Flying by...

Colton is a big boy. Not in the sense that he's getting older, though that's true, but in the sense that he's extremely tall. It's hard for me to notice how much he's changing and growing since I see him every day. I do notice it, however, when - all of a sudden - he is climbing on things that were too high for him just a few weeks ago, or when he's reaching the tops of tables that were far out of reach for him just recently.

I also notice how big Colton has gotten when I have the chance to look back on pictures of him in a similar situation over time. The other day I stumbled on these photos of him in his car seat and I couldn't believe how much he's changed!

This is Colton, just 3 days old, on the way home from the hospital.

Colton was 4 weeks old in this picture. Still pretty small but already bigger than that newborn baby.

Now, jump way ahead - This is Colton in his car seat at 11 months old. His little feet, when his legs were straight, definitely hung over the edge.

Finally, I took this picture just last week. Colton in his car seat at 15 months old! His head is to the top and his feet hang way out. Obviously it's time to retire this old seat.

*Don't worry, he doesn't use it in the car anymore - we just put him in it at night to drink his bottle. :)

It's really crazy to think about how much Colton has grown, and how quickly it's happening! As he gets bigger physically he's also growing much in the personality department. When he's happy, he's very happy. When he's frustrated or angry, though..... well, let's just say it ain't pretty. A friend recently told me that her child's pediatrician said that the 15 - 18th months are a notoriously difficult time in raising toddlers. I hope that's true because Colton's definitely been testing my patience this past month.

Even so, Colton is also becoming sweeter and sweeter in his happy moments. He often wants to be picked up or cuddled on our laps. He loves bringing us books to read him, blocks to play with, and cars or balls to roll back and forth. He's just now starting to become wary of strangers (he studies them quietly for about 5 minutes, then he's back to his crazy self) and clings to us just a little in a new situation. Even as we try to figure out how to parent a toddler who is prone to screaming and fit-throwing in his tougher times, we are overwhelmed by what a joy he is in our lives.

Time is already flying by...

One of the best...

Colton has never been a cuddler. Well, not since he could move on his own anyway. :) He's a crazy-active little boy. He rarely sits still for even 30 seconds which just doesn't leave him much time to love on his mommy.

Around the time he turned one he seemed to begin to understand that it didn't take too long to give a hug or a pat on the knee. He began to show some affection, for which we were grateful! More recently he has started to ask to be picked up (not verbally but by running to you and holding his arms up). Once again, that was more attention than he ever seemed interested in before and we were happy.

But tonight was a big deal. I immediately noted it in my mind as "one of the best moments of my life." :) Colton kept wanting to crawl into my lap on the couch. He would stay there for about 30 seconds, his typical time he's able to sit still. Then he would jump off the couch and immediately want picked back up. I decided to see what happened if I put his favorite pillow down and put on a short video.

VOILA! CUDDLES!!!

He stayed with me for about 20 minutes and I savored every last second. Maybe, just maybe, I will make a cuddler out of him yet...

Bed Head

Recently some people have been concerned that I haven't updated the blog in awhile. Really, it just boiled down to the fact that nothing struck me as "blog material...."

...until yesterday!

Colton's hair is finally growing. He still has the longer patch in the back and is now also growing longer hair on his crown. He probably is about ready or a haircut - but I'm not ready for that big step yet. Until then, I guess we'll be seeing more of what I saw yesterday. BED HEAD!!!

I had to grab the camera to capture Colton's first bed head - and we ended up doing a little photo shoot. He's one cute kid, if I do say so myself. :)

The players: These guys sleep with Colton in his crib. In the back we have "Mr. Wrinkles" and in front is "Puppy." And, of course, the all important pacis. Keep your eye out for these guys in the following pics!

First shot of the morning - C generally wakes up smiling and ready for fun. :)

Bed head!

Cuddling with Puppy. Colton loves to throw soft things (pillows, stuffed animals, etc) down and then lay down and rub his head on them. He does it throughout every day...and he sleeps that way, too!

I found out the other night, when I went into his room while he was asleep, that Colton often uses Mr. Wrinkles as a pillow! I just think it's too cute.

Though C was awake when I took this photo, it's probably the closest we'll ever get to having a picture of him while he sleeps - Mr. Wrinkles pillow and Puppy lovie in hand. :)

A good shot of the bed head. From the right angles it looked like a mohawk that started on top of his head and went all the way back.

Peek-a-boo!

I see you!

Such a sweet boy.

Giving Puppy a hug - another thing he does all the time. I love it - it's just too sweet!

Final shot of the bed head. You can see the full extent of it here, even though you can't see his sweet face. :)

Sweet dreams, everyone! :)