Lisa, Andy, and Baby Colton

Two Monkeys!

2012-02-05T11:37:00.001-05:00

Life is going fast with the monkey heads. Some days do see to drag (when I'm home alone with them and no one wants to nap!), but for the most part we barely have time to stop and catch our breath.

Happy 6 Months, Sienna!

2012-01-14T08:34:00.001-05:00

Still Here!

2011-12-21T18:50:00.001-05:00

We are still here - but I couldn't email to our blog from my phone for awhile, hence the delay. Well, let's be honest - I have a 2 yr old and a 5 month old...time to blog is limited.

Go, Baby Legs!!

2011-10-12T13:40:00.000-04:00

Buddies

2011-09-21T15:24:00.000-04:00

Colton and his friend, Charlie, on the train at the zoo.

Sleep, Baby, Sleep

2011-09-17T08:18:00.001-04:00

Dear Sienna,

It's a good thing you are cute, because that's the only saving grace you have right now. I understand that newborns don't sleep very long, but at 2 months old, you are crossing the newborn threshold. With that in mind, 2 months of only sleeping 2-3 hour stretches is slowly breaking Mommy. Her brain is not functioning to its full capacity anymore. Please, please start getting regular 4 hour stretches, ok? That might save your mother from losing her sanity.

Thanks, Mommy

Life with a 2 Year Old

2011-09-05T15:10:00.000-04:00

Everyone tells me that 3 is actually harder. Really? Then I can hardly wait. Life has been busy, to say the least. Monkey Sam (a.k.a. Colton) does not slow down, and now with a new baby I an exhausted most of the time. Hence the lag in blogging. Please tell me something gets easier!!

Destructive Dan and Baby Sienna

2011-07-19T12:26:00.000-04:00

Looks like a little angel, doesn't he? Colton has actually been really good coping with all the new changes. But sometimes the terrible twos poke through the cool child and he exerts free will, which he is just learning exists. Most of the time we just call him "Destructive Dan" because he's starting throwing or smashing things just to see what happens. Most of the time we can curb it quickly, but it's usually the dinner tossing that gets to Mommy.

Daddy (a.k.a. Andy) has been working on our exterior garage/barn in the backyard to turn it into a nice workshop for him and eventually his car he's working on (that's currently in storage up north). Colton loves the garage and has started learning about Daddy's tools.

Meanwhile, Mommy and Sienna hang out inside the house with the air conditioning while we're going through this heat wave (and early baby + post-surgery recovery). I am supposed to be finishing my thesis in order to actually graduate the end of the month, but I find myself just staring at the baby a lot.

The blanket is from some co-workers of Andy - it came the day we got home from the hospital with her name embroidered on it. So sweet!!

Life as a Family of 4

2011-07-19T08:51:00.000-04:00

We are all adjusting to our life as a bigger family - it's going pretty well so far! Although I am still recovering from my c-section, so once I'm 100% everything will be even easier. Colton is cute with Sienna - he just says 'Baby, baby' around her. He likes to watch Mommy take care of her, but I don't think it's quite occurred to him she's going to be here the rest of his life! I will post more pictures soon...

Sienna Lane

2011-07-12T17:58:00.001-04:00

Sienna Lane VanZee, born 6:44am this morning. 6 lbs 13 oz, 21" long. Mom and baby doing great - Mommy went into labor but had c-section as Sienna was breech. She's early! 37 weeks and 1 day - original due date was Aug 1st, scheduled c-section was July 26. Someone had plans of her own!!

35 weeks down!

2011-06-29T13:03:00.001-04:00

Puddle Splashing

2011-06-21T11:45:00.000-04:00

Life

2011-06-11T15:05:00.001-04:00

We've been busy adjusting to summer life in Zionsville. We've been in the Indianapolis area one year, but this is the first summer in our new little town, and it's quite fun! Some nights we go downtown to Dairy Queen (for preggo momma) and then walk to the ballpark to watch little league. We've also found the farmers market, which was fun. Most of the time, however, we are at home on our 2 acres enjoying the yard. Colton absolutely loves being outside and it's so hard to get him back inside. Slowly we are cleaning things up and making it our own place, and we are even almost set on remodel/addition plans...though that will probably be awhile. But for now life is good!

Throwing Rocks

2011-06-04T12:01:00.000-04:00

Welcome Race Fans!!

