It's hard to believe that two years ago this week, I found out I was pregnant with Colton. It seemed like forever before I would get to meet him for the first time, and now he's 16 months old! A happy, active, VERY vocal toddler that has filled my days with joy and my heart with so much love it feels like it's going to burst.
At his 15 month well visit, Colton weighed 23.5 lbs and was 30 1/4" in length! He also got his chicken pox and MMR vaccinations. He wasn't as traumatized by the doctor or the shots this time.
This past month, Colton has finally started to come out of his shell and actually interact with other children at playgroups instead of cling to my leg the entire time. He also doesn't freak out as much if I leave the room and have another mom watch him for a few minutes. He still won't let anyone else hold him besides family members (and even that circle is pretty limited). I'm so glad to catch a break now and then, while an aunt or grandma changes or plays with him.
Colton has discovered how to climb stairs and could do it all afternoon if I let him. He races all over our condo with his push toy every chance he gets, and has become quite good at turning it around corners. He's getting better at standing by himself, not feeling the need as much to cling to the wall or a piece of furniture for support. And he did take a step all by himself, one time right after I let go of his hands. My little boy is still not confident enough to walk on his own, but I figure it's just as well because when he takes off I'll be chasing him around even more than I do now!
No real words to speak of yet, but he constantly babbles all day long in a language only he can understand. It is the cutest thing I've ever heard. I'm sure he understands way more than he lets on. For instance, whenever Colton goes by the door he waves and when I ask him where the light is, he looks up and stretches his hand out towards the ceiling fan.
I'm so excited for his second Christmas! He should be way more into present opening than he was last year at only four months. :)
Monday, December 14, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
15 Months
Colton is 15 months old today! He's leaving the baby behind and turning into a little boy right before my eyes. I think he'll be walking by himself very soon. It seems every chance he gets, he grabs something and starts walking with it across the room. I remember not too long ago when Colton was so afraid to even hold onto a push toy. He can also stand by himself for several seconds, though he's not too crazy about the idea. Once he realizes that he's doing it, he'll immediately looks for something to grab ahold of or just plops down on the floor for safety.
Colton likes to reach up on his tippy toes and touch door knobs now. He has an endless fascination with those, as well as the kitchen garbage can and of course the dog's water dish. Really, who needs toys when you have these items?? Another favorite thing of his is taking all the diaper changing supplies out and climbing into the compartment once it's empty. It's the perfect little space for him.
Our little guy is chattering up a storm these days. He still talks gibberish, but it's actually starting to sound almost like real words. He is always trying to carry on a conversation with us. Colton also waves when you say "goodbye", and claps his hands when you say "yay". It is the cutest thing! And he's become quite the chick magnet, too. Women young and old ooh and ah over how adorable he is, and he just smiles and waves at them like he's eating up the attention. People tell me he's going to be a heartbreaker.
Colton is up to four teeth now! His two front ones came in this past month, and now he looks like Sponge Bob. It appears that a couple more are starting to make their way through the gums on top, also. It's fun to hear him crunching away on snacks.
On Monday evening, Colton goes for his 15 month well visit. There will be a post up soon about how that goes! I'm anxious to see how much he grew these last three months.
Here are some recent pictures:
Playing in the changing table!
Walking with his push toy like he was born to do it
Colton likes to reach up on his tippy toes and touch door knobs now. He has an endless fascination with those, as well as the kitchen garbage can and of course the dog's water dish. Really, who needs toys when you have these items?? Another favorite thing of his is taking all the diaper changing supplies out and climbing into the compartment once it's empty. It's the perfect little space for him.
Our little guy is chattering up a storm these days. He still talks gibberish, but it's actually starting to sound almost like real words. He is always trying to carry on a conversation with us. Colton also waves when you say "goodbye", and claps his hands when you say "yay". It is the cutest thing! And he's become quite the chick magnet, too. Women young and old ooh and ah over how adorable he is, and he just smiles and waves at them like he's eating up the attention. People tell me he's going to be a heartbreaker.
Colton is up to four teeth now! His two front ones came in this past month, and now he looks like Sponge Bob. It appears that a couple more are starting to make their way through the gums on top, also. It's fun to hear him crunching away on snacks.
On Monday evening, Colton goes for his 15 month well visit. There will be a post up soon about how that goes! I'm anxious to see how much he grew these last three months.
Here are some recent pictures:
Playing in the changing table!
Walking with his push toy like he was born to do it
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
14 on the 14th
14 months that is! Our little man is getting so big and grown up.
Colton walks with his push toy from one end of the room to the other now. Before he would only walk a few steps with it. He also cruises from the couch to the tv stand to the window and end table in the living room, where he used to only cruise the length of the couch and then plunk down again so he could crawl to where he wanted to go.
His new favorite thing to do is take stuff in and out of something. He loves taking out all of his blocks one by one and then putting them all away, right back in the container. He sometimes "puts back" the books he's taken out and looked at during the day, too. At night before bedtime, Colton turns off his light now without being prompted! And he also responds (non-verbally) to a few requests, like "put that away" or "give me the ball".
For the past month or so, Colton's morning nap has been getting shorter and shorter until now he just fights it. I'm beginning to think he doesn't need it anymore. That will be a sad, sad day when he goes down to only one nap. Even sadder than him giving up the bottle and binky! He still happily takes a binky at any time though, which I know I have to help him give up in the next few months. :(
Another tooth has come in over the last few weeks, right next to the first one on the bottom. When he smiles or has his mouth open, you can see them clearly. Colton also started drinking from a straw, which wouldn't be a big deal except we had these Munchkin cups for months and he refused to drink out of them until I left his favorite sippy cup behind at the doctor's office in September. I decided to try them again, because the only other sippy we have leaks. It only took him a day to learn how to use the straw and he's never looked back!
October 2008:
October 2009:
Colton walks with his push toy from one end of the room to the other now. Before he would only walk a few steps with it. He also cruises from the couch to the tv stand to the window and end table in the living room, where he used to only cruise the length of the couch and then plunk down again so he could crawl to where he wanted to go.
His new favorite thing to do is take stuff in and out of something. He loves taking out all of his blocks one by one and then putting them all away, right back in the container. He sometimes "puts back" the books he's taken out and looked at during the day, too. At night before bedtime, Colton turns off his light now without being prompted! And he also responds (non-verbally) to a few requests, like "put that away" or "give me the ball".
For the past month or so, Colton's morning nap has been getting shorter and shorter until now he just fights it. I'm beginning to think he doesn't need it anymore. That will be a sad, sad day when he goes down to only one nap. Even sadder than him giving up the bottle and binky! He still happily takes a binky at any time though, which I know I have to help him give up in the next few months. :(
Another tooth has come in over the last few weeks, right next to the first one on the bottom. When he smiles or has his mouth open, you can see them clearly. Colton also started drinking from a straw, which wouldn't be a big deal except we had these Munchkin cups for months and he refused to drink out of them until I left his favorite sippy cup behind at the doctor's office in September. I decided to try them again, because the only other sippy we have leaks. It only took him a day to learn how to use the straw and he's never looked back!
October 2008:
October 2009:
Monday, September 14, 2009
13 Months
Already through the first month of his second year! I'm so impressed with all that Colton's been doing and learning since he turned one. Of course, the biggest development over the past month was the cutting of his first tooth!! I noticed on Saturday night that he has another one coming through the gums, this time on the top.
