Day 36

Colton is now officially five weeks old. He has changed tremendously in the last week...staying up for many more hours of the day, and when he is awake, he is AWAKE, looking at everything, responding to sounds, and even making his first attempts at making his own sounds. Needless to say, he is a lot of fun to be around. Whoever is around him, finds themselves caught up in just staring at him and what he might do next, even Chipper as evidenced by the picture.

Day 35

Today was Papa and Doris's last day in Virginia Beach, so the highlight of the day was going to Steinhiblers for a dinner out with everyone. The dinner was bittersweet, as Colton knew it was the last time he would see his great grandfather for awhile, although mom is pushing for a trip to Florida some time in October or November. The meal and company was fantastic, though, and Colton, as usual, was the star of the show. He even got a compliment from a fellow diner on the way out, who said he was "the best baby," again her words, not ours, but we do wholeheartedly agree!

Day 34

Colton and mom started off the day with the usual routine: work out (Colton stays with Meme), a couple quick errands, and then back home. While we were home, Colton got a nice surprise when his great Aunt Debbie (the Virginia Beach one) stopped by to meet him. Unfortunately, he slept through the visit, but did wake up just as she was leaving and remained up for the dinner party mom and dad were having with Meme, Papa Jr., Papa Sr., and Doris. Dad had just put batteries into Colton's bouncer so that it would vibrate and he LOVED the new toy. Everyone commented on how much more alert Colton has become in the last few days, clearly looking around and responding to things; it is pretty neat to see!

Day 33

Today was Papa Sr.'s 81st birthday, and Colton was very happy that he was able to celebrate this year with him (although he had hoped his cousin Erin would make an appearance with the tequilla shots!). In the morning, Aunt Genna stopped by on her way out of town to get one more dose (and dirty dipaer) of Colton for a couple weeks. Meme, Papa Jr., Papa Sr., and Doris all came over to our house in the afternoon to get a quick tour and say hello to a very excited Chipper before going out for a birthday lunch. Finally, mom and Colton managed to snag a quick nap before going over to Meme and Papa Jr.'s house for the official birthday dinner. Colton was wide awake for the celebration and a big hit as always.

Day 32

WOW! Colton had a big day on his first month birthday. He started it off with a trip to the doctor for his one month checkup. Great news...he is growing perfectly, up to 9 pounds, 2 ounces and now measuring 20 3/4 inches. Unfortunately for Colton, he was due for his first shot (the hepatitis B vaccine). Its hard to tell who had a harder time with his shot...Colton or mom watching the poor little man scream, or maybe even Aunt Genna who had come along with us. After the doctor was over (he gets to go back on his 2 month birthday for even more shots:(), Colton, mom, and Aunt Genna went over to Meme's and Papa Jr.'s to meet Papa Sr. and Doris for a trip to Williamsburg to check out Papa Jr.'s boat. Colton did beautifully on his first trip across the water and really loved hanging out on the boat with everyone. He even managed to sleep through his first thunderstorm as we drove home.

Day 31

Well, today was finally the day...Colton got to meet his great grandfather and Doris, who arrived fresh from Florida. Colton was so excited to meet them and so thankful that they had come in town to meet him. Aunt Genna decided early this morning to drive in for the festivities, so Colton enjoyed an afternoon of playtime with the Kletz side of his family. All of the playing really wore him out, though, as he slept right through the family dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. No worries, though, Colton has the rest of the week to continue to play with his great grandfather and he is planning to take full advantage.

Day 30

Colton had been eagerly anticipating today for a long time, as today was the day his great grandfather was set to arrive from Florida. Unfortunately, bad weather in Atlanta forced Papa's flight to be cancelled, so Colton will have to wait until tomorrow to meet his great grandfather and Doris. He spent the day relaxing and hanging out while mom finally cleaned the house a little and dad went golfing. Due to Papa's last minute cancellation, Colton was able to spend the evening with his grandma who wanted to babysit.

Day 29

Colton is four weeks old today! He continues to amaze us daily with his little accomplishments, new faces, and attempts at conversation. It is truly incredible how much he has grown over the last four weeks. Colton and Michelle spent the day as normal...over to Memes for a few minutes so Michelle could work out, and then a couple errands. Colton got a compliment for being such a wonderful shopper; Michelle replied that he had already had a lot of practice:) At night, the family headed out to California Pizza Kithcen for dinner and then headed home to try to keep Colton up in hopes of having a good night's sleep.

