First Trip to the Zoo

Today, we decided to take Colton to the zoo. It's been on our list all summer and we really needed to get out of the house. Jack deemed this day "Taking our Mind off of Molars Day"! Poor Colton - he's getting all 4 molars at once and a bottom tooth thrown in just for fun. He has been so miserable the past 3 days. We've tried everything - frozen teethers, washcloths, orajel, tylenol, advil, teething tablets but the only thing that seems to work is being held or distraction. Thankfully, he's still sleeping through the night.

So, it was off to the zoo. We only stayed about an hour and a half, but that was plenty. It was HOT! Colton's cheeks turned bright red the moment we got out of the car so no he is not sunburned - just doesn't process the heat like big people do.
We had a great time!

Daddy and Colton on the carousel.
Mommy and Colton at the exit.
One of Colton's favorite exhibits was the Flamingos (or at least one that held his attention longer than 5 seconds. There were a couple geese and ducks down there so I think that was a draw as well.

Daddy and Colton at the vulture exhibit.
Staying hydrated.
Mom and Colton on the carousel.

Colton's trademark gesture. Usually follows the outstretched hand with a grunt indicating he wants to touch something or have it.


Now, he did like these little lizard creatures. They kept flicking their tongue at Colton, so he licked them right back on the glass. EWWW!
Colton's ride. Notice he's sitting all the way up and ready to see some more sights.

At the children's zoo - seeing a pony with Dad.
Bunny (not to be confused with our special Bunny who we hope is feeling all better. She came over to take care of us Tuesday and ended up getting the stomach bug, too)
Patting the pig.
We thought he would love these gigantic fish, but our boy was all about the dirt near their tank. Everytime we let him out of the stroller to walk, he would head towards the most random things (never the animals) - touching the drains in all the sidewalks, feeling the texture of all surfaces nearby and picking up stray leaves and trash. Who cares about an elephant when you can pick up trash? Silly boy!
This did get his attention for about 3 seconds.

First video is of Jack and Colton having a little fun at the zoo. Second video is of Colton jumping in his exersaucer while watching Praise Baby. He can really get the exersaucer going...I'm afraid it won't contain him much longer.

Whodunnit??

***Breaking News: Tiny Tot Tramples Telephone****

Shortly after noon on Wednesday, the above remains of a beloved cell phone were found. Suspect is pleading the 5th but eyewitness says the scene was not pretty. Allegedly, the suspect was playing with his mother's cell phone and smashed it into the ground in a fit of toddler play. Mother has since decided that her cell phone is not a good toy for the toddler. Mother also is secretly glad the phone was trampled because she really wants a camera phone. Hint, hint!
Where's the fire?
The sweet little suspect's mug shot.

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We have been busy the last few weeks. Last week we went to Branson, Missouri with Jack's family. Before that, I got to go on a quick trip to Amarillo, to see my friend Jordan. I'll post more later. Plus I still haven't caught up from July 4th...

Monday and Tuesday, Colton and I were down and out with a stomach bug. Thankfully it seemed to be just a 24 hour bug, but it was vicious. Colton had never thrown up before, so I think Jack and I were a bit shocked at first. Then we jumped into action. I washed the kiddo and Jack washed the bedding. Of course, once we all got clean, it happened again. Colton was a trooper! I hate to see him sick, but I did enjoy the extra cuddles.

Year in Review...

Here it is! The final block picture of Colton's 1st year! I've put all the block pictures below. It was fun to see him change in each picture. His "1 Year" pictures make him look like such a big boy...maybe it's the polo shirt. At the end of the pictures, I've posted the things I want to remember about this stage.


Shredded paper didn't start out being a part of the photo, but he insisted!
Just one of the reasons I'm retiring the block pictures...Can we say moving target?
Such a big boy sitting on the couch with Lovey!

Wow, sweet boy! You are one year old and more of a blessing to your daddy and I than we could have ever imagined! We love to watch you learn, grow and play! You won't physically change as much this next year, but your mind and spirit will grow daily! Here are some of the moments I want to treasure from this stage:

• Somewhere you've picked up the phrase, "Wow, oh wow"! LOVE IT! You say it all the time, even when you're falling asleep for a nap.
• Speaking of naps, I love watching you on the monitor. You play a few minutes before falling asleep and its so precious to watch you talk to yourself, read your books, kick your bumper pads and snuggle with Lovey.
• You love putting things in containers and dumping them out.
• You love to imitate me when I'm brushing my hair or teeth. We just started brushing your six little teeth and you don't seem to mind at all.
• WALKING everywhere!
• You love to play chase. Now you are getting smart. You used to run in circles around the couch but now you've figured out how to stop and wait for us to come by, then you jump out and giggle.
• You understand so much - can sign "all done", "eat", and "bye-bye". You can follow simple requests like "throw the ball, bring me the ball, let's go to the kitchen, want to go outside, no, no :), pat, pat...etc.
• You love to play in the water!
• You love to go for walks in your new blue car!
• You like scrambled eggs, biter biscuits, macaroni and cheese, diced pears, peas, broccoli, cheerios and of course Sonic ice!
• You love to read. Usually you are VERY active, but when we read books you are very still and seem to be soaking in every word!

Your stats at ONE YEAR: Weight = 22.9 (50%); Length = 31.25 (90%); Head = 17.75 (25%)

I want to savor every moment with you! I'm so thankful for you and our little family! I pray that you will continue to enjoy life and that you will always know the love of your family and God!

Happy Birthday Colton!!

One year ago this past Saturday, we met Colton for the first time! I'm probably about to use every cliche' known to man, but I can't find the words to describe how amazing this past year has been. Watching this tiny baby grow into a walking toddler has been unbelievable. We are so thankful to God for this gift!

One Year Ago - July 12, 2007

Now - July 12, 2008

Here's the sweetest ONE YEAR OLD I know! Granddad did a great job getting a picture with his hat on. It was short-lived.
Happy Birthday Boy!
Sonic Ice for the birthday boy! We put it in his new sand & water table and he had a blast!
Yummy!
Are these for me?

Opening presents with Mommy.

Thanks Pawpaw, Karen and Brooke for my cool fire truck.
My only pic of Daddy and the Birthday Boy. He was manning the video camera most of the time.
His first experience with cake. We had to "experience" it twice because he was getting pretty tired at his first attempt.

Bunny and Colton! Thanks Bunny for all your help. She was the crepe paper queen! Such a fun memory!
We will have to have another photo shoot for the FINAL block picture. He was just too excited about his party. Once I get his 1 Year photo, I'll post all the block pictures from the past year.
Birthday boy dinner - peas, cheese & turkey. Sorry, Buddy, the rest of us enjoyed yummy hamburgers and hot dogs that Daddy grilled!

Can we get this show on the road? This birthday boy is exhausted!
And what exactly do you want me to do with this?
Uncle Zach
Thanks Paige, Doug, Brittany, Wilkin and Henry for my cool car! I love it!
Baby Jackson and Grandma!

Mommy and the Birthday Boy!

Grandma and the Birthday Boy!

One of my favorite pics from the day!
Can you guess the theme?

Thanks for celebrating our special boy! Toddler-hood, here we come!