our dear Colby...

I find that I'm so busy updating the blog with 'events' or 'happenings' in our daily lives that I really wanted to blog all about each of our children... so here's a little update on our little man!

Well, Colby is a 2-year old now, even though it seemed like we hit the 'Terrible Twos' a long time ago! No, all kidding aside, he is a really great kid, who just reminds us often that he is definitely a 2 year old! Colby was an early talker and continues to surprise us with his speech! He is putting together quite complex sentences and remembers words and various things from ages ago! After a timeout yesterday, Gerry asked him what he needed to do now (which is usually say sorry, hug, and a kiss for Mommy), and he responded with "Apologize to Mommy"!! What?!? I asked him where he learned that and he said from Mommy, so I must have said it a time or two for him to remember! He's quite the little character too! He has an infectious laugh and I absolutely love it when he gets giggling! He thinks it's really funny to tickle others and make them laugh too, as well as play tricks on you. For instance, when playing soccer or tossing a ball with one of us, he'll often throw it in the opposite direction instead of at us because he thinks it's hilarious! Pretty cute!! Colby loves playing with all of his toys, but he especially loves his new (very manly) kitchen that he got from Santa, trains, cars, and trucks (with trailers of course!) He doesn't go many places without his beloved Tip Top, who is like another member of our family! He feeds him, wraps him in 'blankie' and often occupies Jenna's swing or rocking chair with Tip Top. I have learned more about trains lately than I ever knew! Thomas the Tank Engine is a big deal in our house!! He also loves playing outside and is enjoying the snow a lot this year! He likes playing in the snow and going sledding on a hill near the Westerra Lake! It sure wears him out, so bedtime is usually a bit earlier on our sledding days!

Colby started Preschool this past week. It is a program called I'm Big Enough For Preschool! It is intended for 2 and 3 year olds and is held every Tuesday morning for one hour at the Tri. It is supposed to be a transition program to help the kids move into preschool on their own later on. So the parents stay at first and then can leave whenever you feel your child is ready to be in the room without you. He did really well! While he was pretty shy at first (as usual lately), he warmed up to the idea of playing with the other kids, did a craft with me, colored, and played lots! By the end of the class, he was sitting on the mat, right in front of his teacher, singing the songs and listening to the entire story. Once, I saw him scanning the room looking for me among all of the other moms, but as soon as he found me, he turned around again and was fine. I was very happy it went so well!

He was supposed to begin swimming lessons last night (Friday), but we couldn't make it to the first one of the session. (Gerry and I went on a double date with friends Jen and Dave to Jubilations!) So we're looking forward to him starting it next week with Daddy. We will just meet Gerry at the Tri for the lesson from 5:30-6:00.

Colby began his transition to a no-napping toddler about a month ago. I'm not going to try and sugar-coat it, but it is not going well. I was very sad the day that he decided he didn't want to nap anymore!! I really quite enjoy a bit of quiet time everyday. Anyway, he still has Quiet Time everyday and occasionally he falls asleep after reading, which is nice. On the days that he doesn't nap, it is a rough afternoon for everyone. I just wish he didn't fight it so much because he truly does still need the extra sleep!! Oh well I guess... what can you do?!

Colby is a great big brother! While it was a bit of a rough start with Jenna coming home from the hospital, he is doing absolutely great with her now! He likes to play with her, show her toys, help to bath her, and get her diapers when she needs changing. Thank you, Colby!! I hope he's going to continue to love her this much as the years go on... I hope our kids grow up to be good friends!!

You are definitely one of a kind, little man! We love seeing you grow and show excitement for everything through your big, bright, blue eyes! You continue to amaze and surprise us with what you know and communicate with us. Thank you for bringing so much joy, laughter, and love to our hearts every single day! Mommy and Daddy love you so much!! xoxo