In addition to cruising all the furniture, Colton will walk when we hold his hands. He is starting to figure out how to stack things and put objects inside one another. He likes to "help" me put away things, too. They're usually not in the right order, but it's so cute that he tries. Once he piled Gregg's socks and shoes on top of each other and made a tower out of the pots & pans, putting the big soup pot on top of the little sauce pan! The other day Colton worked at fitting the lid back on his blocks container and even though it was upside down, he managed to line it up correctly.
He says "momma" frequently now, usually when he wants something. Colton is still really wary of other adults. I tried leaving him in nursery these past two weeks, but he wouldn't stop crying for me. So I just stayed with him in the room and talked to the nursery workers, which was good fellowship at least. I'm not sure if I should just let him "get over it" by not coming back to the nursery once I've sat in the sanctuary. It's frustrating not being able to get a break and sit through an entire service.
Here are some pictures of our cutie:
In addition to cruising all the furniture, Colton will walk when we hold his hands. He is starting to figure out how to stack things and put objects inside one another. He likes to "help" me put away things, too. They're usually not in the right order, but it's so cute that he tries. Once he piled Gregg's socks and shoes on top of each other and made a tower out of the pots & pans, putting the big soup pot on top of the little sauce pan! The other day Colton worked at fitting the lid back on his blocks container and even though it was upside down, he managed to line it up correctly.
He says "momma" frequently now, usually when he wants something. Colton is still really wary of other adults. I tried leaving him in nursery these past two weeks, but he wouldn't stop crying for me. So I just stayed with him in the room and talked to the nursery workers, which was good fellowship at least. I'm not sure if I should just let him "get over it" by not coming back to the nursery once I've sat in the sanctuary. It's frustrating not being able to get a break and sit through an entire service.
Here are some pictures of our cutie:
Friday, August 14, 2009
Happy 1st Birthday, Colton!!!
What a difference a year makes!
August 14, 2008
August 14, 2009
I know I sound like a broken record, but I really cannot believe my baby is already a year old. How is that possible?? It seems like just yesterday that he was born. During this time last year, I was being prepped for my C-section and getting really nervous about the surgery. I would get to meet Colton for the first time only half an hour later. When I finally got to hold him in recovery, I thought he was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I know everybody says that about their child, but I didn't expect to feel like I was looking at the most amazing and precious being God ever made. I couldn't believe that Gregg and I had created such a beautiful little boy together.
I'm getting misty eyed thinking about the fact that he's no longer a baby anymore, but now a toddler. The tears start welling up also when I think about how proud I am of how much he's grown and developed in these past 365 days. This morning I made him his own omelet with cheddar cheese and he had whole milk in his sippy like a big boy! He is almost 100% on cow's milk at this point, and I'm about to get rid of the only bottle he has during the day. He had no problems with the transition from formula to the moo juice and I am so glad we can stop paying for expensive formula now!!
In addition to whole milk, Colton's also tried toast, blueberries, yogurt, whole wheat crackers, scrambled eggs, and yes even peanut butter this month. He hasn't had any adverse reactions to the PB, and he seems to really enjoy it. It's hard to believe that only a few short months ago, he was eating pureed baby food and now he is eating meals at the table with us.
Besides crawling really fast, Colton started to pull himself up to kneel and stand holding onto furniture. He's also taken a few steps, but he's not ready to try walking on his own yet! He learned how to get back down once he's standing and can reach for and grab a toy that's on the floor with one hand while he holds onto the couch with the other. Colton loves to crawl from room to room looking for me and enjoys being chased. He shrieks excitedly when he knows I'm coming after him!
I am amazed how much he's transformed in just the last few weeks with his physical and intellectual development. He's definitely got a mind of his own and he's starting to test limits. He understands the word "no", even if he doesn't always obey. Usually after I tell him no, he will stop just short of the object he's not supposed to have and stare at it and goes to touch it, then stops himself like he's trying to have self-control. You can almost see the internal dialogue he's having with himself: "I really want to play with/chew on/bang this object, but mom said not to and I really want to please her, but it's just too tempting!" There are many times when he looks to see if we're watching him, and when he knows he doesn't have our full attention he will go for whatever we've told him he couldn't have. Then he wails when we take it away or remove him from something.
Diaper changes have turned into a full-on battle. Colton has much more important things to do now than be changed, like throw all of his toys & books all over the floor, chew on dog toys, explore the contents of our closet, etc. He also fights me hard when I'm trying to get him dressed in the mornings. He always attempts to turn over on the changing table and crawl away, or sit up and start playing with the diaper rash cream, his nail clippers, and the bottle of vitamin drops. It is so frustrating that sometimes I want to say, "Fine, stay in your stinky diaper!!"
It is a full time job just to keep up with him and chase him around the house. I've found him in the bathroom going through the garbage, trying to stick his hands in the toilet, and throwing magazines around. In the kitchen, he loves to go for Tess's food & water bowls and play with the garbage and recycling cans. I kinda miss the days when he was NOT crawling.
Colton is putting a lot of syllables together to try and form words. It's still just a bunch of gibberish right now, but it's so cute. Sometimes it sounds like he's talking in Swedish! He did say "doggie" a few times, where he actually said it straight to the dog so I consider that his first official word. It's so much more rewarding to read him stories now because he recognizes pictures and gets excited when I turn the flaps in his Peek-a-boo books. He loves when I make different animal sounds to go with the book, and makes the cutest sound when he sees a dog, cat, or baby on a page.
I'm really excited about his birthday party this Sunday. Then Colton goes for his 12 month doctor's visit on Monday night, and I'm curious to see how much taller and bigger he's gotten. He definitely feels heavier than he did at his last appointment, but I know now is when his growth supposedly slows way down.
I am so blessed to have had this little boy in my life over this past year, to have witnessed all his milestones, put him to bed every night, rocked him to sleep, given him big kisses on his soft pudgy cheeks, hear him laugh, and watch him grow from a tiny baby into a toddler. It feels like he has always been with us, and I just can't imagine my life without him. I love him a thousand times more than the day he was born, if that's even possible. I'm looking forward to what's to come in his second year.
August 14, 2008
August 14, 2009
I know I sound like a broken record, but I really cannot believe my baby is already a year old. How is that possible?? It seems like just yesterday that he was born. During this time last year, I was being prepped for my C-section and getting really nervous about the surgery. I would get to meet Colton for the first time only half an hour later. When I finally got to hold him in recovery, I thought he was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I know everybody says that about their child, but I didn't expect to feel like I was looking at the most amazing and precious being God ever made. I couldn't believe that Gregg and I had created such a beautiful little boy together.
I'm getting misty eyed thinking about the fact that he's no longer a baby anymore, but now a toddler. The tears start welling up also when I think about how proud I am of how much he's grown and developed in these past 365 days. This morning I made him his own omelet with cheddar cheese and he had whole milk in his sippy like a big boy! He is almost 100% on cow's milk at this point, and I'm about to get rid of the only bottle he has during the day. He had no problems with the transition from formula to the moo juice and I am so glad we can stop paying for expensive formula now!!
In addition to whole milk, Colton's also tried toast, blueberries, yogurt, whole wheat crackers, scrambled eggs, and yes even peanut butter this month. He hasn't had any adverse reactions to the PB, and he seems to really enjoy it. It's hard to believe that only a few short months ago, he was eating pureed baby food and now he is eating meals at the table with us.
