Spring around the corner?

As the holidays flew by and the last weeks of winter (being optimistic here) are now upon us, it is time once again to update.
Creighton is becoming quite the big boy! He continues to amaze us each and everyday with new words and talents. He still loves cows and tractors, but has been somewhat obsessed as of late with fish, music/dancing, and "choo-choos." It is funny how having a little boy changes things...once upon a time I was an annoyed and impatient person when the dreaded train track crossings would go down- who doesn't hate waiting for trains- and now Creighton and I cheer and clap and point and count and say "choo-choo" over and over again when we are lucky enough to get to wait for a train!
Creighton loves playing music on my ipod dock and has a sweet little spin/clap/stomp/hug routine that he will repeat more times than you care to know about. He can count orally to 10 and at times 14 and (out comes the K teacher in me) has a good understanding of number sense for a little guy... he seems to understand what it means to count objects and one to one correspondence when counting. I know what you are probably thinking... why 14?? We have 14 stairs in our house and since before I can remember have always just counted stairs when going up and down with Creighton out of habit. :)
Creighton also has learned to "appreciate" the time out chair as he has also been doing some experimenting with emotions (read: throwing fits), right and wrong, and how far he can get with his parents. As soon as C hears the words "time out" his bottom lip comes out and starts quivering like crazy. He always seems so remorseful and seems to be so grateful and thankful for the hug and the "I love you" that comes after his one minute time out.
Chad and I have been busy working on Creighton's new "big boy" bedroom. We would like to move C out of the nursery and into his new bedroom soon. We have painted the room a rust/orange color and on my snow day this Monday, Creighton and I went and bought a new full size mattress set for his room that should be in next week. He loves playing in his "new" room and thinks his transportation themed bedding is great! Before we started painting this week, we had a different bed/mattress set in the room that he loved playing on. He will look like such a little squirt in that big bed but I am so looking forward to changing regular bed sheets. Who knew crib sheets and bumper pads were such a hassle! ugh!
Creighton still enjoys going to his babysitter Amanda's house and his eyes light up in the morning when I talk to him about going to "Levi's" (Amanda's 3 year old son) to play that day. Creighton has learned so much socially this year and we are so thankful for an awesome childcare experience again this year. Amanda has been having weekly themes at her house; cars, dinosaurs, winter, etc... which of course I love! Creighton wore his dinosaur shirt and took his favorite dino book to her house this week. :) How cute!
School has been going very fast this year and I am still really enjoying my class. We do not have an official spring break but we have a nice Wed-Mon. Easter break that Chad, Creighton and I will be enjoying in Cancun, Mexico. We are very excited for this trip and can't wait to take Creighton on his first beach vacation! Creighton and I have been spending our Saturday mornings at Parent/Child Water Class at the Fulton Co. Rehab center and it turns out that C is quite the little fish. He was very hesitant at first but is now loving every minute of swim class. He loves playing "Humpty Dumpty" (sitting on the pool wall and falling in) and "Duck Duck Goose" which is played by dunking the little one who is picked "goose." Creighton went under last week and came up clapping and sneezing. :) He is also a big fan of the kick board and the noodle, but has a hard time making a noodle color choice each week.
Chad was gone last weekend on an Ice Fishing trip in Northern Michigan and had a great time. We are also planning a trip to Columbus this weekend to catch a OSU/Mich BB game, go shopping, and spend time with Chad's cousin Matt and friends to celebrate Chad's b-day. Creighton will be spending the weekend with his Grandma and Grandpa Rutter. I like to think he will miss me a little, but I can't be sure when he is with his grandparents. :)