Big Boy!

We are currently working on getting Colton to start drinking completely out of a sippy cup and he is doing such a good job. Here he is however drinking his nightly bottle. He loves to hold it himself, what a big boy!!

Sunny Day!

Here are a few pictures of Colton riding around the neighborhood in his car last week. He loves to go for rides!!

Getting ready to go for a ride.

If you stop pushing him, he will stand up and start bouncing up and down wanting you to go faster. It is the cutest thing!!

Look what I found......

The other night after giving Colton a bath and getting him ready for bed, I left him in his room to play while I went to fix his cereal and bottle. When I came back in his room to get him, this is what I found....

Colton had way too much fun taking out every single piece of clothing in all of his drawers. He started with the bottom one, then the middle one, and finally the top drawer. I love the pictures of him standing on his tippy toes trying to reach every piece of clothing in the top drawer.

First Fall!

Colton fell backwards this morning while trying to take his socks off and hit his head on Nana's old iron stove. He got a nice little knot on the top of his head but he is doing okay. Poor baby! I know we will have many more accidents in the weeks and months to come but it just breaks my heart to hear him cry when he is hurt.

Big Boy Dinner

Colton had his first big boy dinner last night without any baby food. He had fish sticks, carrots, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and diced apples. He did really good and ate a good bit of everything that we gave him. He loved the corn on the cob! I don't think that he got any corn, but he loved chewing on the cob. Haha! He still doesn't seem to care that much for new foods, but we're going to keep trying. I may just have to stop giving him baby food all together and then he will have to eat whatever we give him.

11 Months Old!!

11 Months Old

Nicknames: Coal Train, Brother, Buddy

11 Months Already?? The past month flew by! I can't believe my little baby is almost a year old! The Birthday Party planning is underway and we are getting excited that he is about to be 1! The past year has really gone by way too fast and I wish at times that I could slow time down to enjoy every single minute and second with him. This past month, he has accomplished so many new tricks and we are so proud of him. Words can not express how much we truly love our little boy!!

Here are some highlights from the past month:

• He has tried the following table foods the past month: fried catfish (his favorite), spaghetti, green beans, carrots, and french fries.


• The past month he hasn’t been the best eater because he is in between the stage of baby food and table foods. He hates the texture of table food and he doesn’t really seem to care for baby food any more. He will still however, eat his cereal in the morning and at night time. He also has started turning his nose up, rolling his eyes and turning his head away when I try to feed him something that he doesn’t want. Hopefully this will get better; I sure hope I don’t have a picky eater!!


• We took Colton this past month to the doctor because of him rolling his eyes backwards. Dr. Buettner ruled out seizures and they seem to think that it might be either a small tic or a texture issue with certain foods. He said that if it was either one of those that he should grow out of it. We’re going to keep our eyes on him the next few weeks. Hopefully it will get better!


• We are currently in the process of trying to switch him from his bottle to his sippy cup full time. He is doing really well and he should be off the bottle by his 1st birthday.


• His favorite snacks are cheese puffs and crackers.


• He is walking all over the place. He started taking a few steps (5-10 steps) on March 21st and he is getting better and better every day. He can now take about 20 steps before losing his balance. He is not afraid of anything and will let go of everything and will try to walk on his own.


• He reaches for Mommy and Daddy all the time.


• He now understands what “no” means. Most of the time when he hears you say “no” he will sit down and will look at you and will turn away from whatever he was doing before. He does however, have his moments and will do whatever he wants to no matter what we say.


• He is talking non stop!!! It’s amazing how much this child has changed in a month. Last month I hardly ever heard him talk and now he is talking ALL the time. He can say “mama” and we are working on “Daddy” right now.


• He has figured out how to take his socks and shoes off. Most of the time as soon as we are in the car he will start taking them off. It’s a good thing that summer is right around the corner!!


• He will now let go of something and stand alone by himself now.


