St. Luke Lions

It is always hard making important decisons, but it is even harder when you are making decisons concerning your children. Right before Phillip deployed we got a phone call from St. Luke's Early Learning Center informing us that Cohen had been accepted and could start February 7th. People in Columbus joke that they put their babies name on the waiting list for St. Luke when they find out they are pregnant. I put Cohen on the list last fall and in just a few short months he got in. I could not believe it! I felt it was a sign form God.

But first we wanted to tour the facility and meet the teachers and faculty.  So the next day we had a 10am appt. Phillip instantly loved it which is not like him to make such a quick decison, usually that is me. I had way to many questions to be answered, I think its partly the nurse in me, but def my motherly instincts shining through. However, over the long holiday weekend we decided that this would be just what Cohen needed. It would help him grow and build social skills. The class will never have more then 8 students and he has 2 teachers. Lots of attention and interaction. It is just a sad/hard adjustment for me because the last 11 months we have had a sitter come to our house! But I am definitly keeping the advantages in mind.

Cohen started this week and so far he has had a pretty good week. He eats all his food and plays well with the other children. They said the first day nap time he woke up twice screaming. Today he did not, so we are making improvement. We had taken Cohen to St. Luke 3 times prior to his first day and he loved it and loved the toys and especially all the kids, but the past 2 days I have dropped him off he cries when I put him down. Poor thing, I think he associates my blue uniform with leaving him. So, I have to sit down and play with him until he gets distracted enough that I can slip away.

I have had no issues so far and I am loving his teachers! One of them even called me today at work to ask me which way does Cohen prefer to sleep. I was very impressed and glad they thought to take care of my individual babys neeeds. The only issue I am having is with the daycare itself in that once he turns a year old they drink whole vitamin D milk! Which is fine, but he has never had it before so I cant just switch cold turkey. He has to adjust first so that his poor tummy doesnt get upset!

Ok, enough rambling, I wanted to share a few pictures of my baby playing in his new daycare! I believe and I am continuing to pray that Phillip and I made the best decison for our sweet baby boy!! Definitly a tough and important decison for any parent to make! So here is my St. Luke Lion!! Go red and yellow!!

 Cohen and I on his first day!

 Playing with friends!!

Sleeping on his little mat!! Oh this one brings tears to my eyes to see my sweet baby sleeping at daycare on mats with all the other kids!! He is growing up to fast!

Heidi<3

Cohen's 1st Birthday!!

We celebrated Cohen's first birthday party a month early, so that Daddy (Phillip will be deployed on his actual bday) could be part of his special day. It was soo much fun. We wanted to go all out. I know he will never remember it, but I know Phillip and I will forever. I went CrAzY on the decorations! We had 20 balloons blown up for the living room and the kids ate them up! Cohen's highchair was even decorated and ready for his smash cake experience. Our house was packed to the brim, we had about 50 people here and I felt like we were in a bar!! The cold weather kept everyone inside. I told Phillip I think we need to upgrade our house!! hehehe!! But it was def cozy and fun! Nothing like celebrating with good friends and family! Phillips brother Chris and his wife Jenna (who is expecting in May!! :)) from Alabama even came down for Cohen's big day!! Cohen had soo much fun with all the kids and he is soooooo soooooo spoiled. He made out like a bandit! My house now looks like a toysrus aisle! I think first birthday party's are more for the parents/adults. Their not quite big enough for planned games or even able to pick out there own party decor. But it was soo worth the memories! All together the party was a sucess! Pizza, Beer, Cake, Good friends and family, and Birthday BOY make out for a wonderful night!

His cakes were soo cute! I love Columbus Corner Bakery!!

Happy Parents with the Birthday Boy!!

He got sooooo many toys!!

Love this little hat!! (Thanks Estrellas)

YUM YUM!!

Girls from work and there kiddos!

Some of Cohens favorite Rangers!!

Good Friends!!

Thank you to everyone who came and helped make my baby boys first birthday party a sucess!! Goodnight everyone!! We love you and hope you enjoy our new blog!! Though it would be a great way to keep friends and family near and far update on the Paquette Family Household!!! xoxoxo :)

Heidi <3