Day 128

Colton was a busy boy today. He started the day off with a meal of carrots, his first experiment with "solid" food. Luckily, he LOVED them, devouring the half a can that he was allowed to have. Admittedly, quite a bit of the carrots landed on Colton's body, but he still seemed very pleased with them. Dad, however, is now very wary of feeding Colton after seeing the mess that this entails! After his meal, Colton was off to his first birthday party for Dad's friend Mike's 4 year old son. Although he wasn't old enough to go down the water slide, he had a good time dipping his feet in the water, watching the big kids play, and sampling some icing. Worn out from the party, Colton came home to relax for a little bit before going over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner.

Day 127

Having survived his first tornado scare the night before, Colton had a wonderful day today in the nice (finally) summer conditions. After his morning trip to the JCC, it was back home for another attempt at rice cereal. Good news is now Colton seems to really enjoy the cereal, reaching for the spoon and smiling in between each bite, and finishing the entire bowl (well, with the exception of a few bites)! YAY...mom loves these little sucesses, especially when it means tomorrow we can start on carrots:) After enjoying a morning meal, it was off to Meme and Papa's house to look through mom's belongings...talk about coming full circle; it was quite the moment to look through mom's childhood stuff while holding baby Colton...and then time for a swim in Meme and Papa's pool. After such a busy day, Colton enjoyed a night out at AJ Gators with mom and dad before relaxing on the patio with the family and going to bed.

Day 126

Dear Colton,

One year ago today, I found out that I was pregnant with you. On that day, dad and I had many emotions: excitement and joy, but also fear. As the months of my pregancy went by, those same emotions only grew and grew until the day that you finally arrived. Upon seeing your handsome, tiny face, I knew we must have done something right to have deserved you in our lives. As you have grown over the last 4 months, my original emotions of the day I found out I was expecting you have returned. I feel excitement watching you learn and eventually master new things daily. I feel joy holding you in my arms, watching you smile and giggle, and even watching you cry; I swear you have to be the cutest baby in the world. And lastly, I feel fear that we will be able to give you the life that you so rightly deserve. But above all, I feel complete and utter love for you. I love you, baby boy, more than anything in the whole wide world, and I am so thankful every day that we were blessed with the gift of you

Day 125

Cotlon seemed to be back at 100% today, so after making his morning trek to the JCC, it was time to hit Babies R Us for a big purchase: Colton's highchair! He had a great time picking it out and was excited to get home and give it a test drive. Whether it was the highchair, or more likely the apple juice added to the rice cereal, Colton seemed to enjoy his eating experience much more today, cooing and laughing in between bites as opposed to screaming bloody murder like the last couple of days. He spent the rest of the day going out for Mexican with mom and dad and playing with his new favorite toys, his feet, which he just can't seem to get enough of!

Day 124

Colton woke up bright and early this morning, but luckily with no fever...he had started running one the night before (101.4 to be exact) much to mom and dad's panic, but with a little Children's Tylenol and some time to sleep it off, he appeared to be back to his normal, happy self this morning. Just in time for yet another doctor's visit: this time, Colton had to go see the urologist, but again, good news...it appears his circumcision is just fine and will not have to be redone!!! Mom decided it was a good idea for Colton to take it easy today, so he spent his day inside. He did try his rice cereal again, but did not seem to like it any more than yesterday, although honestly, mom can't blame him...that stuff stinks! Tomorrow the plan is to give it to him with apple juice in hopes that it tastes a little better, so tonight he got a few sips of apple juice and seemed to like it!

Today's picture shows how Colton sleeps these days. Now that he can roll over and squirm, he seems to get himself into the corner of his crib, face down, butt up!

Day 123

Happy 4 months to our baby boy! Colton celebrated his big day with a trip to the doctor's office for his 4 month checkup. He now weighs in at 14 pounds, 7 ounces and is 25 inches long! He is developing right on track (if not slightly ahead:)), and now gets to begin eating "solid foods." Mom has long been looking forward to this, so after a trip to the JCC, Colton stopped by the grocery store to stock up on some rice cereal and other yellow vegetables for later in the week and got prepared to begin this exciting journey.

Once Colton was back home, he tried his rice cereal for the first time. Admittedly, he did not seem too thrilled with the stuff, or maybe it was just problems with the spoon, but most of this first attempt ended up on his bib, shirt, and neck, and not so much in his actual mouth! Mom is confident he and she will get better with more practice, though...

Day 122

Hopefully, today is the last day for awhile that Colton has to stay inside to avoid the ridiculously hot weather, but for today, that is exactly what he did. With the exception of a lunch out with mom and dad, the rest of the day was spent inside. All of this indoors time has really paid off for his "scooting," though, as he can now make his way around the floor.

