Peyton was able to join us which was a nice surprise, especially for the kids. Everyone loves to play with Peyton!!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Happy BirthdayS
Today we celebrated our families October birthdays with breakfast at Nana and Pops. We celebrated Pops, Kahlen and Wyatt's birthdays. Someone forgot to get birthday candles, as well as a few other confectionery mishaps, so we had to improvise. Everyone got their favorite cake-or pie in Pops case.
Peyton was able to join us which was a nice surprise, especially for the kids. Everyone loves to play with Peyton!!
Peyton was able to join us which was a nice surprise, especially for the kids. Everyone loves to play with Peyton!!
Cheese!!
Collin is becoming quite a camera "ham". As soon as he hears the word "cheese" he poses with this silly smile!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
GO BUCKS
Collin decked out in his Buckeye gear!
Wyatt giving Collin some very important tips on how to be the Cornhole Champ!
Collin thinks he's one of the kids. They were playing football and he thought he was playing too...luckily he didn't get run over!
Giving Brutus a well deserved hug!! Go Bucks!!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
FOLLOW ME!
Okay people...I know you are out there. I added the guestbook and no one signed it. So why am I adding a followers list you ask??? I have no idea but someone JUST HAS TO FOLLOW US!!! Maybe I am bored??? Come on everyone is doing it ;^)
Look Ma...No Cowboy Hat
I'm not sure how long the blue plastic bowl AKA the helmet will be considered cool but for now I think it is super cool! Okay-maybe a little "special".
Fun at COSI
We took Collin to one of his favorite places to play-COSI- The Center of Science and Industry. I think most cities have a place like this. I remember COSI from my childhood and let me tell you this COSI is nothing like what I remember. A complete change of location didn't help. At first I was disappointed that it wasn't exactly the same as I remembered but now that Collin is here I see that it is a place that is fun for kids of all ages. The little kids play area is the best! And the only thing better than that is that Elmo has an exhibit there through January. I know where we will be all winter.
I'm not sure if Collin had any fun...let's see
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Time for some changes
I have noticed that some things on the blog need a little updating. I also think we are ready for a new look so keep checking back. I have lots of new people to add to my list of blogs that I watch and unfortunately need to delete the first blog I began to follow.
I met Rebecca, of "The Adventures of Adopting Owen", on our first trip to Guatemala, pretty much as soon as we stepped off the plane. We spent some fun times with Rebecca and Owen and I had hoped to stay in touch. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. At the time, I was new to blogging. I had heard about it but didn't really understand it. I found that after we got home I really enjoyed checking her blog everyday to see how things were going.
She stayed in Guatemala to foster Owen until he could come home. I was selfishly hoping that she would still be there for my second visit trip. I thought I would be going by myself and I thought I could hang out with her and the other Antigua moms. Luckily for Owen and Rebecca they were gone by the time I returned and luckily for me, my mom went with me which ended up being a true blessing.
One of Rebecca's last posts was that she was pregnant. I guess she is that person that causes everyone to say that annoying phrase "as soon as you adopt, you will get pregnant" =*) I was thrilled for her and her family but she stopped updating the blog and I miss seeing pictures of Owen and what his life is like now.
It is such a striking contrast between life in Antigua (Guatemala) and life back in the States.Sometimes, especially in bad economic times like this, I wish I could go back again and see that we all could live with so much less. I know that a lot of the reason that Antigua seems so magical is that it is the place where our life with Collin began. But, I also think that I really could enjoy living that very simple life. I'm not kidding myself, I realize everything is simple on vacation and the government there is a nightmare etc. etc., but I choose to keep Guatemala as a very special place in my heart. I learned a lot of lessons and a lot about myself there. I met a lot of very special people there, many of them are still there.
SO ANYWAY...by starting with Rebecca's blog I found lots and lots of other blogs of interesting people with interesting stories. These were people I had never met but most of us shared the love of a child and that was a common ground. I also learned about blogging by looking at other blogs and found that once you clicked on to another blog they had thier favorite blogs linked and on and on and on.
