A wonderful first birthday party

Colby and five friends celebrated their 1st birthdays at our house Sunday afternoon.  Each birthday boy was born within two weeks of each other.  Their mothers met in a "New Mom's" class sponsored by our pediatrician.  The families have kept in touch and if the number of laughs at Sunday's party is any indication we will stay in frequent contact for years to come.

Colby also enjoyed having his GiGi and Grandy with us for the entire weekend.

Colby received a very nice present, shown below, from his Uncle Oliver, Aunt Marcia and their children (Colby's cousins) Max and Maren.

365 Days Ago

Dear All,

Today, our son, Colby William is 365 days old!!!  Ashley and I can hardly believe how the time has sped past.  There were some scary moments (his first week at home when he had his days and nights mixed up which resulted in none of us sleeping well, the few times he cried over long durations for no apparent reason, and when he had hand, foot and mouth virus) but overall we are extremely proud to call Colby our son.  His near constant smile and laughter make everything so worthwhile.  This first year of life was made much easier by the love, encouragement and support received from each of you -- our family and friends.  For this, Ashley and I thank you!!

I thought it would be nice to share some of the well wishes received in response to the birth announcement I sent from the delivery room almost one year ago today.  They are shown below.  If I neglected to include someones message it was not intentional.  We believe Colby will enjoy reading these messages himself one day and we thank you, again, for making his life that much richer.

God bless,
Brian

*****

Date: February 26, 2011 2:46:25 AM ESTTo: "Brian K.
Subject: Colby William

Dear Family and Friends,
Ashley and I are honored to announce the birth of our son, Colby William, at 1:45am on February 26, 2011.  Both Mom and son are doing terrific.  
From the loving and thankful parents,
Ashley & Brian

*****
Brian,
CONGRATULATIONS!
Glad mom, baby and father are healthy and doing well!
Jenny


*****


He is beautiful, love the expressions the camera captured, thanks for sending.  Congratulations again! 


*****


Brian and Ashley-Michael called me about 3 AM to tell us this news.  He was
so excited, since this is his birthday too!  We are all thrilled for you
too!  Colby William   a lucky young man to get such fine folks as parents.
We are thinking a shortstop for the Phillies one day!  We love you
all-David, Sandy, Michael, and Anna


*****


Wow!  Right on time!  CONGRATULATIONS!  How is everyone feeling?

Celia


*****


That's great news Brian.  Congratulations to you and Ashley!  I'm about 2 hours away from leaving for Asia for a week.  Good luck adjusting to your new life.
Todd


*****


Congrats! Can't wait to see the pics and then meet him!

Sent from Ivy's iPhone


*****


Oh my goodness how wonderful! Congrats!! Looking forward to meeting him. I didn't realize her due date was imminent. That flew by fast! Call us if you need anything !

Carla


*****


CONGRATULATIONS !!!! Mom and son doing well.  Dad is still in shock huh?  Where did Colby come from.  I got the William part ! Maria sends her best to you and ashley.


Mike


*****


Great news....especially that both Ashley and Colby "are doing terrific"!!
The picture is wonderful.  Give a big hug to Ashley for us, and know that
all three of you are in our hearts and prayers!

Love to all of you,

Karen & Bob

PS - I'm sure they make "Phillies Fan" 'onesies'...if the new Mom will allow
it! (you have to start them early, which is why Guy is as big a Yankees fan
as I am)


