Letter to Colton

Colton,

Is it really possible that you are already three?? It seems like yesterday, your daddy and I saw you for the first time at DCH in Northport. I remember that first time I held you. You were so tiny and the most beautiful little baby I had ever seen. I loved you the second that I knew you were in my belly, but seeing you made me fall even more in love with you. Since that day, things have changed, you’ve grow up to weight approximately 40 lbs and you are not so tiny any more, but one thing remains strong… I fall more and more in love with you each and every day. I hope you know that I will never stop loving you and that you will always be my little man.

Colton, I never thought it was possible for someone so little and young to teach an adult the things you have taught me this past year. I’ve been taught most of these things my entire life, but experiencing them with you has given me a new outlook on life. Within the past year I’ve learned that our Heavenly Father truly loves us more than we will ever know. You will grow to know this, however; once you have kids of your own, you will understand it even more. I can’t help but think how hard it was to give up his only son so that Jesus could die for us. It still blows my mind today that He loves us this much even though we are so undeserving. Don’t ever forget how much your Heavenly Father loves you. I’ve also learned that God’s plan for your life is far greater than anything you could possibly imagine. Yes, you will pray for certain things in your life and will be discouraged when things don’t go the way you planned for them to go, but have faith little man and know that God’ plan will be worth it! There’s so much more to list, and hopefully soon I will be able to share them all with you, but these two by far are the most important things I’ve learned by having you in my life. You have made me a better mother/person this past year and for that I am truly grateful…

Little man, you look so much like your daddy that it’s hard to believe that you were in my belly at one time. You have your daddy’s curls and your daddy’s looks no doubt; however you do share a few favorites with your mommy.

We both LOVE Taco Casa. (You especially love their enchiladas (no sauce) and their chips)

We both love to listen to praise and worship cd’s in the car. Our current favorite one is Charles Billingsley’s cd. You love to clap your hands and you usually want to hear the same song over and over again.

We both have an amazing man in our lives. Your daddy is such a wonderful daddy and husband. He is everything that I have prayed for and everything that I hope you will become. He loves the Lord with all of his heart and truly is a wonderful man both on the inside and out.

We both love sweet tea. I usually order you Sprite at a restaurant, but it never fails that you drink most of my sweet tea every time.

We both have need at least 10 hours of sleep at night or we are ill the next day!

We both love Capri Suns. I remember drinking these all the time when I was younger and now I’m buying them for you all the time. You can literally drink about 3 of these in an hour or less.

We both love to snuggle... Especially in the mornings and at night time.

Colton, I’ve always been told that the 3’s are harder than the 2’s. If so, I welcome this year and say bring it on! It’s the trails and errors and the mistakes in life that make us the way we are so I know this year will be a huge year for you. You grew up so much last year, but I’m thinking God will do some AMAZING things in your little life this year. I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for us. Are you ready little man??

I love you little man!!
Mommy

Monthly Update: 38 Months

35 Months Old





• You love ketchup (k-up)!! You constantly want more when you are eating French fries, chicken fingers or fish sticks.
  


• You love to hold mommy’s hand when you go to sleep at night. We try to get you in your bed around 8:00pm most nights and once you crawl into bed, you want mommy to sit beside you and to hold your hand until you fall asleep. It’s so precious to me and I love those moments with you. Some nights you fall asleep really fast; however there have been nights where I have held your hand for about an hour. J


• You are OBSESSED with Monster Trucks and Nascar Racing!! You usually want to watch these on TV over any of your favorite cartoons. Our favorite races are the freestyle competitions and most of the time you say “Awe Man” or “It Cash (It crashed)” when they crash or flip over. You love the Batman & Spider Man Car the best. You also like to pretend to be a Monster Truck driver when you drive your 4 wheeler around the house. Most of the time we find you running over things, standing on your 4-wheeler while driving it and riding on the back 2 tires. You have no fear child!!


• You had your first scare this month at school! On Feb. 21st (Monday) you fell at school on the playground and hit your head. They thought you had a concussion, so we headed to see your doctor to make sure everything was okay. Turned out you were fine and you were released by the doctor to head back to school. On Feb. 25th (that Friday) you hit your head again during recess in the gym and busted your forehead. After seeing the doctor, we were told that you needed stitches and we headed to an ENT so that they could stitch you up. You ended up getting about 4 deep stitches and 4 stitches on top of that. You were such a trooper!!! However, Nana and Mommy were a complete mess!


• You are talking ALL the time when you are at home with mommy and daddy. We are starting to understand a few of the words and you get so excited when we can understand what you are saying.


• New Words you are saying: “Pig, Batman, Baa (for Sheep), Egg, Cash (Crash), See ya, Elephant, Deep, Wide, Eye, Bear, Apple, Spider Man, Papa (PawPaw), Cacker (Cracker), Pizza, Big,”


• You can say all your ABC’s now and you love to spell things that you see. For example, the other day when we were at the doctor’s office they had a sign that said Alabama. You started telling us every letter.. ALABAMA.


• You can also count to 10 and love to do this when we are going up the stairs to see Mrs. Angie at speech.


• Favorite Movies this month: Bolt!!!


• Favorite Songs this month: Deep & Wide, Wheels on the Bus,


• Favorite Foods: Pizza, Frosted Flakes, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cheese It’s, Ritz Crackers, Soda Crackers, Applesauce, Oranges, Bananas, Fish Sticks, French Fries, Chicken Fingers, Doritos, Tortilla Chips


• You love to visit the fish at school in the mornings. You get so excited when we get upstairs and you run straight to the room with the fish tank. I’m so thankful for this fish tank because it usually makes your morning start off much better.


• You love when mommy picks you up from school!! You usually tell everyone “Bye” and as soon as we get into the car you ask for your juice. I’ve forgotten a few times to have you something and let’s just say that you were not a very happy little boy.


• You are wearing size 3T clothing and you wear a size 8 shoe! Your little feet are so wide.


• You still weigh about 38 lbs (You’ve been this weight for the past year; however, you’re just getting taller!!)

Colton,

You are starting to develop into you precious personality so much more now and we can’t get enough of it. When you are at home with just mommy and daddy you are the funniest little boy ever!! You are constantly laughing and running wide open around the house. You love to ride your 4-wheeler, and wrestle with your daddy and you are still mommy’s little buddy. You are a typical 2 ½ year old boy that loves cars, trucks, dinosaurs and Super Heros! Throughout the past month, you have started talking more and more and we are starting to understand bits and pieces of what you are saying. We love that our house is no longer quiet and that you are trying to express your feelings more these days. We are so proud of all of your accomplishments this month!! You are such a sweet little boy and we couldn’t ask for a better son.

32 Months Old!!

2 Years 8 Months Old!!

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Cars and Trucks and Airplanes (He has a helicopter named “Fly” as well)

• His favorite cartoons/movies this month: Wonder Pets, Toy Story 3 and Veggie Tales

• His favorite foods this month: Crackers, Oranges and Chicken Fries!! He is eating much better at school and is finally trying some new foods.

• His favorite activities: Playing with his trucks and cars, putting puzzles together and reading books. Playing on Daddy’s I-Phone.

• Favorite Books this Month: Picture Books (Animals and Cars)

• Words are starting to come faster and faster over the past few months. He is trying to talk all the time, but it sounds more like Chinese than anything else. A few words that we can understand are: Hi, Bye, See you Soon, Ma, Da, Papa, Bug, Buzz, That One, Right There, Sissy, Eye, Ear, Teeth and all of the ABC’s. He also says “Boxy” all the time when referring to Cars and Trucks but we can’t figure out what he is trying to say. We’re still so blessed that he is becoming more vocal and is trying to communicate with us more each and every day.

