Baby's First Christmas

Colin was a very good boy this year. How good? Well, our 4 month old got his first teddy bear and an electric train! He also got a dog called "Spot", a play mat for tummy time, and a book called "Goodnight Moon" (an old favorite of mine). He got a beautiful baby book and a Bumbo chair. I'm sure I am forgetting things - but one this is for sure - being the first grandchild has its benefits. What a lucky boy!!! He has no idea how many adoring aunts, uncles, grandparents and great grandparents have fallen in love with our little boy.

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Happy Holidays!!!

Our combo Birth Announcement/Holiday card..

Time to Unwrap

Colin couldn't open his Christmas present so he asked Monster to help him. She daintily accepted the challenge!

Pillow Talk with Colin

Colin's Work Out

Colin is a very active little guy. He definitely gets this from me. I can "go-bot" (as David calls it) for hours on end. Well, at least that is what I thought until I tried Colin's baby work out routine. Have you ever tried to keep up with a baby? I did.

I matched Colin kick for kick, punch for punch, and it's a hard work out. I literally would lift my legs, roll over, etc. to mirror his every move. I couldn't keep up with him for more than 10 minutes. The kid is going to have rock hard abs if he keeps up this routine.

Action shot from last night...

Happy Birthday David!

David turned 32 yesterday. He spent the day changing diapers and hangin' with his little dude...what a handsome couple. At one point during the day I walked into the living room to see Colin propped up on the couch watching David play guitar hero. I need to remember that trick for next time.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Colin got to wear his new snow suit this evening when we went out for our walk. The high is 38 tonight and we might see some snow on Friday.

My Santa Baby

This picture was taken way past Colin's bed time so try as I might, I couldn't get any smiles out of him. You can see the genius photographer in me thinking..."Let me get a picture of Colin dressed in FULL holiday attire in front of the Christmas tree!!!" It's harder than you think. I plan to try again, and maybe next time I'll add a layer of complication and get Monster involved. haha

Thanksgiving in Rockport

Colin spent his first Thanksgiving in Rockport, Texas. The Pedens have vacationed at the beach for years and years, and Colin saw it for the first time this week. I fell in love with Rockport when David and I first started dating, about 11 years ago. There is a certain charm about this quiet beach town - I could tell immediately why David's family enjoyed their little beach house so much. It's a place where you can stay up late and sleep until noon and wear your bathing suit all day long! Rockport runs on "rockport time" and even the local Wataburger knows this fact. Don't be in a rush because it will get you no where. I love the fact that the whole town wears red, white and blue on the 4th of July. And I've never seen more beautiful sunsets than right here in Rockport, Texas.

It's funny to think that Colin will be the third generation to have a "toe dipping" in the Rockport Bay. This weekend, I showed Colin the backyard and where we keep the kayak. I told him about all the fun he will have swimming and fishing in the canal. I showed him the boat and told him how much fun it will be to go out in the bay. And I promised him that David will teach him to water ski and wake board - something I desperately wanted to be good at as a kid. David has tried to teach me as an adult but all he has done for me is get me good tan and a sore back. :)

It was too soon to get Colin in his bathing suit this Thanksgiving but I know it won't be long. We'll be back again with a kid who's dreaming about getting his toes in the sand at the beach.

David and I on spring break one summer...



Swimming in the pool at aunt Ducky's house...



Monster's first boat ride...




David taking a nap with the big dogs...



Our engagement party in Rockport...

Colin Wears Shoes

I had some time on my hands today so I decided to play dress up with Colin. He can now wear shoes!!! It's quite challenging to get that fat baby foot into a narrow shoe. I didn't remember it being so hard with my baby dolls?!? It took some pushing and pulling, but I was determined to see my little boy in a complete outfit for the first time.

Check out the faux laces...


Colin looking at his shoes...


It took him 30 seconds to kick them off...I timed it!


I decided to show him that his feet were still there...

BOB Stroller in Action

Colin and I go "BOBBing Around" these days. It's our new favorite thing. SO many of my friends with babies recommended this jogging/walking stroller. You can literally go to Town Lake and count the BOB strollers as they pass by in the park.

I kept wondering what does BOB stand for? So I did some quick research, and I thought I would post the answer on my blog. Here's some BOB history for anyone who is interested...

"Originally, the name of the company was Beast of Burden, which many thought was a burden unto itself. However, in typical California fashion, that mouthful was soon shortened to its acronym BOB. BOB was easier to spell, funny, and simple."

And there you have it!

http://www.bobgear.com/

Lone Sideburn

Some of Colin's baby hair is falling out and it's leaving him with patchy spots. My favorite one of these is his "lone sideburn." I think Colin should ask Santa for more hair for Christmas. How funny is this...