• He rocks back and forth when music comes on.


• He loves being outside!! He loves to go for rides in his car and he loves to swing.


• We have installed our DVD players in the car and he loves them! He laughs and talks all the time now when we are riding down the road.


• We turned the car seat around to face forward on March 7th.
  
• He wears size 3 diapers and is in 12 to 18 month clothing and he weighs 24 lbs.


• Takes 24 ounces of formula a day. He also has cereal and fruit in the morning and at night time and one vegetable and fruit at lunch and dinner. He really loves to eat!


• He sleeps from 7:30pm-6:30am! He is such a great sleeper

We have a Walker!!

Colton started walking this past weekend. He can now take about 10 to 20 steps before he loses his balance. He gets so excited and he wants to walk everywhere!!! If I can ever figure out how to upload my videos onto our computer I will post the videos of him walking. He is just the cutest little thing!! We're soooo proud of him!

First Spaghetti Dinner

Colton had his first spaghetti dinner last week. He wasn't too crazy about it, I think he just didn't like it to be all over his hands! I tired to feed it to him using a spoon, but he wouldn't have it, so I tried this and well he got a little bit of it in his mouth. We're going to keep trying, hopefully soon he will like more table foods.

Ready for Bath Time!

Update on Colton

We took Colton to the doctor's office this morning for his checkup. Colton fell asleep before Dr. Buettner made it in to see him, so we didn't get to feed him so that Dr. Buettner could watch him eat. We did however, tell Dr. Buettner what we have been seeing and he said that he is pretty sure that it is not a seizure. We're going to watch Colton though, the next few weeks to see if anything seems to change in his behavior. Dr. Buettner seems to think that it may be a small tick that Colton has or that he is just sensitive to the texture of certain foods. He said either way that he should grow out of it. I'll keep you all posted over the next few weeks. Thanks for the prayers! Oh, and by the way, our little boy is now 24 lbs!!

Sunny Weekend

This past weekend we had wonderful weather in Tuscaloosa! Friday night Aunt Valerie came into town to spend the night with Colton and I. After we enjoyed a wonderful dinner from Willy T's we played with Colton until it was time for a bath. He splashed and played in the bath tub for a few minutes before we dried him off and got him ready for bed. After putting him to bed, Valerie and I watched a little TV and then we headed to bed as well. Saturday morning I had a few errands to run, so Aunt Val kept Colton until about 1pm for me. After I got home, we had a quick lunch and then we took a stroll around the neighborhood. We then headed to Hobby Lobby in search of Birthday invitations. After our trip to Hobby Lobby, Valerie headed home and we headed to Big Daddy and Nana's house. They had just bought him a swing for outside, so we ate dinner (Wings & Chicken Fingers.. YUMMY!) outside while Colton played in his swing. He loved it!! He laughed and smiled the whole time. Sunday morning we headed to church and then we had lunch at McAlister's with Nana. Since it was such a pretty day outside, I decided to take Colton to the park! We went to Airport Park (1st time at a park) and he loved it!! We went down the slides and we swung on the swings. He loved the slides! After playing at the park, we headed home for a nap (he took a 3 hour nap!) and then we went walking around the neighborhood again. He loves to look at everything around the neighborhood and he loves to go fast in his car!! I'm so glad that we weather is started to get so pretty outside, I just hope it stays like this!

Getting ready to go for a ride around the neighborhood..

Colton and His Favorite Aunt.. Aunt Val

Swinging in his new swing from Big Daddy and Nana! He loved every second of it!

I just love that little grin on his face!

Relaxing in the swing.. While Big Daddy, Nana and Mommy ate dinner, Colton enjoyed swinging in his relaxing swing!

1st Time at the Park... He loved it!!

He loved sliding down all the slides. I think he tried about 4 different ones.. This one was by far his favorite.

