Countdown to Christmas

I mentioned before that we have lights on the outside of our house and a tree on the inside.  I thought that the decorating would end at that, but I was wrong.  There are things hanging near the fireplace, candles being lit, and lights are now hanging in Matthew's room.  I am suspect of this because it makes me curious why he gets that and not me?  Hmm...

This tall tree growing in our house has some low hanging fruit that I am determined to get my hands on.  I can't quite get there when I am allowed out and about.  Someone picks me up and reroutes me away from all the shiny dangling objects.  It will be best to try and sneak a peak when a back is turned and Matthew is going to play a part in that!  If I can get a distraction I think I will be able to get a closer look at the lights and hanging toys!

So I am OFFENDED when I overhear my parents calling me stubborn!  The nerve!  Especially when I consider it determination!  I am determined to say my only word of "Dada".  No matter how many times I hear "Mama", I refuse it... I mean I am determined to continue with a response of "Dada!".  My mom is exhausting herself and I think that she has said it over and over many 200 times?  Ha!  I will give in soon, but for I am enjoying the reactions and looks I get.  (I am also determined to talk for 20 - 30 before falling asleep during naps, put toys in my mouth, and crawl over to the hallway electric socket no matter how many times I am pull away or told know!)

Speaking of crawling, I am using my knees most of the time now.  The army crawl is not only slow but I am have noticed it is exhausting!  Using my knees to wander around gets me places much faster.  And as you probably have read, I can't quite get to where I want to go all the time.  But with some more practice and a bit more speed I will. 

I had a doctor's appointment the other day and again all is good.  I am 24 pounds and 10 ounces, 30" and my head is still bigger than most other kids.  I got a booster flu shot but no other shots this time.  The doctor said I am healthy and can start eating my foods!  Since then I have had scrambled eggs, bread, and pasta!  Real food is great and I am really looking forward to what is coming up next.

Christmas and New Year's is quickly approaching and I can't believe how fast 9 months has flown by.  I don't think my mom's prediction of me walking by December 31 is going to come true, but I think very soon after!  Pulling myself up to see the world around is a favorite, but I love moving along things too!  I really like side stepping with the couch, coffee table, and the outside sliding door.  Everyone thinks I like looking outside, but really I just like looking at my reflection!

Well, that is about it for now!  Have a wonderful holiday!

With Love,
Colin

Back from Texas!

We are back from Texas and a really great visit to see our family there!  Going to Texas meant getting on a few airplanes for a few hours.  I am pleased to say that I was well behaved on all flights and slept most of one of the legs to Dallas!  Matthew had his movies to watch, but I mostly got to hang out with Mom and Dad as they bounced me and held me all day. 

Once we got there the fun began immediately!  I met a great uncle, a super sweet aunt and some very cool cousins.  Everyone was excited to meet me, hold me, and see me strut my stuff, but most of the attention was on Matthew and his counterpart cousin.  She and Matthew are the same age and apparently have the same personality!  It was loud and fun! You should have seen the messes that were made and games that were played.  Up the stairs then down the stairs.  Those two were fast!

Thanksgiving dinner was wonderful!  I got to eat some really delicious Gerber's Turkey Dinner.  I am sure everyone eating turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, cranberry, and broccoli casserole was jealous of my pureed Gerber meal (I hope you are catching my sarcasm!)  Everyone there had a great meal and we all had a blast catching up with one another.

So my cousins are amazing!  The older two are so sweet and hug and hold me all the time.  They were so sweet that one changed a poopy diaper!  Can you even imagine?  If I ever have younger cousins, you can rest assure that I will be handing the baby back to its owner!  So gross.  The youngest cousin kept wanting to hold me and hug me and said a hundred times "he's so cute!".  I think that might be my absolute favorite part of Texas, the fact that it was confirmed that I am cute.

It was a great trip and I can't wait to see them again!


So while in Texas I mastered pulling myself up and doing a bit of cruising.  Since being home I am getting way better at moving side to side, but I will admit that I am terrible at getting down.  The only thing I can think of is to have a complete melt down when it is time for me to stop standing.  Getting up is no problem, but sitting is the issue.  I cry, wail, or scream until someone helps me.  I am getting the feeling that this is going to be stopping soon.  I overheard my mother saying something about letting me cry it out next time.  Uh oh!

Since it is December and Thanksgiving has come and gone, Christmas is coming next.  This means that we have a tree in our house, lights on the outside of our house, and a new resident living with us during the day.  There is an elf watching Matthew and I everyday.  His name is "Joe Blue".  Don't ask me about the name, that is all Matthew.  So the story about the elf is he watches during the day and reports back to Santa at night when we are sleeping.  If all goes well he comes back the next day to hide in a different place.  Matthew loves this guy.  I could care less right now, but maybe next year I will be more into him!

Not too much else to report.  My dad is still on leave, my 8th tooth finally came through, and in a few short weeks my other grandparents are coming back out to visit.  Seems to me that the last few months have been busy!

Hope everyone is well.

With Love,
Colin


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