Colton's 3 Month Stats

Alright, I'm a little slow getting this up, but, better late than never, right? :)

Our little guy is growing so fast! He's starting to sit up with support, playing with rattles, and the teething has begun! We are enjoying every day. I won't say every moment because in addition to growing faster than Clara did, Colton is quite a bit fussier than she was at this age. But, hey, you take the good with the bad and grin and bare it!

Toddlers Are Such Sponges

Yesterday sometime between getting home from dinner and going up for bathtime, Clara was playing in the kitchen. She saw that Bailey, our cat, was walking on the counter. Clara immediately shook her finger at him and firmly said "Kitty Rose get down". It took me a second to figure this out, but she was scolding Bailey using her middle name. She's obviously picked up on the fact that we use her middle name when we're scolding her and decided that kitty being on the counter warranted the use of a middle name. Too clever! After I stopped laughing about it I helpfully informed Clara that Bailey, too, has a middle name. Now she can say "Bailey James" the next time he's on the counter.

In Less Than 4 Weeks Clara....

....has had only two accidents in her big girl underwear;

....has decided that she is no longer scared of using public bathrooms;

....has decided that she doesn't want to use a kiddie potty seat when she goes potty;

....has introduced us to her imaginary friend Coco, who goes everywhere with us; and
....has missed her daddy more than any little girl should have to.

In Less Than 4 Weeks Colton.....

....has gained 4 pounds;
....has grown 1.5 inches;
....is now in size 2 diapers;
....is rolling over;
....is now pushing up on extended arms;
....has laughed for the first time;
....can reach and grab toys with near perfect precision;
....has figured out how to suck his thumb; and
....has started sleeping through the night.

A whole lot sure can change in just a few weeks!

I'm not some neurotic mom, just been keeping track of all the changes in our little man so we can be sure to keep daddy in the loop when he comes home tomorrow. Aaron's barely going to recognize him!

Happy Birthday Uncle J!

Our last day in Detroit was fun, fun, fun! We met some friends at the Warren Civic Center for the farmers' market and to splash in the wading pool. Clara, naturally, had a blast!







We also celebrated Uncle Justin's birthday. Dinner at Red Robin and cake back at Grandma and Papa's house.



We had a fabulous visit in Detroit. We spent lots of quality time with Grandma, Papa, Auntie Keri, and Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Sally; had visits with friends I love but don't get to see nearly as often as I'd like; and caught up with the rest of the extended family at my cousin Crystal's wedding reception. It was busy but well worth it.




We made it back to Rineyville safe and sound this afternoon. Aaron is due back tomorrow from his month long training at Ft. Irwin in California. We are super excited and can't wait to see him. Thanks to my dad who sacrificed nearly 3 weeks to help me out with the kids, staying in Kentucky with us, driving to and from Detroit, and back again. Clara and Colton have the best Papa and I have an amazing Dad!

Relaxing

Sure, we've been having lots of fun in Detroit, but we've been relaxing and taking it easy, too!

Clara and Colton playing and snuggling

The three ladies tired out after a busy day

Going to the Zoo!

Going to the Detroit Zoo is one of our favorite trips to take when visiting our family in Michigan. It is such a beautiful park and so close by!

Me and the kids by the fountain

Colton and I taking a rest

Our two favorite exhibits at the zoo

Giraffes are my absolute favorite animal and I couldn't pass up the opportunity for Clara to feed them! She loved it!

Check out the tongue on that guy!

We have a tradition of taking Clara’s picture by the bronze tiger statue whenever we go to the zoo. It has been neat to watch her get bigger and bigger beside the tiger.

Clara’s tiger picture, summer 2010Colton’s first tiger picture, summer 2010

Splish Splash

What better way to spend hot summer days than in the water! During our visit to Detroit Clara has gone to Partridge Creek to play in the water fountains and splashed around in the pool in the backyard with our friends daughter Charlotte.

Splashing with Great Grandpa Sally

Getting wet with Grandma

Oops! Right up the nose!

Colton and Great Grandpa enjoying the morning

Clara and Charlotte

Love that smile!

Bowling!

We took Clara bowling last week for the first time. She loved it! We went with my cousin's family and had a great time. She was such a little Miss Independent. She was taking the ball from the ball return, carrying it to the ramp, pushing it down, jumping up and down when the pins fell down! It was great! She's got big plans to go bowling again when Papa comes down to visit this week.

It's like magic!

A 4 pound ball...that's nothing!

Going for a strike!

When's it my turn, Michelle?

Leave it to my kids to be eating and screaming, instead of smiling.

And here's a classic Clara picture. She's obsessed with playing around the house in just her underwear and on this particular day, despite the sunshine, rain boots were necessary as well!

Until next time! xoxoxox