Happy Halloween

We had a fun halloween this year. We went Trunk or Treating the Friday night before. Colin was a cute little frog, and we went as sumo wrestlers. It was so fun seeing Colin choose his candy and put it in his bag. He was very selective with his candy. He would pick out suckers, nerds (he loves to shake them), and anything yellow (he says "duck" when he sees yellow things). If someone didn't have any of those items he would turn his head away. So pretty much was a total candy snob. He didn't get that from me, cause I do not discriminate on any candy. Well maybe black licorice.

On Saturday night, we went to our Grandma/Grandpa Schow's house. They have a long time tradition of having everyone over for lasagna before trick or treating. It's so fun to get together with our cousins on that side. There are so many mine and Kristopher's age. Plus everyone is having babies right and left, so Colin is well entertained. Last year 3 babies joined the family, and this year there were 3 more. So far there is one more being added next year. I love that Colin will have lots of kids to play with when we all get together. Since the weather was so bad we only went trick or treating to a few houses. It's just so much fun seeing how he reacts to it all. It will be even more fun next year when he's walking and talking more. So here are some pictures from both nights.

Black and Blue

So you know when you hear a certain song and it really speaks to you? Like it's what you've been needing to hear? I heard this beautiful song a couple of days ago that did just that. I have a lot on my mind lately. Not only about personal trials that I've been through in my life and will go through, but those of loved ones, and others I know that are going through a hard time right now. This song really resonated well with me. The lyrics are beautifully written. You should check it out. It just might give you a little pick me up as well. Sorry this was the best video I could find. Black and Blue by Zach Chance.

2 YEARS

Today is our two year anniversary! I can't believe how fast time flies. Kristopher and I got to go out to celebrate on Saturday night (thanks Maddie!). We went to the Melting Pot. Neither of us have been, and always wanted to try it. It was so good! I would recommend it to everyone. We got made fun of because we made the reservation for 5:00. I believe my sister said we were going for the "early bird special". I'm so glad we did though because we were there over 2 hours. It is a perfect place to go on date nights. The booths are very private. It was nice to be able to just talk and enjoy each other's company without the distractions of little man.

This last year we have had many wonderful and fun times. We have also had our fair share of trials. It is at these times that our relationship is able to really grow and mature. I love having him by my side for all of it. I couldn't ask for a better person for me to go through life with. I'm one lucky lady!

Us at the Melting Pot

Little Man turns ONE

What mixed emotions you get when your little baby turns one. Is this a first time mom thing, or does it happen with every kid? I love that he is getting so big, and learning new things everyday. However, there is this part of my heart that aches for that brand new little bundle that would sleep on my chest for hours. It was a bittersweet day for me. We had a little party for him. My sister, Katie, flew out and helped me with it (THANKS Kiki!). It was a great day! We went to Gardner's Village after lunch and walked around. I was able to get a few cute pictures. At night is when we had his party. I'm so thankful for my family. That so many of them took time out of there busy day to help us celebrate. For me it was one of those days I will never forget!

Here is what Mr. C is up to at 12 months:

*Will kiss and/or blow kisses to anything and anyone. This boy loves to share the love.

*Is saying a few words. MaMa, DaDa, Ball, Book, Dog, Car and Dirt (I know very random).

*When asked where his stinky feet are, he will hold his foot up for you to smell it. Then if you say Ooooo that's so stinky, he will give you a big laugh. I know, another random thing, but hey, he loves it!

*Loves to dance.

*Makes this funny face when you ask him to "make your face".

*Walking only when holding on to things.

*Climbing up stairs

*Holds up one finger when asked "Are you One?".

*Eating more table food. He has big issues when it comes to textures, so this had been one of our struggling areas.

*Gives the BEST hugs! He lays his head on my shoulder with his arms around my neck. Pretty sure that's his way of wrapping me around that little chubby finger of his, but I love it!

*HATES to be held down. This really is only an issue at the doctors.

*His height is 27 1/2 inches, Weight 17 lbs 5 ozs, HC 48 cm

Yes, he wore that hat the whole time

Yesterday Colin had his first (and hopefully his last) surgery. He had to have a GAP procedure on his "little friend". It's called Hypospadias. He had a mild condition, but still needed to have it fixed. The doctor had to end up cutting more skin then he thought, so it required more stitches then we expected. He will also have a catheter in place for a few days. I have a HUGE respect for mothers who have to watch their children go through more serious procedures. I felt helpless as it was and stressed for weeks over this. I was a mess! He, however, handled it like a champ. The doctor told us to expect a couple of really long nights of him waking up in pain. He was given lortab to help with it. He slept most of the afternoon and we put him down for the night at 9:15. I woke up several times during the night expecting him to be up crying, but I never heard him. He didn't wake up until 8:45 this morning and was such a happy guy. He's a brave little boy and has made this a lot less stressful then I was anticipating.

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.