Besides crawling really fast, Colton started to pull himself up to kneel and stand holding onto furniture. He's also taken a few steps, but he's not ready to try walking on his own yet! He learned how to get back down once he's standing and can reach for and grab a toy that's on the floor with one hand while he holds onto the couch with the other. Colton loves to crawl from room to room looking for me and enjoys being chased. He shrieks excitedly when he knows I'm coming after him!
I am amazed how much he's transformed in just the last few weeks with his physical and intellectual development. He's definitely got a mind of his own and he's starting to test limits. He understands the word "no", even if he doesn't always obey. Usually after I tell him no, he will stop just short of the object he's not supposed to have and stare at it and goes to touch it, then stops himself like he's trying to have self-control. You can almost see the internal dialogue he's having with himself: "I really want to play with/chew on/bang this object, but mom said not to and I really want to please her, but it's just too tempting!" There are many times when he looks to see if we're watching him, and when he knows he doesn't have our full attention he will go for whatever we've told him he couldn't have. Then he wails when we take it away or remove him from something.
Diaper changes have turned into a full-on battle. Colton has much more important things to do now than be changed, like throw all of his toys & books all over the floor, chew on dog toys, explore the contents of our closet, etc. He also fights me hard when I'm trying to get him dressed in the mornings. He always attempts to turn over on the changing table and crawl away, or sit up and start playing with the diaper rash cream, his nail clippers, and the bottle of vitamin drops. It is so frustrating that sometimes I want to say, "Fine, stay in your stinky diaper!!"
It is a full time job just to keep up with him and chase him around the house. I've found him in the bathroom going through the garbage, trying to stick his hands in the toilet, and throwing magazines around. In the kitchen, he loves to go for Tess's food & water bowls and play with the garbage and recycling cans. I kinda miss the days when he was NOT crawling.
Colton is putting a lot of syllables together to try and form words. It's still just a bunch of gibberish right now, but it's so cute. Sometimes it sounds like he's talking in Swedish! He did say "doggie" a few times, where he actually said it straight to the dog so I consider that his first official word. It's so much more rewarding to read him stories now because he recognizes pictures and gets excited when I turn the flaps in his Peek-a-boo books. He loves when I make different animal sounds to go with the book, and makes the cutest sound when he sees a dog, cat, or baby on a page.
I'm really excited about his birthday party this Sunday. Then Colton goes for his 12 month doctor's visit on Monday night, and I'm curious to see how much taller and bigger he's gotten. He definitely feels heavier than he did at his last appointment, but I know now is when his growth supposedly slows way down.
I am so blessed to have had this little boy in my life over this past year, to have witnessed all his milestones, put him to bed every night, rocked him to sleep, given him big kisses on his soft pudgy cheeks, hear him laugh, and watch him grow from a tiny baby into a toddler. It feels like he has always been with us, and I just can't imagine my life without him. I love him a thousand times more than the day he was born, if that's even possible. I'm looking forward to what's to come in his second year.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
11 Months
Our baby entered the last month of his first year today. It's kind of bittersweet. The final countdown to one has started!
This past month I've found myself having to say "no" a lot due to Colton's endless curiosity with all of our household items. He can really move around fast now. He finally learned how to crawl forwards, so I've had to repeatedly stop what I'm doing and remove him from something. And on Sunday morning, I found him sitting up in his crib for the first time! He can easily get into a sitting position now from being on all fours. Colton is practicing standing too, holding onto me or a piece of furniture. He doesn't have the confidence yet to take a few steps and can't get back down on his own, but his balance has gotten so much better.
Our little boy has discovered the fascination of opening and closing whatever he can get his hands on- doors, cabinets, drawers- and promptly pulling out their contents. Time to get safety latches! He loves finding the pots & pans and playing with them on the kitchen floor. He also enjoys reaching into his push toy and taking out all the blocks one by one.
Colton is on all table food now. He flat out refuses to eat baby food, although he'll let me feed him oatmeal as long as there are a few pieces of fruit on his highchair tray to pick up and feed himself. The other night I actually decided to make a soup from some of the leftover jars, figuring if he won't eat it at least me and Gregg will! I added some noodles and ended up giving the pasta and peas that were already in the jar to Colton, and he ate it right up. This past month he's tried a wide variety of foods including banana chunks, avocado, zucchini, pancakes, french toast, macaroni & cheese, cantaloupe, and pork. So far there's been nothing that he absolutely refuses to eat. Hopefully he won't turn into a picky eater later on.
A few weeks ago, I started the process of weaning him from the bottle. He's down to two bottles a day from four. He drinks formula in his sippy at lunchtime and dinnertime now. I'm working on cutting out the bottle when he wakes up from his afternoon nap next. I think the hardest one to replace will be the morning bottle, but we'll see. Since he eats three meals a day plus two snacks, I've also been slightly reducing the amount of formula he gets. I'd like to have him at least try whole milk before his first birthday, but we won't be switching exclusively to milk until he's one.
It seems like Colton continues to get a little heavier almost every day. People still tell me all the time how big he is for his age. It gets annoying after a while. It's not like I'm feeding him cheeseburgers and fries!! His hair is growing like a weed, well past his ears and curling up at the ends. He's starting to look like Matthew McConaughey in Dazed and Confused.
Coltie is still generally so sweet and event tempered, but he definitely has a mischievous side. And he has moments of pure stubbornness, usually during diaper changes. He all of a sudden decided that he hates getting changed and kicks his legs when I'm trying to put a new diaper on him. I've gotten kicked in the chest, stomach and arm which let me tell you hurts. I try to be very firm with him and tell him no in my best parenting voice, and sometimes he listens and other times he doesn't. I know that he is starting to understand what "no" means, but sometimes when I say it he just laughs like he thinks it's a game. Then I want to laugh too, but I try to maintain a straight face, the one that conveys I'm not happy with his behavior.
Colton will also pitch a fit if he's in his hook-on chair too long. I used to be able to leave him in there with a few toys while I cooked dinner or checked email or something, but those days are over. He's associated his chair with eating, so when he's finished he wants OUT. He wants to be crawling around exploring, not confined! When he decides he no longer wants to be at the table, he'll get red faced, ball up his fists and whine until there's no tomorrow. Real cute, huh?
His laughter is infectious though, and can make up for all the times when I'm at my wits end with his screaming. Tickling, funny faces & sounds, and peekaboo always get the giggling started. I love his laugh and gummy smile (still no teeth yet!)
Well, here are some pictures. The next milestones post will be the biggie!
Playing with Mommy's pots and pans
Grinning after lunch
Having a blast in Katelyn's swing
This past month I've found myself having to say "no" a lot due to Colton's endless curiosity with all of our household items. He can really move around fast now. He finally learned how to crawl forwards, so I've had to repeatedly stop what I'm doing and remove him from something. And on Sunday morning, I found him sitting up in his crib for the first time! He can easily get into a sitting position now from being on all fours. Colton is practicing standing too, holding onto me or a piece of furniture. He doesn't have the confidence yet to take a few steps and can't get back down on his own, but his balance has gotten so much better.
Our little boy has discovered the fascination of opening and closing whatever he can get his hands on- doors, cabinets, drawers- and promptly pulling out their contents. Time to get safety latches! He loves finding the pots & pans and playing with them on the kitchen floor. He also enjoys reaching into his push toy and taking out all the blocks one by one.