2011-05-28T18:53:00.001-04:00

Mommy and Me

2011-05-16T08:42:00.001-04:00

Not the best, since he was eating at the time...

Hangin with Daddy

2011-04-20T08:58:00.000-04:00

19 Month Stats

2011-04-09T08:04:00.000-04:00

Colton had his 19 month appointment last week (although he'll be 20 months next week!), so here's where he's at:

Height: 34" (80% range)
Weight: 24.0 lbs (20% range)

According to most of my "informal" research (read: internet surfing), he should be about 6 feet tall when he matures. I'm trying to figure out if that means he'll tower over me when he's 13 and I'm trying to inflict teenage discipline on my son who will just look down at me and laugh.

He'll be moving up rooms to the next level at his school the first of May. So recent accomplishments are being able to correctly identify colors (well, 90% at least), pointing to correct body parts, pictures of animals/toys/etc). Speaking is still pretty non-existent - although the doctor assured me he was fine, because I can tell him (while in our room) to "Go get your shoes in the kitchen" and he does it with no problem. I guess comprehension is more important, but I sure would love to hear that little voice more! He is soft spoken when he does talk - he's got "Hi" down with the wave pretty well - we do that to every person and animal we see. He'll make a few animal sounds (cows, horses, cats, dogs). He'll repeat words to us when we say then occasionally - it really depends on his mood!

He's also learned to give me dirty looks when I suggest something that he finds appalling. It's hard not to laugh! Overall, he's a pretty good kid :-) He doesn't really understand the baby in Mommy's belly - but he thinks the size of my belly is hilarious, and loves to put his fingers in my ever expanding crater of a belly button.

Big Boy Bed

2011-04-03T12:45:00.001-04:00

We are starting the transition to the Big Boy Room and the Big Boy Bed. Right now he's only had a handful of naps in the big bed, but he loves his new room! Yes, it's a queen bed - but the thought process was first maybe a twin...but he'd probably outgrow that and we'd need a full size anyway. Well, why buy a new full bed when we have a perfectly good queen size that would've gone into storage? So, Colton gets a queen bed as a toddler. Ha.

Hanging Outside

2011-03-23T10:50:00.001-04:00

Colton loves being outside. So now that the weather is nicer, we are trying to take full advantage of it. I actually really enjoy grabbing a lawn chair and watching him run around - but I always have to get 2 lawn chairs out, because as soon as I set mine up...someone is already in it.

I love the zoo!

2011-03-17T20:31:00.001-04:00

Typical Days

2011-03-15T09:07:00.001-04:00

Finally, good weather!

2011-02-27T09:20:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics when our snow finally started to thaw last week and Nana came up to play with Colton.

Horse Show

2011-02-27T09:12:00.000-05:00

I had my first horse show of the season, and only my second show with my horse, Sawyer. I am determined to get in as many as I can before my belly gets too big to ride. I would love to actually get in some jumping, but based on the limited riding time I have, plus the ticking time bomb of my belly, that probably won't happen anytime soon. Anyway, some pics...

Rental Stroller

2011-02-20T13:06:00.002-05:00

The rental stroller was totally worth the $50! Delivered to our hotel, and picked up at hotel in a couple days. Colton tested it out and agreed.

Leaving, on a jet plane...

2011-02-20T13:04:00.002-05:00

This was around 6:45 this morning - shortly after boarding our flight to Orlando. Mommy and Daddy were up at 4:30, then got little piddle up at 5 to head to airport. He was actually such a trooper - no tears! Probably because Mommy forgot to tell him or even give him any hint that we were going to Florida on a big plane. I think he was shell shocked.

Luckily, Mommy and Daddy the pack mules made it to the airport on time with all our luggage. I was so proud I managed to get my stuff plus Colton's in one suitcase. Oh, but wait...did you know you get charged $50 if it overweight? Ok no biggie....but wait! Do you know you get charged another $50 for an oversized bag? So, $100 later, I don't know if it was really worth it. You'd have to ask my husband who toted it from car to airport, then airport to taxi, then taxi to hotel.

Will update more later! Just glad to be here in the sun :-)

Sent from my iPhone

Helping Daddy Shovel Ice

2011-02-13T18:37:00.001-05:00

Playland!

2011-02-11T20:25:00.001-05:00

This is an indoor showroom for playlets (and train tables and playhouses) that lets kids come and play for a fee. What a nice way to beat cabin fever!!

