It seems everyday Collin does something new that I have never seen before. It is amazing how quickly he changes. It seems like just in the 8 hours I am at work he learns something new. We spent a few hours together the other day before I left for work and in that short time I saw so many new things! It just makes me think about all of the stuff I miss while I am at work-NOT THAT I WANT TO QUIT MY JOB!! I just like to appreciate the time we have together and make the most of it. It's fun to hear Wyatt and my mom and dad tell me what they have seen him do throughout the day too. I just hope that he takes his first steps at home when I get to see it!!
His speech is getting slightly recognizable. There is still a lot of babble but he is starting to say thank you, Bosley, Peyton, and Brylie. The other day he tipped over the trash can. I picked up the trash and took the bag outside and when I came back in he was inside the trash can! He is climbing inside the cabinets and shutting the doors in the rooms. Getting out is the problem. I foresee a future of chasing the "path of destruction" trying to save what I can and keep him out of the hospital as much as possible. He is going to keep us on our toes that is for sure!I'm not complaining-it will keep us young and on the move!
I am trying to figure out how to get video clips on the blog. I bought a FLIP video camera and it is the best! It fits in my purse so I can take it everywhere. I have tons of video so I guess I should start sharing some of it. I probably need to learn to edit first because my videos usually end up being 5 minutes of waiting for him to repeat the cute thing he did before I pulled out the video camera. I'll work on that!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
What's new
Today we had our first "Baby and Me" swimming lesson. It is a class designed for babies 6 mos to 3 years to get them acquainted with the water. I figured since Collin loves the bathtub and sticking his face in the dog's water dish that the pool would be no problem. I was wrong.
I think the combination of the loud sounds from the indoor pool, lots of new faces and cold water didn't help us start off very well. They say that the pool is 82 degrees but it sure doesn't feel like it. The poor kid was freezing! The class is 30 minutes and for at least half of that he had a death grip on my neck. I didn't want to traumatize him but we just kept trying and eventually he relaxed. By the time the class was over he was laughing and clapping and back to his usual happy self. Hopefully it will get better each week.
The instructor advised us to get a polyester "Under Armor" type shirt for him to wear in the pool so it will keep the heat in. Unfortunately, he is still wearing his 3-6 month swimming trunks so I think a tiny polyester shirt may be difficult to find. So, now I am on a mission to find a shirt or a baby body suit so he doesn't freeze to death.
Collin continues to ravage the dog food bowl. I am at a loss as how to keep him out of it! I try to put it up but it never fails that I forget to put it back down when I leave and the poor dog is starving and thirsty. Poor Bosley is just going to have to learn to eat on a schedule and then his food will go bye-bye. But then what do we do about the water dish??? What kind of a parent am I that I can't make my kid stop playing in the dog food?
Collin is not walking yet but he does crawl around with one leg all the way out to the side so that he is almost standing up as he crawls. It is pretty funny. He loves dancing to all of his musical toys and any other music he hears. He babbles almost non stop. Usually he is very loud!
Collin has a couple of little plastic bats that he likes to carry (while crawling) around. He has learned that it is fun to bang them on things like the windows!! I'm just waiting to see what he will hit next.
I'm not sure if I have posted a list of careers that I think Collin will pursue. If I did sorry. Here it goes. I base this solely on his current behaivor and I'm sure the list will change often!
1. Hairdresser-he loves to "fix" my hair.
2. Dentist-He loves to get his hands in your mouth and poke around.
3. Makeup Artist-He loves to watch me put on makeup and he tries to grab everything I have in my hand. He will take the big powder brush and brush it on his face just like Mommy!
4. Baseball Player-self explanetory
5. Talk Show Host- He always has something to say and he's so stinking cute!!
6. Librarian-His books are his favorite toys-He LOVES them.
7. Anything that has to do with DOG FOOD
We are very excited that the weather is finally improving. We bought a bike trailer and I bought a new bike and baby bike seat. We have used the trailer and Collin LOVES it! The bike seat just arrived so I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. The other day Wyatt rode his bike with Collin in the trailer and I roller bladed beside them. Collin looked so perplexed by how I was right beside him rolling along. It was pretty funny!We have all kinds of fun plans for the Spring and Summer. He missed it last year but we have him home this year and we are going to make the most of it!!!