Colton is on all table food now. He flat out refuses to eat baby food, although he'll let me feed him oatmeal as long as there are a few pieces of fruit on his highchair tray to pick up and feed himself. The other night I actually decided to make a soup from some of the leftover jars, figuring if he won't eat it at least me and Gregg will! I added some noodles and ended up giving the pasta and peas that were already in the jar to Colton, and he ate it right up. This past month he's tried a wide variety of foods including banana chunks, avocado, zucchini, pancakes, french toast, macaroni & cheese, cantaloupe, and pork. So far there's been nothing that he absolutely refuses to eat. Hopefully he won't turn into a picky eater later on.
A few weeks ago, I started the process of weaning him from the bottle. He's down to two bottles a day from four. He drinks formula in his sippy at lunchtime and dinnertime now. I'm working on cutting out the bottle when he wakes up from his afternoon nap next. I think the hardest one to replace will be the morning bottle, but we'll see. Since he eats three meals a day plus two snacks, I've also been slightly reducing the amount of formula he gets. I'd like to have him at least try whole milk before his first birthday, but we won't be switching exclusively to milk until he's one.
It seems like Colton continues to get a little heavier almost every day. People still tell me all the time how big he is for his age. It gets annoying after a while. It's not like I'm feeding him cheeseburgers and fries!! His hair is growing like a weed, well past his ears and curling up at the ends. He's starting to look like Matthew McConaughey in Dazed and Confused.
Coltie is still generally so sweet and event tempered, but he definitely has a mischievous side. And he has moments of pure stubbornness, usually during diaper changes. He all of a sudden decided that he hates getting changed and kicks his legs when I'm trying to put a new diaper on him. I've gotten kicked in the chest, stomach and arm which let me tell you hurts. I try to be very firm with him and tell him no in my best parenting voice, and sometimes he listens and other times he doesn't. I know that he is starting to understand what "no" means, but sometimes when I say it he just laughs like he thinks it's a game. Then I want to laugh too, but I try to maintain a straight face, the one that conveys I'm not happy with his behavior.
Colton will also pitch a fit if he's in his hook-on chair too long. I used to be able to leave him in there with a few toys while I cooked dinner or checked email or something, but those days are over. He's associated his chair with eating, so when he's finished he wants OUT. He wants to be crawling around exploring, not confined! When he decides he no longer wants to be at the table, he'll get red faced, ball up his fists and whine until there's no tomorrow. Real cute, huh?
His laughter is infectious though, and can make up for all the times when I'm at my wits end with his screaming. Tickling, funny faces & sounds, and peekaboo always get the giggling started. I love his laugh and gummy smile (still no teeth yet!)
Well, here are some pictures. The next milestones post will be the biggie!
Playing with Mommy's pots and pans
Grinning after lunch
Having a blast in Katelyn's swing
Sunday, June 14, 2009
10 Months
Colton's reached the double digits! In about eight more weeks, we'll be celebrating his first birthday. Crazy.
For some reason, 10 months just seems so much older than 9 months. Colton's gross motor skills have really taken off recently. He doesn't exactly crawl, but he does move around quickly on all fours. It's more like creeping, I think. He never seems to go forward in a straight line, but he always gets to where he wants to go. Colton continually gets up on his hands and knees with his tummy up off the floor and rocks back & forth like he's going to crawl, but then his legs slide backwards and he's flat on his stomach again! He can also stand pretty well with assistance now, holding onto my hands or a piece of furniture.
He still does not have any teeth, but it hasn't stopped him from eating. We've moved him up to Stage 3 foods, since the portions are slightly larger and the consistency is chunkier. It's still hit or miss with me feeding him from a spoon, so I've started spreading out the contents of the jar on the highchair tray and letting him feed himself. He seems to tolerate me spoon feeding him better in the morning, when he's less cranky, than in the evening. Colton tried a few new foods this past month too like broccoli, steak, mashed potatoes, and spaghetti & meatballs. Lately he really wants to eat whatever we have on our plates. He'll lean forward, eyes wide, with an expression that's like, "Can I have some, Mom, huh? Can I, can I, can I?"
Even though he's eating more solids and continuing to drink the same amount of formula, it seems like his weight gain is tapering off. He only gained one pound between his most recent doctor's visit, on June 1, and the one before that, on April 6. And he dropped from the 90th percentile in weight to the 75th during that time also. I'm not too concerned; actually I'm kinda relieved that the weight gain has slowed down. He's still a very healthy and happy baby!
Just in the past week or so, Colton has started forming the "m" sound with his mouth. I could have sworn that he said "mom" the other day. :) I've been signing the word "more" to him every time I offer him more of something. One day six months from now he might catch on and sign back! I really do think he was trying to imitate the actual word a few days ago just as I was about to place another handful of Puffs in front of him. You can disagree, but I know what I heard. Oh, and apparently my son thinks the word "poop" is hysterical. I was changing his dirty diaper and said, "Somebody made a stinky poop", and he burst into laughter. Typical boy.
Colton discovered his love for banging toys on the table and dropping them on the floor. It drives me crazy sometimes that I am constantly picking them up. His favorite toys include soft blocks, nesting/stacking cups, his beach ball, and this freaky looking rubber shark that he got at the doctor's office. He still enjoys racing around in his walker and likes to grab things off of the tv stand, end tables, and shelf in the living room.
His sleep is still really good. I'm so thankful we have a child that doesn't fight taking his naps or going down for the night. As long as there aren't any other distractions in the room, he will usually go right out. If I stay in his room to put away laundry or something, then he'll want to stay awake because he doesn't want to miss anything. Most of the time Colton doesn't like me to rock him to sleep anymore. I always try to cuddle with him a little bit before putting him to bed, especially at night. He's started trying to push my arm away as I'm holding him in the rocker. I feel kinda sad about it, but I know it's time for him to just fall asleep on his own. So instead of fighting him, I place him in the crib and tell him goodnight or have a good nap and that I love him.
Our little boy is certainly growing up! Here are some pictures (of course):
For some reason, 10 months just seems so much older than 9 months. Colton's gross motor skills have really taken off recently. He doesn't exactly crawl, but he does move around quickly on all fours. It's more like creeping, I think. He never seems to go forward in a straight line, but he always gets to where he wants to go. Colton continually gets up on his hands and knees with his tummy up off the floor and rocks back & forth like he's going to crawl, but then his legs slide backwards and he's flat on his stomach again! He can also stand pretty well with assistance now, holding onto my hands or a piece of furniture.
He still does not have any teeth, but it hasn't stopped him from eating. We've moved him up to Stage 3 foods, since the portions are slightly larger and the consistency is chunkier. It's still hit or miss with me feeding him from a spoon, so I've started spreading out the contents of the jar on the highchair tray and letting him feed himself. He seems to tolerate me spoon feeding him better in the morning, when he's less cranky, than in the evening. Colton tried a few new foods this past month too like broccoli, steak, mashed potatoes, and spaghetti & meatballs. Lately he really wants to eat whatever we have on our plates. He'll lean forward, eyes wide, with an expression that's like, "Can I have some, Mom, huh? Can I, can I, can I?"
Even though he's eating more solids and continuing to drink the same amount of formula, it seems like his weight gain is tapering off. He only gained one pound between his most recent doctor's visit, on June 1, and the one before that, on April 6. And he dropped from the 90th percentile in weight to the 75th during that time also. I'm not too concerned; actually I'm kinda relieved that the weight gain has slowed down. He's still a very healthy and happy baby!
Just in the past week or so, Colton has started forming the "m" sound with his mouth. I could have sworn that he said "mom" the other day. :) I've been signing the word "more" to him every time I offer him more of something. One day six months from now he might catch on and sign back! I really do think he was trying to imitate the actual word a few days ago just as I was about to place another handful of Puffs in front of him. You can disagree, but I know what I heard. Oh, and apparently my son thinks the word "poop" is hysterical. I was changing his dirty diaper and said, "Somebody made a stinky poop", and he burst into laughter. Typical boy.
