Birth of James Nolan Cook

New nephew born at 6:46 pm at 9lbs 7.3 oz 21.5" long. Lots of hair on his head and on his back. Jemile went through childbirth without drugs. Both mom and baby are healthy and good. James is the first baby born of the year in that hospital...

Week 25

Xander has his first tooth (lower central incisor~ his left) !! He got sick over Christmas~ throwing up and just wanting to be held. He wasn't sleeping so well and we just thought it was because of the change in elevation and that he was missing his home and his own bed. He was still trying to eat mommy and daddy's fingers. Well, he grabbed my hand again and stuck it into his mouth and~ walla~ something pointy and sharp. A tooth! A tooth! My poor little man is so miserable.

We did have fun while we were there, though. There was sledding and snow mobile rides and hot chocolate and food, games and fun around the fire and lots of family. Xander especially loved spending time with some of his cousins.

Isabel gets to feed Xander...

Grandma's painting Izzy's nails~

Cuddling with Uncle Michael...

Mom painting Cole's nails...

Cousins Isaac and Ethan loved playing with Xander...

Say hello to my little hand...

Cousin love...

Daddy, I'm sick...

Watching Dad and Jodi dance...

Michael makes fried ice cream...

Michael, the chef...

And the cheesecake...

Finally home~ It was a fun trip but so glad to be home...

It was fun seeing family. Wish we could have spent more time with the Dodges. Really missed the Barneys....

Week 24

Dear Jennifer,

Life gets so busy and we get sidetracked with the everyday "things" that build up. Last night as I was feeding my beautiful baby boy I was reminded of how and why we got to this point. I don't think there's ever really a way to say thank you.

We have so much to be grateful for in life. This year we are especially grateful for our beautiful son. He is so happy and wonderful. His giggle lights our day and his little smiles make us laugh. We can't wait to teach him and show him all that life can offer him. He grows so fast and changes so much and we just love to watch him grow and change. He has been blessed with so many wonderful talents and we can't wait to help him find each and every one and develop them.

So, with that said, how do we show gratitude to the person who made this all possible? How do we say thank you. Without you I would still be begging my Father in Heaven and crying on my husbands shoulder for the one blessing in our lives that seems to come so easy for others. You are as much of a gift as he is in our lives. We are so blessed that you had the strength to let him go.

It's easy to get overwhelmed with emotion when we think about where we are and where we were less than a year ago. Thank you so much for loving Xander ~ and us.

This week Xander got to be blessed. Some of his family was here and we have loved spending time with everyone. He's so special. He and his daddy are inseparable and it's all because of you.

Life is what we make of it. You have been a hero to so many, I don't think you even realize the love we have for you.

Thank you for being so wonderful. Thank you for being so selfless and so very wonderful. We love you and are excited for the future and where it will take us.

Love to you, always. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year

Week 23

Ok, so we get to bless Xander on Sunday~ super excited. I wanted him to have a tie like his daddy's so I worked on one tonight and finished it. Scott loves it~ I'll let you be the judge.

I'll post pictures of him in his blessing outfit once we dress him. He hates to get dressed so I try not to change his clothes too many times.

He also had his first taste of cereal today. Daddy got to feed Xander.

hmmmmmmm......

No more........

A mess?! Who's a mess?...

He eventually liked the cereal.

Week 22

Okay~ so I went to the doctor today and Xander got weighed again. He is 14 pounds, 6 ounces and 25 inches long. He was so excited. His little body rocked back and forth as the nurse explained his next step for food. He will be able to start eating cereal this month and then we will be adding fruits and veggies next month. He will also be using a sippy cup soon.

Daddy and Xander just chillin'

Ready for bed

Xander is growing so fast and he is just getting more and more beautiful. Tonight his daddy got home and held him while Xander made all kinds of noises. There are so many wonderful and fun new events. We so love this sweet little boy!

Week 21

Wow- what a week. My computer had 300 viruses on it- yes, you read that correctly, 300. It all happened in a matter of a few minutes. "How?" you ask. I am still not understanding the whole virus thing and why it happens and what this virus inventors are thinking. But, now my little red is back in my arms and I can submit the much awaited and loved blog.

My son contracted this runny nose and deep cough. It's so sad to see him struggling to drink his bottle. He is having a tough time sleeping too. My poor little man. We are getting excited as we await the final paperwork to go through. Xander will be legally our little man soon. I know it's sounds silly as he is already ours, but the finality of it feels good. He's such a happy little boy and just seems to absorb his surroundings.

I'm at home with the daycare and Xander seems to like having so many children around (sometimes). Other times he just wants me to hold him and not anyone else. We're excited to have family come to visit with us for the weekend of Dec 17 (Dan's graduation) and look forward to see Xander cuddle with his Grandparents.

It's my hand!!

Week 20

My beautiful boy is growing so fast. He has "discovered" his hand and seems to be continuing his "love stares" with said hand. One day I caught him looking at one and then back to the other~ back and forth~ back and forth until, finally, he clapped them both together and laughed. There are some days when his hair is so dark and others when it is blonde and, still others, where his hair looks redish. No matter, he is the most beautiful little man to us.

Scott and I were singing in the choir so Xander got to sit with the Fairholms. He was so good. He cuddled and napped and talked to Sis. Fairholm as she held him close. It was the funnest thing to watch (of course, Scott was jealous).

We had the last social worker visit and wait for the paperwork to go through. It has been a long and amazing journey and we have enjoyed every moment (yes, even the trying ones). We have been so blessed to have Jennifer in our lives.

He's sitting up (with help) and loves to look around. He has the most wonderfully contagious giggle and loves to share it. We will hear him talking/singing in the other room and go in to see him staring at that hand and giggling.

Still loving the swing...

Warm/cute jammies...

Cutest bum...

Adorable feet...

Tummy time...

Teething... deserves a good suck on the hand

Crazy smile...

Xander's mesmerized by the lights on the tree...