Colin's Latest Obsession

Hello, friends and family!  The last few weeks have been really wonderful at Casa Rothwell.  Everyone has been healthy and happy, and we've had a lot of fun hanging out with family and friends.  Colin and I have gotten back into our regular routine at the gym, and he seems to love the child care at the YMCA.  We've also had a few play dates with friends and neighbors, and visits with grandparents as well.  And as an added bonus, it seems that spring is just around the corner!  The weather is getting warmer, and days are getting longer, and all the kiddos are starting to congregate in the cul-de-sac to enjoy it all.  We are ready to enjoy the new season!

Along with the budding flowers and trees, Colin's personality is also starting to really bloom.  He constantly cracks us up, and he even makes himself laugh quite often.  He is so tickled by anything silly and out of the ordinary, especially funny noises :)  He gets such a kick out of rough-housing with  his daddy, and loves to be chased and tickled.  He can be mischievous at times, but just can't get past his desire to explore and experiment.  He's also got an incredible appetite to help fuel all the busy-ness!  But the latest craze is anything sports related.  His new favorite word is "ball."  He says it anytime he sees one or plays with one, and he's really becoming quite obsessed (which Marshall is totally excited about!).  If he sees sports on TV, he says "BA!" (his version of "ball"), if he sees the cat toy, he says "BA!" and even at Target yesterday, he saw the big red round spheres outside the entrance and eagerly exclaimed "BA!!!"  It's pretty adorable.  He loves to play with the talking sports center that Grandpa and Grammy Metzger got him, and even crouches before shooting the basketball in the hoop.  Then he throws his hands in the air, whether he makes the basket or not :)  This is probably something he picked up from his daddy while playing basketball at our neighborhood park.  We were amazed that he could pick up the adult-sized basketball and carry it around, and couldn't wait for Marshall to pick him up to put it in the hoop.  I even found a kid-sized outdoor basketball hoop at our church's consignment sale, which I think will be a big hit for both Colin and Daddy now that the weather is getting nicer!  We're having a blast lately watching our toddler grow and play.  Here's a few photos and some video so you can see for yourself :)

We enjoyed a warm day outside at our neighborhood park!

...and again on another not-so-warm day, when Grammy and Grandpa visited.

But even on the colder days, Colin could keep right on shooting hoops inside!

Molar Misery

The last few days in the Rothwell house have been...well, painful...for everyone.  But poor Colin most definitely endured the most misery.  It all started with a head cold, something we've grown used to as an inescapable side effect of child care at the gym and church, playdates, and baby story time at the library.  To me, I think the benefit outweighs the negative in that I know Colin is having opportunities for social interaction that are so valuable, as well as building an immunity to bacteria and viruses that he'll encounter sooner or later anyways (and I'd much rather him feel yucky now when he can't remember it and won't miss any school as a result).  But, I digress.  With the cold came several high fevers and a mild ear infection.  So after a visit to the doctor, he's back on the pink stuff.  That's amoxicillin to you and me, but if you had a whiff of this bubblegum-flavored elixir it would take you right back to memories of your childhood sniffles.  We also noticed that Colin's appetite wasn't nearly as robust as it normally is.  As the days went on, it got to the point that he pushed away practically everything we put in front of him...even some of the tried and true favorites. We knew when he refused a cheese stick that something was definitely amiss.  Marshall solved the mystery last Friday evening by inspecting the inside of Colin's mouth with a flashlight, only to discover that BOTH of his top molars were pushing their way through.  We were relieved that we had an answer to this frustrating dilemma, but we also felt so terrible for our little guy.  We tried to offer soothing, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, applesauce, and oatmeal...I even made him a frozen fruit smoothie.  But unfortunately for us all, the only things that seemed to offer relief were ibuprofen and his pacifier, and we just had to wait it out.  Luckily he was able to sleep just fine, and needed a lot of extra rest.  Finally today, we seem to have our baby back.  He had a regular breakfast (well, regular for him anyway...he eats an uncanny amount for such a small person!) and has been cheerful and active throughout the day.  At least now we'll know what to expect when the lower molars decide to make their wretched appearance.