• He knows all of the animals, all of his body parts, and all of his ABC’s.

• He is now taking Speech at the University and he is doing great!!! We have seen great progress since he started back in November and we are so proud of him. He is currently still getting speech and special instructions through Early Intervention as well.
  
• He continues to love school. He loves showing me all of his school work every day when I pick him up.

• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, If You're Happy and You Know It, The Wheels on the Bus and Deep and Wide (He can do the motions for all of the songs and wants to sing them every time we get in the car.)

• Weighs Approximately 35 pounds
  · Wears a size 6 Diaper.

• He wears 3T clothing and wears a size 7W shoe.

• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 7:00am, Naptime at noon, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, and Bedtime @ 8:00pm.

Colton,

I am soooo proud of you!!! You have grown up so much over the past few months and have become such a big boy. You started taking speech with Ms. Angie in November and you love it. You love playing with her every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at the University of Alabama. Since you started speech, you are now talking all the time! We still can’t understand a lot that you say but I do understand one word, Ma, which brightens my day every morning. The other day, when I picked you up from school, you saw me and you said “Hi Ma”. It was the highlight of my day!! Your new favorite things the past few months are playing with play dough, airplanes (you love Fly), and Toy Story 3. You still love Buzz and Woody and you love to pretend to be Buzz and fly around the room. You even got a Buzz bath towel for Christmas that you can now wear that makes you look like Buzz even more. You have also become such a great helper over the past month as well. Your teacher even said that you helped her clean up your classroom the other day when no one else would help. You’re great about helping mommy and daddy clean up around the house as well. Thank you! You have also become such a loving little boy. You love to snuggle with mommy at night and with daddy in the morning. You love to hold my hand and sit in my lap to watch cartoons. I know these times will fade away when you get older, so I cherish them every single day. Colton, you are a special gift from God and we are so proud of you. Your Daddy and I love you so much and we are so thankful that you are a part of our family. Always know that we will always be here for you and that no matter what we love you so much! Hugs & Kisses.
Love,Mommy

2 1/2 Years Old!!

2 Years, 6 Months Old

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Puzzles, Mr. Potato Head, Buzz & Woody, Plastic Animals
  
• His favorite cartoons this month: Dinosaur Train, Backyardigans


• His favorite foods this month: Tortilla Chips, Chips, Enchiladas (Taco Casa), Popsicles and Fruit Snacks, Cheeze It's, Gold Fish Crackers, Ritz Crackers, Pizza
  
• His favorite activities: Playing with his trucks and cars, putting puzzles together and reading books. Playing outside and playing on the computer.

• Favorite Books this Month: Picture Books

• Babbling ALL the time!!! He can now say the following words: "bye", "uice" (juice), "orsie" (Horsie), "duzz" (Buzz), chips, "nana" (Banana), ugg (bug), "dada". We also have been working on our ABC's in the car and he can say "A,B,C,D,E,F". He also says "tha one" (That one), ight ere (Right there)
  
• He can now point to almost every animal, truck, fruit, etc. on all of his puzzles. His teacher sent a letter home the other day saying that he was the first one in his class to pick out the number 6, the letter C and the heart on her bulletin board.
  
• He learned how to climb out of the crib this month and boy has it been a challenge getting him to stay in his bed. We switched his crib to a toddler bed and he loves it, however, he won't stay in there. He is a sneaky little boy and will sneak out of his room when we think he is sound asleep.
  
• Still taking speech and special instructions class and is doing great! We're hoping to start more speech classes soon.

• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, ABC's, If You're Happy and You Know It, Old McDonald, The Wheels on the Bus
  
• Weighs Approximately 35 pounds
  
• Wears a size 6 Diaper.

• He wears 3T clothing and wears a size 7W shoe.

• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:45am, Naptime at noon, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, and Bedtime @ 8:00pm.

Colton,
I can't believe you are already 2.5 years old!! You are growing up way too fast for mommy! However, this past month with you has been such a blessing watching you grow up more each and every day. You are sooo smart and you are the most independent 2.5 year old that I know. You love exploring everything and you can pretty much figure anything out within a few seconds. You still prefer not to talk as much and you only have a few words that you will say. (Bye, Dada and Mil for Millie are a few that we here all the time) But your daddy and I both serve a powerful God who is mighty and who has perfect timing, so we're trusting him that you will talk to us one day. In the mean time though, I'm loving that precious laugh of yours and your beautiful smile. This month, your daddy and I have been saying bedtime prayers with you and the blessing before meals and it's so precious to watch you bow your head and hold my hands when I'm praying. I pray that you will one day have a relationship with the Lord just like your mommy and daddy. Colton, you are a special little boy who is going to conquer the world one day!! I know without a doubt that God placed you in our lives for a reason and that he placed you on this earth for a reason as well. Know that your daddy and I will always be proud of you no matter what and that we will always love you! I love you so much and I'm forever blessed to have you as my son.

Love,
Mommy

29 Months Old

2 Years, 5 Months Old

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Puzzles, Plastic Animals, Hot Wheels
  
• His favorite cartoons this month: Dinosaur Train, Backyardigans
  
• His favorite foods this month: Tortilla Chips, Enchiladas (Taco Casa), Chips

• His favorite activities: Putting puzzles together and reading books.

• Favorite Books this Month: Picture Books (Colors, Animals, ABC's)

• Babbling ALL the time!!! He can now say the following words: "bye", "uice" (juice), "orsie" (Horsie), "duzz" (Buzz), chips, "nana" (Banana), ugg (bug), "dada". We also have been working on our ABC's in the car and he can say "A,B,C,D,E,F"


• He can now point to almost every animal, truck, fruit, etc. on all of his puzzles. We have been working on this the past few weeks and it's amazing how fast he picks it up.
  
• Still taking speech and special instructions class and is doing great!
  
• Still loving school however we are having trouble playing with our friends. (He tends to hit and push his friends alot)

• He loves the following song: Itsy Bitsy Spider, ABC's, If You're Happy and You Know It, Old McDonald,
  
• Weighs Approximately 35 pounds
  
• Wears a size 6 Diaper.
  
• He wears 3T clothing and wears a size 7W shoe.

• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:45am, Naptime at noon, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, and Bedtime @ 8:00pm.

28 Months Old

2 Years, 4 Months Old

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Hot Wheels & Track, Puzzles



• His favorite cartoons this month: Dinosaur Train, Backyardigans



• His favorite foods this month: Chick fil A Hashbrowns, Tortilla Chips, Enchiladas (Taco Casa), Popsicles and Bananas
  
  
• His favorite activities: Playing with his trucks and cars, putting puzzles together and reading books. He also loves to wrestle with mommy and play chase with daddy.
  

• Favorite Books this Month: Picture Books -- He loves to point to all the pictures and say "tha" (Wanting to want that is)



• First Haircut this month!! Did great because Nana let him spray her with the water bottle in order to keep him still.
  
  
• Babbling ALL the time!!! He can now say the following words: "bye", "uice" (juice), "orsie" (Horsie), "duzz" (Buzz), chips, "nana" (Banana), ugg (bug), "dada". We also have been working on our ABC's in the car and he can say "B, C, I, M, P"



• He can now point to almost every animal, truck, fruit, etc. on all of his puzzles. We have been working on this the past few weeks and it's amazing how fast he picks it up.



