Growing Up

A comment that Laura left reminded me of something. Every Easter I have taken the same picture of Colby. His first Easter home in 2009 came just weeks after becoming a family. The Easter Bunny brought him a cute singing bunny complete with light up cheeks. I have taken a photo of Colby against the same wall in our kitchen holding that bunny. Boy has he changed. See for yourself!

No Tears....Just a Big Boy

Well, today was the day. My baby boy became a big boy and went to cool (school). I can't believe it. He started the 3 year old preschool with our city today and will go every morning from 9-11:30. Yesterday we had a quick orientation day for about an hour so the kids could meet, see their classroom and teachers, and just play. The moms and dads filled out a couple papers and chatted with the teachers. But today was the big day.

I drove Colby to school after taking the mandatory few photos. We walked in and he said hi to everyone in the small building. We hung up his backpach and he was off. I had to ask him for my hug and kiss! He asked where I was going and looked a little sad but I just told him I was going home to do some cleaning and would be back soon. I got a "See ya Mom" a hug and kiss and that was it. "Bye Mom!". Boy was he ready for this. Me.....I brought books back to the library, went for my allergy shots, and finished laundry. The time went quick and then I was off to pick him up and we went to see Grandma Donna and Uncle Louie for our Tuesday lunch date.

I am thrilled Colby was so happy to be going to school, and I wouldn't want him to cry and cause a scene. But did he even miss me? When I picked him up the class was on the playground and I got, "Oh, you're here Mom?". No big hug and kiss. No missed you Mom. Nothing. Just "Let's go, see Grandma". Talk about a bummer. But, I guess I have a well adjusted little guy who loves being with people. He did well with school and his first sleepover at Grandma's last Friday. My baby is definitely growing up. Our next discussion: "I want the school bus Mom, not you." Yikes! Maybe next week........

Another Stepping Stone

It has truly been an amazing year this year. Colby has been home almost a year now and we have done so many new things together. So many firsts. The beach, holidays, birthdays, meeting new friends, the list goes on and on. And today, another first. I can't believe it but today Colby and I went to register him for pre-school. He will be in the 3-year olds program. Right now he is scheduled for the morning. Wow!

My baby truly is growing up. He has become an independent little boy. Very outgoing, smart, and yes, strong willed. Since he came home, I have been so fortunate to be able to stay at home with him. We have been together almost constantly. Except for a few times when I went to interviews, out with Mike or other family, he is always at my side. Just recently I began tutoring part-time and am now gone for a few hours on Tues and Thurs after school. But even then, Colby is with Mike. Having him go to school will be a whole new experience. I know it is a necessary milestone in his development, but I am a little sad to see it come so soon. I'm sure he'll be fine but I think I will be a wreck that first day in the fall. But, no matter how big he gets, Colby will always be my little boy.

Big Boy

Well, I guess I must admit it. My little baby boy has truly grown up. I can't believe how much Colby has changed, just within the last month or so. Was it really 9 months ago that we came home? Did we really celebrate his birthday 6 months ago? Amazing! Colby often reminds me that he is a big boy, but I always remind him that he will always and forever be my baby boy.

Here are just a few of the big boy things Colby now does:

1)He puts his own pants and shoes on. He still needs help putting his socks and shirt on but he can take his socks off by himself.

2) He also puts on his own "undies". Yes, that's right. No more diapers, although he wears pull-ups to bed. We started potty training in late August but with so many things going on, we weren't very consistent. Now we took the plug and in the past two weeks Colby has only worn undies except to bed and if we are out all day. Still a few accidents but he is quite proud of himself, as am I.

3) He now sleeps in a big boy bed. We converted his crib in August to a toddler bed.

4) He can count to 11 and will say his ABCs with you.

5) He loves to "read" books. We always read together. Mike or I will read the book to Colby and ask him questions. He will answer them all and when we are done, he likes to read the book back to us. He usually remembers everything that happened in the story.

6) He LOVES puzzles. He can put together puzzles with 4-5 pieces. My Aunt Doone just gave him a puzzle with 12 pieces and he loves to put that together too!

7) He is now showing a great imagination. He loves to play with his cars and often uses my flipflops for the "garage". He loves to play with his animals having them go to bed, eat, and play. It is so cute to watch.

8) Colby loves doing chores. He helps dust, sweep, and vaccuum. He also feeds to dog everynight. What a big helper!

9) If at all possible, he is even more outgoing. Colby always was outgoing but now I see him playing with other kids more and holding conversations with others. Amazing! I can't believe that just 8 months ago he wasn't talking at all. His vocabulary is better than many 2 year olds.

10) He is starting to recognize his shapes and colors. He knows a triangle and the color gray.

11) He shows compassion and caring for others. He doesn't like it if other kids cry or fuss and he will give them a hug and say, "It's ok, no cry."

12) I'm sure there are so many other things. Every day brings something new and Colby is always finding new ways to amaze me. Mike and I are quite lucky to have Colby in our lives. What a wonderful, beautiful, smart big boy!

Colby's First Phone Call

Like most little kids, Colby is enthralled with both Mike's and my cell phones. Really anyone's cell phone. He loves playing with the house phone also. I usually turn my cell phone off when I let him play with it. I started doing that after I noticed him pushing the buttons. He flips it open and pretends to call someone, babbling away. However, when someone calls us and we put Colby on the phone, he usually stops talking.

This morning Colby found my phone before I knew it. I noticed him babbling away and didn't think anything of it until I heard it ring. I quickly hung up not sure who he called. It turned out it was my friend Kim. He had actually called her twice. When he was babbling away, he was actually talking to her! How cute is that!

On the update front.....

We have seen a huge growth spurt in Colby's language. He tries to copy everything we say and do. He has even said his first sentence: "No, no, bad dog." Although more like "No, no, ba daw." Our poor dog is in more trouble now than ever, and she rarely does anything. Often Colby yells at her just because she barks. He is trying to say Misha's name but it comes out at "oofa". I have also noticed that Colby is starting to say words that are not nouns. Nouns come first in oral langauge development. Now Colby has started using verbs. "Up, Dow (Down), Duh (Done), Op (Hop), are the most common. He loves to say hi and bye to everyone and blow everyone kisses. He has become very effectionate, seeking out hugs and kisses from Mike and me. He will also run up to my mom for hugs and kisses when he sees her.

Colby certainly is becoming a big boy. His 2nd birthday is next Tuesday 4/28. And yes, we are seeing signs of the terrible twos. Independence is coming but so is his temper. But I must admit, his temper tantrums are rather cute!