Happy 2nd Birthday, Colton

He's here!

John Corban

June 14, 2013 at 3:17

7 pounds, 12.5 ounces, 19 inches long.

 Colton, 23 months

 Molly, 8 years old

Victoria, 10 years old

Mother's Day

 Colton was so very proud of his flower (pronounced FLOWder). 

He carried it everywhere and insisted on packing it in his lunch box the next day.

Easter

 Too cool!

Christmas Morning

Colton is excited.  He just isn't sure why. 

Victoria got the tent she asked Santa for.... she was sure to specify that she would share it with the whole family. 

 Molly's make-up case.  (She asked Santa to build her one that had a mirror that automatically extended out of the case.  She also asked for a diary that you could swipe open with a key card.  He sent her a letter explaining that her requests might possibly be a good design to start on for future toys, but that it wasn't possible to get them created just for her this year.)

 Colton loved his truck even before it was put together!

Christmas Cheer

 Victoria plays at the Panama City Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

 Molly poses before singing in the Christmas Program at school.

Colton's first Christmas musical at Woodlawn.  Precious!

 Molly held the star of Bethlehem.

Victoria was Mary.  She took her part very seriously.  It was perfect.

Thankful For Daddy!

 We visited Joe at the fire station on Thanksgiving Day!  Colton loves playing with the big trucks.

Spooky?

First Day of School

Molly (2nd Grade), Colton (day care), Victoria (4th Grade)

Today was a big day.  Molly and Victoria were excited to get back to school and see their friends again.  Colton was headed to Woodlawn CDC to start his first year in "school".

Colton Turns ONE!

Notice the banner that his sisters made him!

Eleven Months

We took this "birthday" picture a little late.  Colton is actually 11 months and a week (or two) old in this picture. Between the date he turned 11 months and the date of this picture, Colton started crawling.  We had to MAKE him crawl.  The main motivation was my certain embarrassment if we showed up for the his 1 year old check up and he was not crawling.  I have most of the summer off of work, so the whole family decided to start Colton on our very own Crawling Boot Camp.  We started by sitting him on a hard surface (to discourage laying down) and teasing him with a very tempting, usually off-limits toy.  In his first session, it was a styrofoam cup and straw from Whataburger. He really wanted that straw! He made slow forward progress scooting forward on his bottom.  In the end, he preferred to lay down and reach.  He actually put a great deal of effort in NOT crawling.  He would stretch one arm forward while on his belly and move a little bit while he stretched.  Then he would move to the other arm and move a little bit more.  It was a bizarre swimming-type movement that to us seemed like a total waste of energy.  Joe said, "I have never seen anyone work so hard to not crawl." The next day, we encouraged more scooting (for the Wii remote) with measured success.  The real progress happened one evening when Colton finally decided to stop flopping on his belly.  The whole family cheered him on as he slowly inched forward using one foot out to the side while sitting on his bottom. When he reached his destination, we all erupted in applause.  Startled at first, Colton responded by clapping for himself and screaming.  It was so cute.  We made him do it several times that first night.  He liked our response more than the crawling, though so he stopped a lot to clap for himself even though he hadn't really gone anywhere.  So fun!

Ten Months

You can't tell by this picture, but Colton has one very big front tooth.  He uses it to crack Cheerios in half an drop the pieces on the floor.  It is very entertaining to watch.  We have been working on basic baby sign language. Colton has mastered the sign for "more" and uses it anytime he sees someone eating and wants some, too.  Colton is eating just about all table food with the exception of those allergy no-nos (like peanut butter and eggs).  He is still not crawling.  Victoria and Molly were late crawlers, too and that was fine by me. Colton pushes up when on his tummy, but then decides to roll/reach for stuff instead.  If all else fails, cry!

Nine Months

Eight Months

Colton is full of personality. He enjoys being around people and always has a smile for everyone who looks his way. He is very proud of his two bottom teeth.  I especially love the way he "makes eyes" and tucks his head in a bashful greeting.  Although he sits like a champion unassisted, he is showing no interest in crawling.  Who needs to crawl when everyone is so anxious to carry you?

Seven Months

Look at this precious baby!  Colton is all smiles these days and very vocal.  He has mastered eating baby food and just started rolling back and forth on the floor.  He still isn't moving across the floor but with all that wiggling, it seems that he won't be stationary for long.  By next month's update, Colton will likely have at least one bottom tooth.  Like his smile could get any cuter.

Six Months

Colton is six months old!  Can you believe it? I absolutely love this age.  He is very expressive, makes a lot of noise when he is happy (this is a nice departure from only hearing from him when he is angry), and is still super cute.  He has his check up next week, so I don't have any weight or height stats for you yet.  But here are the basics:

-no teeth yet
-eating solid food 3 times a day (he loves it, can't you tell?)
-wears size 3 diapers
-wears size 6 months clothes
-sits some with assistance
-rolls over from stomach to back (but not freely)

Colton found his feet a couple of weeks ago and really loves sucking on them. I tried to catch him in the act but he stopped when he saw my face.  I have that effect on men. OK, just him- but still.