Day 121

With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees in Virginia Beach (105 to be exact!), Colton was once again relegated to inside for the day. After getting picked up from Meme and Papa's house, he came home and prepared for a trip to the mall with mom and dad. Meme and Papa must have really worn him out the night before, though, because he managed to sleep through the entire trip. Once back home, he was up and ready for play, including his "scooting," at which he is actually getting pretty good! For the night time, he wen tout to dinner at Big Sam's with mom and dad before going over to Uncle Ryan and Aunt KC's house for a poker game. While mom and dad managed to win th money, Colton passed out for a little bit but then was right back up and in the action!

Day 120

Another hot day, another day stuck inside. Colton made use of his time by exploring the world around him, both by trying to scoot around and by putting anything and everything in his mouth. At night, he went over to Meme and Papa's house, who had offered to babysit for the night so mom and dad could have a date night. Meme and Papa's house turned out to be quite exciting, as Colton got to go to dinner, look at a house, and even file his first police report!

Day 119

With the risk of sounding redundant, Colton was once again stuck inside today to avoid the ridiculously hot weather. Luckily, he has lots of new talents he is trying out. Colton has developed a fantastic giggle, especially when being tickled. Colton also loves looking in the mirror now. (In fact, today's picture was taken while looking in the mirror with mom...you can tell how pleased Colton is with himself!) And most excitingly, he has started to discover his feet, maybe accidentally, but nonetheless he is quite adorable with his toes in his mouth!

Day 118

With the heat rearing its ugly head once again in Virginia Beach, Colton was confined to the indoors for most of the day. He did make his morning trip to the JCC and grocery store, but was home afterwards to spend the day with mom, Chipper, and the air conditioner. All was not lost, though...now that Colton can hold his head up, he is able to play in his jumper and is loving all the new and exciting things to touch and see.

Day 117

Today was Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tony's last day in Virginia Beach, so after the morning trip to the JCC, Colton went down to Meme and Papa's house to say good-bye until his Florida trip in November. He ended up doing some swimming in the pool with everyone to avoid the hot day. He had a great time, especially when his face accidentally got dunked in the water a few times. After all that activity, Colton came home to take his nap before going to meet his other grandparents at the Wild Wing for dinner. He was quite the popular baby at the Wing, being greeted by a few admiring fans who have watched him grow up over the past few months, considering he makes a weekly (pretty much anyways) appearance there.

Day 116

With Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tony still in town, Colton had another busy and eventful day! He started off as usual with a trip to the JCC and then to Target to pick up a few things he needed. Afterwards, he headed home to get ready, as Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tony were coming with Meme and Papa to see the house. He gave them the grand tour and then joined everyone for lunch. After lunch, it was time to go home and take a nap before meeting everyone once again for dinner at Il Giardino. Colton had a blast at dinner; he even wore himself out so much that he fell asleep there and slept right on through the night!

Day 115

Today was a big day for Colton: he got to finally meet his Great Aunt Debbie and Great Uncle Tony who were in from Florida to visit him. He went to Papa's boat to meet them and take a cruise for a few hours. Colton had a good time out on the boat, and then went home to get ready for dinner at Meme and Papa's house with everyone. Colton was the star of the show, showcasing his giggling and toy holding, much to everyone's delight. His show was made even better by the adorable golf shoes Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tony had brought him. He looked like a total stud, which of course, we all know he is.

Day 114

Colton was a very good boy today. Mom had a hair appointment in the morning and was a little worried about how Colton would do waiting in the salon. Luckily, he seemed perfectly content sitting on mom's lap while she was under the dryer and in his chair while she was getting her hair done. After a long stay at the hair place, mom and Colton came home to spend some time together before he headed over to his grandmother's house for the night. Mom and Dad had Hot Latin Nights to attend with the Kletz side of the family, but lucky for Colton, Papa ended up getting him his first drum set while we were there. Can't wait to use that in a couple years!

Day 113

Today was another big first for Colton: his first Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! After going to the JCC in the morning, he headed down to the sale with mom. Luckily, Meme was there doing her damage as well because mom had forgotten her wallet and Meme was nice enough to pay for her shirt and new winter coat! Colton figured he would wait until a little later to get his stuff because it was too hard to tell what would fit him by the time fall rolls around, but it was very exciting to see all the adorable clothing options he will have once he hits the 6 month benchmark! After the trip to Nordstrom, Colton came home for naptime and then woke up to spend a Friday night out at the Wild Wing with mom and dad.

