Thursday, December 31, 2009

Christmas 2009

We spent Christmas in Pittsburgh, PA this year. Thanks to the great nor'easter, the city was blanketed by snow just in time for the big day. Colin got some use out of his still-too-big snowsuit:



Not only did I not post for almost two weeks, but I also forgot to take pictures of Colin on Christmas morning - yikes! Here are some pictures of him opening presents back at my parents' house the Sunday after:













Isn't he sweet? And we LOVE the Penguins sweater from Caitlin! After our first Penguins game this holiday, we decided that we wanted to get Colin interested in hockey. My family must have read our thoughts because he received the sweater and a Penguins hockey stick from my aunt and uncle within days!

My family lives a little outside of Pittsburgh, in a small town in Western PA. Western PA has produced a lot of big football talent, especially quarterbacks, but other than that, there's not a whole lot to be said. To get out and about one day we took a trip to the Beaver Valley Mall, where Colin took ride on a few of the quarter-rides:










Probably not the most sanitary things, but he was smiling! 

 It was nice to spend time with our family that we do not get to see a lot. And, of course, the food was great! I hope everyone had as great a Christmas as we did. Happy, healthy New Year (and decade!) to all!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

12 Days of Christmas

First Day, One Messy Bedroom:

Chris and I were laying on the couch and decided to let him 'play' independently for a few minutes. This was the disaster we walked into!

Second Day, Crayons for Dinner:

Sometimes he writes on paper, sometimes he still tries to eat them. I don't think we are quite ready for art projects yet.

Third Day, 'A Puppy!'

Other than "mama", "mommy" and "baby", Colin's most commonly used word is "a puppy". He has also become very fond of his stuffed animals. He will carry as many as his little arms (and legs!) can hold! This puppy was from my Grandma and has quickly become one of his favorites!

Fourth Day, A Big Boy Potty!


We have placed a potty in each bathroom in the house in hopes that Colin will miraculously understand what it is for. This is a work in progress...

Fifth Day, My First Present of the Year!


I was shocked to see that he actually knew what to do. Well, other than sitting on the box. I didn't grab my camera in time but he actually made a good amount of progress on his own. 

This was a package from the Seamon family- Thank You! Inside was a book, 'If You Take a Mouse to the Movies', and the stuffed Mouse to go with it! The Mouse has also become one of Colin's favs and he sleeps with him every night!

Okay, so it was only 5 days not 12 but I'm sure I will have more to add soon! Enjoy your last few days of shopping, wrapping, and baking - isn't it the most wonderful time of the year?

Monday, December 7, 2009

Here Comes Santa Claus...

I'll admit it- I've been a bad blogger. We went to Pittsburgh this weekend for the UC/Pitt game and I FORGOT my camera! Unbelievable. I always have my camera. So no pictures and no blog from this weekend, sorry!

Recently, I've had a lot of requests for Christmas gift ideas for Colin. To be honest, the kid is very blessed, to say the least, and has more than enough toys to keep him busy! Here are a few ideas:

1) MONEY ::: I've opened a separate bank account for Colin and it is growing! You can help it grow by giving him a monetary gift for Christmas. 



2) DONATION FOR A CAR SEAT ::: Colin will soon pass the 20 lb. mark (finally!) which means he can upgrade to a big-boy car seat. Yes, he's still in an infant carrier. So if you don't want your monetary gift to just sit in an account and collect dust, you can donate it to the car seat fund!



3) CLOTHES ::: Even if Colin doesn't grow out of his current clothing size any time soon, warmer weather will be here again before we know it- and I'm hoping that will be sooner than later! Currently, he wears 12 mos., so for the summer 18 mos. should work. Sports attire for the Steelers and Bearcats will always be appreciated!



4) LEARNING ACTIVITIES ::: A kid can never have too many books! And think ahead too, he will be reading for years to come if I have anything to do with it. Also, he's not a big TV watcher, yet, but I wouldn't mind starting a Sesame Street DVD collection for him!