Winter Sucks

2011-02-04T13:31:00.000-05:00

I am so done with winter. I'm sure we all are in this area...but I'm starting to go stir crazy. One major reason is my maternity wardrobe isn't meant for this weather at all. I'm in that lovely stage (14.5 weeks) where I don't look pregnant, just like I ate too many cookies. But it's enough if I wear something form fitting, I look funny, but maternity shirts are too big. But, the few sweaters I have for this temperature are too small, and again the maternity ones are too big. Not to mention it's difficult to wear cute heels when there's ice everywhere and you're pregnant. Ugh.

On a good note...I am in the second trimester and feeling 1,000 better. Now instead of nausea I just have to eat every 2 hrs, and I don't have to nap everytime Colton does anymore. Although I think Andy misses that on the weekends!

Our next big adventure is a family trip to Orlando near the end of February. My current obsession is figuring how much stuff I can pack to 1) make my child happy, 2) not piss off my husband who has to cart it through the airport, and 3) ease mommy's mind.

Will keep you posted on that.

Drink?

2011-01-22T14:28:00.000-05:00

Baby #2

2011-01-22T14:18:00.000-05:00

We are officially expecting baby #2, sometime around the 1st of August 2011. Our little family is growing! I am hoping to be more regular on the blog updating...but it is tough with a toddler and being in school and teaching. I know, excuses excuses. I can't imagine when I have two! More later...

New Discoveries (a.k.a. Climbing)

2011-01-16T21:34:00.001-05:00

11 Step Program for Parents (before having kids!)

2011-01-09T20:22:00.000-05:00

Lesson 1
1. Go to the grocery store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home.
4. Pick up the paper.
5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2
Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.
Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3

A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4

Can you stand the mess children make? T o find out...
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5

Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6

Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.
Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7

Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8

1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson 9

Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10

Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11

Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

First Snow!

2010-12-10T11:23:00.000-05:00

Belated Halloween

2010-12-10T10:36:00.000-05:00

So I just discovered these pictures on our camera from when Grandma and Grandpa came and took Colton to his Halloween party at his little school (Andy and I were closing on the house at the same time).

Enjoy!

Cabinets

2010-11-29T18:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-22T16:18:00.003-05:00

We are still here, it's just getting harder to keep updating with text -- pictures are easy from my iPhone! Text, not so much...

Anyway, Colton is doing great - walking like crazy, and starting to talk. He's been using "Mama" and "Dada", but I can't pinpoint any other exact words he uses on his own, but he mimics us when we say things. Then today, he clearly pointed at a dog and said, "Daahh." So maybe he's got it and Mommy just doesn't pay close enough attention.My brain seems to have lost a lot of its old capacity after childbirth.

We are settling into the new house, and Colton loves being outside with the kitties. We spend a lot of time chasing them around the yard, and the cats are both attention-starved and smart, so they let him get within reach before darting a couple feet away, and the pattern repeats. We're enjoying the new area, too, with nice little parks, restaurants, etc.

We're starting to see a lot more of Colton's personality emerging...and I think he has some obvious traits from both of us. His short patience level and frustration are typical for a toddler, but he quite resembles his mom when he furiously chucks a toy across the room after it won't cooperate immediately. I know the feeling. In public, he usually takes on his father's reserved persona, opting to stand back and watch everyone instead of being right in the middle of the action or trying to attract attention. Well, except at restaurants - then he hams it up with everyone - which must be his mother's social butterfly side coming out. But usually at school or his Gymboree classes, he's off to the side observing and taking it all in.

Our little family will be heading to Dallas for Thanksgiving to see my sister and their new addition, along with a lot of extended family members I don't get to see often! But, the kicker is Colton is still a lap child on the airplane, so that'll be a trick! Andy is REALLY excited about the flight.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Say 'Cheese'!

2010-11-08T16:28:00.001-05:00

Colton is quickly learning the way of the iPhone camera and saying 'cheese'!! I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon.

Out for a stroll

2010-10-27T15:57:00.000-04:00

Halloween Party 04

2010-10-22T20:17:00.000-04:00

Halloween Party 03

2010-10-22T20:16:00.001-04:00

Halloween Party 02

2010-10-22T20:15:00.000-04:00

Halloween Party 01

2010-10-22T20:14:00.001-04:00

Moving, again.