As you can see by the picture, Colton is becoming increasingly fond of his hands and anything and everything they can grab...he even tries to help with his feedings now by holding his own bottle!

Day 112

After a couple of pretty lazy days, Colton was back to his busy schedule today. First, he hit the JCC with mom and then came home to quickly get ready for the rest of the day. He stopped by mom's school to pick up a few things, and then went to meet mom's friend, Mary, for lunch at Baker's Crust and then went back to her condo to see her beautiful new hardwood floors. After visiting for a while, Colton made it very clear that he was ready to go home and take his nap, which he did until it was time to make dinner. Colton got a special treat after dinner, making a trip to the Skinny Dip with mom and dad and then finished up his evening by watching the Braves game with dad.

Day 111

Well, Colton decided to be a little pisspot today. Luckily, he seemed to reserve his fits for when we were at home and was as fantastic as usual when out at the JCC and later on at Outback for dinner, so I guess we can't complain too much...just chalk it up to a bad day so we appreciate the good ones more! Because of Colton's mood and a wet front door, mom and Colton enjoyed a lazy day around the house before dad got home to take us out to dinner. Afterwards, it was back home for some family fun and relaxation before bedtime.

Day 110

Colton was a very busy, social little boy today, talking his way through most of the day. He has become very vocal! He also spent a good portion of the day on his belly, as he has gotten really good at rolling over to his back, but not so good at getting himself back over! Luckily, all of this activity seems to be entertaining him, enough so that mom was even able to paint the front door while he was busy playing:) Of course, when Colton was ready for a rest, Chipper was right there ready to hang out with him:)

Day 109

Colton started off his week with his typical Monday routine: hitting the JCC and then the grocery store. After getting home, he decided to head to Meme's to go for a swim. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, and with clouds persisting, he decided to go home and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing with mom, waiting for dad to get home from work. After a nice family dinner, he spent his evening playing with the family and practicing his new skills of giggling, sitting up (with support of course), grabbing at toys, and rolling over.

Day 108

With dad working, today was another lazy Sunday for Colton. He woke up to say good-bye to Aunt Genna and then spent the rest of the day lounging inside...playing with anything he could get his hands, or mouth, on! He had a really good time, though, even developing a laugh that sounds like a real laugh and hanging out with mom, dad, and a calmed down Chipper (thank you working shock collar!)

Day 107

Colton woke up ready and excited for his last day with Aunt Genna until she went back up to DC. Aunt Genna was staying with us for the night which made Colton (and Chipper!) very excited. Colton spent part of the day alone with his dad, while mom and Aunt Genna went to get pedicures, but once they got home, he got his full-on attention. At night, he went out to dinner and met Uncle Ryan and Aunt KC. We don't know if it was the orajel, or staying in his chair, or feeding him a little before we went, but thankfully, Colton was fantastic through dinner!!! When he got home, he hung out with the family for the night, even surviving the biggest scare of his young life (so far) when one of dad's birthday balloons got stuck in the fan in Colton's bedroom and caused the light fixture to come crashing down as he laid on the changing table!

Day 106

After waking up at 4AM (yikes!), Colton managed to sleep in until 8 which gave mom and Chipper a nice, lazy morning. Once up, the day proceeded as normal with Colton's morning trip to the JCC. Afteerwards, he decided to have a family swim day (minus dad who was, of course, at work) at Papa and Meme's house with Aunt Genna. Both boys loved splashing around in the pool, although Chipper was probably more excited just to be included in the day's fun! After a day of fun in the sun, Colton headed home to rinse off and get dressed for dinnner at 501 with Papa, Meme, Aunt Genna, mom, and dad. Papa must have jinxed the evening, telling the waitress how fantastic Colton is. Colton then proceeded to have quite the rough night out, being escorted outside by every member of the family at some point...oh well, at least he looked good!

Day 105

Happy Birthday Daddy! As implied, today was Josh's birthday and Colton woke up bright and early to get the celebration started! Unfortunately, daddy was not up and ready quite yet, so Colton waited patiently to give dad his gifts (a shirt from him and Chipper and a new putter from mom). After the gift giving, Dad went off to play some golf, so Colton and mom hit the JCC as usual and then came home to finish dad's cake. When dad got back from golfing, the whole family went out for a nice lunch together and then came home for family naptime. Colton must not have liked that idea, though, as he did not sleep for long. With him up, the family all got ready to go to dad's birthday cookout (well bbq) at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Colton stole the show from dad, but was very excited to get to celebrate his first of many birthdays with his dad.