*****

So excited for both of you!!! He is beautiful!!!! Love to all... ***** Congratulations to you both, what an adorable name! ***** Brian, That is great to hear.  Congratulations!  You and Ashley will make great parents.  I can remember bringing Zach home like it was yesterday and we are now just months away from sending him off to college. Try and get some sleep and enjoy every minute of it because some day you will find yourself like me randomly looking at babies in public and really missing it.  They grow up too fast. Keep me updated. Kevin ***** love the picture!!  Colby is beautiful...  please give Ashley a big hug from me.  We're thinking about all of you! take care~ Erin  ***** Welcome to the world, Colby!  Congratulations on the birth of your new baby boy!  The joys you are about to experience will warm your heart. Bless you all. With much love, Desiree ***** Congratulations to new parents Brian and Ashley, and of course to the little guy, Colby William.  We are thrilled to hear about your new blessing, and hope you recovering and adjusting, and look forward to meeting him.    All our kisses, The Crikelairs ***** Wonderful news!!!!! Congratulations! We look forward to meeting your little guy soon. Much love, The Dales PS- We LOVE baby sitting. Give us a call if you need a break. We'd be happy to watch Colby if you guys need a nap. ***** CONGRATULATIONS!!! So happy for you guys!  Can't wait to meet Colby.  Looking forward to our first play date. Marisa ***** Congratulations to you and Ashley!  Glad mom and the new "Jr."  are doing terrific.  I'll call you this weekend. Mike C ***** Dear Ashley and Brian, We want to congratulate you with birth of your son Colby William! We wish your family good health, love and prosperity! With love, The Ostroverkhs ***** How are you and Ashley doing with sleep?  I hope all is well.  Take care. Randy ***** Brian, he is adorable! I am very happy for you. Thanks for sending the picture! ***** Dear Mr. Royce, My mommy and daddy really appreciate the gift of wine. They promise to save it until I am able to join them in drinking it. Thank you very much! Colby William ***** ***** Hey Brian - Getting some sleep these days!  Look forward to meeting the little tiger. ***** Dear Mr. and Mrs. Yentsch, Your gift to me was a grand slam!  You may have made my father even happier than me which I appreciate. My mother likes having a variety of clothes to dress me in so she is just as pleased. Thank you very much! Colby William ***** Your life will forever be changed for the better.  Congrats to you and the Mrs.  Maybe your second son will be smart enough to be a Yankee fan. Pat ***** Congratulations, Brian. Enjoy it. This is the really important stuff in life... Best Martin ***** All the best for mummy, daddy and baby, hope you enjoy one of the best times of your life, try to remember as much of the great and little momentsRalf ***** Congratulations to you and Ashley on the birth of your son!  I am so happy for you. Nina ***** CONGRATULATIONS! Colby sounds like a sure handed shortstop! Randy ***** Dear Ashley and Brian, Congratulations to your son. As the father of three wonderful kids I know very well that there's nothing on earth which makes you more happy than your own child(s). Hence, I think I know how you feel. Just enjoy it! And, when things have settled maybe you have a chance to send a picture of Colby...by the way a very nice name. All the best,Florian ***** To my brother on the birth of his son, Welcome to your new adventure of raising a son. I know Mom is very excited, And Dad would be so proud of you. Take the best of the lessons from Mom and Dad And raise a fine son. Remember, the goal is to raise him To be happy and healthy To love you and Ashley And find love in his own life. *****

Colby's first haircut

Before



During






































After

Stepping Stones

Colby visited the Stepping Stones Museum for the first time Sunday afternoon.  We each had a great time!  I suspect we will visit again soon.

Sunday costume

The older children in Colby's Sunday School class enjoyed dressing him up as a lobsterman this morning.




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Virus be gone!

We hope to be near the end of a bad period in our house. Colby came down with hand foot mouth virus late Tuesday. He spiked a fever Wednesday, had no desire to sleep his normal hours and broke out in a significant rash. He visited the doctor twice and was prescribed two medicines. Ashley and Brian did a great job coordinating their schedules so that one could stay home and tend to Colby. Ashley took Wednesday while Brian raised his hand for Thursday and Friday. By Saturday afternoon Colby was close to being himself. Come Sunday he was almost all the way back albeit still with a rash but past the contagion period. This episode had Ashley and Brian a little scared but thankfully our prayers have been answered.

A great weekend!

Colby and his Daddy spent most of the day together Saturday. Daddy was in California all week so he welcomed the chance to spend the day with his son. This allowed Ashley to venture out for her Junior League meeting and a hair styling.

Colby was fascinated watching the clothes go round and round in the washer and dryer. He also showed Daddy how adept he has become at pulling himself up. Here are a few pictures of a happy Colby.












Colby also demonstrated his still developing skill of drinking from a sippy cup.




We also completed the assembly and installation of Colby's big boy car seat. Having more room to move made Colby smile!



Sunday evening Colby enjoyed playing with his talking doggy while being held by Mommy.



These great weekend activities tired Colby out which made administering his nebulizer treatment quite easy.



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