Day 251

Well, we've got a smart one on our hands...Colton decided to play hooky from "school" today. Around 11 this morning, mom got a call from the babysitter saying Colton was very fussy with painful cries, so of course, she rushed over to get him and make a doctor's appointment. After getting him, though, it was quickly obvious that nothing was wrong with this baby boy. When they got home, he ate and then happily played with mom and Chipper. Mom took him to the doctor anyway, just to be sure, and she indeed confirmed baby boy is not sick! HMMM...maybe he wants mom to stay home from work as much as she wants to!

After the sick scare, Colton was lucky to get to open his first Hanukkah present from Meme and Papa since we will not be home tomorrow night to do so. He loved his swing, but was even more excited about the paper he got to play with afterwards!

Day 250

With frost on the ground, it was time for Colton to get bundled up in all his winter gear. He was not happy about all the layers, but sure did look like a cute little Michelin man! Luckily, the temperatures had warmed up by the time Colton left the babysitter's house for the afternoon, which may explain his particularly happy mood all evening. He giggled, babbled, and played with mom and dad all the way up to his bedtime and never lost his smile:)

Day 249

Whew!!! Colton had a stressful day watching the Steelers today who manage to never make it easy. To top it off, baby boy was only able to take one quick nap on Papa's shoulder, so he was exhausted during when he got home, and even went to bed early!

Day 248

Colton spent the night at his Meme and Papa's house last night with his Aunt Genna, so that mom and dad could meet a friend out. He woke up happy to play with them, but also anxious to get back to his mom and dad. Once home, he joined mom and dad for a day of shopping. Baby boy is getting very good at this whole shopping thing, after joining mom, Aunt KC, and Aunt Genna at the same thing the day before! Shopping wore the whole family out though, as mom and dad decided to spend the night in, and Colton seemed happy to have the extra time for playing and talking (he is quite the blabbermouth these days).

Day 247

HAPPY 8 MONTHS TO BABY BOY!!! At 8 months, Colton is quite the active, inquisitive little boy. He takes everything in and is beginning to babble constantly. Colton quickly gets wherever he needs to: the front door, down and back up our mini step, and over to his best friend, his brother Chipper. He continues to be a very happy baby, and we are very lucky to have him in our lives.

Day 246

Happy Thanksgiving...more importantly, Happy Colton's First Thanksgiving! It is amazing how much more excitement surrounded this holiday just because baby boy would be there to partake with us. And partake, he did...just take a look.
First, he started his day by sampling some of dad's Thanksgiving morning pigs in a blanket:

Then, he hung out with Aunt Genna, mom, Chipper, and Aunt KC as everyone prepped Thanksgiving dinner and tended to the two boys:

At some point, it was time for an impromptu fall photo session with the leaves dad was busy raking:

Finally, it was time to eat! Colton enjoyed trying turkey, sweet potato casserole (especially the marshmallows), mashed potatoes, and pumpkin cheesecake:

And finally, it was time to play in his wagon and visit with his many family members who were there to spend his first Thanksgiving with him
Overall, it was a fanstastic first Thanksgiving, one in which mom and dad were thankful to have been blessed with such a healthy, handsome, happy baby boy to share it and many more with

Day 245

Colton was so happy to get to leave the babysitter early today and kick off the Thanksgiving prep work with mom. He was so anxious to bee a part of it that he would barely even take his nap, and instead crawled around mom's feet, played in the refrigerator, and pulled the towels off the oven while mom was cooking. With the work behind him, he joined his Uncle Ryan and Aunt KC and Uncle Jordan and Aunt Stephanie out for dinner. He has decided that it was a great tradition and one that he wants to repeat next year, only this time with Aunt Genna there too and hopefully a cousin as well!

Day 244

Colton spent another day at the babysitter, who reported that he is developing quite the temper...hmmm!!! After getting home, he enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather by taking Chipper for a walk with mom. Once home, it was playtime with the family for a bit before hitting the sack. Colton's picture from today shows off his favorite new hobby: as soon as mom undresses him, he takes off crawling for the bathtub, anxious to get in...so cute!!!

Day 243

Another Monday, another day spent at the babysitter. Today's picture shows how Colton amuses himself while mom gets her lunch ready for school. That is our bread basket, and since Colton learned how to crawl and pull himself up, it is a fun toy for him. Sure beats chasing him out of Chipper's dog bowl all morning, so mom is happy to let him play.

