Colton Edward 12 Month Update

Dear Colton,

We have made it to a year!! This has been the toughest but most amazing year.  When moms tell you that motherhood is the toughest thing you have every done, you just don't know how tough it is until you are actually living it.  The first few months consisted of a lot of sleepless nights and one tired mama.  From the beginning you have been such a good little boy.  You never spit up, you nursed like a champ, and you just didn't cry that much.  You really only cried when you were hungry or tired.  When you started sleeping through the night at 4 months, it was life changing.  I felt like I could enjoy you even more because I wasn't as exhausted.  Watching your learn and grow has been such an amazing experience.  You are a very cautious boy who always takes in his surroundings before exploring a new place.  When learning to walk, you were very careful and were just not ready to let go of a stable object until you knew it was safe and you wouldn't fall too hard.  You have the most beautiful blue eyes and infectious smile.  Most people comment how adorable and cute you are when they see you.  I know most people think babies are all pretty cute but I definitely think you are one of the cutest.  From birth you have always been a pretty big boy. When people meet you for the first time they can't believe you are not older.  You are starting to slow down in the growth department but are still bigger than most one year olds.  You have always been a good eater and I hope this continues.  I can't wait for the day when you are old enough to help Daddy in the kitchen.  You love to play with cars, trucks, and anything that makes noise.  You are starting to look less like a baby and more like a little boy.  I love everything about you and can't wait to see what the next year brings.  Love you little man.  Mama

12 month update

Size: You wear 12-18 months in pants but mostly wear 18-24 month shirts 

Weight: 23 lbs

Height: 31 3/4 in

Head Circumference:  19 1/2 in

Food: 
At 11 1/2 months we moved to formula during the day since I ran out of my breast milk stash.  At 12 months I stopped nursing you in the morning and switched to a cup of whole milk.  Once the formula ran out we switched completely over to whole milk.  I still nursed you before bed but we are completely done now.  You eat 3 meals and a snack each day.  

Sleep: Still a great sleeper.  Going to bed around 7:30 and waking around 7:00.  You still take two 1 1/2 hour naps during the day.  

Teeth: No new teeth.  Just the 4 on top and 2 on the bottom.
Words: Still only Mama and Dada but you are starting to mimic any sounds we make.  

Activity: We officially have a walker!!! You starting walking around the house a week before your birthday.  It is so cute.  We starting practicing with shoes since the winter months are right around the corner.  You can clap and love to dance! Your dance moves consist of a lot of head shaking and bouncing.  You love opening and closing drawers and cabinets, taking things out, and putting them back in. 

Likes: Dada, Sasha, taking everything out of mommy's hair product drawers, walking/running around with one of your walkers, going up and down the stairs.  

Dislikes: When Dada leaves, when we tell  you "No", wipe your nose, change your diaper.