Kelli and Colin's Colorado Adventure!

This weekend Colin and I went on an adventure together from New Jersey to Denver, Colorado to visit my oldest friend (we've known each other since 1st grade!), Veronica. It was an adventure to say the least! We had a great time together and I was so happy that Colin had the opportunity to spend so much time with her since we don't get to see her very often.

* Warning...long post with lots of pictures!! *

Colin and I were fortunate enough to "run into" Nana and Grandad at the airport as they were on their way to visit Mickey Mouse in Florida. Our flights were only an hour apart, so they were able to help us through security and we had breakfast together.

I was lucky that prior to boarding, they were able to change my seat to a row that had an open seat (since Colin was "on my lap"). He had been up since 5am and although he was in a great mood at the airport, he started to get really tired while we were waiting to take off. It was my plan that he would sleep for a long period of time, but between two short naps, he only slept for a little over an hour total on a 4+ hour flight.

(Just prior to takeoff) He fell asleep in my arms as we were moving to take off, which was a huge relief. Overall, given that Colin is an easy going baby, the flight wasn't too bad. However, he got really antsy because he just wanted to go, go, go and unfortunately he was stuck, stuck, stuck. We had a busy first day after Veronica picked us up, but we were lucky to get to spend some time on Friday morning with Veronica's husband Francis since he headed to the east coast that day for a wedding.

And then guess what we got to do?!?! We meet up with Aimee and Piper from Aimee's Bowl of Cherries! We were thrilled to have the opportunity and it was a lot of fun! I just hope we are welcome back the next time we are in Denver because Colin was a typical rough and tumble little boy while we were there. Although Colin tried to give out some kisses to Piper, I don't think she was having it after he was not playing very "nicely" with the drum sticks. They do make a cute a band though!

Notice the positioning of Colin's hand. I caught this picture before Colin pushed Piper over! I just couldn't believe that my little boy was so rough with the most adorable, dainty little girl!

Isn't she just the sweetest thing you've ever seen?

We had a delicious lunch while were there (thanks Aimee!) and it was so nice to get to meet and spend time with both Aimee and Piper...

This is Piper's look to her Mommy saying...."I think I've had enough of this boy Mommy".

Thanks guys for a great visit!!

Friday night the three of us went out for a yummy dinner where Colin was so well-behaved.

We were lucky because Veronica was able to borrow lots of baby "stuff" from friends so we didn't need to bring anything with us!

On Saturday we headed to the aquarium in Denver which was really cute! Colin had a great time other than in the rooms that were dark and really loud (one of the exhibits).

He was really observant with the fish in the tanks and they were great because i could just pull the stroller up at his level.

This exhibit had a bubble under the tank that we could get into! How do you like that fish above our heads?

I sat Colin down in front of one of the tanks and this scuba diver came up behind him and was messing with Colin. It was cute when Colin stopped complaining and realized that he was there.

We had a great time at the aquarium and although it was small, it was really nice for Colin's 1st interactive experience (all the other times we went he was too little to even realize where we were).

After the aquarium we had a yummy lunch at an old Mexican restaurant in this quaint little town and then went sightseeing at Red Rocks! There is a "theater" built into the rocks which was beautiful. We had to climb up pretty far to get there though...

Inside the "stadium".

Miss Kathy (PT) should be happy because we practiced LOTS of standing!

Afterwards, we drove around Red Rock for more spectacular views!

Don't worry, in this picture, the rock actually has a ledge to it and I stood close while Veronica took the picture...

It was nice because I also got lots of time to rest and relax at Veronica's house. Here is Colin and Veronica dancing together...

And more practicing standing!

Thanks Veronica for a great visit! It was so nice to spend so much time with you! We love you!! What more could you ask for than good company and nice weather?

The flight home was much to be desired (no extra seats this time), but we survived, so that's all that counts!

Shrek and Donkey...

Off on another whirlwind adventure...without Chris :(

Colin and I are getting on a plane tomorrow morning and headed to Denver, Colorado! We are headed out there to visit one of my closest and oldest friends, Veronica! Guess what? We are also going to meet up with Piper and Aimee from Aimee's Bowl of Cherries!! We just love meeting new blog friends!

We are going to miss Chris/Daddy so much but excited at the thought of the adventure (Daddy had to work). See you when we get back!!

Halloween Weekend

We had a lot of fun this weekend for Colin's 2nd Halloween! On Saturday, Minnie Mouse and Buzz lightyear came to visit (Colin's really good friends Kaia and Liam) and we had a great time with them. There were lots of smooches going around between Minnie and Mickey!

On sunday, we went and visited Daddy at work and colin had a great time being Mickey outside (I guess because the costume kept him nice and warm).

Break on Through...

...to the other side!

In Chris' words today, we feel as though Colin is starting to have a "break through". Colin's feeding issues have probably been our biggest challenge so far, but in the past week or two, things are slowly starting to change. We feel like it has happened all of a sudden where a switch was flipped.

First, our biggest news is that Colin has not used a bottle since Friday morning!! He has drank from straw cups (we finally found 2 that work the best) for each meal all weekend and we couldn't be more thrilled! The process has not been perfect (he still will let some spill out of his mouth when he chooses) but his speech therapist thinks that has more to do with him being tired. However, he does choose to let the milk go at times (umm, rather forcefully) as we were told from his teacher Miss Stacey today. I asked Chris why Colin was in a complete new outfit today and he was told that Colin had a bit of an accident (if that's what you could call it). Miss Stacey looked over and saw that Colin was doing well drinking from the straw. However, all of a sudden, he took all of the drinkable yogurt in his cup and spit, well blew, it out of his mouth all over the place. Oh Colin, what are we going to do with you?

Second, during developmental therapy today, the subject came up as to potential reasons why Colin refuses to pick any food up, let alone, put it in his mouth. Miss Darlene felt that maybe it was an environmental thing, so she got some puffs and just put them on the floor. In a big moment, Colin picked up a puff 5 times (using his pincer grip) and attempted to put it in his mouth. He missed, but the attempt is rarely made with food so we feel like he is starting to "get it" and try some new things. This video is Chris trying to show me Colin's accomplishment after school and although we didn't get him doing it to himself on video, he would pick it up and feed the puff to me...



And, for your viewing pleasure, here is a video for fun. Colin loves loves loves dancing to his Mickey Mouse clubhouse song. He even puts his arms up in the air just like Mickey and the rest of the gang!



More to come tomorrow on the Halloween weekend!