• He doesn't like bugs. At church they have a bug puzzle and he will not touch the pieces of the puzzle. The other day I had a bottle of any spray in the laundry room on the shelf and he would take me in there and point at the ant and say "ugg". (I think he is going to be like his daddy with bugs and not be too fond of them)



• Still taking speech and special instructions class and is doing great!



• Started school this month and is going 3 full days a week (7:30-5:15pm). He is doing great and gets so excited when we get to school in the morning. He has had a few bad days (he doesn't like to share), but his teacher (Ms. Jenn) said that he loves art, bible story time and circle time at school. He isn't eating very good at school (we are working on this) but he is doing great taking his afternoon nap there.



• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, ABC's, If You're Happy and You Know It, Old McDonald, Little Indians, The Wheels on the Bus, Jesus Love Me and Zacheus . (He loves to do the motions to all the songs)



• Hates to be dirty! If he gets something on his hands he wants you to clean it off right then.



• He still loves his bedtime routine and he gets so excited when we tell him it’s time for bed.



• Weighs Approximately 35 pounds



• Wears a size 6 Diaper.



• He wears 2T and 3T clothing and wears a size 7W shoe. (mainly 3T clothing)



• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:45am, Naptime at noon, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, and Bedtime @ 8:00pm.
  

Colton,
You are growing up way too fast for mommy and daddy! You started school this month and you are doing so good. We've had a few bad days (you don't like to share with your friends) but other than that you love all the activities at school. You especially love the gym and you go running through it wide open in the morning time when I drop you off. I'm soooo proud of you little man! You are also improving everyday with your speech. You still get frustrated at times, but you are finally starting to communicate with us more. We love to hear your precious voice say "bye bye" and I love going over the ABC's in the car with you. You are so smart!! You also had your first haircut this month. Yes, it was hard seeing those precious curls get cut, but you still have curly hair and you look so much like your daddy now. Since daddy gets off early in the afternoons, you two have become best buds over the past few weeks. You simply adore your daddy but you still love to snuggle and be comforted by mommy. Colton, it's been a blessing watching you change and grow over the past few months. I love experiencing the new milestones with you and helping you along the way. Maybe within the next few weeks we can conquer potty training together. What do you think?? Love yo so much little man!!
Mommy

26 Months Old!!

2 Years, 2 Months Old

The two's are challenging but rewarding at the same time!

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Cars, Trucks and his race track at Big Daddy and Nana's house.


• His favorite cartoons this month: Toy Story, Dinosaur Train, Backyardigans


• His favorite foods this month: Chick fil A Hashbrowns, Applesauce, French Fries, Tortilla Chips, Cheese Puffs, and Enchiladas (Taco Casa), Popsicles


• His favorite activities: Playing with his trucks and cars, putting puzzles together and reading books.

• Favorite Books this Month: Llama Llama Red Pajama, Toy Story and picture books
  
• Babbling ALL the time!!! He is starting to say a few words now that we can understand: "bye", "uice" (juice), "orsie" (Horsie), "duzz" (Buzz), chips


• He continues to be a smart little boy!! He can pretty much figure anything out the first time you hand him something.


• Loves to swim!!! He is not afraid of the water at all and will swim right to someone in the shallow end. He loves to swim around with his Toy Story floaty and jump off the side when you count to 3.


• Still taking speech and special instructions class and is doing great.


• Likes to help Nana water her flowers in the backyard.


• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, ABC's, If You're Happy and You Know It, Old McDonald, Little Indians, The Wheels on the Bus, Jesus Love Me and Zacheus . (He loves to do the motions to all the songs)


• Took swimming lessons this month. However, we only made it to 2 classes because he strated running a fever after those first 2 and didn't make it back the rest of the week. Coach Anne was great with him though.


• He still loves his bedtime routine and he gets so excited when we tell him it’s time for bed. He really thinks he is a big boy!! He is currently still in his crib, but we're hoping to move him to a big boy bed soon. He also does great at nap time as well. We've been putting him in the crib after lunch and he usually falls right to sleep and takes about a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon.


• When I tell Colton it's time to go bye bye, he will try to find Millie and will just start babbling to her and will wave bye bye. "Bye Mil" He loves to give her kisses and to pat her on the head.


• Weighs Approximately 35 pounds


• Wears a size 6 Diaper.


• He wears 2T and 3T clothing and wears a size 6W shoe. (mainly 3T clothing)


• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:45am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons, lunch around noon, Nap Time until maybe 3pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, and Bedtime @ 8:00pm.
  

Colton,
You're 26 months old now and you are growing up way too fast for mommy and daddy! Some days I wish the time would stand still so that I could enjoy each and every second with you, however I have loved watching you over the past few weeks as you explore new things each and every day. You are a very energetic, brave, sweet, funny and adorable little boy! You never slow down (which keeps mommy and daddy busy all the time), you love to explore everything and you have no fear in your bones at all. You are everything I imagined a little boy to be! Within the last few weeks you have grown up so fast. You now will help mommy change your clothes (you're such a big helper) and you love to pick out your clothes to wear. If there is a Toy Story outfit in the options, you're going to pick it over all the other clothes. You adore Buzz and Woody! You are communicating great these days, however you still get frustrated every now and then. It's okay though, because you're learning each and every day and we're so proud of your accomplishments so far. You're still a mommy's boy, which I love, but you and daddy are best buds! I hope and pray that you two will always be the best of friends. You have such a great daddy who simply adores you and loves you so much! You're so blessed to have a daddy that not only loves you, and your mommy but also the Lord. I pray that you will be the same kind of daddy when you have kids some day. Colton, I love you so much and I am loving chasing you around the house, cleaning up all the messes you make and holding you in my arms. I know it's not going to be this way forever, but I'm going to cherish each second of it while it lasts. Love you soooo much!!

Mommy

25 Months Old!

2 Years, 1 Month Old

Hello Terrific Twos!!! So far, I think the first month of Colton being two has been fairly easy. We are still having trouble communicating with him, but other than him getting upset about that he usually behaves very good. We are working on not throwing toys and hitting, but he only occasionally does these things. He is finally starting to learn what "no" means and will usually stop when we tell him no. (Or at least he listens to daddy -- He knows daddy means business). However, he still needs to learn that mommy is in charge as well. Most of the time he just laughs at me and thinks that everything I do is funny. He continues to be a ball full of energy and he never slows down. He is babbling all the time and we joke often saying that when we does start talking that we won't be able to get a word in. We love him so much though and couldn't have asked for a better son.

Here are a few things we are going to start working with him on over the next few months:

• Potty Training -- I'm dreading this, but I think I'm going to try maybe when he gets to be about 2 1/2. I've read a few things online where you potty train them for 3 solid days, so I think I'm going to try that approach. If anyone has any suggestions let me know.
• Saying prayers at bedtime.
• Saying the blessing before we eat.
• Learning to walk beside mommy and daddy without running off.
• Swimming -- He will be taking swim lessons starting next week.
  

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Hot Wheels!!!


• His favorite cartoons this month: He still LOVES Toy Story!! (He will say Duzz when he sees Buzz Lightyear)


• His favorite foods this month: Chick fil A Hashbrowns, Applesauce, French Fries, Tortilla Chips, Cheese Puffs, and Enchiladas (Taco Casa)


• His favorite activities: Playing in the sandbox, swinging outside, playing chase, and playing hide and seek with mommy


• Currently a mini me of his Daddy!