Days 241 and 242

We apologize for the lack of post yesterday; mom's camera battery had died and needed to recharge before we could use it. Either way, Colton was a very busy boy and a very good sport yesterday, accompanying mom on her many Thanksigiving prep errands. After coming home and napping for a bit, he went over to Meme and Papa's house to meet their friends, the Bernsteins, and then came back home to join mom and dad for dinner at Gordon Biersch. Even with a 45 minute wait, baby boy was all smiles, even attempting to wave at the table of ladies next to us. Today, Colton woke up very excited that he was finally going to get to see the Steelers play again (the last 3 games have been at night, so he had to miss them). He even reached out to touch Ben Roethlisberger on the tv screen before the game! He met Uncle Ryan, Aunt KC, Meme, Papa, and even dad at AJ Gators for the game...a fantastic Steelers victory, and got to try his first french fries thanks to Aunt KC. After the game, it was home to spend some time playing with mom:)

Day 240

Colton was thrilled to have made it to Friday! He spent his day at the babysitter's house like usual before coming home to play with his new favorite toy: mom's phone! After playtime, it was off to dinner to meet Uncle Jordan. Colton had a great time, but was sure ready for bed by the time he got home.

Day 239

Colton was quite the needy baby today, although mom thinks he may just have been hungry the whole night. Either way, he refused (well, cried hysterically if it happened) to leave mom's side for the whole night. He did play with Chipper for a little bit, and got very excited when he heard his bath water running. And like I said, after he ate, he seemed to be in much better spirits, so hopefully he will be back to normal tomorrow!

Day 238

Not much to report, but another cute picture to share:) Colton did continue his quest through real food today, trying bologna for lunch, and liking it supposedly (although mom still can't quite figure out how he ate it). Other than that, he had a pretty uneventful but fun day.

Day 237

Colton had another good and busy day. He spent it at the babysitter's as usual, then at the JCC, and finally stopped by the grocery store with mom on the way home. The highlight of the day was his trying real macaronni and cheese for lunch! The babysitter claims he has officially made the move to big boy food, which is super exciting to mom, who can't wait to include baby boy in our meals and even order him things off the kids' menu (seriously...it doesn't take much to excite me)

Day 236

Colton was back in his regular routine today, and seemed quite happy about it! Luckily, he seemed to be feeling better as well. The babysitter reported that he was happy and crawling around and even had chicken nuggets for lunch! She was also super nice and had picked up Colton a present from Wal Mart this weekend...these Mum Mum crackers that he absolutely loves!

Day 235

Colton woke up bright and early today to leave Florida. He was sad to say goodbye to Papa and Doris, but is encouraged that they are thinking about coming to see him for his first birthday in March (crazy it's coming up so quickly!). Colton had a fantastic first flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Atlanta and then met Meme and Papa in the Atlanta airport before travelling with everyone from Atlanta to Norfolk. He was a very lucky boy and got to sit in first class with Meme and Mom to Norfolk, but surprised everyone there with a little throw up action before the flight even began (super!). He then spent the rest of the trip in just his diaper and shirt...real classy, huh?!? Once getting home, he was really happy to be with Chipper again, but also really tired from such a fun-filled weekend. He even had to go to bed at 6:15 he was so worn out...now let's just hope he sleeps the whole night!!!

Day 234

What a lucky boy Colton is...today Papa Sr. hosted a beautiful luncheon for him in Florida. Colton got to meet some of Papa's oldest and dearest friends and was quite enthralled with his great grandfather the entire time. Before the luncheon, Colton was happy to get a quick swim in. And after the luncheon, he headed down to Las Olas with Aunt Debbie, Uncle Tony, and Erin to check out the riverfront scene. He had dinner at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tony's condo with everyone before sadly saying his goodbyes to the Florida crew.

Day 233

Colton woke up, happy to still be in Florida. After relaxing for the morning, Papa and Doris came over to take him shopping at the Gulf Stream Race Track. He didn't really see anything to buy, but enjoyed being piled in the car with his whole family (yep, all 6 of us in one Ford Taurus...quite the sight!). After a little shopping, he came back with everyone to have lunch at Chippers. He really loved the place because it reminded him of his brother and because of the free popcorn! After lunch, it was back home for naptime. Colton spent his evening with his Aunt Debbie, Uncle Tony, Papa, and Doris who were nice enough to babysit so mom and dad could go have an adult night out with Erin, Drew, and Aunt Genna. He seemed to have survived the night:)

Day 232

Greetings from Florida!!! Colton arrived safe and sound, and very excited, today! He did a pretty fantastic job on his first flights. He slept for most of the flight from Norfolk to Atlanta, and then played for the trip from Atlanta to Ft. Lauderdale. When he arrived, he was so happy to see his Papa waiting in the baggage claim area for him. He had to show off for him right away by crawling around. After getting everything, it was back to Papa's house to see Doris, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tony, and even take a quick trip to see some of Papa's friends. Colton began to unwind after all this visiting, but took a quick nap on the way to dinner and then was back to normal! After dinner at Too Jays, Colton was quite the trooper and agreed to join dad, mom, and Aunt Genna at Erin and Drew's house so Dad could watch his football game. Colton LOVED Erin and Drew's dog, Zoe, constantly chasing after her and giggling at her when she barked (unfortunately I don't think the admiration was mutual!)

