Happy Birthday Cole!

Thankfully, am able to concentrate on the fact that it is my little guy's birthday and not the crappy events of today.  So, here goes!  First, it's amazing to see the change from birth to now.  But since I covered that on last year's post, here are some changes within the past year.

Cole has evolved into such an amazing little guy.  Here are some standout points with exmples:
1. He is talking much better in recent weeks with multiple word "sentences."  Examples: Papa more fwing or me no ustairs nigh night. 

2. He is showing compassion for others.  Examples: apologizing to the dogs if he accidently steps on a tail, kissing a crying child (or a pretend-crying mom.  Yeah, I milk that one for kisses; I admit it.)

3.  He is learning bargaining power.  Example: We use Dove dark chocolates for dessert after dinner because we know they are Cole-safe.  We are getting less lenient with when the kids deserve one based on how well they ate.  So, the other night he hadn't touched his broccoli (he has a list of 4 good veggies he will eat and broccoli isn't on it).  Rich told him he had to eat a bite if he wanted a chocolate.  There wasn't a moment's hesitation.  He stabbed the largest floret and chewed with a forced smile on his face, knowing the reward would no doubt mask the horrible taste.  We were proud nonetheless.

4.  He has minimal complaints.  As long as you make it seem like what you're doing is fun, he is game.  Examples: waiting for Paige at ballet, waiting for Will at sports class, doing preschool drop off and pick up and other errands.  He is a true bud for these things and I do not take that for granted.

5.  He is becoming one of the gang.  Example:  tonight before bed we watched a bit of Shrek the Third.  When I turned it on Paige shouted, "Yes!" and ran to the couch.  Cole was like an instant replay.

6.  He is better at understanding the flow of things.  Examples: when getting out the door, he is CONSTANTLY running down the checklist of things we need, Mom.  Shoes.  Mom. Coat.  Ow (that's still how he pronounces Will). Shoes.  Ow. Coat.  Me.  Shoes.  Me.  Coat.  Mom.  Zip.  Mom. Keys.  Paige.  Bye bye.  Bus. (meaning no need to run down her checklist - she's not here).

7.  He has better acceptance of how things "go."  Examples:  As if on cue, he has had a haircut appointment and doctor appointment in the last week that he did not cry or even fuss for.  This is big for him.  'Cause he is big now.

Here is the birthday boy this morning opening a Thomas train set from us (with brother and sister help).