Day 28

Colton is definitely growing...he had to wear his first 3 month onesie today as we noticed yesterday his newborn ones were resembling high waters (only going to his knees) and we couldn't have him looking "uncool." He also has been eating with a vengence, finishing his 4 oz. bottles and still crying for more. I think he may be going through a growth spurt, but who knows. Today's picture is of Colton thoroughly exchausted after finishing one of those massive bottles; I love how he has his hands up at his head as if he is totally giving up:)

Day 27

Colton woke up ready to go this morning. Good thing because he had a special visit to Centerville Elementary lined up for the day...his Grandma had called yesterday requesting a visit, and Colton was happy to accomodate. He showed up wide awake and thoroughly enjoyed all the sights that the school had for him. After he left school, it was on to Meme's house for a quick babysitting while mom went to work out. After leaving Meme's, Colton and mom made a quick stop at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for some new nightstands (yay...Josh finally agreed to new ones!) before heading home. Colton napped for a couple hours once we were home, but woke up around 5 for what proved to be a VERY fussy night. Mom and dad are hopeful that all that screaming will lead to a fantastic night's sleep?!?!

Day 26

The family had a very productive day today. Michelle, Colton, and Chipper started the day off with a walk. Afterwards, Michelle and Colton hit Target (yes, for the third day in a row...I swear Target has EVERYTHING) and the grocery store. Once we got home, Colton settled in for an afternoon nap, so Michelle took advantage and did some painting of our entryway. Colton spent the night time watching baseball with his dad and generally getting tons of attention.
The highlight of the day, though, came during Colton's nightly tummy time on his playmat. Colton impressed us all as he was picking up his head and turning it to each side, trying to find the noises. He even managed to roll over from his belly to his back a couple times! Mom and dad were really excited to see him growing up:)

Day 25

Colton had a very busy day today, as mom had to go to the doctor in the morning and the dentist in the afternoon (yuck!). Colton was a good sport, though, sitting quietly through the doctor's appointment and then heading over to Meme's house to hang out there while mom got her teeth checked. Colton is staying up more and more each day, so at night, he had a good time exploring a new toy on his belly and his back.

Day 24

Well, Colton's partying must have really worn him out because he spent most of his Sunday sleeping away the day. Mom and Dad took him to lunch and to run some errands, but he was oblivious to it all! Colton even managed to sleep through his first time of staying home with just his Dad, as Mom went out for the first time without the little man. At night, Colton went over to his grandparents for a cookout, the first of what will surely be many this summer.

Day 23

Colton began his Saturday by cuddling with mom as dad cut the grass. As we were preparing for the days' errands, Colton got a surprise visit from his great grandfather, PawPaw, and Judy. He had only met his great grandfather once before, but that time we were on our way out the door, so this was his first official meet and greet. Colton showed off for his visitors, being his usual adorable self.
After the visit, the family (minus poor Chipper) headed out for some errands and then returned home to rest up for a cookout at some friends house. The rest must have helped because Colton was quite the party animal at the party, staying up the ENTIRE time we were there and hamming up all the attention he was getting. It worked well for Josh and Michelle as well, considering Colton was fast asleep before even finishing his last bottle when we got home:)

Day 22

Colton turned 3 weeks today and it was officially time to show him off. Colton and Michelle headed to Taylor Elementary (Michelle's school) to watch the Fun Run and meet the first graders and teachers who had so eagerly anticipated his arrival. It was a really fun morning as everyone oohed and aahed over him, especially the first graders who seemed shocked to actually see him! The best part, though, was that we got to leave when we were ready and head home to walk at Mt. Trashmore with Chipper instead of having to stay to work!
At night, Grandma wanted her alone with Colton time, so Josh and Michelle were happy to oblige. They dropped off Colton and went to.....the Wild Wing (I know you're surprised) for a few hours before picking up little man again to bring him home.

Day 21

Colton is starting to stay up more and more, especially today when it seemed like he only took one nap during the day. He was even awake for our walk around Mt. Trashmore and to meet Michelle's friend Kristina who stopped by after work. Colton stayed up during the evening and did some bonding with his big brother. With no errands to run, Michelle did manage to paint the dining room during Colton's lone nap of the day...we're definitely learning to manage this whole stay at home thing.

Day 20!