Colton discovered his love for banging toys on the table and dropping them on the floor. It drives me crazy sometimes that I am constantly picking them up. His favorite toys include soft blocks, nesting/stacking cups, his beach ball, and this freaky looking rubber shark that he got at the doctor's office. He still enjoys racing around in his walker and likes to grab things off of the tv stand, end tables, and shelf in the living room.
His sleep is still really good. I'm so thankful we have a child that doesn't fight taking his naps or going down for the night. As long as there aren't any other distractions in the room, he will usually go right out. If I stay in his room to put away laundry or something, then he'll want to stay awake because he doesn't want to miss anything. Most of the time Colton doesn't like me to rock him to sleep anymore. I always try to cuddle with him a little bit before putting him to bed, especially at night. He's started trying to push my arm away as I'm holding him in the rocker. I feel kinda sad about it, but I know it's time for him to just fall asleep on his own. So instead of fighting him, I place him in the crib and tell him goodnight or have a good nap and that I love him.
Our little boy is certainly growing up! Here are some pictures (of course):
Monday, May 25, 2009
Boonstra Family Reunion
We had a wonderful time at Boonstra Bash '09! The weather was perfect and we enjoyed catching up with everybody, as well as showing off the newest Boonstra. Here are some pictures:
Daddy with Colton after the toilet paper game. Colton liked ripping the paper!
The men impress us with their drinking skills.
Colton with Aunt Lori.
We had a lot of fun, but were all tuckered out by the end.
Thanks for a great day of family fun!
Daddy with Colton after the toilet paper game. Colton liked ripping the paper!
The men impress us with their drinking skills.
Colton with Aunt Lori.
We had a lot of fun, but were all tuckered out by the end.
Thanks for a great day of family fun!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
9 Months!
Our baby is nine months old today. Already 3/4 of his first year has gone by. I can't believe he only has three more months before turning the big 1!
Colton continues to amaze me with what he can do. He wants to do a lot of things on his own already, which can be frustrating because it feels like a battle of the wills sometimes between us. It is also pretty neat though, watching him grow into this little person who is constantly exploring the world around him.
He is so intrigued by everything these days, and anything (literally anything) can become a plaything. Last night at dinner we let him have the top to the pasta sauce pan (it had cooled down) and he had a blast turning it, banging it, and trying to chew on it while we finished eating. Colton likes to examine his toys while playing with them, too. He'll chew on something for a while, then take it out of his mouth and look at it carefully, then back in the mouth it goes! He really likes toys that play music, such as his Fisher Price telephone. His face lights up when he hears the kiddie voice singing the Alphabet Song or something else.
Colton has become quite good at feeding himself and he'll try just about anything we put in front of him. So far he's tried bits of soft cooked pasta, green beans, cheese (yellow American and Mozzarella), bagel, and watermelon. He holds onto his sippy cup with one hand and feeds himself with the other. And he LOVES Puffs. It doesn't matter what flavor, he gets all excited when he sees the container and promptly spits out his binky when we put a few down in front of him. We will sometimes hide them behind a toy or his cup and encourage him to find them. He's gotten really good at this game and the reward is always the yummy Puff and praise from us! Colton is now eating two meals of solids a day (cereal & jar of Stage 2 fruit in the morning, Stage 2 veggie or meat/veggie combo in the evening) with two snacks in between meals, in addition to the 24 oz. of formula he's been getting since about 5 months.
He's no longer content to just stay in my arms and snuggle in close (except at naptime and bedtime); he is a baby on the move! Whenever I'm holding him, he tries to reach for something interesting within his grasp. He barely sits still on my lap anymore to take his bottle. He's always looking all around, squirming to get free. Colton now takes control of how much he wants at a time. When he has to burp or doesn't want any more, he grabs the bottle and pushes it away.
Around the end of April he finally learned how to roll from his tummy to his back, and now there's no stopping him. He rolls all over the place to get to where he wants to go. Sometimes he'll rock back and forth on his hands and knees like he's going to start crawling, but he's not quite there yet. He does push himself backwards, however. Yesterday he found himself under the end table in the living room for the first time and thought that was pretty cool.
Colton is so expressive now, making all kinds of faces and gesturing. He "chatters" almost non-stop to his toys and us. He's added a few more syllables and sounds to his baby talk. Sometimes it seems like he is acting out a scene from a play with all his banter. He is such a ham, too. He'll do something funny, then watch for our response.
I've had to pack away nearly all of Colton's 6-9 month clothes and move him up to a size 4 diaper. He's the size of most one year olds already. He has a lot more hair and it is coming in beautiful! Not too fine, not too coarse. He's looking so much like a little Dutch boy these days.
Here are some pictures from the last month:
Colton continues to amaze me with what he can do. He wants to do a lot of things on his own already, which can be frustrating because it feels like a battle of the wills sometimes between us. It is also pretty neat though, watching him grow into this little person who is constantly exploring the world around him.
He is so intrigued by everything these days, and anything (literally anything) can become a plaything. Last night at dinner we let him have the top to the pasta sauce pan (it had cooled down) and he had a blast turning it, banging it, and trying to chew on it while we finished eating. Colton likes to examine his toys while playing with them, too. He'll chew on something for a while, then take it out of his mouth and look at it carefully, then back in the mouth it goes! He really likes toys that play music, such as his Fisher Price telephone. His face lights up when he hears the kiddie voice singing the Alphabet Song or something else.
Colton has become quite good at feeding himself and he'll try just about anything we put in front of him. So far he's tried bits of soft cooked pasta, green beans, cheese (yellow American and Mozzarella), bagel, and watermelon. He holds onto his sippy cup with one hand and feeds himself with the other. And he LOVES Puffs. It doesn't matter what flavor, he gets all excited when he sees the container and promptly spits out his binky when we put a few down in front of him. We will sometimes hide them behind a toy or his cup and encourage him to find them. He's gotten really good at this game and the reward is always the yummy Puff and praise from us! Colton is now eating two meals of solids a day (cereal & jar of Stage 2 fruit in the morning, Stage 2 veggie or meat/veggie combo in the evening) with two snacks in between meals, in addition to the 24 oz. of formula he's been getting since about 5 months.
He's no longer content to just stay in my arms and snuggle in close (except at naptime and bedtime); he is a baby on the move! Whenever I'm holding him, he tries to reach for something interesting within his grasp. He barely sits still on my lap anymore to take his bottle. He's always looking all around, squirming to get free. Colton now takes control of how much he wants at a time. When he has to burp or doesn't want any more, he grabs the bottle and pushes it away.
Around the end of April he finally learned how to roll from his tummy to his back, and now there's no stopping him. He rolls all over the place to get to where he wants to go. Sometimes he'll rock back and forth on his hands and knees like he's going to start crawling, but he's not quite there yet. He does push himself backwards, however. Yesterday he found himself under the end table in the living room for the first time and thought that was pretty cool.
Colton is so expressive now, making all kinds of faces and gesturing. He "chatters" almost non-stop to his toys and us. He's added a few more syllables and sounds to his baby talk. Sometimes it seems like he is acting out a scene from a play with all his banter. He is such a ham, too. He'll do something funny, then watch for our response.