Doctor's Appointment Tuesday

So, Chris and I have noticed that Colton has been rolling his eyes backwards while he eats dinner at night. It really never crossed my mind that something could be wrong, but Chris was a little worried so I called the doctor's office this morning. They want us to bring Colton in Tuesday morning so that Dr. Buettner can watch him eat. I've done some research online today and I think that he may have Paroxysmal Tonic Upgaze. It's a disorder in which children loose the ability to bring their eyes down, causing them to look up. It seems to be worse at night time and usually he only does it when he is eating. If it is PTU, it tends to get better as the child gets older and there is no treatment. So, I guess we will see Tuesday what the Dr. says. Say a little prayer for him this weekend!

More Random Things about Tara

Do you like blue cheese dressing? What's your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shops? Don't have one. I don't like coffee

What do you think of hot dogs? I love hot dogs!!

Favorite Christmas song? "Silent Night"

What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Pepsi, Mt. Dew or Dr. Pepper

Can you do push ups? Yes

Do you exercise everyday? No. I haven't exercised since College. I probably should start sometime though.

Favorite hobbies? Scrapbooking

Middle name? Cheri

How many TV's do you have in your house? 2

What is your favorite candy? Twix Bars

Favorite Sports Team? Alabama (Football)

What were you doing 12 AM last night ? Sleeping

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today? I can't believe Colton isn't awake yet??

What is your favorite Holiday? Christmas

What are your plans for tomorrow? Work and then dinner with Valerie and Colton!

Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I wish I was at home with Colton and Chris, I love my job, My husband is amazing!!

3 drinks I drink most often? Dr. Pepper, Sweet Tea and Water

Current worry right now? None

Favorite place to be? At home and the Beach

How did you ring in the New Year? We went to Heath and LeAnn's house for a New Years Party.

Like to Travel? Yes, but not all the time

What color shirt are you wearing? Black

Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor? ?? If there were snakes around I would be gone in a second. Otherwise I would probably do okay.

What's in your pocket right now? Nothing

Worst injury you've ever had? Busted Ear Drum

Do you love where you live? Yes

Happy Anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary to my parents who are celebrating 32 years of being married!!!

Sleepy Boy!

The other night while I was cooking supper, Colton fell sound asleep in his high chair while eating some banana puffs. The poor boy was still trying to feed himself the puffs even when his eyes were closed.

I'm so proud of him....

So, most of you know that Chris has started back singing full time as of the first of February. After Chris came off the road last February, we never thought that he would start traveling again, God however had other plans in store for both of us. After a weekend with Mike and Kelly Bowling (http://www.mikeandkellybowling.com/) the first week of February, Chris felt that this was where God was leading him. Last weekend, I was able to go hear Chris sing in Nashville TN. During the service, I knew that without a doubt this was where Chris was suppose to be. God is working and moving in their ministry and it is amazing!! Many people don't understand the calling that Chris has to sing for the Lord, but I'm just sooooo proud of him. I know that it is hard to be away from Colton and I during the weekend, but he is following God's plan and I wouldn't want him not to. I'm so glad that Colton will grow up knowing that his daddy has the biggest heart for the Lord and hopefully Colton will see God's love through Chris' ministry.

Chris,
Colton and I love you soooooo much and we are sooooo proud of you!! You are an amazing man, a great husband and a wonderful dad. We both are extremely lucky to have you in our lives!! We support you 100% and we couldn't be any happier!! Love you!!!

Gotta Love a Bath!

When you tell Colton it's time to take a bath, he crawls as fast as he can and he goes straight to the bath tub. Here he is waiting on mommy to take his clothes off and to start the water.

Crazy Weather!

Really, could this weather not be any crazier?? Last week it was freezing and now it's sunny, warm and beautiful outside. I wish it would stay either way instead of changing every week!! I do however, love the fact that the days are longer and that summer is right around the corner. Colton loves going outside, so Chris has been taking him on walks during the day when it is pretty outside. Millie is also enjoying the warmer weather, and most of the time she just wants to be outside sun bathing. Haha!!