• Favorite Books this Month: Llama Llama Red Pajama, Toy Story


• Babbling ALL the time!!! He literally starts babbling the second that he wakes up and doesn't quit until bedtime. We still have no clue what he is saying, but we love listening to his listen voice.


• He is extremely smart and can figure out how to work just about anything and any toy.


• Loves toothpaste!!! He got so upset with me the other night because I wouldn't give him the toothpaste to put on his toothbrush. He wanted to do it all by himself.


• Still taking speech and special instructions class and is doing great.


• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, ABC's, If You're Happy and You Know It, Old McDonald, Little Indians, The Wheels on the Bus, Jesus Love Me


• He can make all the movements to the song Zacheus.


• Finished his last day at Mom's Morning Out this year at Northport Baptist Day Care.


• Went swimming for the first time this year this past month. He loves it and really thinks that he is a fish!


• He loves to play with daddy's guitar and will dance when daddy is playing it.


• He still loves his bedtime routine and he gets so excited when we tell him it’s time for bed. He really thinks he is a big boy!! He is currently still in his crib, but we're hoping to move him to a big boy bed soon.


• When I tell Colton it's time to go bye bye, he will try to find Millie and will just start babbling to her and will wave bye bye. "Bye Mil"


• Weighs Approximately 35 pounds


• Wears a size 6 Diaper.


• He wears 2T and 3T clothing and wears a size 6W shoe. (mainly 3T clothing)


• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:30am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons, lunch around noon, Nap Time until maybe 3pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:00pm, and Bedtime @ 7:30pm.
  

Colton,
We just got back from the beach a few days ago and you loved it!!! Your favorite part was swimming in the pool and probably eating ice cream at night. You were such a good little boy and we can't wait to take you on more trips this summer. Over the past few weeks you have become Buzz Lightyear's #1 fan!! You love everything that has Buzz on it and you already have a room full of Toy Story clothes and toys. The new Toy Story 3 movie comes out this month and we can't wait to take you to see it. You're going to love it!! You've also started swimming this year since the weather has finally gotten warmer and you love it. You really could be part fish because as soon as you get in the water you start kicking your legs to get around the pool. You continue to be a very independent little boy who usually doesn't want help doing anything. However, you still love to snuggle and watch cartoons with mommy and daddy. Colton, we love you so much and we are so blessed to have you as our son. I couldn't have ever dreamed of a more perfect son than you. Love you lots!!!

Mommy

2 Years Old!!!!

2 Years Old!

It's hard to believe that my little boy is now 2 years old! I'm loving every minute of this adventurous and wild stage in life! Colton continues to explore everything and there is no doubt that he is ALL boy! He loves to play outside and usually runs around nonstop. (I don't think the child knows how to walk. haha) He continues to babble nonstop so we're hoping that one day he will actually say something that we can understand. We're praying that soon he will be able to communicate with us more.

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Daddy's Guitar, Puzzles (He is a Pro at putting these together), Books, Trucks and Cars

• His favorite cartoons this month: Toy Story!! (He is obsessed with Toy Story)

• His favorite foods this month: Chick fil A Hashbrowns, Applesauce, French Fries, Chips, Cheese Puffs, and Enchiladas (Taco Casa)

• His favorite activities: Playing in the sandbox, swinging outside, playing chase, and playing hide and seek with mommy

• His hair continues to get thick and curly! (This makes him look so much like his daddy!!)

• He loves for mommy to read at bedtime and his favorite books now are: Llama Llama Red Pajama, Keep Love in Your Heart Little One, I'd Choose You, Goodnight Moon, If you give a Moose a Muffin

• He loves to color.

• If he wants you to get something for him or if he wants you to go somewhere with him, he will now get your finger and will take you to either what he wants or to the room he wants to go in. He seems to be getting better and better at communicating with us on what he is wanting.

• Still only saying "Bye Bye" however he is babbling all the time!!

• He can now sign "more" and "all done".

• He can put together puzzles in no time! He can look at it once and then he knows exactly where the pieces goes. It amazes me that he is so smart!

• He is still doing great with his speech and special instructions class! I can tell a big difference in his social skills, so hopefully they are both helping him. The last time that he went, he walked right into his classroom and was ready to start working with his teacher. Some of his favorite activities in his classes include: Putting the coins in the pink musical pig, playing with the colored shapes, blowing bubbles, putting together puzzles and playing with the tractor and farm animals.

• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider (He always claps right after this song), ABC's, If You're Happy and You Know It, Old McDonald, Little Indians, The Wheels on the Bus, Jesus Love Me, If Mommy was a Bumble Bee, Ring a Round the Rosie

• He has become very attached to mommy this month. Whenever I drop him off in the mornings he hangs on to me forever. He doesn't want mommy to leave, however once I'm gone, he does fine.

• He loves to play Hide and Seek with mommy. He is so good at finding mommy. When ever he finds mommy he just laughs and laughs.

• He loves to play outside and would live out there if I let him. When we have to come inside from playing he gets so upset.

• He loves to play with daddy's guitar and will dance when daddy is playing it.

• He still loves his bedtime routine and he gets so excited when we tell him it’s time for bed. He really thinks he is a big boy!! He is currently still in his crib, but we're hoping to move him to a big boy bed soon.

• When I tell Colton it's time to go bye bye, he will try to find Millie and will just start babbling to her and will wave bye bye. "Bye Mil"

• Weighs Approximately 35 pounds

• Wears a size 6 Diaper.

• He wears 2T and 3T clothing and wears a size 6W shoe.

• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:30am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons, lunch around noon, Nap Time until maybe 3pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:00pm, and Bedtime @ 7:30pm.

Colton,

You're 2 years old and such a big boy now!! I can't believe that 2 years ago, you were just a tiny little baby who needed your mommy and daddy every single minute of the day. Now you're a Big Boy (weighing in at 35 lbs) that is very independent. You like to do things on your own and most of the time you will push us away if we try to help you. You really do think that you are just as big as we are. haha! You continue to be a wild, adventurous, sweet, lovable, caring, energetic, and precious little boy who loves life. You keep your daddy and I busy around the house, but we absolutely love it. We love hearing your precious little giggle when we chase you around the house or tickle you before bedtime. Over the past month, you have become very attached to mommy and I love it. Yes, it makes it hard leaving you in the mornings, but I love it when you hold on to me and give me the biggest hug before I have to go to work. It really makes my day! You've also grown attached to daddy more as well because he takes you to see the ducks at the lake, plays with you outside and chases you nonstop around the house. Colton, we're so blessed to have you as our son and we thank God every day for choosing us to be your parents. We love watching you grow and we can't wait to see what all God has planned for you. I'm sure it's going to be some awesome and great things! We love you so much! Thanks for making the past two years amazing!

I love you soooooo much!
Mommy

23 Months

23 Months Old!!

I'm kinda sad that this is my last month before I have a two year old in the house. I can't believe the time is going by so quickly. When I was pregnant with Colton so many people told me to cherish every moment because they grow up sooo fast and boy is that right!

Colton is now a WILD 23 month old boy who is very active!! He is ALL boy and we really wouldn't want it any other way. Yes, it would be nice if he would sit still for just 5 minutes, but I'm blessed that he is able to play and run.