I am what is referred to as a serial "lurker". I will not be able to keep that status for long since meeting several of the people who's blogs I follow. Also, the fact that I have recently figured out how to subscribe to blogs so that I can read all of my favorites without surfing around aimlessly. Blogging is a learning process just like everything else. I hope that Collin will be able to look back at this blog someday as HIS story from his momma's perspective. We learn together about life and about eachother-it is our big adventure.
I hope Rebecca and Owen are doing well and maybe she will start blogging again some day.
I met Rebecca, of "The Adventures of Adopting Owen", on our first trip to Guatemala, pretty much as soon as we stepped off the plane. We spent some fun times with Rebecca and Owen and I had hoped to stay in touch. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. At the time, I was new to blogging. I had heard about it but didn't really understand it. I found that after we got home I really enjoyed checking her blog everyday to see how things were going.
She stayed in Guatemala to foster Owen until he could come home. I was selfishly hoping that she would still be there for my second visit trip. I thought I would be going by myself and I thought I could hang out with her and the other Antigua moms. Luckily for Owen and Rebecca they were gone by the time I returned and luckily for me, my mom went with me which ended up being a true blessing.
One of Rebecca's last posts was that she was pregnant. I guess she is that person that causes everyone to say that annoying phrase "as soon as you adopt, you will get pregnant" =*) I was thrilled for her and her family but she stopped updating the blog and I miss seeing pictures of Owen and what his life is like now.
It is such a striking contrast between life in Antigua (Guatemala) and life back in the States.Sometimes, especially in bad economic times like this, I wish I could go back again and see that we all could live with so much less. I know that a lot of the reason that Antigua seems so magical is that it is the place where our life with Collin began. But, I also think that I really could enjoy living that very simple life. I'm not kidding myself, I realize everything is simple on vacation and the government there is a nightmare etc. etc., but I choose to keep Guatemala as a very special place in my heart. I learned a lot of lessons and a lot about myself there. I met a lot of very special people there, many of them are still there.
SO ANYWAY...by starting with Rebecca's blog I found lots and lots of other blogs of interesting people with interesting stories. These were people I had never met but most of us shared the love of a child and that was a common ground. I also learned about blogging by looking at other blogs and found that once you clicked on to another blog they had thier favorite blogs linked and on and on and on.
I am what is referred to as a serial "lurker". I will not be able to keep that status for long since meeting several of the people who's blogs I follow. Also, the fact that I have recently figured out how to subscribe to blogs so that I can read all of my favorites without surfing around aimlessly. Blogging is a learning process just like everything else. I hope that Collin will be able to look back at this blog someday as HIS story from his momma's perspective. We learn together about life and about eachother-it is our big adventure.
I hope Rebecca and Owen are doing well and maybe she will start blogging again some day.
We're Back!
We are home from Myrtle Beach finally-what a long drive!We had a great time and met lots of nice people. It was neat to actually see people you have never met in your life but you feel like you know them because you follow their blogs. It is even more interesting how we even find each other's blogs and then end up attending the same event. It is a small world.
I think this will be an annual event for us. Once Collin gets a little older he will understand the bond that all of these families share but for now he just has a great time playing with all the kids. I felt like we were back in the Marriott in Guatemala City. Everywhere you went there were families with their beautiful Guatemalan babies-now toddlers running wild!! Hopefully a lot of the families will keep going back as well. It will be fun to see all of the kids grow up.
The weather was not great but manageable. It was a little rainy but we still made it to the beach. They had several events planned for us. We went to the Aquarium, Barefoot Landing and the Outlet Mall. We should have stayed far, far away from the outlet mall! As if Collin needs one more piece of clothing-but who can resist The Children's Place Outlet,or Baby Gap, or Osh Kosh, or Gymboree...Heartstrings..Carters-you get the idea!! Obviously not me! We even planned it just right so Collin slept through the majority of the trip.
It seemed as if everyone had some sort of bad health drama during this trip and we were not to be left out. On the way home I received a text message from Wyatt stating that he at the hospital and that he was in too much pain to talk on the phone so that was why he hadn't answered my calls-but-not to worry! Yeah Right! Meanwhile we are only half way through North Carolina!! Wyatt is never sick, feels no pain and only goes to the doctor once a year to get a note so that he can take his work physical fitness test. He would NEVER go to the hospital probably even if he was dying!! All kinds of bad things were going through my head and we were still at least 10 hours away from home! But, there was nothing I could do but drive so that is what we did. He ended up getting released and the issue was pretty minor but very painful. Mr. I Never Get Sick is still in bed recovering and seems to be feeling better all the time.