I've had to pack away nearly all of Colton's 6-9 month clothes and move him up to a size 4 diaper. He's the size of most one year olds already. He has a lot more hair and it is coming in beautiful! Not too fine, not too coarse. He's looking so much like a little Dutch boy these days.
Here are some pictures from the last month:
Thursday, May 7, 2009
More Cute Pictures!
Can you believe our little Coltie will be turning nine months old next week? I was recently looking through photos of him taken since birth, and he has grown so much (and gotten so much cuter)! Here are a few pictures to show how big he's getting.
Let me outta here!
Look ma, I'm long enough to touch the bumper with both my head and feet.
In mid roll from tummy to back!
Getting some help from Daddy with crawling.
Let me outta here!
Look ma, I'm long enough to touch the bumper with both my head and feet.
In mid roll from tummy to back!
Getting some help from Daddy with crawling.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Beautiful Boy
I thought I would post a few more pictures of Colton here, since I take about twenty a day! Here are some of my recent favorites:
Cereal all gone!
Do you think I'm getting a little too big for my bouncy seat?
I love how blue his eyes are in this photo.
Colton has such a blast in the tub, splashing the sudsy water everywhere and playing with his bath toys.
See you on Saturday, Grandma!
Cereal all gone!
Do you think I'm getting a little too big for my bouncy seat?
I love how blue his eyes are in this photo.
Colton has such a blast in the tub, splashing the sudsy water everywhere and playing with his bath toys.
See you on Saturday, Grandma!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
8 Months
Today our baby boy turns eight months old. He is definitely not a helpless little infant anymore.
He started feeding himself Puffs and Cheerios a couple of weeks ago and is now a pro at it. He can pick up his sippy cup in both hands with no problem and slurps the juice vigorously as it dribbles down his chin and onto his bib. Colton continues to grab the spoon away from me at the beginning of every mealtime. He loves waving it around and chewing on it, while I feed him with another. I think it may be time to introduce more finger foods because he doesn't seem too interested in eating what's offered on the spoon.
He can now pass an object from one hand to another effortlessly and understands that when a toy falls on the floor or rolls out of his sight, it hasn't disappeared. Our little guy finds his binky after it's gotten lost somewhere in his crib and pops it back in his mouth. He's a smarty.
He's begun protesting in the mornings and evenings when I get him dressed. He gets all worked up and it can be really stressful to change him in and out of clothes. As soon as I pick him up off the changing table, he's just fine and dandy though! Colton has certainly learned how to voice his opinion and say (in the only way he knows how) "I don't like that, Mommy!"
On the flip side, he has also learned how to show his affection by reaching out to touch mine and his daddy's faces. Sometimes he'll grab my cheek or hair just to see what will happen. He doesn't understand the word no yet. Sigh.
Colton's still getting over his cold from last week. He's got a runny nose, but sleeps through the night okay thanks to the makers of Vicks!
Here are some more cute pictures of him over the last month, including a couple from Colton's first Easter:
Practicing his new skill of picking up Cheerios.
Who is the fairest baby of all?
Colton says, "Happy Easter!"
He couldn't resist chewing on the bunny.
He started feeding himself Puffs and Cheerios a couple of weeks ago and is now a pro at it. He can pick up his sippy cup in both hands with no problem and slurps the juice vigorously as it dribbles down his chin and onto his bib. Colton continues to grab the spoon away from me at the beginning of every mealtime. He loves waving it around and chewing on it, while I feed him with another. I think it may be time to introduce more finger foods because he doesn't seem too interested in eating what's offered on the spoon.
He can now pass an object from one hand to another effortlessly and understands that when a toy falls on the floor or rolls out of his sight, it hasn't disappeared. Our little guy finds his binky after it's gotten lost somewhere in his crib and pops it back in his mouth. He's a smarty.
He's begun protesting in the mornings and evenings when I get him dressed. He gets all worked up and it can be really stressful to change him in and out of clothes. As soon as I pick him up off the changing table, he's just fine and dandy though! Colton has certainly learned how to voice his opinion and say (in the only way he knows how) "I don't like that, Mommy!"
On the flip side, he has also learned how to show his affection by reaching out to touch mine and his daddy's faces. Sometimes he'll grab my cheek or hair just to see what will happen. He doesn't understand the word no yet. Sigh.
Colton's still getting over his cold from last week. He's got a runny nose, but sleeps through the night okay thanks to the makers of Vicks!
Here are some more cute pictures of him over the last month, including a couple from Colton's first Easter:
Practicing his new skill of picking up Cheerios.
Who is the fairest baby of all?
Colton says, "Happy Easter!"
He couldn't resist chewing on the bunny.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Colton Update #2,999,999
It appears that Colton is beginning to understand the whole cause and effect thing. As in: when I cry, Mommy gives me a) a bottle, b) a new diaper, c) a binky, or d) cuddle time or attention. The other day he woke up from his nap early, and since it wasn't time for him to eat again yet and I wanted to finish getting some things done around the house, I put him down in the Pack 'n Play. After about a minute, Colton starts turning his head in my direction to make sure I'm watching him from the kitchen and then bursts into tears. This continues for another five minutes at least, until he realizes I'm not coming to get him and gives up and begins playing with his toys. Clever little boy.
For us to get through mealtime, I have to give him his own spoon to hold and play with. Somehow I manage to get spoonfuls of food into his mouth between him chewing on the other spoon and banging it around. It can be so frustrating. But I've figured out that he is just not that into rice cereal anymore. I don't blame him. I wouldn't be either. He'd rather smear it all over his face and the high chair tray. Colton is also getting the hang of his sippy cup much better. He'll grab one handle and drag it towards him, moving it around a little until the spout has made its way into his mouth.
Whoever thought that giving pureed meats to a baby was a good idea? I can assure you, they've never had to change my son's diaper after he's thoroughly digested that stuff. The smell is enough to peel the paint off of the walls. And what is with Colton screaming bloody murder when I'm cleaning his face with a wipe or washcloth, but it doesn't faze him when I am almost literally scraping the gunk off his behind??
At least he doesn't give me a hard time about naps or bedtime. Every day around noon, I'll rock Colton to sleep in the glider for his afternoon nap. It only takes about two minutes before he's completely out, then I put him down in the crib and he'll usually sleep for a couple of hours. My favorite part of the day is when he falls asleep in my arms that way; he's so warm and snugly that I could just take a nap right there with him! But I don't. I use that time to get some cleaning and laundry done, bah.
It looks like now he's actually kind of walking in the walker to get around, instead of just "pushing off". It is hilarious to watch him come speeding down the hallway towards me or the dog, smiling and squealing the whole way. I really have to get that on video sometime. Colton can also bear weight on his legs if you hold him in a standing position. I know he probably won't start standing up on his own for a few more months. Then we'll really have to baby proof!
Of course, what post would be complete without some pictures of the little guy??
Sitting on the table at Grandma's
He had a blast this morning playing with the near-empty carton of Silk.
By George, he's got it!
For us to get through mealtime, I have to give him his own spoon to hold and play with. Somehow I manage to get spoonfuls of food into his mouth between him chewing on the other spoon and banging it around. It can be so frustrating. But I've figured out that he is just not that into rice cereal anymore. I don't blame him. I wouldn't be either. He'd rather smear it all over his face and the high chair tray. Colton is also getting the hang of his sippy cup much better. He'll grab one handle and drag it towards him, moving it around a little until the spout has made its way into his mouth.