Colton had a big day today. He started it off by making his first huge scene at the Harris Teeter. Michelle had run in for a few things when Colton woke up and decided it was time to eat. Michelle had not brought our lifesaver pacifier since we were only going to be gone for a few minutes, so with nothing to save us, Colton managed to WAIL the entire trip. The lovely lady at the cash register was kind enough to hand Michelle a brochure on online shopping...thanks...anyhow Colton promptly recovered a few minutes later at home with his bottle and Michelle swore to never leave home without a pacifier again.
Later in the day, Michelle's friend Katie came over with her two month old, Savannah, so that the four of us could go for a walk on the boardwalk. It was crazy to see how much bigger Savannah is than Colton; I guess we should enjoy these days. Once Josh got home, the family headed to Outback for dinner and with our trusty pacifier in hand, Colton was awake and happy during the whole thing:)

Day 19

Colton, Michelle, and Chipper are settling into quite the routine...wake up, eat, walk, eat, run errands, eat, relax around the house, eat again, wait for Josh to get home. On today's agenda was hitting the One Hour office...Michelle had some papers to fax and Colton is always a big hit there, especially with his Papa (I have been informed that he does not want to be called Grandpa and is leaning towards Papa, so we will go with that until further notice). After leaving the office, Colton and Michelle were on to Target to pick up a few things...Colton was wide awake for the Target trip (usually the cart will put him to sleep, so it was exciting to watch him watch all the things passing him by!). Meme was waiting for Colton at home so we quickly got back for a quick visit with her and then settled into relaxing for the afternoon.
Colton's picture of the day is from his Daddy's desk chair at One Hour...it must have been his hard work yesterday that earned them that Best Small Business award

Day 18

Colton had his weekly weigh in today and YAY...he is past his birth weight, weighing in at officially 7 pounds, 15 and a half ounces. Now he gets to take a week off before returning in two weeks for his one month old check up. After leaving the doctor, Colton and mom started our daily errand running (the grocery store...exciting, huh!) and then picked up Chipper for a walk at Mount Trashmore. Once everyone got home, Michelle attempted to start making dinner, but Colton was wide awake and clearly wanted to spend his afternoon with his mom, fussing every time he was left alone for even a minute! Oh well...Mom kind of enjoys holding him anyway, and eventually she was able to get dinner made in time for Josh's arrival home, as Colton finally nodded off...you can tell in the picture just how exhausted he was as he sleeps in one of my favorite positions of his...hands up by his face!

Day 17

With Colton flying through diapers and formula (I know, we were warned beforehand), the family started out the day by heading to BJs to stock up in bulk on some of his supplies. Afterwards, we headed back to the nursing home to visit Colton's great grandmother, Mamaw. The great news is that she was doing 1000% better and was even able to hold him today. Colton visited with her for about an hour before a dirty, smelly diaper forced him to leave, only to get home and realize that all of us were locked out. Josh had started the car and Michelle had left her keys inside the house, assuming Josh had a key to the house on his set...YIKES! After a half hour or so of waiting outside, the family was let in and enjoyed the evening relaxing, grilling, and watching the end of the Masters (Yay...Tiger didn't win).

Day 16

Colton once again spent his day eating, sleeping, and running errands with Michelle. The highlight of the day, though, was that he got to spend his first time alone with Meme (she wanted it spelled that way) and Grandpa while Josh and Michelle had a lovely date night at the Hilton and Melting Pot. Josh and Michelle spent the time reminiscing about the last time they were at the melting pot...5 years ago to celebrate their first year dating anniversary. Who would have thought we would be here now?!?! (Josh claims he would have by the way, but I think he must be lying) We returned to pick up Colton after our night out and found him being fed (actually more like being burped) by Meme and learned that she had also managed to produce his first real tears supposedly. No worries, though...I am sure they will have many more opportunities to get used to the little man

Day 15

Colton turned two weeks today! Our pediatrician recommended that we take his picture with something big weekly, then monthly, and eventually yearly as he grows up so we and he can see just how much he grows. I, of course, loved the idea...so today, I took his picture in his daddy's leather recliner. Being the future model that he is, he hammed it up and cooperated completely.
To celebrate Colton's birthday, Josh wanted to go to Wild Wing for dinner (I swear, he will use any excuse!). Colton was quite the hit at the restaurant, though...so many people that had seen him growing weekly were amazed at just how handsome he is. We even saw Uncle Jordan and Aunt Stephanie there (another shocker), and Uncle Jordan seemed just as eager to show Colton off as Josh and I were.

Day 14

Our little boy is growing up so fast! Evidence:
1. He now officially has a belly button...no more ugly umbilical cord, although scarily we can't find the part that fell off which Josh jokingly (I hope) commented Chipper must have gotten
2. Colton is staying up A LOT more now...we used to have to wake him up to eat and then he would promptly fall back asleep before he had even finished eating...now he is up for hours at a time
3. Due to number 2 I think, but most exciting...Colton slept through the night (well 11:30 to 5:30), but how exciting?!?!

