between them so I didn't have to drag him in and out of the car so much. Have I mentioned he weighs 24 lbs? That's a whole other post. Anyways, this was on our way to Target. To avoid another meltdown he took over the puffs and kept himself entertained. Disaster averted!


We headed home after those stores put made a quick pitstop at my parents. I decided they could visit and I could feed him supper and change his diaper. A win-win situation! Gammy loved on her little man and rested for a minute. Then I grabbed some dinner at The Big Dipper, which also deserves its own post as well. And we headed home for bathtime and bedtime!



I can say we were both tuckered out after a long day! I think we will both sleep well tonight!

And so sorry for the poor picture quality I have 2 wonderful cameras that my laptop refuses to recognize so you are left with iPhone pics. Crappy pics are better than no pics!

Jump on it

Someone I know has got reaquainted with thier old friend the jumparoo! They had thier issues for a while put praise jesus they have ironed out everything and are bffs again!





This is one happy kiddo and one productive momma!

Happy Monday!

Summer vacation

School has been out for a couple of weeks and I have got a lot done but still have so much to do!
I have:
Cleaned our bedroom
Organized our hall closet
Cleaned Nolans room and closet
Finished 2 masters classes
Cleaned our living room
Nolans 9 month pictures
Visited matts family in Louisville

However

I still need to:

Clean and oraganize the kitchen
Clean and organize classroom
Learn to sew
Make classroom and living room
curtains
Order cheer stuff
Take Nolan to the zoo and a reds game
Learn how to use my cricut
Catch up on scrapbooks

As you can see I have done some but still have a lot to accomplish. It may seem like a lot, and it is. However, a list keeps me on track, accountable, and organized. I keep lists everywhere my head, scrap paper aka a random reciept found at the bottom of my purse, on my calendar, on our refrigerator.

Do lists help keep you on track?


This is proof that I cleaned out nolans closet. And these are only 6-9 month clothes. The boy has more clothes than matt and I put together!

Happy DaDa Day!

Today was another first! I love first's. Today we celebrated Matt's first fathers day!

I am so lucky to be married to a man who sets such a good example for Nolan. He is honest, hard working, hilarious, and Godly man. He has always put his family as his first priority. I'll never forget when Matt saw Nolan for the first time or the pride he had the first time Nolan said "dada". I fell in love all over again with Matt when I watched him become a father.

Nolan is blessed to have such a loving and protective "dada" that loves him without end. I can see them in a few years fishing, playing catch, and watching sports together. Nolan has a wonderful example of what a man and father should be!

Nolan and I are truly blessed!

P.S. To my 2 readers who read this...my summer school is over and I am back from my hiatus. Lots to catch you up on!

Prominating

I have to take a minute to brag on my girls! Last night was their prom and they looked ahhhhmazing! I was so impressed with how well they looked and acted. They looked so classy and acted the part too!

Every year I try to make it to prom to see the girls and grab a couple of pictures. This year was no different! I didn't make it to the actual prom but I made it to see them and snap some pics! I am always so excited to see their dresses, hair, flowers, dates, and jewelry that I have heard about for so long.

This year did not disappoint! They looked FABULOUS!!!

I love how each of thier dresses perfectly match their personalities!

It was a masquerede them so each girl had a gorgeous mask that matched their dress!

Some of the girls on the river front. What a beautiful crew with a beautiful background!

I had to still these off of facebook since my camera and computer are still not getting along. I still haven't seen all the girls pictures yet but when I do I will add them on here too!

Any girl can get dolled up in a beautiful dress, heels, and make-up but to be truely beautiful they have to have the personality and character to back it up. I am so honored to work with such a beautiful, talented, motivated, christian, and classy ladies!

7 months

{ I never got our Easter pictures up so I am going double-dip and use them for his 7 month pic...okay? Good!}

He is sitting up so good now!

How could you say "no" to that face? Presh!

A good family picture!

Taking advantage of the beautiful scenery He is checking his Nannad out

7 months

*20+ pounds

*size 3 diapers

*He can wear 18 month shorts (no comment)

* He LOVES his veggies (except for green beans)

* He still eats 6 oz every 4 hours

* Has slept in his crib ALL night a couple of times ( this is major people!)

*He can roll over, sit up, and can rock on all fours

*Jabbers ALL the time

*Has a fake cough and an evil laugh

*Still a cuddle bug

* LOVES YO GABBA GABBA (don't judge...I find myself singing those songs)

*Reaching for EVERYTHING

*Raises his arms when we walk by

*Starting to seem bored by the jump-a-roo (tear)

* Still gives mommy precious, slobbery, open mouth kisses (daddy is so jealous!)

Nolan you are growing up too fast. God has been so good to us. What did we ever do to deserve you? We try to soak up every noise, laugh, smirk, change, and PRAY that we don't forget them. You are such a joy to watch!