Whoever thought that giving pureed meats to a baby was a good idea? I can assure you, they've never had to change my son's diaper after he's thoroughly digested that stuff. The smell is enough to peel the paint off of the walls. And what is with Colton screaming bloody murder when I'm cleaning his face with a wipe or washcloth, but it doesn't faze him when I am almost literally scraping the gunk off his behind??
At least he doesn't give me a hard time about naps or bedtime. Every day around noon, I'll rock Colton to sleep in the glider for his afternoon nap. It only takes about two minutes before he's completely out, then I put him down in the crib and he'll usually sleep for a couple of hours. My favorite part of the day is when he falls asleep in my arms that way; he's so warm and snugly that I could just take a nap right there with him! But I don't. I use that time to get some cleaning and laundry done, bah.
It looks like now he's actually kind of walking in the walker to get around, instead of just "pushing off". It is hilarious to watch him come speeding down the hallway towards me or the dog, smiling and squealing the whole way. I really have to get that on video sometime. Colton can also bear weight on his legs if you hold him in a standing position. I know he probably won't start standing up on his own for a few more months. Then we'll really have to baby proof!
Of course, what post would be complete without some pictures of the little guy??
Sitting on the table at Grandma's
He had a blast this morning playing with the near-empty carton of Silk.
By George, he's got it!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Seven Months
I can't believe we're at the seven month mark already! Before I know it, I'll be sending out invitations for Colton's first birthday party.
It seems like his sixth month was a lot shorter than all the previous ones, just because he turned 6 months old in February and we always "get cheated" out of two days since it ends on the 28th. Nonetheless, Colton seemed to grow and develop more during his sixth month than any other.
Our little boy is now sitting up without assistance, which makes playtime so much more fun (for him and for me!). I dragged the Pack 'n Play out of the garage and set it up so he can sit in there and play to his heart's content. It's much softer (and safer) than spreading out a blanket on the rug in the living room and plopping him down. Colton has also become really good at reaching for and grabbing exactly what he wants. He's rocking his "Learning Toolbox" and gets really excited when he pulls the lever that plays all the music. That never seems to get old. To him anyway. I can't tell you how many times a day I've heard the Alphabet Song.
He loves to scoot around in his walker and chase Tess all over the house. He's getting pretty fast and can go from the dining room to our bedroom in no time. Colton adores the dog and shrieks with delight whenever she comes near him. She's a good sport and lets him pull on her ears and grab her fur. He also loves when Gregg plays Peek-a-boo with him and makes funny noises. He really likes the wind up to whatever noise comes next. Nothing can make him laugh like his daddy.
Colton's figuring things out during mealtime, too. I introduced him to the sippy cup and mostly he enjoys just chewing on the handles, but once in a while he does recognize that he needs to bring the spout up to his mouth in order to get the delicious juice inside. He also bangs it around on the table and highchair tray. So far he's tried Puffs, Cheerios, and those biter biscuits. He likes the biscuits best because they're easier to hold (and probably taste better). He can grab the other things, but rarely actually gets them in his mouth. They usually end up either stuck to his hand or on the floor.
He's still pretty even tempered, but he has started to assert his own independence. Especially during feedings. He insists on holding the spoon and has a mini- meltdown if you take the spoon away. So he gets one to play with, and I feed him with another. Colton will definitely let me know if he is finished eating or doesn't like what I'm trying to give him. The battle of the wills is beginning!
During this last month, he started moving around a lot more also. The baby bathtub now has to be used exclusively in the bathroom, because he'll kick water everywhere in the kitchen. He twists and turns on the changing table so much that it's hard to get his diaper on! Now I know why they made those changing pad straps. Oh, and Colton can also grab the tabs and pull them off now (not that he actually knows what he's doing yet). I always have to have a toy available to give him so that his hands are occupied. He puts up a fuss when I hold his feet together, too. Sorry, but that poo has to be wiped off somehow!
Colton has these little "conversations" with his toys. He was babbling considerably before, but now there's inflection in that babble. It is so adorable! But the biggest triumph of all... he can tolerate being on his tummy for at least twenty minutes!! So he may actually crawl someday after all. While on his tummy, Colton pushes himself up and reaches for toys. I am so proud of him. I'm excited to see what this next month has in store!
Playing on his tummy!
Sitting up in the Pack 'n Play.
Enjoying his yummy biscuit.
He was absolutely enthralled with the laundry basket one day. Who needs toys, right?
It seems like his sixth month was a lot shorter than all the previous ones, just because he turned 6 months old in February and we always "get cheated" out of two days since it ends on the 28th. Nonetheless, Colton seemed to grow and develop more during his sixth month than any other.
Our little boy is now sitting up without assistance, which makes playtime so much more fun (for him and for me!). I dragged the Pack 'n Play out of the garage and set it up so he can sit in there and play to his heart's content. It's much softer (and safer) than spreading out a blanket on the rug in the living room and plopping him down. Colton has also become really good at reaching for and grabbing exactly what he wants. He's rocking his "Learning Toolbox" and gets really excited when he pulls the lever that plays all the music. That never seems to get old. To him anyway. I can't tell you how many times a day I've heard the Alphabet Song.
He loves to scoot around in his walker and chase Tess all over the house. He's getting pretty fast and can go from the dining room to our bedroom in no time. Colton adores the dog and shrieks with delight whenever she comes near him. She's a good sport and lets him pull on her ears and grab her fur. He also loves when Gregg plays Peek-a-boo with him and makes funny noises. He really likes the wind up to whatever noise comes next. Nothing can make him laugh like his daddy.
Colton's figuring things out during mealtime, too. I introduced him to the sippy cup and mostly he enjoys just chewing on the handles, but once in a while he does recognize that he needs to bring the spout up to his mouth in order to get the delicious juice inside. He also bangs it around on the table and highchair tray. So far he's tried Puffs, Cheerios, and those biter biscuits. He likes the biscuits best because they're easier to hold (and probably taste better). He can grab the other things, but rarely actually gets them in his mouth. They usually end up either stuck to his hand or on the floor.
He's still pretty even tempered, but he has started to assert his own independence. Especially during feedings. He insists on holding the spoon and has a mini- meltdown if you take the spoon away. So he gets one to play with, and I feed him with another. Colton will definitely let me know if he is finished eating or doesn't like what I'm trying to give him. The battle of the wills is beginning!
During this last month, he started moving around a lot more also. The baby bathtub now has to be used exclusively in the bathroom, because he'll kick water everywhere in the kitchen. He twists and turns on the changing table so much that it's hard to get his diaper on! Now I know why they made those changing pad straps. Oh, and Colton can also grab the tabs and pull them off now (not that he actually knows what he's doing yet). I always have to have a toy available to give him so that his hands are occupied. He puts up a fuss when I hold his feet together, too. Sorry, but that poo has to be wiped off somehow!
Colton has these little "conversations" with his toys. He was babbling considerably before, but now there's inflection in that babble. It is so adorable! But the biggest triumph of all... he can tolerate being on his tummy for at least twenty minutes!! So he may actually crawl someday after all. While on his tummy, Colton pushes himself up and reaches for toys. I am so proud of him. I'm excited to see what this next month has in store!
Playing on his tummy!
Sitting up in the Pack 'n Play.
Enjoying his yummy biscuit.
He was absolutely enthralled with the laundry basket one day. Who needs toys, right?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Miracle
I have always been amazed at the miracle of conception and birth. It is so fascinating and just incredible. Now that I have a child of my own, I am even more in awe of the whole thing. The fact that Colton was once this tiny cluster of cells that divided and eventually formed into a baby... it's awesome. Before November 29, 2007 (or thereabouts) he didn't exist. He was just a thought, a dream. And then he was created and became a human being, with all this capacity for learning and potential to do great things.
