Summertime and the livin's easy

Wow I can't believe it's already August. Where does all the time go? We have had a fabulous summer so far. Here are a few of the highlights.

May: Trip to Arizona

June: We spent a week in Lake Powell with Kristopher's family. We had so much fun!

On the last day I woke up with horrible pains. I ended up staying a few days in the hospital and having my gallbladder removed. This cute little picture was taken while I was gone having some test taken.

July:

4th of July was spent in Bear Lake. My father in law got a beautiful cabin for the weekend. We spent a lot of time relaxing, playing games and eating way too much food.

July 24th: This was my official first July 24th in Utah. We started the day with the big parade. Colin really enjoyed it, but got scared when the motor cops would make their sirens loud. We then had a family BBQ which was a lot of fun. And we finished the night with fireworks. It was a great day spent with our family!

Somewhere in all of this, Colin had his 9 month checkup.

His stats:

Height: 27 1/2 inches (25%, Yay for a growth spurt!)

Weight: 16 LBS 13 Oz. (Less than 5%)

What Colin is up to these days:

Standing on everything

Crawling up the stairs

Yells "MA MA" to get my attention.

Eats his purees still, but I'm feeding him more and more table food

FINALLY got his first tooth. He is no longer our little toothless wonder.

He makes this funny face where he squints his eyes and has this goofy grin.

Still gives lots of kisses

Claps anytime you say to clap, sing patty cake, or say YAY

Loves to give high fives, bonk his head against yours, and waves bye bye with both hands. He hasn't realized yet that one hand is all it takes.

He is so much fun right now. We are loving his little personality and love watching him learn new things. We are getting to go to Mesquite for Kristopher's grandparents 50th wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks. Then the end of August we will be in Orlando for a couple of weeks seeing my parents. I am going to be so sad when summer comes to an end! And here's his 10 month shot since that's where he's at now.

Arizona Trip

We had such a blast in Mesa! We were able to go out for our dear friends wedding. The Deckers have been lifelong family friends. Our moms became best friends in their teens and now I think, they think, of themselves as sisters. It's always so fun to be with the Decker family. Many have added spouses and kids now, so it's becoming quite the party when we get together. I ate so much while I was there. The food in Mesa is AWESOME! Colin had is first experience in a pool, which he loved! It's fun to get to be with my parents and sister. We don't get to see them often enough and Colin just adores them! Thanks everyone for a fun fun time. We missed you Rachel!!! Congratulations on your precious little boy! I can't wait to meet him. I hope our sons became as good of friends as we are!

Congrats Ben and Katie!

At the Mesa Temple

We love Elizabeth and Claire

Colin loves the pool

At the Hoover Dam

6 Months

So the fact that Colin will be 7 months this week, and I'm just now getting to his 6 month post, should tell you how busy my month has been. I will get to all of that on the next post and just focus on my little guy's first and only HALF birthday.

The Stats: 6 1/2 Months

Height: 25 and 1/8th inches (10th percentile)

Weight: 14 Lbs 8 oz (5th percentile)

HC: 45.4 Cm (75th percentile)

Mr. C is changing and growing faster and faster these days. One day I'm surprised and shocked by a new little trick and the next day it's something completely different. Slow down son! So these days he's..

* Sitting up all by himself (for the most part). He's more interested in scooting and rolling all over that he rarely will just sit.

* Scooting and Rolling EVERYWHERE. I was hoping to hold off the baby proofing a bit longer, but this boy can get anywhere he is wanting to.

* Got his first hair cut.

* Spitting up MIGHT be getting better. Every time I start to think it might be gone, he goes through a period of time that it is so bad. Hence the might.

* Has quite the giggle box.

* "Talks" nonstop. He is rarely awake and just quiet. In fact he talks in his sleep. We will be driving and I will hear him just babbling away. I think he is wide awake, but then look back at him and he is (not so) sound asleep. He almost has Da da da da down. Or some form of that..

* Loves the Ladies. The older, the better. Whenever we are in public he always gets swarmed by old ladies, and he will just put on the biggest show for them.

* Still chewing on that index finger.