It is always nice to go away but even better to come back home and sleep in your own bed. I have to say Collin thoroughly enjoyed the beds at the Marriott and is not very happy to be back at home in his crib. I think we spoiled him with the fluffy down comforters and pillows AND GETTING TO SLEEP WITH MOM EVERY NIGHT! Now maybe I can sleep a little better since I won't be pushed off the edge of the bed and kicked in the head all night. That kid is going to be a fighter!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Collin gearing up in his "Bob the Builder" safety goggles to go outside and help dad clean up the yard after our hurricane in Ohio?!?!
Cowboy boots to go with the cowboy hat. Unfortunately they are not nearly as popular as the hat. He HATES them! When I put them on he just stands there like he forgot how to walk! Trick or Treat will be a blast!
Collin and Mallory (our favorite neighbor) playing out back. Unfortuntely, they will be moving out of state soon so Collin will be losing one of his best playmates =*(
I have been tearing up the seasonal baby consignment sales so Collin has a few new toys. This is one of his favorites! Notice, once again, you simply cannot drum without a cowboy hat!
Collin and his best pal Bosley (or Bozzy in Collin speak) taking a well deserved nap.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
COFLAC outing
THe kids lining up for the sack race
The dads lining up- those poor dads didn't know anything about WT.
Cowboy Collin checking out the cows-he moo's pretty good.
Bad Blogger!!
I have been a very bad blogger lately-sorry! I really have no excuse, just hanging out and enjoying life.
We (me, my mom and Collin) are heading to Myrtle Beach this weekend for Guatoberfest. I'm very excited as this is the first time we have gone. Gutoberfest is a gathering of families from all over that have adopted kids from Guatemala. I just found out that there will be over 100 kids under the age of 3 attending. So if you are at the Marriott in Myrtle Beach this weekend-SORRY ABOUT YOUR LUCK!!
I am really looking forward to the trip-except for the drive. Wyatt is not going and my mom doesn't drive so that means I am the only driver. I hate driving long distance! For some reason when I get behind the wheel I automatically get tired. Anyone who knows me, knows that I can't sleep on airplanes or in cars. The only way I can sleep in a car is if I am in the driver's seat. Scary thought when you are responsible for driving 3 people for 11 hours!! Other than that I think it should be a good time.
Today we had an outing with our COFLAC group(Central Ohio Families with Latin American Children. It was at a members farm in Pleasantville. We were a little late getting there but we didn't miss out on all the fun. We arrived just in time for Wyatt to crush the other dads in the sack race-that's a real surprise. I'm not sure that I represented quite as well. I had to play "Poop the Potato". You have to sit in a chair and stick a potato between your legs then run over to the pot and drop it in without using your hands. Then you pick it up and run back to the chair for the next person. My team lost-bad potato poopers!
It was really cute seeing all the little kids do the sack race and even funnier watching the dads! After the games we went on a hay ride. It is funny because so many people think of Ohio as farm country but it was like we were on a field trip to see something we never get to see. Kind of amusing!
When we got back from the hayride we had a wiener roast. It was the perfect October outing. Of course, Collin wore his cowboy hat almost the whole time. For once it was appropriate attire!! Due to his love of the cowboy hat, it was not difficult to decide what he would be for Halloween this year.
We were running late to the outing because mom and dad got a night out last night!! We took full advantage of the fact that Collin spent the night with Nana and Pop. We haven't really been out since Collin has been here. Life is very different, but I wouldn't change it for anything. It was really nice to see some friends that we haven't seen for a long time and to cut loose a little bit! I will have to say the Wilson's are not the party animals they used to be but I am proud to say we closed that party down just like the old days!! Okay, not exactly like the old days (thank goodness)but close enough.
We (me, my mom and Collin) are heading to Myrtle Beach this weekend for Guatoberfest. I'm very excited as this is the first time we have gone. Gutoberfest is a gathering of families from all over that have adopted kids from Guatemala. I just found out that there will be over 100 kids under the age of 3 attending. So if you are at the Marriott in Myrtle Beach this weekend-SORRY ABOUT YOUR LUCK!!