Nashville Trip

Colton and I went with my parents this past weekend to hear Chris sing in Nashville. Dad, Mom, Colton and I headed up Saturday afternoon about 1pm. On the way to Nashville, we installed our new DVD players for the car. Colton loved them!! He watched Mickey Mouse, Veggie Tales and The Little Einstein’s all the way to Nashville. He never cried, not even one time and he barely took his eyes off the DVD player. Let’s just say that from now on, the Whitaker family will travel with plenty of DVD’s for our little one. Whoever invented those DVD players, was a genius!! Once we arrived in Nashville, we ate dinner at the Cock of the Walk, which was wonderful!! We all had fried catfish and Colton loved it!! It looks like this boy will take after his daddy for his love of fried catfish. I’m pretty sure that Colton ate one whole piece by himself. After dinner we headed to the mall and then back to the hotel for bedtime. Sunday afternoon we headed to Lebanon, TN for Chris’ concert that night. He did a wonderful job!!! Colton and I got to meet Mike, Kelly and their three little girls (Hope, Katelyn and Gracie), Michelle (their nanny) and Joey (the bus driver) and his wife. Everyone was sooo sweet and we are looking forward to hopefully traveling with Chris sometime either next month or in May. Sunday night, we stayed in Kathy’s (Kelly’s mom) new condo in downtown Nashville. It was beautiful!!!! We stayed on the 19th floor and the view was amazing!! It over looked the river, downtown Nashville and the Tennessee Titan’s stadium. Monday morning, we headed home after a few stops at the mall, Old Navy and Chick fil A. We all had a wonderful weekend and we are looking forward to hopefully many more like this one!

Birthday Dinner

My Parents, Chris, Colton and I all went last night to Outback for my birthday! It was wonderful!!! I'm actually still full from eating so much! After dinner we came home to eat some birthday cake and to play with Colton. He is starting to take a few steps by himself now and he actually took about 5 steps last night before leaning forward and falling down. He gets so excited and then he loses his balance and tumbles to the ground. It is the cutest thing!! Chris and Colton also gave me the best Birthday present ever!!! Chris had Colton paint on a canvas with finger paint and they wrote "Happy Birthday" at the top of it. Paint is everywhere on the canvas but I just love it!!! You can see his tiny little hands at the bottom and I will cherish this forever! I love you both soooo much!!

Eating some crackers at Outback

My Birthday Present from Colton.... It's the best present ever!!!

Mommy and Colton on my birthday!

27 Today!!

So, I turned 27 today! It seems the older that I get I can't remember how old I actually am. Yes, I had to calculate my age this morning to see how old I was this morning. Haha... I guess once you reach certain milestones (16, 21, 25) you forget your age. Or maybe it's just me! So, since it's my birthday I figured I would include 25 random things about me. I actually pulled this one from my facebook account, so some of these may be duplicates from the other list on here. Enjoy!!


25 Random Things about Tara:

1. Colton’s laugh is the sweetest sound in the world to me.

2. Chris was the first boy I ever kissed.

3. I had a blind date to my Senior Prom. LONG STORY!!!

4. I had jaw surgery in 2001 and couldn’t eat solid foods for 3 months.

5. When I was little, I was on the poison control commercial. My mom never could keep me out of the cleaning cabinet.

6. Scrapbooking is my favorite hobby. Although, I haven’t had much time to enjoy it since having Colton.

7. My little boy brings out the best in me.

8. I’ve never smoked or drank. Never really had the desire to.

9. Being a wife and a mom is the best job I’ve ever had!!

10. One of my role models is my younger cousin Jessica. She has the biggest heart for God.

11. My grandparents were some of the greatest people I ever knew.

12. I once drove a moped into the lake while taking my little cousin for a ride. Afterwards we were covered in mud from head to toe! Ask Connor about this!