* Started to like his pacifier. I'm hoping it's just since he's teething, but it does keep that finger out of his mouth. Which keeps from gagging himself.

* Tried peas, carrots, oatmeal, green beans, avocado, bananas, apples, pears, and sweet potatoes. He is a really good eater and likes just about everything I've given him. He is weirdly obsessed with green beans.

* So good at cuddling. He loves a good cuddle, and has no problem finding someone to cuddle him.

*Loves books.

Fun with Friends

Loves to cuddle Grandpa

Every month I say "this is my favorite month". I have loved the 6 month! I love seeing his little personality start to form. Kristopher and I are loving every minute of being his parents.

I love the Birthday Boy!

Happy Birthday Kristopher!

I can go on and on at any given moment about my amazing husband, but his birthday is the perfect moment to do so. Kristopher, I wanted to give you 24 "loves" on your 24th birthday...

1. I love that you make me laugh ALL the time.

2. I love that you always open the car door for me. It's the little things that make me feel so special.

3. I love when you talk in your sleep. It really entertains me during my nights of insomnia.

4. I love that you are so hard working.

5. I love that you have goals and direction for yourself and our family.

6. I love that even though you know I will not cave in and get another puppy, you still look online and email me your favorites.

7. I love that you always have my best interest in mind.

8. I love that you change Colin's dirty diapers with your shirt over your nose.

9. I love that you dig older women. Well, one in particular.

10. I love that even though you get up at 5 every morning, you get up before me on your days off to make me breakfast or clean the house.

11. I love that you come in to kiss me goodbye every morning before you leave.

12. I love hearing your made up songs you sing to Colin when you're getting him ready.

13. I love that you know every word to "I wanna dance with somebody" by Whitney Houston.

14. I love that you call Charlie our "son".

15. I love seeing you work so hard with the priests. They are so lucky to have you serve with them.

16. I love how you always let me have the window seats when we fly.

17. I love hearing you pray.

18. I love that you always call your mom just to see how her day was and what she's up to.

19. I love that you let me win at mario cart, and try and play it off that you really didn't.

20. I love that everyday you tell me I'm beautiful and what a good mom I am. It means more to me then you'll ever know.

21. I love how much you love being a dad, and how great you are at it.

22. I love that you make me want to be a better person, because you are such a wonderful example.

23. I love that you asked for my number.

24. I love spending every day with you as your wife, and know that I get to be for all of Eternity.

Happy Birthday my LOVE!

Going Private

I've been dreading this, but feel that it is time to make my blog private. We would love for you to continue reading our blog! Leave me a comment with your email or you can email me at libbykreider@hotmail.com. Thanks!

Time flies by so fast when you're not pregnant

I know I say this all the time, but where do my days go? Next week Colin will be 20 weeks old. 20 weeks in pregnant land is halfway. It feels like you've been pregnant for 10 years, and that you have a lifetime to go. After the baby is born it's a different story. When we first brought him home, I almost had this weird anxiety, like I was afraid I was going to miss something. That I would blink and he would be a big boy. The sad thing is, that is how it goes. I'm learning to love every second I have with my "little man'.

I mainly blog about Colin, cause he is a huge deal at our household, and for my family who live so far away. But despite what you might think, we actually do other things beside looking at our incredibly good looking child (every mother is entitled to feel that way about their own kid right?). I got laid off from my job, so I am enjoying being able to be at home with Colin. I love having him on a better schedule. I am looking for a job, but am just enjoying the time off for now. Kristopher is doing so well at his job. I love seeing him happy to go to work. I feel like since we've been married he hasn't been too crazy about his job, but he is really enjoying this one. He is liking his classes. I get to help him study sometimes, which makes me feel like a student. I sometimes miss being one. We are lucky to live so close to family. They are so great to watch Colin and allow us to go on date nights. It is such a treat! We took it for granted when we didn't have a kid. Now they are more scarce, but more treasured!

Colin is 4 months!