Day 104

Colton was a busy boy today. He began his day with his trip to the JCC, then off to Target for his weekly errand, then made a trip to get his daddy's birthday gift, then shopping with mom and Aunt Genna, and finally he went with mom and Aunt Genna to meet Uncle Ryan for some lunch. After all that running around, Colton was exhausted and ready for a nap, which luckily gave mom time to make some goodies for dad's birthday tomorrow. At night, Colton got to spend more time with Aunt Genna, who came over to babysit while mom and dad went out to celebrate dad's birthday. Aunt Genna said Colton was fantastic, but unfortunately the same can not be said for his brother, who managed to destroy two of mom's shoes over the course of the night. Mom and dad returned home just in time to see Colton tucked in to his crib after his bath and bottle, and gave him a big kiss good night.

Day 103

Well, hot weather has returned to Virginia Beach meaning Colton is once again stuck inside. Luckily, he had a steady stream of visitors today. In the morning, Aunt Genna came over to bring him his newest outfits she had purchased for him. Can you tell we have one spoiled little baby on our hands? After she left, Colton went to the grocery store with mom and then came home to greet mom's friend, Katie, and her baby, Savannah, for a playdate. Colton did a very good job sharing his playmat with Savannah. She is two months older than Colton, and he watched in amazement at the things she was able to do: roll over, play with the toys on his mat, grab her feet. You could even see him trying to do the things she was doing. At night, Colton used his new knowledge and observations of Savannah to try out some new tricks: he rolled over from his back to stomach a few times (although now he can't seem to get back the other way!) and was grabbing at all the dangly toys on his mat and even putting them in his mouth. He must have learned a lot from Savannah today!

Day 102

Dad had today off to commemorate July 4th, so Colton got to spend an extra day with his whole family. Dad was a little sunburned from yesterday's adventures, so today Colton headed to Lynnhaven Mall with mom and dad to walk around. After afternoon naps, the family went to an early dinner at PF Changs. Colton had a great time at dinner, surpisingly seeing Uncle Ryan and Aunt KC while he was there and getting his first fortune cookie from the nice waitress. His fortune said, "you are the architect of your own future," which mom thought was very fitting for the little man!

Mom and dad have also determined that Colton is beginning the very fun process of teething. They read online that it will probably be another couple months before that first tooth makes its appearance, but it certainly explains all the drooling, fingers in the mouth, fussiness, and problems eating we have had for the last few days.

Day 101

Colton was super excited to celebrate his first Fourth of July! He woke up to take a nice walk with mom and Chipper, but proved how grown up he is becoming by sitting up in his stroller for the walk instead of having to use his car seat! After the walk, he got ready to head to the beach with mom and dad (!) to meet the Kletz side of the family for a day of jetskiing and boating. The boat was parked a little far away for Colton to safely make it out, so he spent most of his day laying in his sun hut and playing in the waves with mom and Aunt Genna. After a day of fun in the sun, he headed home for a relaxing dinner out with mom, dad, and Aunt Genna before going home to hear (but not see) some fireworks.

Day 100!

Colton started off his day at Grandma and Grandpa Hobbs's house where he had spent the night. Mom and Dad were anxious to get him home and see his happy face again, but were very thankful to have had a nice date night out! Once he got home, he was very busy entertaining the ladies while dad played some golf. Mom's friend Claire was in town from New York and came over to meet Colton, while Aunt Genna stopped by for a visit on her way in town as well. Colton was enjoying his lady attention so much that he decided to go swimming with them at Meme and Papa's pool. He is truly a water baby...floating, dipping, kicking!

At night, Colton met up with Uncle Jordan and Stephanie for some dinner and then brought them back to his house to hang out for a little bit.

Day 99

Colton had another wonderful summer day on his 14-week birthday! He spent the morning at the JCC babystitting, and then went back to the JCC later in the day to hang out at the pool with mom and Meme. He loved all the spray parts, especially the alligators that he could sit on. After a fun day at the pool, it was back home to prepare for his first sleepover at his grandparents' house (the Hobbs ones) while mom and dad had a date night.

Day 98

With cooler temperatures finally, Colton was able to take advantage of the beautiful weather today. After starting off the day with his typical trip to the JCC, he and mom went to meet mom's friend Kristina at the beach for his first visit. He loved putting his feet in the sand, dipping his tush in the waves, and sleeping away the day under his sun hut.

At night, Colton was also busy attending the One Hour cookout at Meme and Papa's to celebrate the record-breaking month! He was the star of the show before falling asleep in his bouncer to wind down the evening. Daddy even claims he could have won the best-dressed award for the evening if it had been given out!