First formal pictures

Like every other first time mom, I was excited to get Koen's first formal pictures taken because my baby is the cutest baby in the world - sorry everyone, but it's true! :) Everyone suggested Kiddie Kandids, but oh no, I couldn't imagine paying that much for pictures so I decided to try the more affordable Target. I guess that the old saying is true..."you get what you pay for!"

The day we went to Target they were short staffed, frantic and rushed which must have rubbed Koen the wrong way because he wouldn't really smile and overall, the experience wasn't great. It wasn't a total loss though -- we did get two or three good pictures out of the experience.

November 08

The month started out with a bang when Kenn left for Florida for 5 days and I got to experience being a single parent. And wonder of all wonders -- I survived!! Actually the idea of it was much worse than the reality - my mom stayed two nights to help out, Koen slept well and we got lots of Mommy-Baby time!

On November 3rd, Koen turned 4 months and weighed in at 13 1/2 lbs and 24 1/2 inches. He's still a little guy (20%ile for weight and 50% percentile for height), but according to the PT and pediatrician he's very strong for his age. He loves tummy-time and is working hard on his rolling skills. No more leaving him on the bed or couch alone!

We introduced rice cereal this month with much anticipation of an exciting memory to be made, but it was pretty anti-climactic. Koen tasted it, made a horrible face, shook his head in disgust and spit it out. Oh well, our PT later told us that everyone starts cereal too early and that babies shouldn't be eating cereal till 6 months since their "systems" aren't ready for it till then. So, I guess we try again in two months!

Other events this month were a Coles family party for my Aunt Teresa's birthday, Thanksgiving, Festival of Trees and a Holiday Dinner with friends.

Firsts this month: first rice cereal, first professional photo shoot, first Thanksgiving, and first Festival of Trees.

October 08

At the beginning of this month, Koen decided that he wanted to spend more quality time with us so he started waking up every hour at night to make sure he got to see us a lot! We finally convinced him that well-rested parents are much better than grumpy, sleep deprived parents and now he's back to a normal baby sleeping schedule. Amen!!

Koen has started rolling from his stomach to his back and has also learned that he can stand with support. He loves to be held in a standing position and as soon as you lift him up he begins to bobble, smile and jabber! Another favorite activity is playing peek-a-boo and Kenn got the joy of hearing Koen's first laugh as they were playing peek-a-boo with a blanket.

Halloween night we dressed Koen up in his giraffe outfit, which only lasted about 2 minutes before he overheated and started screaming. We had to take him outside until he cooled down and calmed down. Our little man is one hot body! Once that crisis was solved, we took a million pictures (of course) and then Kenn and I left him with Papa and Susan while we had a date night. It's wonderful having family around that is willing to babysit so Kenn and I are able to get in couple time. As much as we love our little monster, sometimes we just need a few hours of adult discussion and some quiet time.

Firsts this month: rolling over, first vacation and visit to the beach (see Portland post below), first laugh, and first Halloween.