6 Months

{ I am a little late on these...but better late than never....right!?!?!?}

My little man is growing up too fast, time needs to slow down!

Look at those innocent eyes

I think he is going to be a ham...just like his daddy!

That look is priceless...he is looking at her like she is CRAZY! And she is almost purple she is so tramatized by the Easter Bunny. It was funny!

Just hanging out.

6 month notes:

*He is 20.5 lbs and 28.5 inches long

*He eats a 6 oz bottle every 4 hours

* He has mastered all his fruits

*He could do without peaches

*He is sleeping his crib until about 4 am and then he comes and cuddles with me until I have to get up. I secretly LOVE this.

* He CAN roll over but doesn't do it that often

*He wears all sizes depending on the brand

*He was a 4.5 shoe (he has FAT feet) but hates socks and shoes

*He loves to blow raspberries

*He kicks and bounces when he sees us

* He is still my cuddle bug

*He takes a morning and afternoon nap

*He sits up and loves to look around

I love my little man more than I could ever imagine and I thank God everyday that I have such a happy and healthy baby boy. God is good ALL the time!

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

I am so behind it's not funny. But let's backtrack to last Thursday and I'll catch you up!

My cousin, Traci's daughter Mackenzie was playing softball at OCHS. Mack plays for my Alma mater, Apollo. We found out late that afternoon that she would be playing at 5:30, so we made an impromptu trip! We grabbed some McD's and were on our way!



Mack is such an awesome player. She is only a sophmore but starts on the varsity team. We were so proud to cheer her on! We even stuck around for part of the jv game to watch her pitch. I don't want to think where the ball would end up if I tried to throw it like her.




This was Nolans first softball game of the season and was awesome! He loved watching the girls at bat and all the people in the crowd. I am glad he liked the game because we plan to take him to a Red's game and daddy starts playing softball tonite for our church. We are so lucky to have such a laidback little man!

Talk Derby to Me

I don't normally recap my weekend because honestly, they would probably bore you. Where to start.

First, how can we not talk about the 136 Kentucky Derby? I take so much pride in the derby because I am from Kentucky. I think I walk a little taller on derby day. I love it all! I love the lavish hats, beautiful horses, the colorful silks, scenic views of kentucky, the call to post, everyone having a good time, the mint juleps, and my most favorite part; the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home." I cry everytime I hear that song. It is literally one of my favorite songs. I sing it Nolan on a daily basis. I don't cry when I sing but when I hear it sung, I just can't help it. It gets me everytime!

I was rooting for the filly. I always do. I was so hoping my girl, Devil May Care would pull it off. She did a good job she just couldn't keep up with Super Saver or Ice Box. If it had been a little bit longer of a distance Ice Box would've won. I cheered on Eight Belles when she ran and cried when went down. I am so glad I didn't end up crying this year!

Saturday night we went to Bowling Green to run some errands. We had to get some Mother's Day, birthday, and graduation presents. May is one busy month for us. I thought we might have to make Matt's dream come true and invest in a (bass) boat to get home. It rained, and rained, and rained. It was quite scary. I am glad I wasn't driving or I would've been a tense mess by the time we got home. We had a wonderful time though but didn't get any presents. It was just one of those shopping trips.

Matt was a prince and let me go to sleep early and he put Nolan down. Praise Jesus for good husbands and daddys! I was awoken around 11:30 by HAIL! It was hailing so hard that I woke up in a panic. But Nolan slept through all the storms. He is perfect...I am convinced! JK

Sunday we went to church. We've recently started attending my uncles church in Owensboro and feel like we have found our home. Isn't it nice when that happens? It just feels like home. We are so comfortable there and leave feeling better than when we walked in. Nolan stayed in the nursery with my cousins and he did awesome! They didn't have to page us during church. Not that I was worried, Nolan is like Matt and has never met a stranger. So I was convinced he would be just fine.

After church we went to O'Charleys and ate a feast! We were all starving! Then I had to return some bedding that I bought to TJMaxx. I love TJMaxx but I hate looking for bedding. I never can find exactly what I am looking for! Anyways, we walked next door to Best Buy and came out with a new digital camera! Yeah! We got a Nikon coolpix s4000. It is sweet! It makes me very nervous though because it has a touchscreen. Yikes! I am a tad rough on cameras...hince the need for a new one!

I hope your weekend went well and you stayed dry.

Cheer Banquet

I didn't get to blog a lot last week due to getting everything ready for our annual cheer banquet. Every year after our season has ended we get together to celebrate our year and reflect on memories made. We had our banquet this year at a local church in their beautiful eating area and had our meal catered, both a first since I have been coaching. I still had to get the awards, speech, slideshows, decorations, and squad gifts ready. Oh and my outfit, it had to be perfect! Since our banquet colors this year were purple and lime green (our seniors choice) my out fit had to match too! It was a wonderful night filled with pictures, memories, awards, gifts, and reflection. It was an awesome year that ended with wonderful ladies and a beautiful banquet.

