Fireman Bobpa

Cole made his very first trip to Bobpa's fire station over our Thanksgiving holiday weekend. He loved sitting way up high in the fire engine, trying on Bobpa's helmet, and watching the fire engine's big red lights reflect against the station door. He wasn't even scared when Bobpa tried out his ugly Darth Vader-like oxygen mask. We're sure this won't be our last visit to this exciting place! 11/27/2011.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Gramma loves to cuddle and read to Cole at bedtime. I walked in to catch her reading a slightly modified version of one of Cole's favorites, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. ". . . And on Saturday, he ate like Gramma: He ate one slice of chocolate cake, one ice-cream cone, one pickle, one slice of Swiss cheese . . .". 11/26/2011.

Our Little Turkey

Cole celebrated his first Thanksgiving Day in Dubuque at Gramma and Bobpa's house. He thoroughly enjoyed eating his Thanksgiving dinner (rice and green beans, pureed of course) at the dinner table with Gramma, Bobpa, Mom and Dad. We are so thankful for our healthy, happy little turkey! 11/24/2011.

Puppy

11/24/2011.

Seven Months Old!

We can hardly believe Cole is seven months old! (We know, we say that every month....) These days, he's doing fun things like moving himself in circles when he's playing on his tummy (and in bed when he's supposed to be sleeping!), smiling for the camera (we just have to say, "Smile for Momma (or Daddy)!" or sometimes just hold up the camera!), standing and bouncing in our laps (and attempting steps when we hold him in walking position), practicing his consonants, and, our favorite, exercising his self-will. He is also coming along in the world of solid foods, having mastered rice cereal and all sorts of fruits and veggies from apples to ... well, squash (we'd like to say zucchini, but he hasn't gotten to that one quite yet). We love you, little buddy! 11/21/2011.

First Snow

Cole (briefly) experienced his first snowfall this numbing November afternoon. Two mittened thumbs up. 11/19/2011.

Sippy Cup

Work in progress. 11/16/2011.

Lange Cousins! Cole and Auntie Chelsey!

Cole's most favorite Lange cousin is Auntie Chelsey, of course! 11/12/2011.

Happy Happy!

Bobpa took this delightful picture during our great Florida adventure. And, yes, Krispee Kreme doughnuts were a delicious part of our great Florida adventure. 11/12/2011.

Lange Cousins! Cole and Cousin Ryan('s Mom, Auntie Libby)!

Cousin Ryan was busy chasing his own little munchkins around, so Auntie Libby stepped in as a substitute. Did you know that Cole's first words were "Aunt Libby?" Just ask Libby -- she'll tell you. 11/12/2011.

Lange Cousins! Cole and Heidi!

Cole was happy to perch on cousin Heidi's lap. Good view of the big kids playing in the hot tub. 11/12/2011.

Lange Cousins! Cole and Evey!

Cole enjoyed playing in the sun with cousin Evey! 11/12/2011.

Lange Cousins! Cole and Betsy!

Cole loved playing with (read: yanking on) Betsy's hair! Who can blame him? 11/11/2011.

Lange Cousins! Cole and Emily!

Cole enjoyed a special Florida weekend hanging out with the Lange cousins in celebration of cousin Mary's wedding. Here, Cole and Emily! 11/12/2011.

Sicky-poo

Cole caught his first cold this week. Poor buddy. 11/3/2011.

Sounds

Cole is really starting to focus on practicing new sounds! His favorite? "Da," of course. 11/2/2011.

Because you can never have too much of a good thing . . .

10/20/2011.

Daddy Monster

The best sound ever. (Cole's laughter, not Daddy Monster's growls.) 10/20/2011.

Halloween is for Babies

We celebrated Cole's first Halloween with a little "Baby's First Halloween" party at Rachel, Dan and Izzy Pollock's. Cole had a blast. Well, until about the time this photo was taken. 10/30/2011.

Afternoon Snack

Cole continues to enjoy eating his feet, whether shoed, socked, or naked. I have a feeling this is not going to get old anytime soon. 10/28/2011.