"This baby will NOT end up in our bed!"

Of course not...

Colin Laughs

I just witnessed a pretty hilarious moment in baby development - baby's first laugh. It sounded kinda like a "Beavis and Butt-Head chuckle." But it was a laugh, none the less. Hearing this instantly made me laugh, so we sat together and giggled until the moment passed. :)

You may be thinking, what brought this on? Well I took his socks off and noticed they were a little tight on his cankles (I mean ankles) so I gently scratched his legs. You know how great it feels when you take off a pair of tight panty hose or leggings? Well Colin thought it was pretty great too!

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Sleep is Good Again

Look how happy Colin is this morning! I'm actually smiling behind the camera bc I got 10 hours of sleep last night. By some miracle, Colin only got up one time, and allowed me to log two 5-hour stretches. Sleep..."It does a body good!"

Two Month Check Up

Colin now weighs 11 pounds, 11 ounces and is 22.75 inches long. He's in the 50% for height and weight now, and 90% for head circumference!

He also survived his first vaccination - that was painful to watch. I gave him some Tylenol so let's hope he stops crying sometime today!!! Poor baby. I don't know if my heart can take any more shot visits. It's David's turn next.

Bubbles!!!

So many new experiences! Colin thought this bubble bath was pretty fun. So much fun, in fact, he forgot all about the screaming fit he had worked up 5 mins before these pictures were taken.

Candid Chic Photography

Christi Cosper took Colin's picture and we've loved everything! She was wonderful to work with - most of her portraits are taken outdoors with natural lighting (although indoor portraits are available). It's a great way to capture beautiful portraits for holiday cards & gifts!

Her website is: http://www.candidchicphotos.com

Here are some of Colin's pics...

Happy Halloween!

Colin's Halloween costume this year...


Who wouldn't give this kid a big hand full of candy?

Monster and Colin

Monster: "If he smells like my brother..."


"And tastes like my brother..."


"He must be my brother!"

Diaper Days

Who doesn't love a photo shoot on the changing table? For some reason, a diaper change always earns a big smile. It must feel fabulous to have a fresh outfit 10 times a day!!!

David was leaving for work this morning as I was getting soaked in...well, you name it...and he commented that he was glad he didn't remember a time when he was not in control of his bodily functions. Yes, I'm thankful for that too. Good thing diapers are not in OUR future again for at least another 40 years! haha

Colin Sleeps, Part 3

Warning, if you look at these pictures too long you'll want to grab a blankie and curl up somewhere...maybe even your closet?!? Doesn't he look so cozy? If this picture only had audio. He looks like a cute baby boy but he snores like an old man. haha We sure love our little gremlin!

Colin Sleeps, Part 2

Our poor baby has been banished to the closet because he snores SO loud (read previous post to find out why this is a problem). It sounds abusive but if you heard the little gremlin then you too would understand. He even wakes Monster up at night! She will go check on him by standing up on her hind legs and peeking into the bassinet.

When you think about it, the closet is actually the perfect place for a baby - the hundreds of clothes provide nice sound proofing and there is no cold draft from the AC. In fact, once upon a time, David's crib was kept in the closet. When David's dad told us that story I laughed out loud. Just when I thought we had a genius/totally original idea. How funny is that?!?

Colin Sleeps, Part 1

Could this baby be any more relaxed? I love that he can fall asleep in the strangest positions. He must get that from David because I have to be in bed, pitch dark, total quiet with my "nest" (3 pillows and 3 blankets) and it still takes me half an hour to fall asleep.

Baby Bjorn Rocks!

I have a few "tricks of the trade" that I would recommend to any new parents. First off, buy a swing because that will be your favorite thing! Second, get an activity mat because that is how you will be able to take your shower every day. Lastly, get a baby bjorn because that is how you will dry your hair, put on make up, unload the dish washer, fold clothes, make the bed, cook dinner, feed the dog, walk the dog, etc. Basically if you need hands to do it, the Bjorn will get you free to get 'er done. I wish I had a picture of me drying my hair with Colin strapped to my chest bc it's quite an interesting thing to witness.

BTW, I feel like I've mastered the art of multitasking. I can now breast feed while holding Monster, working on the computer and talking on the phone. And I can even grab things with my feet when I'm giving Colin a bottle. Today David said, "Can you hand me the burp cloth?" I hooked it with a toe and tossed it to him. All in a days work.

I did snap a picture of David with his Bjorn on. It has a funny name but don't laugh bc this sucker is a God send...

Bath Accident

I gave Colin a bath today and it ended kinda like this...

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Colin Smiles

It's not just gas this time...he's happy and he knows it!!!

Hi, My name is Colin Peden

Today my mom dressed me up like a girl...



And this is what I thought about it...