The Holy Grail (a.k.a. The Sippy that Saved My Sanity)

Well, friends, I'm happy to report that we have found some success with a sippy!  Oh happy day!  (I may have even done a little jig when announcing the news to Marshall one day last week when he came home from work!)  After sending tens of - ok, well maybe ten - different varieties of cups to the sippy cemetery, we finally discovered one that worked.  Well, either that, or the timing coincided with the moment that Colin finally gave in.  And, as an added bonus, it just happens to be a straw cup!  This is a bonus because evidently the straw is better for oral language development and for teeth, etc.  At least that's what "they" say.  "THEY" know an awful lot, don't "they"?  This discovery came about shortly after my last post, when I decided to call one of my very best mom friends.  Tori and I have been friends since college, and she's helped to talk me off the ledge of a few parenting meltdowns.  She encouraged me to hang in there, and to stand my ground.  She also said that her little one seemed to really like the straw cup, but just the plain take-n-toss kind.  I had already bought a fancy straw cup for Colin, but - if I'm being honest - even I had a hard time sucking any liquid out of it because of a valve in the straw.  Apparently, you can either have a cup that leaks, or risk breaking a rib trying to suck juice through it's impermeable straw.  So that didn't work.  I decided to try out a regular straw in a regular cup, and Colin figured it out after only a few tries!  It only took a moment to realize that the take-n-toss straw cups weren't going to work because our little piranha could pry the lid off with his teeth.  So we needed a sippy cup with a regular-type straw and a screw on lid.  And then we discovered "The Holy Grail" of sippy cups...The Munchkin Weighted Straw Sippy Cup.  A weighted straw!  So he can actually hold it from any angle and get the last drop of milk from the cup.  It even has a flip-top lid that covers the straw while on the go!  I was ecstatic when Colin drank from it for the first time.  Hoping the novelty wouldn't wear off, I followed him around with his new straw sippy, and eventually he finished the whole cup!  I still have to add a bit of chocolate Nesquick, but he's now drinking it cold and almost up to the full amount of milk he should have per day.  I haven't figured out how to get the milk to stop rising out of the straw, even as it sits upright on the table...it has something to do with the pressure inside, but this is not my area of expertise.  I'm just thrilled that the battle is over, and that I actually won...well, this time at least.

Ch-Ch-Changes...

First and foremost, the new blog title and layout!  (Can you tell I'm ready for spring?!)  But really, it was badly in need of some updating...especially because the baby-making aspect of my adventures is no longer accurate (well, at least for a little while).  And, because my baby is now A TODDLER!  The new title absolutely reflects our lives these days - a toddler on the move and my constant quest to keep up with him, now that he's officially walking.  But his newfound curiosity is something I continually marvel at.  The world is now his oyster, and he sees it all from a totally new lens as he explores, experiments, and tinkers.  I knew that turning one would mean some pretty big changes for the little guy.  I just never anticipated how much these changes would affect me.

If you know anything about me, you know that I really don't welcome change.  I'm a creature of routine and habit, and I thrive on it.  So, as you would expect, my spawn has also learned to relish consistency.  Which is why the next milestone has been quite a tough pill to swallow...for us both.  Bottle vs. Sippy Cup.  Colin vs. Mommy.  Ugh.  Just UGH.  We had a good run.  Everything was in order, life was a breeze.  Colin easily transitioned from nursing to the bottle back in July.  Then he switched seamlessly from formula to whole milk just after his first birthday.  But, I knew it was coming...and when we saw the doctor for Colin's 1-year wellness checkup, she urged us to quit the bottle and embrace the sippy.  It's bad for their teeth; they don't need the bottle anymore; it'll be harder for him to give up the longer you wait...these were all the reasons given by the expert.  It would be nice, I thought, to finally be done with washing all those bottle parts (thanks a lot, Dr. Brown's).  And Colin is quite eager to do everything like a "big boy" now.  But when it came time to swap for the sippy, Colin just wasn't having it.  If he even sees the sippy sitting on his dresser, he totally freaks.  I even got the green light to add a little chocolate syrup, but to no avail.  And to make matters worse, doc says he shouldn't be getting milk upon waking and before bed!  So now we have to say goodbye to some routines that have been working for us for so long.  A double whammy.  I know that this is a power struggle, reminiscent of our "cry-it-out" days during sleep time.   And in the end, after many tears from us both, my baby conceded and I know in my heart it's what was best for him.  The time in between can be excruciating, but the game plan is to stick it out.  Colin is on a bit of a milk strike, but hopefully he'll learn that if he wants his milk bad enough, it's gonna have to be in a cup.  We've starting to make a little more progress, but we're both still adjusting.  I just hope that Colin gives in before I do!

I hope to be able to report some success in my next post.  Until then, here are some pics of what we've been up to lately (besides throwing the sippy cup at the wall).