I'm weird and like to get him weighed right on the month mark, to keep a good track of his weight gain. He had a slow start gaining weight, and has had severe spitting up issues, so I always like to make sure his gaining appropriatly. He was put on meds to help with the spitting up, so I was eager to see his weight now that he was holding down food. Right at 4 months he was 12 lbs 1 oz. We had is actual 4 month appointment today. And here's his stats: (This is a lot of info for me to keep track of and for grandma's to keep in the know. Feel free to skip.)

Weight: 12 Lbs 9 Oz (15th percentile)

Height: 23 5/8 inches (10th percentile)

Head: 43.2 Cm (75th percentile).. our very own little bobble head!

He's been very constistant in his weight. About a pound a month. He still wears his 0-3 (although it makes since why I can barely get his head through his shirts..) And has started to wear his 3-6 month stuff. It's always sad when I have to put his cute clothes away in his "out grown" box, but I look forward to all the cute clothes he will fit in eventually.

This last month he:

*Giggled! I love hearing his little giggle box! They are still few and far between, but I will take what I can get.

* Is more active with his toys. He enjoys batting, grabbing, and pulling.

* Has newfound love for mirrors. He LOVES looking at himself. What a vain little boy!

He is laying on a blanket of mine from when I was a baby

* Babbles, Babbles, and more Babble.

* Lost most of his hair. At times it looks very blonde coming in, but we'll have to wait to see what it will end up looking like.

* Got his first cold. The Doctor said today that his throat was really red and inflamed. He can barely breath through his nose, eyes constantly water, and has a mean (yet extremely cute) cough. Poor little guy has been such a trooper. Not complaints from him!

* 2 words: Index. Finger. All day, everyday.

* He has latched on to his "baby". It's a cute monkey that my mom gave him. He loves to have it with him at all times. Including while he got his shots today. Melt my little heart!

And just for fun.. With his Aunt Maddie, whom he LOVES!

Christmas in Florida

This year we spent Christmas with my side of the family in Orlando. For those who don't know, my parents moved there in 2008. It has been hard for them to be away from their family but I think they pick a great place for all of us to come visit.

I always look forward to escaping the cold weather whenever I can. Last year when we were there right after Christmas is was beautiful! We got to spend so much time outside, going to the beach, soaking up the sun. I was so excited to get my tan on. However, Mr.Sun decided not to show is face to us this year. Florida had record breaking lows while we were there, some nights getting into freezing temps. Just my luck! Despite it all, we still had a great time. We enjoyed spending time with the fam, golfing, nightly hot tubing, games, and lots of eating. Oh and one very magical day where all your DREAMS come true. Or at least that's what I've heard..

Note to self: (and to others who may ever have this same thought.)

The Monday after Christmas at Disney World (the busiest day of the whole year) + two very young babies does not = a very magical experience. There, I have forewarned everyone. People who worked in the park said they have never seen in this busy. Ever.

Despite all the crying, pushing and shoving from all the large crowds, and long lines, we do have some cute pictures of the babies with Mickey and Minnie. My niece Blair, fell right in love with Mrs. Minnie, while Colin had no clue where we were. That's my boy!

I saw so many families that had crying kids and parents. I thought, this is supposed to be a happy place, and yet all I see is parents screaming at their kids, and kids screaming at their parents. I made a pack to myself that when we decide to take our little one(s) back, I would:
A. Choose to go during the slowest time of year.
B. Make sure all kids are old enough to enjoy it a least a tiny bit.
C. Go with a good attitude. I want it to be a great memory, so I will put a happy face on and try and make it the best day possible for them. No yelling and screaming.

I am always sad to leave my family. I don't get to see them enough. It's even harder now with new babies, cause I miss seeing my new niece grow up. She is such a doll and I can just kiss those cheeks all day long!

I hope everyone had a great holiday! I had a blast and will cherish my memories forever!

A visit with Santa and Mr. Clause before we left

This was Colin the whole way there and back


Grammy loves her boy!

Getting Ready for a swim


With his cousins, Izzy and Blair and my Ma Ma

They love each other

My favorite place


Her American Idol

Colin was so excited..

My sister got the babies matching onsies

And no trip to Florida is complete without a little visit to our good friend Tiger, or shall I say Cheetah Woods. Doesn't get old..

His Neighborhood