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Daddy's Guitar, Puzzles (He is a Pro at putting these together), Books, Trucks and Cars

• His favorite cartoons this month: Ribbit, Will and Dewitt, Special Agent Oso

• His favorite foods this month: Chick fil A Hashbrowns, Applesauce, Fruit Cups, French Fries, Chips, Cheese Puffs, and Enchiladas (Taco Casa)

• He still loves to talk on the phone and usually talks to Big Daddy and Nana on it almost every night. When on the phone he will walk from room to room and talk. The child never stays still.

• He loves to blow raspberries on your belly.

• He knows where his belly button is.

• His hair continues to get thick and curly! (This makes him look so much like his daddy!!)

• He loves for mommy to read at bedtime and his favorite books now are: Llama Llama Red Pajama and Good Night Moon. When it's bedtime he will go and get these books for me to read to him. He get's so excited when I start to read the books.

• He loves to color.

• If he wants you to get something for him or if he wants you to go somewhere with him, he will now get your finger and will take you to either what he wants or to the room he wants to go in. He seems to be getting better and better at communicating with us on what he is wanting.

• Still only saying "Bye Bye" however he is babbling all the time!!

• He loves going to the playground and to Chick fil A to play on their playground. He will now go down about any slide by himself.

• He can now sign "more". He uses this all the time when he either wants more drink, more food and more toys.

• He can put together puzzles in no time! He can look at it once and then he knows exactly where the pieces goes. It amazes me that he is so smart!

• He started speech and special instructions this month and he is doing great! He behaves so well in both classes and he loves his teachers. Some of his favorite activities in his classes include: Putting the coins in the pink musical pig, playing with the colored shapes, blowing bubbles, putting together puzzles and playing with the tractor and farm animals.

• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider (He always claps right after this song), ABC's, If You're Happy and You Know It, Old McDonald, Little Indians, The Wheels on the Bus, Jesus Love Me, If Mommy was a Bumble Bee, Ring a Round the Rosie

• He loves to play in the kitchen with mommy's pots and pans, loves to sweep the kitchen floors and loves to help mommy and daddy clean.

• He loves to play Hide and Seek with mommy. He is so good at finding mommy. When ever he finds mommy he just laughs and laughs.

• He loves to play outside and would live out there if I let him. When we have to come inside from playing he gets so upset.

• He loves to play with daddy's guitar and will dance when daddy is playing it.

• He still loves the nursery at church.

• He still loves his bedtime routine and he gets so excited when we tell him it’s time for bed. He really thinks he is a big boy!!

• When I tell Colton it's time to go bye bye, he will try to find Millie and will just start babbling to her and will wave bye bye. "Bye Mil"

• He loves to play in the bathtub and especially loves to take a bath in our spa bath. He loves to turn on the jets and play in the water.

• Weighs Approximately 35 pounds

• Wears a size 6 Diaper.

• He still wears 2T clothing and wears a size 6W shoe.

• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:00am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons, lunch around noon, Nap Time until maybe 3pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:00pm, and Bedtime @ 7:30pm.

Colton,

In just a month you will be 2!! Where did all the time go?? It seems like yesterday I was rocking you to sleep, feeding you baby food and waking up in the middle of the night to check on you. However, now you're an active toddler who loves life and is into EVERYTHING! You love to explore, love to play outside and you never slow down. You wake up everyday ready to experience new things and it's been a blessing to see you discover them. You started speech this month and you amaze me more and more every week. You are now signing "more" and it's precious. I love when you ask mommy for "more" drink or "more" toys, however you have started to take advantage of it but I give in to you most of the time. The other day you wanted "more" cheese puffs for dinner and I just couldn't say no. I probably should have told you no, but I've waited so long to hear you talk or sign and it made my day when you asked for more. I love you sooooo much and I'm so proud of the improvement that you are making. I can't wait to hear you say mommy and daddy, but right now we are enjoying every minute of the peace and quite we have around the house. Daddy and I joke often saying that when you do start talking that we won't be able to keep you quite. Colton, we are both so proud of you and we love you so much! Thank you so much for making our life full of adventure!

I love you soooooo much!
Mommy

22 Months

22 months already??

I'm trying so hard to cherish every moment I have with Colton because it seems like he is growing up way too fast! Gone are the days of rocking him to sleep and feeding him his bottle. He is now WIDE OPEN and a complete handful! Chris and I pretty much have our hands full 24/7 at the Whitaker house. If Colton's not playing in the playroom, he is in the bathroom flushing the toilet (with various items in there -- I recently have found toilet paper rolls, toothpaste containers, balls, toys, etc. in there), in the kitchen banging on the pots and pans or hiding from us! He continues to be shy around other people, but at home, he is a complete different child! He is full of life and loves to play with mommy and daddy.

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Daddy's Guitar, Cell Phones, Trucks and Cars, Books, Slide in Playroom, Golf Clubs

• His favorite cartoons this month: Sid the Science Kid, Veggie Tales and Ribbit

• His favorite foods this month: Chick fil A Hashbrowns, Fruit Cups, French Fries, Chips, Oreos, Enchiladas (Taco Casa) and fish sticks

• He still loves to talk on the phone and usually talks to Big Daddy and Nana on it almost every night.

• Millie has grown to love Colton more over this past month. She loves to play with him! They have the best time playing chase around the house.

• His hair continues to get thick and curly! (This makes him look so much like his daddy!!)

• He loves for mommy to read at bedtime and his favorite books now are: Llama Llama Red Pajama and Good Night Moon. When it's bedtime he will go and get these books for me to read to him. He get's so excited when I start to read the books.

• If he wants you to get something for him or if he wants you to go somewhere with him, he will now get your finger and will take you to either what he wants or to the room he wants to go in.

• Still only saying "Bye Bye" however he is babbling all the time!! We have no clue what he is saying though.

• He can put together two puzzles that we have at home by himself. (Farm Animals and Zoo Animals)

• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider (He always claps right after this song), ABC's, If You're Happy and You Know It, Old McDonald, Little Indians, The Wheels on the Bus, Jesus Love Me, If Mommy was a Bumble Bee

• He loves to play in the kitchen with mommy's pots and pans, loves to sweep the kitchen floors and loves to help mommy and daddy clean.

• He loves to play Hide and Seek with mommy.

• He loves to play with daddy's guitar.

• He LOVES the nursery at church. Over the past month, he has gotten so big and brave. He will now open the nursery door on Sundays and go in there by himself.

• He still loves his bedtime routine and he gets so excited when we tell him it’s time for bed. He really thinks he is a big boy!!

• When I tell Colton it's time to go bye bye, he will try to find Millie and will just start babbling to her and will wave bye bye. "Bye Mil"

• He loves to play in the bathtub. I have caught him a few times getting in there before I take off all of his clothes. He also has learned how to get out of the bathtub by himself as well.

• Weighs Approximately 30 - 35 pounds

• Wears a size 6 Diaper. (Moved up from a size 5 this month)

• He still wears 2T clothing and wears a size 6W shoe.

• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:45am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons, lunch around noon, Nap Time until maybe 3pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, and Bedtime @ 8pm.
  
