About 7:30 am, I hear Colin start to stir in his crib. He likes to wake up slowly, and his new thing is to turn on his Gloworm and listen to the lullaby songs as he stretches (he will often fall asleep to this as well). After about 15 minutes, I bring him into our room and we do some cuddling, tickling, and playing until he signs "food/eat," and then I know he's ready for breakfast! We say goodbye to Daddy as he leaves for work and enjoy breakfast together. Colin is still learning not to throw his food on the floor, but at least he's a pretty good eater most of the time. Then we clean up and get ready to go to the gym. Colin has learned to occupy himself in the playroom lately, which allows me to get ready and out the door! Colin loves going to child care at the gym. When I ask him if he wants to go play at the gym, he eagerly says "Yeah!" (one of his new favorite responses). At the YMCA, he has friends that he plays with, activities to do, rides on the buggy, and snack time. And I've been loving the opportunity to exercise and try out some new classes. After the gym, we head home for lunch and then it's nap time! During the weekdays, we've adapted to a pretty regular schedule, and Colin usually takes one longer afternoon nap, from about 12:30-3 or so. When he wakes up, he gets a little afternoon snack and then we run errands or play outside. We love when our neighbors join us, especially now that the weather is getting warmer. Colin LOVES playing outside. We shoot hoops in his mini-basketball hoop, go on wagon rides, color with sidewalk chalk, and blow bubbles. When Daddy comes home, he plays outside too, and then we all get dinner ready. Colin has been trying lots of new foods lately, and has also been drinking all of his milk! He loves to help me clean up the kitchen after dinner, and as I'm wiping down the counter tops, he gets his own sheet of paper towel and pretends to wipe up the floors, cabinets, and windows. He's such a sweet helper! Colin also loves to put the dish towel over his head and pretend that we can't find him...then he pulls it off and laughs his head off! It's really quite amusing. Then we watch the Family Feud and play together...Colin especially enjoys being chased around the furniture :) Around 8, we head upstairs for bath time, which is another favorite time of day. We've put away the bath seat now, to make room for the tub basketball hoop, of course! Colin loves to splash and play, and isn't afraid to get water dumped on his head anymore. Marshall brushes his teeth every night (something Colin also enjoys, and makes sure we don't forget to do!), and then it's time for lotion, jammies, and a story. Probably my favorite time of day is when we turn out the light, say our prayers, and sing some songs. Colin cuddles into me, and makes the sign for "more" to tell me he wants me to keep singing to him! It's absolutely precious, and he doesn't even mind my singing voice. With a kiss goodnight, a paci and a blankie, he lays down in his crib and goes right to sleep.
Marshall and I constantly reflect on how lucky we are, to be living our dream as the family we've always wanted to be. Our lives are so rich with love, and we're ecstatic about all the fun the lies ahead. I hope you'll enjoy some new photos, and video of our little ghost :)
Having fun grocery shopping
Hanging with his buddy, Amelia
Riding on the Bye-Bye-Buggy at the YMCA
Playtime outside
Helping mom with the cleaning
Enjoying a little snack (peanut butter is a messy favorite!)
Loving on his puppy brother
And living the good life!