2010-10-22T15:19:00.000-04:00

We bought a house! I hesitated posting this, since we don't actually close till next Friday, but rather quickly our current landlord found new tenants for our rental house, so we'll be out of it by November 5th. If you're calculating - that's 1 week to stage a move. Yikes! Anyway, the house is above - it's on 2 acres, and not really much to look at now, but we bought with big ideas in mind. The lot is perfect, and Andy and I have already started with remodel/addition plans. So in a few years it'll be even better. And it's only 5 miles from our current location.

Meanwhile, everything else is picking up speed. I am deep mid-semester in school, and Andy will be finishing his last semester in December. So beyond school and work and being with the little kid, we don't do much else. I'm pretty sure Andy is looking forward to being done with homework at night and on the weekends, as he's been doing it for almost 3 years now.

Tonight we are headed to Gymboree Play & Music for a little Halloween party for Colton. Hopefully, I will have some pictures to share!

Let the Climbing Begin

2010-10-20T13:57:00.001-04:00

Pumpkins!

2010-10-09T15:38:00.000-04:00

Octoberfest

2010-10-09T15:37:00.001-04:00

Sucks Being Sick

2010-10-08T16:17:00.000-04:00

Colton caught some sort of 24 hr (I hope!) stomach bug, which has caused me to do more laundry in 12 hr period than I've ever done. I don't know if he's over it yet, but it's been interesting trying to keep a sick child happy, yet not too active. Also interesting trying to not let him gobble food down, because he's hungry and doesn't understand why Mommy is rationing him. Ok have to go now.

More Sick Day

2010-10-08T16:12:00.000-04:00

Sick Day

2010-10-08T16:11:00.000-04:00

Camping with Hello Kitty

2010-09-26T14:30:00.000-04:00

Slide Daredevil

2010-09-26T14:29:00.001-04:00

Mr. Bunny

2010-09-24T19:12:00.000-04:00

Colton has a "lovey" - his name is Mr. Bunny (coined by me) and he originally came from Grandma Rosie from the hospital gift shop when Colton was born.

Fast forward a few months and I learned that Colton had become attached to Mr. Bunny, because I think he could grasp him easily. And he liked to suck on his ears. So Nana found Mr. Bunny 1.0 at the hospital gift shop and now we have had a back-up bunny, just in case.

Fast forward several more months and I am realizing that the two Mr. Bunnies are not going to last that far into Colton's childhood at the rate he's going with his daily abuse on Mr. Bunny.

Low and behold, I finally found a place online that I could order more Mr. Bunnies. It literally took me over three weeks to track a place down - I think his particular version comes from London and isn't being made anymore!

My first attempt was the wrong size (a giant Mr. Bunny that perplexed Colton first, then was quickly dismissed as ridiculous). But today the two smaller versions came. Whew.

Tea Party with the Bears

2010-09-23T09:15:00.000-04:00

Nana comes to visit

2010-09-12T14:23:00.000-04:00

White River Gardens

2010-09-05T12:24:00.001-04:00

Ball Caps

2010-09-05T12:24:00.000-04:00

Update!

2010-08-31T19:49:00.000-04:00

"School" is going much better every time - today was his best yet! He ate almost all of his lunch (save for the fish sticks), and napped consistently (he had been waking up briefly after an hour then sleeping again). He still cried when I left him, which sucks. But today Daddy picked him up - and he cried then, too. Apparently, he's also gotten attached to a teddy bear at school and won't let anyone else hold it. His lovey, Mr. Bunny, only makes appearances at naptime, so apparently Colton found a stand-in for the rest of the time.

The greatest thing for me today was not only did Daddy pick the little kid up (and early, too, since I was worried about the teacher switch around 5:30!), he also fed him dinner and had dinner made for us when I got home around 6 pm. What a nice change up! Although, I learned how hard it is to get home at 6 pm and put the kid down at 7:30...feels like you get no time at all with him.

I can't remember if I ever followed up on his 1 year stats, but he's 31" and 19.6 lbs. Still 90th percentile for height and 5th percentile for weight. But he's eating great at home, and loves fruits and vegetables.

And that's all I've got for tonight.

Sent from my iPhone

Sent from my iPhone

Ice Cream!

2010-08-31T19:46:00.000-04:00

I took Colton out for ice cream on Monday, a little treat he's not had much of. Although the first bite was met with apprehension, he discovered it was actually wife enjoyable! And no, he did not eat that whole dish.