Going grocery shopping and loving driving the cart

Playing with friends at baby story time at the library

Having fun with toys in the playroom

Going on wagon rides around the neighborhood

Throwing balls (the new favorite toy)

And just being silly :)

New Year, New Milestones

Happy 2015 everyone!  2014 was the most amazing year ever, and I'm super excited about what this new year will bring.  It's already started off with a bang, as Colin has started WALKING!!!  He took his very first steps on Christmas Day, at Nani and Pop Pop's house in Florida.  We had noticed that he was gaining some confidence in his balance, and letting go of furniture to hold on to a toy or to clap his hands.  So, we began encouraging him to take a few steps on his own...and I think he was more excited about his success than we were!  (OK, it was probably an equal amount of excitement!)  It started out with just 2 or 3 steps at a time, getting from Mommy to Daddy as we sat on the floor.  The next day, he made 4 or 5 steps on his own, and then on Marshall's birthday he walked about 6 or 7 steps!  All on his own!  Such a big boy (and such proud parents) :)  He's been getting braver each day, and just this week he's attempted to let go on his own to walk a few steps toward his destination.  Colin is discovering a whole new way to navigate this big world, and I think he's ready for the challenge.  Last night, he even followed me around the couch!  He doesn't seem to be discouraged by falling every now and then, and he's so determined to figure it out.  In the meantime, we're having a ball practicing, cheering, and taking as much video as we can!  Here's a few exciting moments for you to enjoy!

The Most ONE-derful Time of the Year!

TODAY IS COLIN'S 1st BIRTHDAY!!!  We celebrated this momentous occasion with a holiday-themed party at our house this past Saturday.  We had about 30 guests and everyone seemed to have a great time.  I took most of my party decorations and food inspiration from Pinterest, and I was so pleased with how it all turned out!  It was certainly a lot of work, but it was all worth it to make this day extra-special for our little boy.  After all, this was as much a party for us as it was for Colin - we all have a lot to celebrate!  The invitations said "Our Little Dear Is Turning One!" and I ordered a cake shaped like a reindeer that was pretty cute.  Colin even had his very own "smash" cake, which made for some adorable pictures.  We put balloons and streamers all over the Christmas tree to transform it into the "Birthday Tree," and all of the guests put their gifts under it.  I had a banner that said "Merry Birthday" and made some red, green, and white pom-poms.  We served fruit "Grinch" kabobs, a snowman cheese ball, a veggie Christmas tree, and a yummy oreo-mint cookie dip.  We also had 3 crockpots cooking delicious things - one with white chicken chili (which was gobbled up before I even had any), one with taco soup, and a third with hot chocolate!  We had a hot cocoa bar with lots of goodies to add in.  We even had a "naughty" and "nice" cranberry punch!  But the highlight of the day was when Santa stopped by for a surprise visit!  The kids at the party were so excited, and they each got to sit next to Santa on the couch and tell him their Christmas wishes.  Before Santa left, he helped to sing "Happy Birthday!" and we all watched in delight as Colin delicately explored his very own birthday cake.  It was an absolutely incredible day, one which I'll never forget.  Here is a link to all of the photos from the party, which have been uploaded to Snapfish, if you'd like to check it out!

http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=13849053007/a=24077577_24077577/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

I'm still so amazed at how quickly this year has flown by.  It seems like just yesterday I was complaining about back cramps, checking in with the doctor, and being anxiously driven to the hospital in preparation for labor.  I can most assuredly say that this has been the greatest year of my life, and I know that Marshall feels the same.  Colin has not only made us parents, but has made our lives truly complete.  He is the child I have always dreamed of, and it seems as if every moment has been too good to be true.  Colin is happy, healthy, silly, smart, affectionate, friendly, determined, thoughtful, busy, and loving. I love bringing him out and about to interact with the world.  People are constantly telling me how beautiful he is, and I swear he seeks out this kind of attention from others!  It has been totally mind-blowing to watch him develop and grow right before our eyes.  Each new sight, sound, and experience have been learning opportunities that have helped him to discover the world.  And I'm pretty proud of us, too.  Not only did we manage to keep this tiny person alive and well, but I think we succeeded in helping him adapt to "life on the outside" by establishing routines, following cues, and maintaining order.  I know that this is a job I was meant to do, but I never knew I'd love it so much.  Being a mommy has always been my dream, and I'm so lucky that I have the opportunity to stay at home with Colin so that I don't have to miss a thing.  There have been ups and downs, several tiring nights, and certainly times when I questioned my abilities; but as I reflect on the past year, I realize that I feel very accomplished in my role as a mother.  We're so blessed and fortunate that this little person is ours, and although it's a little sad that our baby isn't quite a baby anymore, we are thrilled about all of the memories that we will get to create with him in the future.  Here are some of my favorite highlights from this most special year:

• When the nurse told us that she could see our baby's dark hair!
• Holding Colin for the very first time
• Bringing him home from the hospital during rush hour traffic on a Friday night, to a house decorated with balloons and signs, and a yummy dinner waiting in the oven (courtesy of Mom and Dave!)
• Taking Colin to John and Kimmie's Christmas party when he was just 3 days old
• Celebrating our first Christmas together as a family
• Being snowed in with a newborn for a week with Mom while Marshall was in California for work
• The first time he giggled (the most adorable sound I've ever heard)
• Going away on our first real trip away from the baby - to the Bahamas for my birthday!
• When some very special family members came for a visit and met Colin for the first time - Uncle Drew and Aunt Rachel, Aunt Adrienne and cousin Evyn, Uncle Brad and Aunt Lindsey and cousins Amelia, Bishop, and Clive, Uncle Jim and Aunt Sarah, and Great Great Aunt Rose
• My first Mother's Day, which we celebrated with a morning boat ride on Lake Norman with Aunt Ginna, Uncle Blake, Grandma Kimmie, and Grandpa John
• Ginna and Blake's wedding, where Colin made a guest appearance for a family photo!
• Swimming in the pool at the YMCA
• Playdates with his buddy, Hunter Poole
• Spending time in the mountains with Grandma Mary and Grandpa Lee, picking blueberries and going on walks in the stroller
• Colin's baptism at our church, Harrison United Methodist
• Our first plane ride and trip to Florida to visit Nani Lynne and Pop Pop Dave
• When Colin started crawling and pulling up all over the place!
• Our beach vacation in the Outer Banks with Grandma Mary and Grandpa Lee
• Baby storytime at the library
• Watching Colin discover the pets
• When Colin first started to say "Dada" and "Mama"
• His first kiss from his neighbor friend, Amelia
• Trick-or-treating around the neighborhood in the little red wagon
• Colin's first Thanksgiving with the Rothwell family
• When Colin sat on Santa's lap at Southpark Mall - first intrigued, then a bit terrified!
• Colin's first birthday party at our house, with lots of family and friends

And of course, the birthday wouldn't be complete without the monthly chalkboard wall update!  So please enjoy this final one, but I hope you will continue to check in to see what we're up to in 2015.  And YES, for those that keep asking, we'll be considering a sibling for sweet Colin in the next few months :)  Happy New Year!

So Much to be Thankful For

Colin's very first Thanksgiving was filled with family, food, football, and fun.  Grandma Kimmie and Grandpa John hosted this year, and we spent much of the holiday weekend with them, Jim and Sarah, Ginna and Blake, and Blake's stepdad, Mick.  We all had a blast eating delicious Thanksgiving treats, playing games, going on walks, and relaxing on the couch.  Marshall and I were even able to take Jim and Sarah to a few local breweries and show them around our town on Friday, while Grandma and Grandpa babysat our little turkey.  Even though the 3 of us ended the weekend with a head cold, it was one of the best Thanksgiving weekends I've ever had.  Probably because this year, we were able to spend it with the newest member of our family...and he is truly the thing I am most grateful for.  Marshall and Colin make my life complete, and I am so very thankful for all the blessings in my life.  I spent a lot of time reflecting on just how lucky I am, and wanted to share some of the things I am most grateful for this year.  Here's just a few, in no particular order!

• Our sweet baby boy, Colin - I didn't know it was possible to love anything so much
• My amazing and loving husband, Marshall, who is the ultimate provider and my soul mate
• The opportunity to be a stay-at-home-mom, to watch Colin grow and learn, and to not miss a single moment!
• All of our basic necessities and more - the food we eat, the clothes on our back, and the roof over our head (and these things are well beyond the basics)
• Our house, the one that I dreamed of that fits our family perfectly in every way
• My health, and the health of my loved ones
• Marshall's job, which he loves and is so successful at, and the opportunities within it that lie ahead
• My family, both near and far, and the unconditional love and support they provide, as well as the examples they have set
• My friends, who make me laugh, listen when I need to talk, and bring joy to my life
• Our pets -  Kai, Jack, and Phoebe - our first fur babies who always make me smile
• Being an American, and all of the freedoms that allows me
• My church, which has helped me to grow in spirituality and faith, and has enriched our lives as a family
• My education, which has shaped my life and taught me valuable life lessons

I'm sure there are many more that I can add to this list...and that thought alone truly humbles me.  We want for nothing, and I'm so very thankful every single day for each blessing in my life.  Happy Thanksgiving to all! I am grateful for you!!!

Here are a few cute photos from our wonderful holiday weekend.  Enjoy!

Colin was mesmerized by the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade...so cute!

Mommy's Little Turkey wanted some champagne from Aunt Ginna Bug

A beautiful Thanksgiving table filled with yummy food prepared by the amazing Chef Kimmie!

The boys helped clean up the Thanksgiving feast

Jim, Sarah, Amy, and Marshall at NoDa Brewery