I am even more amazed and continually thankful that he is healthy. That everything developed over those nine months just as it should. A few months ago, I stumbled across a blog of a young mother who lost her newborn son just minutes after he was born because of a rare genetic disorder. Her story has forever changed the way I look at my child. This mom is the same age as me, whose son was due almost three months after Colton. While I was picking out paint and furniture for our nursery, she was choosing a casket and burial plot for her little boy. While I was recognizing my son's two month "birthday", she was grieving the loss of hers and all the birthdays that would never come to pass.
In her posts, she talks about wanting her son's short life here on earth to matter. He may have only lived a mere 16 minutes, but his life did have meaning. It had weight. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for giving me a perfectly healthy son, who hasn't had anything more than a cold since he was born. Yet it can be so easily taken for granted. I know now that some parents don't get to take their babies home from the hospital. That instead of planning for the most wonderful time in their lives, they have to prepare to face the most indescribable grief and pain.
I am so grateful for my little miracle.
Check back for another update on what Colton has been doing lately in the "Seven Months" post coming soon! More pictures will be posted also.
I am even more amazed and continually thankful that he is healthy. That everything developed over those nine months just as it should. A few months ago, I stumbled across a blog of a young mother who lost her newborn son just minutes after he was born because of a rare genetic disorder. Her story has forever changed the way I look at my child. This mom is the same age as me, whose son was due almost three months after Colton. While I was picking out paint and furniture for our nursery, she was choosing a casket and burial plot for her little boy. While I was recognizing my son's two month "birthday", she was grieving the loss of hers and all the birthdays that would never come to pass.
In her posts, she talks about wanting her son's short life here on earth to matter. He may have only lived a mere 16 minutes, but his life did have meaning. It had weight. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for giving me a perfectly healthy son, who hasn't had anything more than a cold since he was born. Yet it can be so easily taken for granted. I know now that some parents don't get to take their babies home from the hospital. That instead of planning for the most wonderful time in their lives, they have to prepare to face the most indescribable grief and pain.
I am so grateful for my little miracle.
Check back for another update on what Colton has been doing lately in the "Seven Months" post coming soon! More pictures will be posted also.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
What Colton Has Been Up To Lately
After such a big milestone as turning 6 months old, little Coltie has been adding even more skills to his repertoire. He can now sit up unassisted for several minutes! I have to put him in the sitting position in the first place, however. He is babbling more and more- to his toys, hands, and binky. Colton constantly takes the binky out of his mouth to examine it and then attempts to put it back in (he usually ends up placing it backwards or upside down).
He has now tried all of the Stage 1 fruits and vegetables, so we moved him onto Stage 2 which includes... meat! Who knew you could puree roast beef in its own gravy and call it a meal? It looks and smells oh so appetizing, too. Colton isn't really thrilled with it yet either. :)
Our little boy is still sleeping great- three naps a day, plus 11-12 hours at night. It's a parent's dream! Coltie has so much hair now, also. Gregg keeps saying we'll need to take him for a haircut soon. It's kind of a dirty blonde, and depending on the light he can look more blonde or brunette. Still has those amazing blue eyes.
Here are some of my recent favorite pictures:
Colton thought it would be fun to turn the oatmeal bowl over and proceed to dump it all over himself and the high chair. What a mess!
He could just watch Tess all day long. She likes to bring her toys into his play space.
Staring off into his glorious future.
He has now tried all of the Stage 1 fruits and vegetables, so we moved him onto Stage 2 which includes... meat! Who knew you could puree roast beef in its own gravy and call it a meal? It looks and smells oh so appetizing, too. Colton isn't really thrilled with it yet either. :)
Our little boy is still sleeping great- three naps a day, plus 11-12 hours at night. It's a parent's dream! Coltie has so much hair now, also. Gregg keeps saying we'll need to take him for a haircut soon. It's kind of a dirty blonde, and depending on the light he can look more blonde or brunette. Still has those amazing blue eyes.
Here are some of my recent favorite pictures:
Colton thought it would be fun to turn the oatmeal bowl over and proceed to dump it all over himself and the high chair. What a mess!
He could just watch Tess all day long. She likes to bring her toys into his play space.
Staring off into his glorious future.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy 6 Month Birthday Colton!
Our little valentine is 6 months old!!
Dear Coltie,
My how time flies. You're half a year old already! It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming you into the world. I remember seeing you for the first time and thinking how perfect (and tiny!) you were. I couldn't believe something so beautiful and amazing was actually mine. I just marveled at how wonderfully and fearfully you had been made.
Those first few weeks were strange and difficult as I tried to navigate my new role as your mommy. But we made it through them together just fine. Now it feels like you've been in our lives forever. It's hard to remember what life was like without you. You bring me such joy every day as I watch you grow and develop. You are constantly taking in the world around you, eager to learn new things. I enjoy introducing you to new toys, books, music, food. I love holding you at night before you fall asleep. I love seeing you smile and laugh when I sing, make funny faces, or tickle you. Your laugh is the best sound in the world.
At six months, you are exploring everything. Grabbing everything in sight, including the dinner plates and utensils! You love to watch Tess and are fascinated by every move she makes. You can almost sit up all by yourself. You have a hearty appetite and have mastered the art of eating with a spoon. You like to hold your bottle while I'm feeding you, too! You have started to realize that you have hands and they can help you do all sorts of neat things.
Colton, you are loved so much. By me and your daddy, your grandparents, Jesus. I thank God for you every day and pray that you will have a personal relationship with the One who created you. I pray that you will keep your child-like wonder and won't let fear stop you from pursuing your dreams in life.
I look forward to watching you grow up more over these next six months. You are very, very special, and I am so blessed to have you.
Love,
Mommy
Dear Coltie,
My how time flies. You're half a year old already! It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming you into the world. I remember seeing you for the first time and thinking how perfect (and tiny!) you were. I couldn't believe something so beautiful and amazing was actually mine. I just marveled at how wonderfully and fearfully you had been made.
Those first few weeks were strange and difficult as I tried to navigate my new role as your mommy. But we made it through them together just fine. Now it feels like you've been in our lives forever. It's hard to remember what life was like without you. You bring me such joy every day as I watch you grow and develop. You are constantly taking in the world around you, eager to learn new things. I enjoy introducing you to new toys, books, music, food. I love holding you at night before you fall asleep. I love seeing you smile and laugh when I sing, make funny faces, or tickle you. Your laugh is the best sound in the world.
At six months, you are exploring everything. Grabbing everything in sight, including the dinner plates and utensils! You love to watch Tess and are fascinated by every move she makes. You can almost sit up all by yourself. You have a hearty appetite and have mastered the art of eating with a spoon. You like to hold your bottle while I'm feeding you, too! You have started to realize that you have hands and they can help you do all sorts of neat things.
Colton, you are loved so much. By me and your daddy, your grandparents, Jesus. I thank God for you every day and pray that you will have a personal relationship with the One who created you. I pray that you will keep your child-like wonder and won't let fear stop you from pursuing your dreams in life.
I look forward to watching you grow up more over these next six months. You are very, very special, and I am so blessed to have you.
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Why I Love Being a SAHM
Attempting to eat the steering wheel... the horn always beeps when he does this!
Hanging out with Curious George while Mommy folds laundry
Coltie loves his new pal
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