Daycare Update

2010-08-24T21:52:00.000-04:00

So today went better! We really stuck to the school schedule over the weekend to help the transition, and I think it paid off. Colton didn't pass out before nap time, he made it and then was the first to go down. The teachers discovered he loves to color and draw, both with markers and crayons, and they asked me if he did that a lot at home.

Um, no, I hadn't tried yet. At what age will they not eat the crayons? But anyway, he loved it and I'm thrilled! He may have learned a bit from his cousins (thanks Ava and Livi!!), so we'll be investing in some kid crafts soon.

He didn't eat lunch again, and one was his favorite (green beans!), so I'm hoping that will pass soon. Andy came with me to pick him up around 4:45, as he will be picking him up one night a week while I'm commuting. We walked in the classroom and guess where Colton was? Passed out! The teacher said he fell asleep in the middle of the floor around 4:15, so they put him on his little cot and let him sleep. Poor kid must have been exhausted.

So we got home and he ate dinner happily...then vomited it all back up. Not sure if he stuffed too much in or gagged himself, but he doesn't seem sick...so, hmmmm.

Anyway, I am feeling better about the situation, and enjoying being a professional again, but both Colton and I still cry when I drop him off. Does that get easier? Hope so. I look forward to being with him all day tomorrow, and suddenly our time together means so much more.

Sent from my iPhone

The Great Outdoors

2010-08-23T16:02:00.000-04:00

My Boys at the Farm

2010-08-21T12:09:00.000-04:00

I have officially moved Sawyer closer to me - he's now a little north of me (about 20 minutes) and I'm pumped to be able to ride again. He was previously being leased this summer while we made the move, but that's over now. Colton came with me to check on him settling into his new home.

Snackin' like a big kid

2010-08-20T16:26:00.000-04:00

Colton enjoying a snack at home. Operation Daycare was a little tougher today. Colton cried when I left. So I cried too. Then he was fine until he got tired - our 2 to 1 nap transition has been a little rough, since around 9:30 or 10:00 he gets tired. But, naptime isn't until 11:30. So apparently he fell asleep in the teacher's arms for a 15 min cat nap. Then he didn't want to eat lunch. Then he didn't want to nap when the other kids were. So I picked him up and took him home. Let's hope next week gets better.

Daycare Drama

2010-08-19T09:54:00.000-04:00

The "drama" in the title doesn't really refer to Colton - more to me, Mommy. We started going to his little school this week, and he'll be going 3x a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday). So on Tuesday we went in at 8:30, stayed until about 10:00am. I left him alone for approximately 3 minutes when I walked out of the room to use the restroom. He cried. My heart melted.

Today, I took him around 8:40, and the group was outside on the playground. So he played with a few balls, looked at the teachers, and seemed content. I kissed his little head and made an exit right in front of him at 8:50am. I cried in the car.

And then approximately 20 minutes later (9:10, for those that are counting), I called the school to check on him. They said he was doing great. He cried a little when they left the playground (teacher said due to the transition usually) and then at that point he was happily having his snack eating at the table with the other kids.

I went to the dry cleaner, the bank, the grocery store. It's now 9:50 and I'm not sure what to do. I am actually going back to get him before lunch and nap, we'll tackle that hurdle tomorrow.

And maybe someday I might actually leave him for the entire time we're paying for :-)

Birthday Party

2010-08-15T22:16:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Colton!!

2010-08-12T09:12:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy morning already! I made Colton his favorite breakfast (blueberry waffles and fresh raspberries), and then he got in a little work time on the keyboard. Yesterday he opened a couple gifts from Mom and Dad (the wave drum - which rattles, although it does look like a frisbee), and a tunnel to play in.

Andy is actually in Chicago for his birthday and Colton's, so our birthday celebrations have been a little bit all over the place! But we are looking forward to Colton's party this weekend! More pictures to come for that....we plan today to go to the Children's Museum!

And for perspective....here's a year ago.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!

2010-08-11T12:05:00.000-04:00

Photo Shoot

2010-07-26T11:02:00.000-04:00

I won't post all the pictures yet...as some of you will be receive actual photos (collages and retouching, too!), so I don't want to spoil ALL of it...but here's a preview!

It was quite a trip with Colton at this age - totally different experience than the last 2 photo shoots. He really thought the props off the side of the background were the coolest, and he really didn't see the point in sitting still. Natalyn was perfect - I was hoping Colton would take a hint from her, but not so much. Nancy and I were worn out by the time we finished! Actually, I think I said, "I'm finished!" before the photographer did.