I am really looking forward to the trip-except for the drive. Wyatt is not going and my mom doesn't drive so that means I am the only driver. I hate driving long distance! For some reason when I get behind the wheel I automatically get tired. Anyone who knows me, knows that I can't sleep on airplanes or in cars. The only way I can sleep in a car is if I am in the driver's seat. Scary thought when you are responsible for driving 3 people for 11 hours!! Other than that I think it should be a good time.
Today we had an outing with our COFLAC group(Central Ohio Families with Latin American Children. It was at a members farm in Pleasantville. We were a little late getting there but we didn't miss out on all the fun. We arrived just in time for Wyatt to crush the other dads in the sack race-that's a real surprise. I'm not sure that I represented quite as well. I had to play "Poop the Potato". You have to sit in a chair and stick a potato between your legs then run over to the pot and drop it in without using your hands. Then you pick it up and run back to the chair for the next person. My team lost-bad potato poopers!
It was really cute seeing all the little kids do the sack race and even funnier watching the dads! After the games we went on a hay ride. It is funny because so many people think of Ohio as farm country but it was like we were on a field trip to see something we never get to see. Kind of amusing!
When we got back from the hayride we had a wiener roast. It was the perfect October outing. Of course, Collin wore his cowboy hat almost the whole time. For once it was appropriate attire!! Due to his love of the cowboy hat, it was not difficult to decide what he would be for Halloween this year.
We were running late to the outing because mom and dad got a night out last night!! We took full advantage of the fact that Collin spent the night with Nana and Pop. We haven't really been out since Collin has been here. Life is very different, but I wouldn't change it for anything. It was really nice to see some friends that we haven't seen for a long time and to cut loose a little bit! I will have to say the Wilson's are not the party animals they used to be but I am proud to say we closed that party down just like the old days!! Okay, not exactly like the old days (thank goodness)but close enough.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Zoo
We took a trip to the zoo with Kahlen and Brylie. I thought he might sleep through the entire trip but he woke up just in time for the petting zoo.
Here is my little goat groomer!
This is the first time Collin has really been interactive with the animals at the petting zoo. I don't think we have been to the zoo since he started walking.All the kids had so much fun it was hard to drag them out!
After the petting zoo we rode the train and ate some pretzels!
I was so impressed that Collin was able to put coins into the coin slots all by himself. The first couple tries were a little sloppy but once he got the hang of it there was no stopping him.That has to be some kind of fine motor skill achievement-I knew he was brilliant!!
Here is my little goat groomer!
This is the first time Collin has really been interactive with the animals at the petting zoo. I don't think we have been to the zoo since he started walking.All the kids had so much fun it was hard to drag them out!
After the petting zoo we rode the train and ate some pretzels!
I was so impressed that Collin was able to put coins into the coin slots all by himself. The first couple tries were a little sloppy but once he got the hang of it there was no stopping him.That has to be some kind of fine motor skill achievement-I knew he was brilliant!!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Powder POOF!
I swear I only turned my head for a second...
I turned my back for a couple of seconds to grab diapers and I turn around to this!!
I turned my back for a couple of seconds to grab diapers and I turn around to this!!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Poor Collin
Collin had to get tubes in his ears today. I'm told it is very common for kids his age but any kind of "surgery" is stressful for everyone. We had to be at the surgery center at 7:30am and his procedure was scheduled for 8:30am.
They took us back and gave him a little medicine to make him relax. They also gave him a little oxygen mask to play with so he would be used to it when he went into the surgery room. By the time they took him back he had put all of his stuffed animals to sleep with the mask and tucked them in with his blanket. He didn't fuss at all when the nurse took him from me, which for anyone that knows Collin, that is NOT the norm!
They warned us that it would be a different story when he came out. They assured us it was not because he was in pain but I guess when they come out of the anesthesia they are very disoriented and to put it mildly-PISSED OFF!
I forgot to bring a sippy cup so I sent Wyatt to get one across the street. I seem to always mess up something important on these occasions. I guess it could have been worse. He was gone all of 10 minutes and as he was walking through the door they called us to the back to see the doctor.