I think the combination of the loud sounds from the indoor pool, lots of new faces and cold water didn't help us start off very well. They say that the pool is 82 degrees but it sure doesn't feel like it. The poor kid was freezing! The class is 30 minutes and for at least half of that he had a death grip on my neck. I didn't want to traumatize him but we just kept trying and eventually he relaxed. By the time the class was over he was laughing and clapping and back to his usual happy self. Hopefully it will get better each week.
The instructor advised us to get a polyester "Under Armor" type shirt for him to wear in the pool so it will keep the heat in. Unfortunately, he is still wearing his 3-6 month swimming trunks so I think a tiny polyester shirt may be difficult to find. So, now I am on a mission to find a shirt or a baby body suit so he doesn't freeze to death.
Collin continues to ravage the dog food bowl. I am at a loss as how to keep him out of it! I try to put it up but it never fails that I forget to put it back down when I leave and the poor dog is starving and thirsty. Poor Bosley is just going to have to learn to eat on a schedule and then his food will go bye-bye. But then what do we do about the water dish??? What kind of a parent am I that I can't make my kid stop playing in the dog food?
Collin is not walking yet but he does crawl around with one leg all the way out to the side so that he is almost standing up as he crawls. It is pretty funny. He loves dancing to all of his musical toys and any other music he hears. He babbles almost non stop. Usually he is very loud!
Collin has a couple of little plastic bats that he likes to carry (while crawling) around. He has learned that it is fun to bang them on things like the windows!! I'm just waiting to see what he will hit next.
I'm not sure if I have posted a list of careers that I think Collin will pursue. If I did sorry. Here it goes. I base this solely on his current behaivor and I'm sure the list will change often!
1. Hairdresser-he loves to "fix" my hair.
2. Dentist-He loves to get his hands in your mouth and poke around.
3. Makeup Artist-He loves to watch me put on makeup and he tries to grab everything I have in my hand. He will take the big powder brush and brush it on his face just like Mommy!
4. Baseball Player-self explanetory
5. Talk Show Host- He always has something to say and he's so stinking cute!!
6. Librarian-His books are his favorite toys-He LOVES them.
7. Anything that has to do with DOG FOOD
We are very excited that the weather is finally improving. We bought a bike trailer and I bought a new bike and baby bike seat. We have used the trailer and Collin LOVES it! The bike seat just arrived so I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. The other day Wyatt rode his bike with Collin in the trailer and I roller bladed beside them. Collin looked so perplexed by how I was right beside him rolling along. It was pretty funny!We have all kinds of fun plans for the Spring and Summer. He missed it last year but we have him home this year and we are going to make the most of it!!!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Race For The Cure
The Race for the Cure is coming up May 17th. My family (Collin too) will be participating in honor of my mom, a breast cancer survivor. We are walking/running the 5K with the "Cops for a Cure" team. Above is a link if you would like to make an online pledge. It would be greatly appreciated-Thanks!!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Computer Challenged
Please forgive the next 2 posts they are in reverse order and I can't figure out how to change them.
A beautiful Day Cont.
When we got home Brylie was begging to come to "Sissy's" house. I thought about all that I wanted to accomplish this weekend-the house is a disaster, the yard is a mess, I have a huge pile of laundry-so I said "sure you can come over"!!
I knew Collin would love to have a playmate and it was such a nice day. The day before I had spotted another "Must Buy" item for my spoiled son. It is a tug boat sandbox but we will use it as a pool. The kids and I ran to Once Upon A Child and bought the tug boat. It barely fit in the minivan and the back hatch wouldn't close so it beeped the whole way home. I had to put the car in park at the red lights so it would stop!But, we made it!