But overall they turned out great - will share the rest later. I can't believe almost a year has gone by!!

Busy Bee

2010-07-23T08:47:00.000-04:00

Swimming in the Lake

2010-07-14T08:51:00.001-04:00

Colton and I spent a night at the lake last week with my parents to
camp and sail. Although it rained most of the time, there was a break
long enough for us to get on the boat and then jump in the water.
Colton enjoyed it, though it was hard to capture that on camera!

4th of July

2010-07-05T11:33:00.003-04:00

Waiting for the show to begin.

And then it starts! With a little too much smoke, too close to bedtime for little people. Thanks, Daddy!! Mommmy really enjoyed it :)

Friends

2010-07-05T11:16:00.000-04:00

The Morgan family came over yesterday for a little kid fun - they were so fun to watch together! We started off at our house, with a cookout and some playtime. Colton doesn't spend a lot of time with other kids yet, so he was intrigued with Drew and Alivia.

We then went to the park near our house (mentioned previously) and had some fun in the water part. Colton is a water bug, and is thrilled to sit in the tub or anywhere else and kick legs splashing. I don't know that Drew was quite as convinced, but Colton did his best to show him how it was done

Then we demonstrated our kicking skills for everyone else. And I figured I'd include a shot with me - not the most flattering, but to prove I do still exist.

Messin' Around

2010-07-05T10:52:00.000-04:00

Playing at the Park

2010-07-01T16:48:00.001-04:00

Out and About

2010-06-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

We have been in Indianapolis for about three weeks, I think. Life is beginning to become a little more routine and normal. Andy is enjoying his new job, and Colton and I venture downtown to meet him for lunch about once a week. On weekends we relish our family time - this photo is from a park really close to our house. There's actually a water/splash part and a playground and a nature trail, this photo doesn't really do it justice. Bu I thought it was cute of my boys...despite the fact that Colton is tired here and Andy complains the stroller isn't ergonomically correct for people of his size. Oh and I think I was complaining about the heat...but hey, at least we're out and about!

Our house in Logansport has sold...more or less. It still has to go through the inspection today, which hopefully will go well! We should close mid-July, which is great things went so quickly! We still have to move stuff to a storage unit, so it doesn't quite feel official yet to me. But we are all enjoying the big city - Colton and I are headed to a little kid music class tomorrrow, and I found a wonderful early education school/daycare near our house for the fall. Colton will start going 3 days a week, while I commute back to West Lafayette to finish school.

Life is good!!

Mealtime Mayhem

2010-06-24T17:21:00.001-04:00

We have quite the little eater on our hands...although I have to admit, it's very tiring for the mom. He used to eat anything, but now that he mainly finger feeds, he will only accept a spoon feeding occasionally. Namely if he's really hungry because I've starved him...or if it's something he particularly likes (i.e. yogurt is really the only thing that falls in this category).

This has all caused mealtime to become something of a crapshoot. Sometimes things go great, sometimes not so much and I can do nothing to satisfy the patron, no matter what kind of exciting new choices or old standbys I offer. We might eat toast like crazy for 3 days in a row, and then the 4th day be completely appalled that I would even offer it.

Either way, he's still cute when he eats, with meticulous precision.

Catching Up

2010-06-24T17:14:00.000-04:00

I am trying to catch a few pictures up...since I've neglected things ever since 1) Colton has become more active and is awake more often, and 2) We've moved.

This was back from April and my birthday. All I can think looking at this picture is...when on earth do we get to quit wearing bibs?!?!

And moving on...this was a Mother's Day shoot for the grandmas:

Swinging at the Neighborhood Playground

2010-06-23T07:31:00.000-04:00

Traveling

2010-06-18T22:07:00.000-04:00

This was our trip to Oklahoma for my niece's wedding. Little kid did
great, but this week has been hell getting back on a schedule! More
later, I promise.

Catching the Cat

2010-06-09T16:04:00.000-04:00

Chasing the Cat

2010-06-09T16:03:00.000-04:00

New Experiences

2010-06-02T22:26:00.001-04:00

This is Colton playingin his new room. The little guy has been a heck
of a trooper with our move and all the changes! He's not super
convinced about his new room, so I keep trying to make sure he has
ample play time in there. He loves pulling off all his books and
looking through them. It's so fun to watch. He flips the pages and
touches the pictures, and then inevitably starts his babble talk of
'Baaa 'baaa ba baa baa ba ab ab ba ba...'