  
  Colton,
  You will be 2 years old in 2 months! Will you please stop growing up so fast so that mommy can take in every single moment with you. I don't want to miss anything!! You have become such a brave little boy this month and we are so proud of you. You are going to the nursery at church and you don't cry anymore when I leave you. Sometimes you will even tell me "bye bye". Yes, it breaks my heart that you don't need me every second of every day, but it's great knowing that you are growing up into a big boy! You are experiencing new things every day and it's so much fun to watch you. You love playing hide and seek with mommy and it's become one of my favorite things to do as well. You think it's so funny when you find mommy hiding behind the chair in the living room. You also love reading books at night with me and you get so excited when I start to pull one out to read. The past month, you have also become such a dare devil. You seem to have no fear in your body and you will climb onto just about anything. If you can't reach something in the kitchen, you will bring your small dining room chair into the kitchen so that you can climb on it. We have to watch you all the time now, because you are ALL BOY! Colton, I love your little smile, your contagious laugh and giggle, your precious curls and your beautiful blue eyes. But most of all I love your kisses and your hugs! They always seem to brighten any day! Thank you so much for making my life great! I'm so blessed to be your mommy and I will always thank God for choosing me to have you.

I love you soooooo much!

Mommy

21 Months!

The months go by so fast and it’s hard to believe that Colton is already 21 months old. It seems like just yesterday I was writing about him turning 20 months old. I really wish the time would just stand still for a while so that I can take in and enjoy every second of each day with him. There are never enough minutes in the day!

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Play Phone, Anything Musical, Play Laptop, Slide, Trucks and Cars and Books

• His favorite cartoons this month: Sid the Science Kid, Veggie Tales

• His favorite foods this month: Mandarin Oranges, French Fries, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, M&M's, Chicken Tenders, Popsicles, Tortilla Chips and HASHBROWNS!!

• He still loves to play on the computer. His favorite game is the ABC game on the Fisher Price website.

• He loves to talk on the phone and will actually go and get his play phone to talk on. (I love hearing him in the other room just a babbling to someone)

• He loves playing with Millie and Bella. Millie is finally getting better with playing with him and Colton just laughs and laughs at her. This is probably when we hear his laugh and giggle the most.

• His hair is getting thick and curly! (This makes him look so much like his daddy!!)

• Daddy taught him how to slide down the slide head first and he loves doing this. He thinks it’s so funny!

• He has had a new found love for books this month!!! He loves for mommy to read at bedtime and his favorite books now are: Llama Llama Red Pajama and Good Night Moon. When it's bedtime he will go and get these books for me to read to him. (I'll looked forward to reading to my baby for so long and it's one of my favorite times of the day with him)

• If he wants you to get something for him or if he wants you to go somewhere with him, he will now get your finger and will take you to either what he wants or to the room he wants to go in.

• He loves to Color!! Most of the time he will go in his room (his craft box is behind his rocking chair) and will get his colors and coloring book out of his craft box.

• Still only saying "Bye Bye". I met with a lady this month about starting Colton in speech therapy, he will be evaluated and tested and hopefully will start speech soon.

• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, ABC's, If You're Happy and You Know It, Old McDonald, Little Indians

• He loves to play in the kitchen with mommy's pots and pans, loves to sweep the kitchen floors and loves to help mommy and daddy clean.

• He continues to like preschool and is getting better at being dropped off at school in the mornings. He is also doing great in the nursery on Sundays!

• He still loves his bedtime routine and he gets so excited when we tell him it’s time for bed. He really thinks he is a big boy!! So proud of himself.

• When I tell Colton it's time to go bye bye, he will try to find Millie and will just start babbling to her and will wave bye bye. "Bye Mil"

• He loves to play in the bathtub.

• Weighs Approximately 30 - 35 pounds

• Wears a size 5 Diaper.

• He still wears 2T clothing and wears a size 6W shoe.

• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:45am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons, lunch around noon, Nap Time until maybe 3pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, and Bedtime @ 8pm.
  
  
  Colton,
  You are growing up so fast and becoming such a big boy!! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and all the accomplishments you are making. We love hearing your sweet little giggle (it’s my favorite sound in the world), seeing you smile and watching you explore the world around you. You are a very curious, independent little boy who loves life. You adore Millie, reading books, playing in your playroom, wresting with mommy, playing chase with daddy and getting into everything!! You keep us on our toes everyday but we wouldn’t want it any other way. We’re so blessed that God chose us to be your parents. We love you more than you will ever know!!
  Love, Mommy

20 Months

20 Months Already!! I can't believe in a few more months I will have a two year old. It just doesn't seem right. Colton has grown up sooo much this past month. He is becoming a little boy and not a baby anymore. We are loving watching him experience day to day activities and it's been a joy watching him grow. We love him sooooooooo much!!

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Trucks and Cars, Woody doll that talks (from Toy Story), Blocks, Mr. Potato Head, Anything that plays music, 4-wheeler


• His favorite cartoons this month: Sid the Science Kid, Veggie Tales


• His favorite foods this month: Pineapple, French Fries, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, M&M's. We are having a hard time getting Colton to eat just about anything. He only has a few things that he will even touch or will try. Hopefully this is just a stage and he will get better.


• He still loves to play on the computer. His favorite game is the ABC game on the Fisher Price website.


• He loves to talk on the phone.


• He loves to color and draw. (This has been great when we go to restaurants)


• He loves playing with Millie and Bella. (Poor Millie though, doesn't care too much about her little brother)


• His hair is getting curlier and curlier! (so cute!!) I'm still waiting to cut it though because I don't want to lose all though curls.


• He knows when it is time to go to Granny and Papa's house in the morning and he gets so excited. Once we get there he knows exactly where to go.


• He went to his first movie this past month and LOVED it. (Alvin and the Chipmunks on 12/24)


• If he wants you to get something for him or if he wants to go somewhere with him, he will now get your finger and will take you to either what he wants or the room he wants to go in.


• If he is thirsty and has his on cup he will try to go to the refrigerator and get ice and water.


• He is starting to make new sounds. "Pa", "Ma"


• Still only saying "Bye Bye".


• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, ABC's, If You're Happy and You Know It


• He has figured out how to climb on just about anything. He can now climb onto any piece of furniture in the house. (We caught him the other day trying to get in his highchair at Big Daddy and Nana's house) (He hasn't tried to climb out of his crib though)


• He loves to play in the kitchen with mommy's pots and pans.


• He continues to like preschool and is getting better at being dropped off at school in the mornings. (We had a few hard days this month)


• He has started shaking his head "no" when he doesn't want something.


• We have started a new bedtime routine around the house and it has been working GREAT!! Around 7pm we let Colton take a bath and play in the bath tub for a few minutes (he loves to do this), after a bath he gets a glass of milk and he drinks it while I read him a few books. After I read him his books, I tell him it's bed time and we walk to his room. We give him a kiss and tell him we love him and then he is put in his crib. He is doing great and most nights he doesn't even cry and he is asleep within a few minutes. Chris and I have also noticed that this tends to help him sleep better at night time.


• Weighs Approximately 30 - 35 pounds


• We moved up to a size 5 diaper this month!


• He still wears 2T clothing and wears a size 6W shoe.


• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:45am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons , lunch around noon, Nap Time until maybe 3pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, Bedtime @ 8pm.

19 Months

WOW! I can't belive my child is 19 months already! The past few months have flown by and I hate they are going by so fast. Colton continues to be the sweetest little boy with a ton of energy! There is no doubt about it that he is ALL BOY! The older he gets he looks more and more like his daddy and he is soooo cute!

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Trucks, Car and Tricycle (That he rides on), Blocks, Books and Buz Lightyear


• His favorite cartoons this month: Sid the Science Kid, Veggie Tales


• His favorite foods this month: Applesauce, Popsicles, Oranges, Mac & Cheese, Fish Sticks, M&M's


• He loves to play on the computer. His favorite game is the ABC game on the Fisher Price website.


• He loves to talk on the phone.


