Dear Colin,
Happy 15th Month Birthday.
Some months I can write these letters so quickly and other months I struggle with what to write. This month I struggle. It isn't that you didn't do anything blog worthy or reach new milestones but rather I just don't feel creative or much like a writer. I'll do the best I can little man but I make no promises.
You have a new found sense of independence. You've got walking legs and you want to use them by yourself. You don't want to be carried unless being held means you can grab something that you otherwise can't reach. You prefer to feed yourself. If Mommy or Daddy are feeding you with a spoon, you like to take your finger food and 'dip' it in the spoon so you feel like you are still feeding yourself. You like carrying your lunch box or getting your diaper for me. You realize things have its place and you love putting them there. Your sippy cups goes in the cup holder on your tray, the french doors to your play room should be closed, shoes go by the door. You like to help put on and take off your coat, socks, shoes and hats.
We are amazed by how smart you are becoming. You are soaking everything up lately. You know what we find funny and you do it often. You know that Ethan loves when you lift up his shirt and smack his belly as hard as you can. You know that I love when you kiss me on both cheeks and smack dab on the lips or when you blow me a kiss when Daddy carries you up to bed. We laughed at you clicking your tongue in the car the other day and now every time we get in the car, you click your tongue and laugh. When we ask you a question, you now respond - not usually with actual words but with actions. If I ask you if you have a stinky P.U. diaper, you will wave your hand across your nose and head towards the stairs. If I ask if you are hungry and want to eat, you will walk towards your highchair and lift your hands to be picked up. You will take out your pipey when talking when I remind you to not talk with your pipey in your mouth. It's exciting to see how fast you are learning and can't wait to see more.
Someone asked me the other day how many words you are now saying. I wasn't quite sure but guessed about 20-30. I, of course, later had to make a list and I came up with 26 words and 12 animal sounds that I could remember. You have words for: MaMa, DaDa, Grandpa, Tim, diaper, bottle, pipey, all done, more, book, baby, hi, buh bye, whats this, this, drop it, banana, thank you (you seldom says this and always only when prompted), ahhh boom (when you drops things), bite, choo choo, duck, ball, tada, button, and zipper. You says something for both shoe and sock but I don't think it's shoe or sock, so I didn't add it yet. I also had two people say they think you said please and Ethan but I haven't heard it, so I didn't add those either. You know what the following animals say/do: puppy dog, monkey, lion, frog, elephant, alligator, bird, rooster (my favorite), cow, pig, sheep and duck. I am so proud Colin of your ever increasing vocabulary and how quickly you are catching on to new words and sounds.
I'm not excited about how this monthly letter went but I am excited about you and where you are going. You are growing and learning and {usually} loving life. You love being around people and saying 'hi' to everyone you come across at the store. You even blow kisses to strangers when they say bye to you. You are such a delight and I am so proud to be your mom.
Love always,
Mommy
Chris, Lindsey, Kristi and Mike
Jason, Janna, Mike, Kristi, Leah, Tim, Merridith and James
Chris and Kris
Gangsta Love
For old times sake
Uncle Marky and Colin
Colin giving Grandpa a kiss
Emma and Russell's First Communion
Uncle Marky, Aunt Missy, Grandpa, Uncle Russell, Aunt Emma, Uncle Bradley, Daddy, Mommy and Colin.