Colton's grandmother came over to spend some time with him today. She has complained about not being referenced on here, so today's picture is of the two of them!

Day 13

After complaints from grandpa about us not coming to visit enough, Colton and I started off today with another trip to One Hour to pay a visit to everyone there. With the heat, though, they were super busy (yay!), so we did not stay long and instead headed out to complete our errands...Babies R Us, the post office, and finally to the boardwalk to get a little exercise. With the walk done, we headed to Mimi's house (her self-declared name) for a little visit and play time. Luckily, Colton finally decided to wake up when she was around so they enjoyed a little play time together.

Day 12

Today was Michelle's first official day as a stay at home mom, as Josh headed back to work bright and early. The boys and I (Chipper and Colton) started off the day by visiting Mt. Trashmore. After our exercise, we headed home and were promptly greeted by both grandmothers. When the visits were over, we headed out for a VERY important trip: Colton's first (of many) trip to Target. When we got back home, Michelle decided to lay out for a little bit while Colton tried out a new toy: his bouncer. By the time Josh got home, dinner was made, both boys were fed and happy, and Michelle had come to the conclusion that she could be a professional stay at home mom!

Day 11

We started off the day by taking Colton back to the doctor for his weekly weigh-in (Josh says its his training to be a MMA fighter in his later life, getting used to all these weigh ins). He had gained half a pound...back up to 7 pounds, 7 ounces, which the doctor said was good progress for a week. With him still not up to his birth weight, though, Colton gets to go back to the doctor next Monday again! Honestly, it has been kind of nice to see her weekly and hear that everything looks fantastic, especially his frog legs that are slowly stretching out...Dr. Downing is even convinced that in a couple weeks no one will ever know he was a breach baby!
After our doctor's visit, reality set in as Josh headed back to work and Michelle began her next chapter at home with the boys. The weather in Virginia Beach was irresistable, so Michelle laid out with grandma (leaning towards Mimi by the way) while Colton slept on the screened porch (don't worry...we had the fans going too), and Chipper played in his yard. The big outing of the day was to the grocery store to get some healthy snacks. After grandma left, Michelle and the boys headed out on their first walk together. We managed to make it around the neighborhood for about 20 minutes, but then returned home to wait for Josh to greet us. Overall, I must admit I am pretty good at this stay at home mom thing:)

Day 10

Colton's first Easter:) To celebrate, Josh wanted to have an Easter "cocktail hour" at the house. Grandma and Grandpa Kletz, Grandma Hobbs, Uncle Ryan and Aunt KC, Uncle Jordan and Aunt Stephanie, and Michelle's friends Mary and Adam all came over to celebrate with Colton. He slept through most of the celebration, but excited everyone at the end when he finally opened his big eyes! Even Uncle Ryan, who had been very against holding the little man, got in on the action...clearly no one can resist his adorable face!

Day 9

Colton got to meet his great grandmother today. She is in a nursing home recovering from bypass surgery and has been very anxious to meet him. It was really nice to give her the opportunity to see the great grandson she has been so excited about.
Later on, Colton went to his first One Hour cookout to celebrate all of the success lately (knock on wood). He was fantastic, as always, nice and alert for the first couple hours and then sleepy for the end.

Day 8

Colton turned one week today. Grandma, Grandpa (still not official names), and Aunt Genna were all at the house at 10:19AM to commemorate his one week birthday...yes, he is one very loved little boy!
With beautiful weather continuing, the whole family...Josh, Michelle, Colton, and Chipper...headed to Mount Trashmore in the afternoon for a walk. Colton slept through the whole thing, but Chipper definitely enjoyed getting to be a part of the outing (he has been getting a little jealous that he doesn't get to leave the house with the rest of us). That night, Josh and Michelle celebrated Colton's first week birthday by going out to a nice dinner with Colton sleeping at our side...thank goodness he seems to do well in restaurants, at least for now!

Day 7

Josh took advantage of his rare days off and the beautiful weather and went golfing with a friend today, so Colton and Michelle got to head out with Aunt Genna for a little shopping trip and lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. Colton continues to be one spoiled little boy, getting tons of stylish new clothes (watch for the adorable outfits as the days go by...Michelle is having a good time dressing him each day!). When we got home, Colton and his brother spent their last quality time with Aunt Genna before she headed back to Northern Virginia. The boys and Michelle sure are going to miss her and all of her help.PS: Colton is wearing his "My aunt rocks" shirt, but you can't tell in this picture!