• His hair is getting curlier and curlier! (so cute!!)


• He knows when it is time to go to Granny and Papa's house in the morning and he gets so excited. Once we get there he knows exactly where to go.


• He went to see Disney on Ice this month and loved it!


• If he wants you to get something for him or if he wants to go somewhere with him, he will now get your finger and will take you to either what he wants or the room he wants to go in.


• He is starting to make new sounds. "Pa", "Ma"


• He had tubes this month! We are hoping for a huge improvement on his speech.


• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, ABC's, If You're Happy and You Know It


• He has figured out how to climb on just about anything.


• He loves to play in the kitchen with mommy's pots and pans.


• He continues to like preschool and is getting better at being dropped off at school in the mornings. (We had a few hard days this month)


• He has started shaking his head "no" when he doesn't want something.


• He loves to snuggle and he tosses and turns in his sleep constantly.


• He has started pulling Millie's hair this past month. We are working on breaking this habit!


• Weighs Approximately 30 - 33 pounds


• 34 inches long
  He wears size 4 diapers, is in 2T clothing and wears a size 6W shoe.


• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:45am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons , lunch around noon, Nap Time until maybe 3pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, Bedtime @ 8pm.

18 Months Old

At 18 months old, Colton is large and in charge! Well, we're working out who's in charge ...apparently Chris and I are supposed to be, but Colton sees it differently. Chris and I are in the process of learning what types of discipline works well with Colton. Each day is a learning process, but hopefully soon we will figure something out. At times I wonder if I'm going to be able to raise him up teaching him right from wrong, but in the end I always remember that God will help us through the process.

This month, Colton is learning more and more every day. He is very independent and does not want any help when eating or when trying to figure out how to play with a certain toy. He is ALL BOY, and loves to play with trucks and cars. He loves to climb and is often found on top of the couch in the living room. And he loves to play chase around the house with daddy. (They have become best buds!!) He is still not talking but he grunts when he wants you to look at something or when he wants something. We're getting tubes on the 24th of November, so hopefully we will see a difference then.

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Trucks, Cars, Balls (he likes to bounce them on the hardwood floors)

• His favorite cartoons this month: Sid the Science Kid, Veggie Tales

• His favorite foods this month: Applesauce, Popsicles, Oranges, Mac & Cheese, Fish Sticks, Yogurt

• He loves to play on the computer and will bring you into the playroom when he wants to play on it.

• If he wants you to get something for him or if he wants to go somewhere with him, he will now get your finger and will take you to either what he wants or the room he wants to go in.

• He loves the following songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, ABC's, Old McDonald, Jesus Loves Me

• He had the Hand, Mouth, Foot Disease this month (Started out with high fever and then got the rash and a few sores on his mouth and hands)

• He still loves to brush his teeth in the morning and at night.

• He loves to explore!

• He loves to play in the kitchen with mommy's pots and pans.

• He loves to look at pictures and books.

• He continues to like preschool and is getting better at being dropped off at school in the mornings.

• He has started shaking his head "no" when he doesn't want something.

• He loves to snuggle and he tosses and turns in his sleep constantly.

• He loves to give Millie treats and pat her on the back.

• Weighs 30 pounds

• 34 inches long

• He wears size 4 diapers, is in 2T clothing and wears a size 6W shoe.

• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 6:45am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons , lunch around noon, Nap Time until maybe 3pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, Bedtime @ 8pm.
  

17 Months Old

I can't believe Colton is almost a year and a half. The months are flying by and it's sad knowing that my little boy is growing up way too fast! He is such a joy to be around and Chris and I love every minute with him. I really don't remember what it was like without him in our life. These days, he is entering into the terrible twos and mommy and daddy have our hands full! (At some times, I believe daddy wants to pull his hair out) He loves to play with everything that is not a toy and will throw a fit whenever he doesn't get his way. We are learning new things every day! He has a hard time communicating because he hasn't started talking yet, but hopefully soon he will learn a few words. We adore him soooo much and are looking forward to seeing what he learns within the next month.

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Thomas the Train Tent, Bull Dozier and Dump Truck, Veggie Tale Book


• His favorite cartoons this month: Sid the Science Kid, Veggie Tales
  
• His favorite foods this month: Applesauce, Popsicles, Crackers (He was not a very good eater this month)


• He loves the following songs: Old Mac Donald, How Much is that Doggy in the Window


• He had two ear infections this month. We had our first appointment with the ENT (Dr. Lake) on September 18th, and we are scheduling to have tubes put in his ear in a month or so. Hopefully this will help with the ear infections and will help with him talking as well.


• When we tell him we are going somewhere or when we walk out of a room, he waves "bye, bye".


• He got two more teeth (lower cuspids)


• He has started brushing his teeth in the morning and at night. He gets so excited when I hand him his toothbrush. Mommy sings: "Brush, Brush, Brush your teeth, Brush them all day long" and he loves it!


• He loves to give sugar and "high five".


• He has figured out how to climb into the rocking chair and the living room chairs.


• He has mastered drinking out of a straw sippy cup, but he still prefers the regular sippy cup over the straw one.


• He loves to explore!


• He is still not talking.
  
• He screams every time he sees himself in the mirror. It is so cute!
  
• He continues to test us everyday!! We are trying to find the perfect discipline system for our house. We have tried time out (he still doesn't understand) and spanking on the hand (he just laughs). Hopefully soon, we will find something that works for us!


• He started Preschool this month and is doing great! He is only going 2 times a week, from 8:30 until noon and he loves getting to play with all of his friends.
  
• He loves to spin himself around and around, making himself dizzy.


• He loves to snuggle!


• He hates to have cover over him when he is sleeping.


• He tosses and turns in the bed when he is sleeping more than anybody I have ever seen. He constantly kicks and moves around in the bed. He usually gets up around 5:30am, so Chris and I let him get in the bed with us. Chris and I have both gotten kicked in the head by him, so needless to say we are going to put a stop to him snuggling with us in the morning.


• Weighs 29.6 pounds (lost .8 ounces)


• 34 inches long


• He wears size 4 diapers, is in 12-24 month, and some 2T clothing and wears a size 6W shoe


• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 7am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons , lunch around noon, Nap Time until maybe 3pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, Bedtime @ 8pm.

16 Months

Colton at 16 Months!

I can't believe my baby boy is a little toddler now! He is a complete mess but we just love him sooooo much. Every month just keeps getting better and better. I love watching him discover new things and it's amazing how fast he can pick something up. He is such a happy little boy, although he does have those "Colton" moments. This past month he has thrown a number of temper tantrums when he didn't get his way. However, we are all learning and I am sure that he will as well.

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Trucks and Cars, Books and Puzzles

• His favorite cartoons this month: Mickey Mouse, Veggie Tales, Moose on Noggin

• His favorite foods this month: Applesauce, French Fries and Oranges.

• He loves the following songs: Old Mac Donald, How Much is that Doggy in the Window, 10 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

• He loves Crystal Light.

• He knows how to drink out of a straw. Thanks Nana for teaching him this!

• He is still very attached to Mommy!

• He had his worst ear infection this past month.

• He can wave "bye bye" and "hey".

• He got two more teeth (upper cuspids)

• When we say "touchdown" he will put his arms straight up in the air.

• He loves to give sugar and "high five".

• He loves watching Millie and Bella play together. He laughs at them all the time!

• He gave up the pacifier this past month! It was much easier than I had expected and I am sooooo proud of him. He does still have his blankey though.