Days 230 and 231

Colton apologizes for no post yesterday. Mom's camera battery had died and with the upcoming trip to Florida, we wanted to make sure it would be ready for the trip. Colton has had a good couple days. He tried macaroni and cheese (well, the baby version) last night at home and even tried a grilled cheese sandwich today at the baby sitter's house, and she reported that he chewed it just like a big boy (we credited his family's keen eating skills for his natural talents). When Colton got home today, it was time to help mom pack for the trip. He is super excited to head down to Florida to see everyone, so if we are unable to update, that is where we are!!!

Day 229

Colton got another glowing report from the babysitter today, who is now convinced his bad mood last week was a result of his latest two teeth coming in. She was also proud to report that Colton successfully held his bottle...I'm telling you, he's a really quick learner! Once home, Colton had another big first...his first real bath not using his baby bath tub. Mom decided it was better to practice at home for the first time instead of when we arrive in Florida later this week (YAY!) and luckily Colton LOVED it. He was a little scared at first, but once he figured it out, he was splashing away

Day 228

Although Colton spent the bulk of his day at home, it was quite the productive day. He did not understand the concept of Daylight Savings Time, so he woke promptly at 5:30. However, after that, he was able to accomplish a couple things: 1. Colton is now standing. He can pull himself up to his knees with ease, but has only managed to pull himself all the way up a couple of times. When he is helped up, though, he can hold on and stand for a long time! 2. Colton finally figured out his sippy cup. Mom and dad have been giving it to him every night for awhile now, but it to this point, has just ended up being thrown to the floor repeatedly (fun game!). Tonight, Colton held it all by himslef and brought it up to his mouth for some lovely sips of apple juice...YAY!

Day 227

Hard to believe, but today was Colton's last football tailgate and game of the season. At least the weather seemed to respond as it was easily the coldest day young Colton has ever experienced! Luckily, he had his winter coat ready thanks to Meme and Papa, and an ODU hat ready thanks to the Moorheads (spoiled, spoiled baby!!!). Colton enjoyed the tailgate, game, and then dinner at No Frill with mom and dad on the way home. Once home, Colton played with everyone before turning in for the night.

Day 226

TGIF!!! Colton was very excited to leave the babysitter, who reported happily that he was back to his normal, cheerful self, and head home with mom for a weekend. He joined mom and dad for a nice dinner out at Maninos, where he was fantastic, especially considering it was well past his bedtime. Mom and dad knew it was time to go when baby boy pathetically tried to lay down and fall asleep in the high chair to no avail, but at least he never got fussy!

Day 224 and 225

Colton has been a busy baby, getting his way around the house with increasing speed and slowly getting back to his normal, good mood self! Last night, he was suprised with a visit by his great grandparents and Judy before going out to dinner with mom and dad quickly. Today, he came home to play with mom, dad, Chipper, and Chipper's toys before going to bed.

Day 223

Colton was not in a very good mood today, according to the babysitters anyway...hmmm, I guess everyone is entitled to a bad day every once in a while! After he was picked up, he had to join mom at the vet to pick up Chipper from his haircut and checkup. When home, he seemed to be in an ok mood, especially as he played with Chipper's water bowl.

Day 222

Colton was very excited that mom had decided to take today off, but was a little disappointed at how busy the day ended up being. He started the day off with his flu shot appointment. The only good thing is that he got to get weighed and now weighs in at a whopping 16 pounds, 12 ounces!!! After the shot, Colton took a short nap before joining mom at the grocery store. He happily played with Sophie while she shopped:) Then, it was over to Meme's while mom went and got her fillings done. Finally, Colton was able to come home and do what he had wanted to do all day: crawl and play. He is getting quite fast, able to dig his little hands into Chipper's water bowl, pull lamps off tables, and get stuck under his highchair in just a matter of minutes! In fact, here is a long-awaited video of Colton crawling: just click here