Lions and Tigers

and bears...

Today we decided to enjoy the cooler weather with Coleton at the zoo. He had so much fun checking out all the animals and especially enjoyed walking through the aquarium with Daddy!

We had a lot of fun and hope to go back again when it's even cooler!

On a completely different note, today would have been my Mom's 60th birthday. While I think about and remember her daily, she was especially in my thoughts today. My only regret is that she doesn't know Coleton. I know how much joy she would have over my sweet baby boy. While I rejoice for her daily that she's in a better place in a perfect and healthy body, my selfish heart still wishes she were just a phone call away.

"My Mom is a never-ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words, but I will always remember the tune."

~G. Harmon

6 month pictures

Kat has again done such a fantastic job taking pics of Coleton. Here are a few of my favorites from his 6 month photo session back in May:

Kat always does such wonderful work and I love these photos! Isn't our little man SO handsome?!!

Wet and Wild

Coleton, with the help of Daddy (of course), asked Gram and Whatsa for his very own pool to chill out in this summer, and they delivered! It's a neat little crab that the hose hooks up to.

Today was our first day testing the waters. Now Coleton loves to get in a regular pool; he kicks his legs like a mad man and has so much fun.

He wasn't too sure about this crab thing though...

With a little bit of splashing from Mommy, he began to relax.

And eventually began to play a little bit with the water.

Here's to (hopefully) many more fun times with Mr. Crab this summer!

Rollin, Rollin, Rollin...

Love my sweet roly-poly!

Is it just me or does he look like a big boy here?

Coleton is all over the place... and watch out, because he'll bulldoze you if you're in his path!

Happy 4th!

I wish I had a picture of how handsome my little man looked in his red, white and blue, but I don't!

We celebrated the day with breakfast with Gram and Whatsa, watching a small tiny parade in our neighborhood, the Peach Festival in Gilbert, and finally cooling off/recovering from the festival at our neighbor's pool. It was such a fun day!

We are so thankful for all who serve and have served to protect our freedom! Happy 4th of July everyone. Love to all!

Go Cocks!

Today Coleton and I headed downtown to watch the parade in honor of our back to back baseball champions. We are so proud of our Carolina Gamecocks!

And we were lucky enough to run into Uncle Venson (or Uncle Bubba for Coleton). Thanks for hanging out with us during the parade - we both enjoyed your company!

Here is the bus with the coaching staff and their families

Coleton was so interested in all the people - my little guy is a busy body! And of course, he takes extra interest in the pretty girls...he's such a flirt. We had so much fun!!

Here we are, back at home playing, trying to cool off. (Ignore the paci, Aunt Tiffaney!)

Please forgive the blurry and not so great pictures - I had my regular digital camera and not my Nikon.

1, 2...

How many teeth can you count?

It took several weeks for Coleton's first tooth (bottom center right) to pop through. Then, about a week later, both top center teeth as well as the tooth next to the right center tooth, came through. And before we knew, his bottom left tooth popped out as well. Despite all this teething, our sweet baby boy continues to be such a happy little guy!

My Favorite Sound

...is Coleton's laugh! And this boy LOVES to play with my hair. Enjoy the silly video. :)

Sailing Away, Part 2

While drifting in my sail boat today, I decided to climb out and have a little fun.

Good thing Mommy was there to catch me.

Silly boy! :)

Come Sail Away

This morning Coleton decided to go sailing with Jake and the Neverland Pirates, all from the safety of Mommy and Daddy's bedroom.

He has so much fun in the basket! Don't you just love that laugh?

Hey Mommy!

What are you up to??

Like Daddy...

...like Coleton. How handsome are my boys??

Every morning (or if I'm really on top of things, the night before) I pull out Coleton's clothes. Clif, after getting himself ready, usually gets Coleton dressed for school. Well, before we realized it, the Fordham boys were dressed alike for the day. Blue shirt and khakis. Ah, makes my heart smile.

Happy (early) Father's Day Daddy! This little boy adores you! You are my better half and Coleton's hero! I love how he lights up when you walk in the room, how securely he fits in your arms, and how I never have to worry about him when he's in your hands. From diaper changes to spit-ups to midnight cries and midnight feedings, you have been there every step of the way. I couldn't do it without you! We love you so much!

Movin' On Up

Thursday night was Coleton's first night in his crib. Until tonight, he had slept in our bedroom in the pack-n-play. This was the best decision for us, especially while I was breast feeding and Coleton was still waking up in the middle of the night to nurse. However, we had been meaning to move him to the crib...and then he kept getting sick.

Remember: right ear infection, bronchitis for about 4 weeks, and then double ear infections?

But we took the plunge... and he's done great!

The 1st night he cried for about 30 minutes, the 2nd night 20, and by Saturday night he fell asleep in less than 10 minutes. No, we aren't just letting him cry it out in his crib, because I don't feel like that's the best choice for us. But we are trying to let him put himself to sleep, instead of depending on us. He goes down around 8-8:30 and still wakes up once a night and eats (but hopefully not for much longer). Yay for Coleton!

PS - Little man has a bottom tooth barely poking out!

Avocado

YUMMY!!

(This is the 3rd food Coleton has tried; we added sweet potatoes to his diet on 5/29)

First Birthday Party

Warning: Grab your sunglasses.

Right now.

Seriously, go get them.

Or proceed at your own risk, as my pale legs may will blind you!!

Today Coleton attended his first birthday party. Since he is feeling better, we were able to join in the festivities to help Will P. celebrate his 4th birthday. And what fun we had at the pool/Star Wars party! Coleton thought all the big kids were so cool and enjoyed flirting with some of the ladies (both young and older).

Coleton looked so handsome in his swim trunks. Daddy was not a fan of the hat.

At first, Coleton cried when I put his feet in the water, but he quickly began to enjoy himself.

Happy Birthday Will!! Thank you for allowing us to celebrate your special day! We love you!

Like Father...

...like son?! Hopefully, in the case of chronic ear infections, not. But alas, we found out today that little man has double ear infections. Double. Ear. Infections.

So, yesterday Coleton was sent home with a fever of about 102. We got home, gave him some tylenol, and I loved on him while he slept. And then the storm, aka mini hurricane, started. I was terrified that a tree in our backyard was going to land on the house or a tornado was headed our way.

Then the power went out! I could handle a hot house without AC, but I wasn't about to force my sweet boy to suffer...especially when his fever was lingering around 102 with tylenol in his system. We wrapped some cool wash cloths around his neck and thighs and then Clif and I attempted to pack the essentials, everything we could possibly need for the night. Wish I had taken a picture of the packed car. Imagine 2 adults, 1 baby in car seat, 2 large dogs, a pack-n-play, diaper bag, men's suit, and humidifier all crammed into the Edge. Hilarious!

Today though Coleton is better now that he has some fabulous $60 antibiotic in him. Today was the 4th time in 5 weeks that we've seen Dr. Cope/Uncle Bruce (which we're gonna start calling him if this keeps up). Funny enough - we go back in a week for Coleton's 6 month well check-up! Praying that my sweet boy does not get the ear infection gene from his Daddy!

Look at me!

Real food

Yep, it's that yummy time...time for solids. Coleton's first taste of homemade (as in steamed and baby bulleted) squash; I think he likes it!

On a side note, Happy 50th Birthday Gram! We love you!!