Collin's surgery went fine and we could go back in just a couple of minutes to see him. Well, they were right! I could hear him screaming as soon as we turned the corner. He was screaming and fighting and wiggling, but it seemed like he wasn't even awake. His eyes weren't really open and no tears were coming out. He kept this up for about 30 minutes and then he started to calm down. He drank 2 whole cans of apple juice before we left and ate a big bag of goldfish. I guess he was feeling better.
We headed home and we started to see signs of normal Collin coming back. He ate breakfast and took a nice nap. He doesn't seem to be in pain and seems to be functioning normally other than he walks around like he is drunk. Once again, it's like nothing ever happened-thank goodness!
So for the rest of the day Collin and I are just hanging out and taking it easy. I was concerned I may need to take tomorrow off work but he seems to be right back to normal so I guess he can go to Nana and Pops. What a relief!!
They took us back and gave him a little medicine to make him relax. They also gave him a little oxygen mask to play with so he would be used to it when he went into the surgery room. By the time they took him back he had put all of his stuffed animals to sleep with the mask and tucked them in with his blanket. He didn't fuss at all when the nurse took him from me, which for anyone that knows Collin, that is NOT the norm!
They warned us that it would be a different story when he came out. They assured us it was not because he was in pain but I guess when they come out of the anesthesia they are very disoriented and to put it mildly-PISSED OFF!
I forgot to bring a sippy cup so I sent Wyatt to get one across the street. I seem to always mess up something important on these occasions. I guess it could have been worse. He was gone all of 10 minutes and as he was walking through the door they called us to the back to see the doctor.
Collin's surgery went fine and we could go back in just a couple of minutes to see him. Well, they were right! I could hear him screaming as soon as we turned the corner. He was screaming and fighting and wiggling, but it seemed like he wasn't even awake. His eyes weren't really open and no tears were coming out. He kept this up for about 30 minutes and then he started to calm down. He drank 2 whole cans of apple juice before we left and ate a big bag of goldfish. I guess he was feeling better.
We headed home and we started to see signs of normal Collin coming back. He ate breakfast and took a nice nap. He doesn't seem to be in pain and seems to be functioning normally other than he walks around like he is drunk. Once again, it's like nothing ever happened-thank goodness!
So for the rest of the day Collin and I are just hanging out and taking it easy. I was concerned I may need to take tomorrow off work but he seems to be right back to normal so I guess he can go to Nana and Pops. What a relief!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
HAPPY HOMECOMING DAY !!!
Today (well actually yesterday now that I am finally getting to this post) is Collin's 1 year anniversary of the day he came home from Guatemala. The day did not go exactly as planned...of course.
I wanted to decorate his bedroom in balloons while he was asleep so he would wake up to balloons all over. He loves balloons as I am sure most kids do and his Pops had decorated his room with balloons for his homecoming last year. BUT...I ended up getting stuck at work on overtime and Wyatt was called to Children's Hospital because Peyton broke his ankle. So, since we would both be very late Collin had to stay at Nana and Pops which means he wasn't going to wake up at home. The balloons I bought were going to serve double duty at his party. Needless to say only one bunch of balloons made it home. Oh well, maybe next year!!
I got home at 3:30am and had to finish the gift bags for the party so I went to bed at about 4:30am and had to get up bright and early at 6am to meet Amy and Em for our twice annual Kids Resale fun at the Grove City Nazarene Church. We make an event of it! We meet at Starbucks to map out our strategy and arrive an hour before the doors open to make sure we are first (or close to first) in line. Yes, there are other people as crazy as us that show up super early. This is another one of those things I NEVER would have done BC (before Collin).I wouldn't even do it for myself! But I buy his entire wardrobe for the following season for about $100-$200 dollars and that includes a few extra toys to add to the embarrassingly large pile he has already!
Then it was off to Collin's Chick-fil-a party. I was working on an hour and a half of sleep but made it through. We had a great party! Chick-fil-a was great. I'm pretty sure we ended up with more than 50 people but they just kept handing out the food. They are so nice and helpful there. So allow me to plug Chick-fil-a for all of your party needs, or lunch time needs. They even serve breakfast =*)
Collin was in a great mood and worked the room when he wasn't in the playroom. The "eat more chikn cow" even made an appearance and the kids loved it!I think this experience taught me that when Collin gets older to have all of his birthday parties at someone else's place!!!When it is over you just leave and go home to your house that is in the same condition as when you left. Sounds good to me!
