New Tricks

As soon as Colton could crawl, it wasn't long before he could pull himself up.  Couches, tables, ottomans, cupboards, even the glass shower door -- anything to be tall and get a better view.

 

I can stand!

Using feet to get the ball...

or a little ab workout.

A new favorite - the yellow ball from the carnival games.

Jason had a work picnic at Lime Lake - 

Colton "skipped school" to join us on a sunny Friday afternoon

Crawl - Clap - Crawl

This is quite possibly one of my very favorite videos of Colton.  He became a much more confident crawler while also learning to clap.  Watch him demonstrate his two newest skills - just priceless.

Go Fish!

While Daddy was at the airshow with Grandpa Bob Bob, Colton played his first carnival game with Great Aunt Jess.  He caught a fish (shark) and won a prize!

Pick a duck!

Learning to Crawl

Colton has been moving around pretty well but has done so by rolling over and scooting backwards.  The journey to crawl took place over about a week beginning on Saturday, July 7th. Colton started to realize what he needed to do with a little help from Grandma Karen.

A few days later...

By the 12th Colton had forgotten what he learned from Grandma Karen and only wanted to plank. "Look, Mom - I'm strong!"

By the 13th  - Colton was back to his knees but only moving about 1-2 feet before he'd flop on his belly and proceed to roll over.  Rolling over repeatedly got him to move faster than crawling.

Then, finally - Sunday night - it all started to come together!  Fortunately Grandpa G, Aunt Lauren & Uncle Kendal were there to see.

Colton is crawling!

All the way down the foyer hallway

Aunt Lauren

Aunt Lauren was in town from Memphis for the past month and we had lots of fun!  We had a Smith Family dinner at Orazio's in Clarence.  This restaurant happens to be where Jason and I had our last dinner before becoming parents -- and also the first dinner out with Colton when he was just over a week old.  Here is is with Cousin Taylor, who cried because she wanted to come to the other side of the table to play with Colton.  So sweet!

Colton & Aunt Lauren

CMS & CMS

Summertime fun

Blueberries!  Colton and I went to the Clarence Farmer's Market and bought some fresh blueberries.  Yumm!

We visited the Buffalo Zoo with Aunt Amy and Cousins Taylor and Christopher.  

Taylor and Colton watching the Polar Bear take a swim

CMS & CMS

Colton Michael Smith & Christopher Michael Smith

Snack time!

The week prior Elizabeth was over and Uncle Jason took a few pictures.  

Of the over 20 they tolerated - this was the best one. 

"Why do they do this to us?"

Little Friends

An impromptu neighborhood cookout brought our three little people plus Allie together for fun on the Van Deusen deck.  This also meant fun drinks on the deck for six grown-ups.

Colton on the move on Mr. Cory's big deck

(backwards, sideways, not yet forward)

Colton and Allie in the pink pool!

 Play time

Circa 2011 - back when Colton weighed less than the girls:

October 27, 2011 - London & Colton

November 8, 2011 - Amelia & Colton

March 7, 2012

Amelia is crawling

London is sitting

Colton finally is tolerant of tummy time

Back to today - July 6, 2012

Amelia is almost walking

London is crawling

Colton is almost crawling

 Mommies

First Cut

For Jason's entire life his barber Chuck has cut his hair, with only one exception.  We noticed Colton's side burns were getting a little long and decided it was time for his first haircut.  Jason didn't think Colton was ready for Chuck just yet, so we visited Kids Cuts R Fun instead and Miss Grayce gave Colton his first trim.  While the toys, kids TV, and fun colors kept Colton happy for the trim, I'm sure one day he will join Jason and go to Chuck - keeping with a Smith boy tradition.

Colton stayed perfectly still and stared at the TV during the entire trim

Grayce only tripped the back and sides, leaving Colton's baby fuzz on the top of his head.

Admittedly, I am not ready for a big-boy look just yet.

Handsome like Daddy

Canandaigua Lake for the 4th

Grandma CC and Grandpa Mike invited us to join them in South Bristol over the Fourth of July.  Colton celebrated his first Independence Day in style with his special "Colton" shirt.  What the picture below doesn't show is Colton waiving the flag.

Our Little Patriot

First view of a Lake

Colton was so good while we enjoyed dinner overlooking the lake

Colton + Sophie + Puffs = A relaxing dinner for all of us!

For the love of movies - Just like Daddy

The place we stayed had a tub, but while on vacation, a bath in the kitchen sink is much more fun!  Colton loves faucets - he plays with all of the knobs until the water turns on.

Family on the Fourth - Naples, NY

A "must-stop" if you are ever near Naples - Monica's Pies!

The best, yes... BEST... Chocolate Cream Pie is in that bag.

It would not be a vacation without the poodles

This is one of three ponds where we stayed

Mom and I took Colton for a walk around the grounds - including a hike up a hill to see grapes.

All the exercise put Colton right to sleep.

I'm on a Boat

A trip to the lake would not be complete without Colton's first boat ride.  We know he loves rides in the stroller and the car - of course the boat was no different.

Daddy & Colton - all ready to go

(not so sure about the life jacket)

On the boat with Grandma CC

Colton loved checking out the view

Looking at Daddy

Our little boater man

...and we're asleep

Within five minutes of leaving the dock, Colton was sound asleep

A trip to Canandaigua would not be complete without a stop for Jason's favorite lunch - Terry's Signature Sub at Pelican Point Marina.  Colton woke up while we docked and again checked out the surroundings - while enjoying some lunch for himself.  I should also note, as soon as we were moving again, he was asleep within just a few minutes.  

Colton is just learning how to clap and wave.  He really hasn't figured either out so instead has created a combination of the two - holding his arms out and waving both hands. 

Drivin'