Learning Drawers!

2010-06-01T12:46:00.000-04:00

Splashing Video

2010-05-25T11:31:00.001-04:00

Summer Days

2010-05-24T08:55:00.001-04:00

New Adventures

2010-05-17T07:55:00.000-04:00

Andy, Colton and I will be moving to Indianapolis! I've neglected the
blog because we have so much going on right now, but I promise I will
be back with regular updates soon! Especially seeing as how active the
little kid is becoming and he delights me everyday. This pic was take
on a nice day on the back porch playing with the kitties, who he adores!

Oh, Baby, Run!!

2010-05-01T21:31:00.001-04:00

Well, I'll start off by saying I attached a picture to this from my phone, but it isn't showing up.

But, anyway...there was a 5K run today ("Oh, Baby, Run!" - for the hospital foundation) and we all participated. Andy said it started at 8 am, so were awake around 6:30 (after a long night with Colton, which found Andy on the sofa and me sharing the bed with the peanut. Not ideal...and this rarely ever happens! My back and neck hurt and I slept like crap). And by 7:30am we were all dressed, fed, and out of the house.

Parking was a breeze, and barely anyone was there. Why? Oh, because the race starts at 10:00am. Not 8:00am. I could've strangled my husband.

So we packed back up, went home, and fed the kid a proper breakfast. Then we reorganized, loaded back into the car, and drove back. Colton fell asleep in the stroller by 9:50am, so I was doing laps up and down the starting line to keep him asleep. Race began, and we all took off.

Somehow, our little family cleaned up! Andy has been running in preparation for the mini-marathon in Indy next weekend, but it was exciting (and a little surprising - sorry, Andy!), that he took first in his age division. He joked that just proved there were no males between 31-35 living in Logansport. But seriously, there were others in his division.

I, somehow, got a 2nd place in my age division of walkers, and then placed 3rd for the strollers. And you know what the prize for the stroller win was? A manicure!! How sweet is that?!?! That made the 7:00am fiasco all worth it. Oh, and Colton placed first in his age division. Actually, he slept the entire ride and woke after the finish line.

I busted my butt in the race, because as we were getting ready to start - my husband whispers to me "They said do good with the stroller because the prizes are really good!". And I laughed, thinking - whatever, I don't even have a jogging stroller and there are probably some pretty serious baby pushers here that actually run. I've made a few laps around the neighborhood in honor of nap time, but....

I was also wearing my new "Easy Tone" Reebok shoes - thanks, Mom! - in hopes of lifting my baby butt while pushing my stroller load. And somehow, I found my competitive streak that I've never had before. Looking around, I figured I could take some of these moms. And so I pushed hard and my finish time was 42 minutes, while wearing my toning shoes, pushing my 16 lb child in his 10 lb stroller (diaper bag included).

And then after receiving our prizes, our little family stopped by Sonic and celebrated with foot long chili cheese dogs to cancel out any hope of actually being healthy. It was a good day!

The Zoo

2010-04-20T21:22:00.001-04:00

We went to the Indianapolis Zoo today. Colton slept through most of
it...although he was amused by the cell phones in the dolphin show.
Not the dolphins, of course, but everyone taking cell phone pictures.
Andy and I enjoyed the animals, then Colton woke up and he got to see
the fish. He thoroughly enjoyed those, tho!!

Happy Birthday to me!!

2010-04-16T10:44:00.000-04:00

Swinging

2010-04-06T16:33:00.000-04:00

Sent from my iPhone

Happy Easter!! (and late Merry Christmas)

2010-03-31T21:30:00.003-04:00

Colton has had a couple busy days this week! First, in honor of the upcoming Easter weekend, Grandma Rosie brought by his Easter basket when she watched him on Monday. He loved all of it - but especially the plastic wrapping! There was a cute hate around the basket, but apparently he's going to need to grow a bit before then!

Then Pappa Dave came by with some Easter goodies, which Colton enjoyed, as well. Although, once again, he really appreciated the packaging materials the gifts came in.

And lastly, some belated Christmas gifts from his Aunt Courtney and Uncle Jeff arrived, which unfortunately we got a little too close to bedtime with...so he admired them (sorry, kiddo!!) through the packaging and then was whisked off to bed by Mom. Perhaps tomorrow he can appreciate those a bit more (yay for Buzz Lightyear! Maybe Mommy and Daddy will crack him open tonight!!)