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

• He throws a fit anytime the front or back door in our house is shut. He wants to go outside all the time and if we shut the door, he throws himself on the floor and cries.

• He is baby talking all the time, however he is still only saying “mama” right now.

• He points at everything these days, as if wanting to know what it is.

• He continues to test us everyday!!

• He Moved up to the Butterfly classroom in Sunday School this month.

• He loves to spin himself around and around, making himself dizzy. We don't know where he learned this?

• He likes to give Millie treats after she goes outside to the bathroom.

• He loves to play in the kitchen. He loves playing in all the cabinets and he loves the dishwasher. Most of the time you can find him on the floor playing with my pots and pans.

• He loves to snuggle!

• Weighs 30.4 pounds

• 34 inches long

• He wears size 4 diapers, is in 12-24 month, and some 2T clothing and wears a size 5W shoe

• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 7am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons until around 9:30 or 10am, Nap Time till 11:30am, lunch, Play time until around 2pm. Nap Time till 4pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, Bedtime @ 8pm.

15 Months!!

15 Months Already?? The months are going by faster and faster the older that Colton gets. Chris and I have had are hands full this month for sure!! Colton is exploring everything and is testing us every second of every day! He loves to explore the house and we often find him getting into every single thing around the house. He is the sweetest little boy and I really don't remember what my life was like before I had him. He brings so much joy to our lives!

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Lawn Mower, Fire Truck, Trucks and Cars, Books and Puzzles
• His favorite foods this month: Enchiladas (from Taco Casa), French Fries, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Corn on the Cob and Oranges. He LOVES Mandarin Oranges, and will eat a whole can of them at one time.
• He can now hold his own fork and feed himself, however he does have trouble getting the food on the fork by himself. (He doesn’t like anyone to help him with this. He is VERY independent.)
• He is very attached to Mommy! He wants mommy pretty much any time that he is sleepy or hurt.
• He loves to play chase around the house.
• He loves to give sugar and "high five".
• He loves playing with Millie. He will now throw her the ball while playing with her.
• He loves to twirl around in the curtains in his bedroom. He recently found these within the past few days and he thinks it's the funniest thing!
• I can now put him in his crib around nap time and he will fall asleep on his own.
• He still loves to go outside!! He loves to go for rides in his car and he loves to swing.
• He throws a fit anytime the front or back door in our house is shut. He wants to go outside all the time and if we shut the door, he throws himself on the floor and cries.
• He is baby talking all the time, however he is only saying “mama” right now.
• He has started pointing at different things throughout the house, as if he wants us to look at it or that he wants to know what it is.
• He loves airplanes! Since we live so close to the airport, we pretty much see an airplane everyday while walking around the neighborhood. As soon as he hears the airplane, he starts looking up in the air and will point at it once he finds it.
• He has learned how to open the toilet seat in the bathroom. (Problem!)
• He likes to throw everything that he can find into the bathtub and turn on the water. (Yes, I have found clothes, lotion bottles, paper, etc. soaking wet in the tub) Needless to say, we now keep our bathroom doors closed at all times.
• He is testing us all the time! When you tell him "no", he will look at you to see if you are watching him, and most of the time he will repeat his action again. If we pop him on the hand he will smile and laugh at us, needless to say he gets in trouble all the time! I'm dreading those terrible 2's!!
• He wears size 4 diapers, is in 12-24 month clothing and wears a size 5 shoe.
• His Daily Schedule: Wake up around 7am, Breakfast @ 8am, Plays and watching cartoons until around 9:30 or 10am, Nap Time till 11:30am, lunch, Play time until around 2pm. Nap Time till 4pm, Dinner around 6pm, Bath Time @ 7:30pm, Bedtime @ 8pm.

14 Months Old!

14 Months Old

I really can't believe my little baby is already 14 months old! This time last year I was sitting at home rocking him to sleep and enjoying every minute of having a newborn. Now, I chase a little boy all around the house all day long!! Haha!! He is into everything these days and loves to explore the house. He has found the toilet, the toiler paper, the trash cans, the cleaning supplies cabinet, the laundry room, the dishwasher and pretty much everything else there is for a 1 year old to find! He is still a happy little boy who loves his mommy and daddy sooooo much! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful little boy in our life!

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Fire truck, Slide, Musical Piano, Cars, and his Rocket,
• He still loves to play chase with daddy.
• He can give you five.
• He loves to play with bubbles.
• He went to see daddy sing for the 1st time this month!
• He loves to chase Millie around the house when she is in a playful mood.
• He loves to give kisses!
• He loves to go swimming and will jump off the side of the pool when you count to three.
• His favorite foods this month: Enchiladas (from Taco Casa), French Fries, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Corn on the Cob
• He can now hold his own fork and feed himself. (He doesn’t like anyone to help him with this. He is VERY independent.)
• He is attached to all grandparents and will cry if they leave our house.
• He still loves to go outside!! He loves to go for rides in his car and he loves to swing. He now cries when we have to go inside after playing outside.
• He is baby talking all the time, however he is only saying “mama” right now but I have noticed that he is starting to saw a few other sounds as well.
• If he gets frustrated or if he is mad he will say “yayayayaa”
• He wears size 4 diapers, is in 12-24 month clothing and wears a size 5 shoe.
• He sleeps from about 8:00pm till about 7:30am. When Chris is home, he likes to snuggle in the bed with him when mommy leaves for work.

13 Months Old

Colton at 13 Months

I can't believe Colton is 13 months old! The past year went by so fast and it looks like this year is going to go by fast as well. Chris and I are really enjoying spending time with our little bundle of joy these days. He is such a happy little boy who LOVES attention! He loves to play in his playroom, go outside for walks, spend time with his grandparents and chase Millie and Bella around the house. He is learning so much and he is exploring every room in our house these days. Yes, he is a complete handful but we wouldn't want it any other way! He is a precious gift from God and we absolutely love him with all of our hearts! I didn't think I could ever love him more than when I first saw him on April 26, 2008, but I fall more and more in love with him everyday!

Highlights from the past month:

• His favorite toys this past month: Fire Truck, Books, Musical Star Stacker and cars
• He can now stand up in the middle of the room without holding onto anything.
• He walks all the time, well he pretty much runs!! I haven’t seen him crawl any the past month.
• He loves to play chase with daddy.
• He can give you a kiss when you ask him for sugar. (He leans toward you with his mouth wide open -- It's precious!!)
• He loves for mommy to sing to him.
• His favorite songs include: One Little Two Little Three Little Indians, The Ant’s Go Marching, How Much is that Doggy in the Window, Old Mac Donald, Jesus Loves Me
• His favorite foods this month: French Fries, Ice Cream, Banana Puffs and Enchiladas (from Taco Casa)
• He has moved up into the 2 year old class at church since he is walking so good.
• He is completely off of formula. We switched him from formula to milk this month and he is doing great! He is currently drinking about 18 oz. of 2% milk a day plus juice.
• He still loves to go outside!! He loves to go for rides in his car and he loves to swing. He now cries when we have to go inside after playing outside.
• He is baby talking all the time, however he is only saying “mama” right now but I have noticed that he is starting to saw a few other sounds as well.
• He wears size 4 diapers, is in 12-24 month clothing and wears a size 5 shoe.
• He weighs 27 lbs and is 31 inches long.
• He still sleeps from about 8:00pm till about 6:30am. He does however, like to get up about 6am to get in the bed with mommy and daddy. As soon as I put him in our bed, he goes right back to sleep.