We went home to have a little family time with Collin. When we were in Guatemala we bought various things to give him over the years on his homecoming day to honor his culture. Nothing big (except for the one he will get on his 21st) just little handmade items we found at markets. So we gave him his first Guatemalan gift.
We also "adopted" the Discovery Reef at the zoo in honor of Collin's adoption. He loves the aquarium at the zoo. I remember when we were in the hospital in Guatemala (the real one)that he loved watching the fish in the aquarium and it was really the only thing that would settle him for a short period of time so we thought that was appropriate. He got a backpack with some fish and sea creatures and an adoption certificate with a picture of "his" Discovery Reef.
Finally-we got to take a nap!! I HATE sleeping during the day but it was unavoidable this time. It seems to just waste the day especially on a special day like today but Collin needed a nap too so I took advantage of that.
We woke up just in time to eat dinner and then the OSU v USC game came on. Collin was going to stay up late and party with mom and dad to watch the Bucks beat USC. He went to bed at halftime...AND THAT IS ALL I'M GOING TO SAY ABOUT THAT!!!
All in all I think we had a great first homecoming day!
I wanted to decorate his bedroom in balloons while he was asleep so he would wake up to balloons all over. He loves balloons as I am sure most kids do and his Pops had decorated his room with balloons for his homecoming last year. BUT...I ended up getting stuck at work on overtime and Wyatt was called to Children's Hospital because Peyton broke his ankle. So, since we would both be very late Collin had to stay at Nana and Pops which means he wasn't going to wake up at home. The balloons I bought were going to serve double duty at his party. Needless to say only one bunch of balloons made it home. Oh well, maybe next year!!
I got home at 3:30am and had to finish the gift bags for the party so I went to bed at about 4:30am and had to get up bright and early at 6am to meet Amy and Em for our twice annual Kids Resale fun at the Grove City Nazarene Church. We make an event of it! We meet at Starbucks to map out our strategy and arrive an hour before the doors open to make sure we are first (or close to first) in line. Yes, there are other people as crazy as us that show up super early. This is another one of those things I NEVER would have done BC (before Collin).I wouldn't even do it for myself! But I buy his entire wardrobe for the following season for about $100-$200 dollars and that includes a few extra toys to add to the embarrassingly large pile he has already!
Then it was off to Collin's Chick-fil-a party. I was working on an hour and a half of sleep but made it through. We had a great party! Chick-fil-a was great. I'm pretty sure we ended up with more than 50 people but they just kept handing out the food. They are so nice and helpful there. So allow me to plug Chick-fil-a for all of your party needs, or lunch time needs. They even serve breakfast =*)
Collin was in a great mood and worked the room when he wasn't in the playroom. The "eat more chikn cow" even made an appearance and the kids loved it!I think this experience taught me that when Collin gets older to have all of his birthday parties at someone else's place!!!When it is over you just leave and go home to your house that is in the same condition as when you left. Sounds good to me!
We went home to have a little family time with Collin. When we were in Guatemala we bought various things to give him over the years on his homecoming day to honor his culture. Nothing big (except for the one he will get on his 21st) just little handmade items we found at markets. So we gave him his first Guatemalan gift.
We also "adopted" the Discovery Reef at the zoo in honor of Collin's adoption. He loves the aquarium at the zoo. I remember when we were in the hospital in Guatemala (the real one)that he loved watching the fish in the aquarium and it was really the only thing that would settle him for a short period of time so we thought that was appropriate. He got a backpack with some fish and sea creatures and an adoption certificate with a picture of "his" Discovery Reef.
Finally-we got to take a nap!! I HATE sleeping during the day but it was unavoidable this time. It seems to just waste the day especially on a special day like today but Collin needed a nap too so I took advantage of that.
We woke up just in time to eat dinner and then the OSU v USC game came on. Collin was going to stay up late and party with mom and dad to watch the Bucks beat USC. He went to bed at halftime...AND THAT IS ALL I'M GOING TO SAY ABOUT THAT!!!
All in all I think we had a great first homecoming day!
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