Growing Babies

2010-03-27T17:20:00.002-04:00

I was always told how fast babies grow, but I never really understood
until I had one of my own. Literally, it's something new every single
day. It thrills me and makes me sad all at the same time. I am trying
to enjoy every minute, but I can't help think about what happens when
he will no longer want to nurse...when he won't need me to put his
shoes on...when he won't need me to check the temperature of his food
and bathwater.

On the flip side, it's so exciting to watch his little personality
emerge, and to watch him think so hard while playing with his toys. I
can't wait to see the person he will become.

Although, I guess they are always your babies, right?

Working Hard

2010-03-24T16:48:00.005-04:00

Colton decided to help Daddy with a memo at his computer. That or they are chatting online with Colton's future girlfriend, I'm not really sure what they were doing...

Laughing Video

2010-03-23T21:44:00.001-04:00

Sent from my iPhone

Beach Walk

2010-03-18T09:42:00.000-04:00

Colton and I braved a walk on the beach this morning. You can see it's
obviously not super warm, but at least the sun is out today! I think
he liked the sound of the ocean, as he went to sleep right after this
picture. It probably sounds better than the fake ocean sound I used to
play for him. He probably thought, 'Oh! That's what that garbled sound
is supposed to be!'.

Anyway, we leave tomorrow, with a stop in Georgia to see my friend,
Janice. Actually, it's more like to see her new baby, Austin. Sorry,
Janice and Bob, but soon you'll see that no one really looks at the
parents anymore...just the baby. I think maybe 2 people have made eye
contact with me this trip out of the 50 or so that have talked to
Colton.

And those 2 were my parents!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T18:16:00.000-04:00

Little kid is hamming it up. He's already scored free beads and a glow
necklace!

Spring Break

2010-03-17T16:50:00.001-04:00

Colton and I flew to Florida to meet my parents for spring break. It's
a bit chilly, but we're having fun so far! It's just the two of us in
the hotel, since Daddy had to work. My parents are actually about a
half mile down the beach in their RV, which we'll be riding home in.
Colt dud great on the flight and is overall loving the excitment of
new sights and sounds. More to come...

He Likes It! Mikey Likes It!

2010-03-13T11:20:00.000-05:00

Some dinner time fun...Colton got fresh asparagus last night. As mentioned, I have been making my own baby food - so since Andy and I were eating it, I tried some for him. I was prepared for an unhappy face...but he loved it (the white stuff is rice I mixed it with). Actually, we have quite a good little eater on our hands. I think he takes after his father...

When I cook something, Andy will tell me how it is (if it's too bland, to dry, needs salt, etc), but he'll still inhale the food whatever it is. I can't think of anything I've made that he hasn't eaten.

Colton appears to be the same way. The first bite might get a slight reaction - then after that it really doesn't matter what it is. He also has eaten everything I've ever offered him. Hmmm.

We are working on the pincer grasp - so little kid gets a few Puffs after dinner to practice with. Actually, that's probably the one food he doesn't care for, and the only thing he DOESN'T try to put in his mouth.

Dump Trucks

2010-03-09T22:49:00.000-05:00

Thank you Dave and Terry for the little truck for Colton! He loves it already - as noted in the video. Here are some additional pictures:

Despite what it looks like, he cannot actually mount up yet. Those were carefully timed shots with Mommy in arm's reach. And yes, I am still surprising him when I leave the flash on. Poor kid.

Pooh Bear

2010-03-09T22:38:00.000-05:00

So I have become one of those parents that posts 3,042 pictures of their kid in the same 5 seconds. Oh well, it was bound to happen. As I looked at these pictures (and took them), I couldn't narrow down which ones to post because I thought they were all so cute. Of course, I am biased, but I don't see that ever changing. Ha.

Anyway, this occurred the other day when I was determined to go for a walk in the 50 degree sunshine and get out of the house. I *think* Colton wanted to, as well...but he was busy playing with his toys as I got the stroller ready. So I tried on his little hat before packing us up (he usually wears hoodies in the car, so I didn't know if this hat would still fit his little noggin). And then I crammed it on his head while he played. He really could've cared less about the hat or going on a walk, but I was so smitten I had to take pictures. Which surprised him in some of the shots. Then he ignored me.