Nolan playing on the floor

The beautiful ladies on the church steps

Now thats more like the girls I know....being silly and having fun!

Me giving my speech

It is a little blury but this year I painted our senior a canvas with her dorm colors and favorite scripture.

Our last time "circle up" prayer as a squad this year

Nolan on all fours rocking....I am not quite ready for this little chunck to start crawling!

He looks like he is laughing at me for some reason....and the way Matt is looking at me I am probably doing something very silly to make him laugh. The things we will do to see our kiddos smile!

Nolan and his girlfriend, Hadley. They are future prom dates and don't even know it. Aren't they cute laying on the floor in matching outfits? Precious!

Spring Break

This past week has been my first spring break as a momma and it has been SO much fun! Nolan and I have done all kinds of fun stuff. We've gone shopping in nearby towns, gone on walks, taken drives with the windows down and the music up, snuggled during naptime, and just had a lot of bonding time. It has been so much fun! We've also been putting Nolan down in HIS crib in HIS room. Until now he has been in a bassinet in our room (which he was getting too big for) or sleeping with us (don't judge me). So we took the big leap this week and hooked up all his monitors, checked and double checked them, and put him down each night in his bed when he started getting sleepy. And guess what?!? He was okay!!! haha He loved having his own space! I think we were stressed out about it but I think it was harder on us than on him. We just watched the monitor at night and would peek in numerous times just to see his little chest rise. It is an adjustment but I think a healthy adjustment for everyone. Matt and I are enjoying talking and cuddling once again at night.

Overall, it has been one busy and fun week! I am sure it will be a little bittersweet when my alarm goes off Monday morning and it is back to school. But I am thankful to be a teacher at such a wonderful school, to have an amazing MIL (Nana Sue) that loves and watches Nolan at OUR house, and that I only have 8 more weeks of school until summer break! I am already making big plans for all of our lazy free days this summer.

The picture above was taken after a trip to the mall. The little guy has red hair so we had to stock up on some hats and the sunglasses were just for giggles because we've put ours on him when the sun is in his eyes and he loves them. But surprisingly he left his hat and sunglasses alone. Thank goodness because he will probably be wearing lots of hats this summer when we play outside!

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful spring weather!

Spring has Sprung!

It was a beautiful spring day here in Kentucky and we took full advantage of it! We decided to have in impromptu photo session in our front yard with Mr. Nolan. We got some really cute pictures! We are so lucky to have such a happy and laid back baby that will let us click away and put him all over the yard for the perfect shot! mama's sweet boy
ewwwww......weeeee
we did not pose him...he is just a natural (ha!)
See any resemblence?

AHHHHHH.....C-A-T-S CATS CATS CATS

It is sad to say outloud but Nolan really had no choice but to be a sports fan (our tv is always on sportscenter or espn news) and more specifically a hard-core UK fan. It seems to us that he is handling this quite well. He loves to watch sports (no lie) since I coach cheerleading he sat through many basketball games and would often fall asleep sitting up while watching the players run up and down the court. But he also loves to watch sports on tv, I think he likes the constant motion and bright colors. Evidence:

Eventhough our beloved CATS didn't make it to the big game tonight we had a wonderful time cheering them on this year.

Nolan's First State Tournament

Matt and Nolan leaving Diddle Arena (NOlan lost his pants during the game because he got really hot...my child usually wears pants, I swear!)

Some of the girls after a very long night cheering. We lost in double overtime.

Hay, Britt, and Kayla after being asked to visit the milk mustach booth

Our first state tournament

Nolan has had a lot of first's all ready this year and he added another one to his list by going to his first girls basketball state tournament. The state tournament is held at Western Kentucky University (my alma mater....GO TOPS) and is about 30 minutes from home. Since it was during the week I had to take a couple days off from school to accompany the cheerleaders but got to take my lil man along with me. So we got to spend some quality time together on our little mini-vaca. He is such a sweet and laid back baby, he just went along with everything and was such a good boy! The cheerleaders and basketball players provided non-stop entertainment for him at the hotel which was nice and fun to watch. The cheerleaders had a good time and placed 5th out of 16 squads at the in-game competition held during the first games of the tournament. My girls practiced really hard and cheered non-stop during the game. Top 5 was our goal and the highest we have ever placed. I was so proud of their hard work and dedication!

5 months

5 month Stats:
* wears 6 month clothes
* wears size 3.5 shoe
* wears size 2 diaper
* eats 6 oz every 3.5-4 hours
* loves his fruits
* drooling like crazy
* finally rolling over
* still sleeping through the night :)

bubbles during a walk

all dressed up and ready to go to a ballgame

rockin' the shades Nolan and Mommy in Nashville
Daddy's lil helper on his dream boat at Bass Pro Shop