13. On my dads side of the family there are 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, 2 girls and 8 boys, all of which (besides Jessica and Garrett) have either first or middle names that start with a “C”. Let’s just say that it can get very confusing when we are all together.

14. I’ve had multiple surgeries on my right ear due to a busted eardrum. Due to this, I only have 10% hearing in my right ear.

15. I love to give gifts. I wish I could do it more often.

16. I feel God’s presence in my life everyday. And I am so thankful for everything that he has given me.

17. I loved being pregnant! Feeling Colton kick while I was pregnant was one of the best feelings in the world.

18. I worry way too much!

19. I was in choir in Junior High all 3 years, but never sang one single word.

20. I am so in love with my husband.

21. I don’t mind getting shots or having my blood taken.

22. I love chewing on ice and this drives my husband crazy!!!

23. I still think my daddy can do anything.

24. I started taking gymnastics at the age of 2.

25. I’ve been so blessed by all of the people that God has brought into my life!

Cutest Little Boy!!

A Walk Around the Neighborhood

I love when the time changes in the Spring!! Last night, when I got home from work, Chris, Colton, and I all went for a walk around the neighborhood. Colton got to ride in his car while daddy pushed him, and Millie also joined us as well. Colton loved riding and occasionally he would hop up and down thinking that if he did he would make the car go faster. It was the cutest little thing!! After walking, we all loaded up and headed to Lowes to look for some outdoor furniture. Chris and I figured that since we will probably be outside most of the summer that we would get some furniture for our back patio. We didn't find anything that we really liked so we are going to keep looking. After our trip to Lowes we came back home to eat a yummy spaghetti dinner. Then it was bath time and time for bed!!

Favorite Toy!

Colton loves the rocket that Big Daddy and Nana gave him for Christmas. Here are a few pictures of him playing on it before bedtime.

Dinner with Friends

Last night Chris and I had some friends over for dinner (Mexican Night). Heath, LeAnn, Matt and Sarah and their precious little 1 week old baby girl Brynn all joined us. We all had a wonderful time, and I just loved holding little Brynn. She is so tiny and it's hard to believe that Colton was every that small. Oh, how I miss those days!! They really do grow up way too fast!

Weekend Fun!

Chris had to leave out last Wednesday night to sing in Arkansas, Lousiana and Texas, so Colton and I had a long weekend with it being just the two of us! Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night we spent time at home playing in the playroom, watching cartoons and playing in the bathtub (his favorite!). Saturday, I decided to go shopping for some new shoes for Colton, so we met Nana for lunch at McAlister's and then we headed to get Colton some shoes. We found some cute white leather shoes for Easter (yes, we had to get a size 5!!) and I also found him the cutest Easter outfit at Lilly Pads. We then headed to the mall and to Sam's to pick up some snacks and diapers. Colton was such a good boy the whole day even though he only had about a 30 minute nap!!! Saturday night we went to Charity's house for a get together with LeAnn, Charity, Jane, Lauren and Leah. We all had a wonderful time and Colton loved all the attention!! We decided on the way home to stay with Big Daddy and Nana for the night, so we headed over there about 7pm. Colton played for an hour or so before it was time for his bath, cereal and bottle. Sunday morning we went to church and then we went to eat at Wintzell's with mom and dad. Colton and I spent Sunday afternoon taking a nap, walking around the neighborhood, playing and cleaning the house. It was a long weekend, but Colton and I had a wonderful time together!! The weather was perfect and hopefully it will continue to stay so pretty! We are so glad that Chris made it home this morning!! We had a long week together before he heads out again Friday afternoon.

Growing up way too fast!!!!

Colton is now pulling up on everything and standing up all the time!! He can walk around furniture and he is a very brave little boy! He is starting to let go and will try to take a few steps by himself but he gets so excited and loses his balance before falling to the ground. Here are a few pictures of him the other day exploring the house!!