They had a blast! The water was freezing so Collin just stood outside and splashed. Brylie didn't seem to care at all. So rather than accomplish anything at home I sat outside and lounged in the sun and played with the kids all day. I sat there and tried to remember what I did on my weekends before Collin was here. I always felt like I was so busy and had so much to do. I guess I was busy with school and work but this is so much more fun!! And luckily, I'm not nearly as stressed about getting things done as I was before. I am having so much fun just hanging out with him. And the time that Wyatt and I have together is so much more fun too!
Here are a couple of pics of the kids playing-
I knew Collin would love to have a playmate and it was such a nice day. The day before I had spotted another "Must Buy" item for my spoiled son. It is a tug boat sandbox but we will use it as a pool. The kids and I ran to Once Upon A Child and bought the tug boat. It barely fit in the minivan and the back hatch wouldn't close so it beeped the whole way home. I had to put the car in park at the red lights so it would stop!But, we made it!
They had a blast! The water was freezing so Collin just stood outside and splashed. Brylie didn't seem to care at all. So rather than accomplish anything at home I sat outside and lounged in the sun and played with the kids all day. I sat there and tried to remember what I did on my weekends before Collin was here. I always felt like I was so busy and had so much to do. I guess I was busy with school and work but this is so much more fun!! And luckily, I'm not nearly as stressed about getting things done as I was before. I am having so much fun just hanging out with him. And the time that Wyatt and I have together is so much more fun too!
Here are a couple of pics of the kids playing-
A Beautiful Day
Actually it was yesterday because I was too tired to post last night-but it was another great day!
First we had to drive my mom to Zanesville to meet my grandmother (Meme). She lives in Marietta and my mom is going to stay with her for a couple of days. The good news was that my brother and his kids decided to tag along. That makes for a much more interesting trip. The kids are a great distraction from a number of things but mostly my mothers nonstop rambling about nothing of importance. Don't get me wrong I love her to death but the talking can wear me down very quickly. I know we all turn into our mothers eventually but I hope I avoid that part!
We met Meme at Cracker Barrel and had breakfast. That is always a treat as well with 3 kids-a 3 year old and 2 one year olds!!It is nice to see Meme and I like Collin to see her as much as possible. She is the only great grandparent that he has and I have really fond memories of my great-grandparents. I was lucky to have 3 of them for a good part of my life.
Here is a picture of all of us. You would think the kids would be the ones making funny faces but it is my 30 something brother who was doing something goofy in every picture!!
After we dropped off my mom we all drove back to Columbus. My brother bought a book at Cracker Barrel with letters written by children to soldiers in Iraq. He read the letters to me while I drove and we cracked up the whole way home. If you ever see it it is a great book and a great idea. More important though, my brother said when he was over seas in the Army that he loved getting letters from kids and he saved every one of them. He said that it brightened his day. He also said that they get a lot of hate mail from people wishing for them to die. Stupid me, I figured someone looked at the mail before it was delivered. Can you imagine risking your life for your country, being away from your family and someone sending you a letter like that? I don't care if you agree with the war or not these people are HERO'S and should be treated as such. So if you have a kid, have them draw a picture or write a letter and address it to "ANY SOLDIER". Throw it in the mail box and brighten the day of a hero fighting for our freedom so that we can sit here in our homes and enjoy our families and all the things we take for granted. And if you see a veteran, THANK them for their service and for our freedom. How do I always get on my soapbox?
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Catching Up
Collin and I have been home alone for the last few days since Wyatt went to Las Vegas-Lucky Dog!!It is actually the first time I have had the baby all to myself for more than a day since we have been home. Being home alone with him has its positive and negative aspects. It is always nice to have a second pair of hands but I enjoyed having all of the cuddle time and not having to share.
I shouldn't really say I had him the whole time because my mom was kind enough to take care of him while I did my baby sale rounds this weekend. I LOVE going to the baby sales. I can clothe Collin for the whole season for under $200. I even loaded up for my neices-2 full trash bags of clothes for $160. My favorite sale is the Grove City Nazarene Church MOPS sale. They have TONS of clothes,all in great condition, most look new! They have lots of brand name clothes and the prices are great. I actually was a seller and a shopper this year. They solicit sellers and the church gets 25% of your profit. They do all the work you just tag your items and drop them off. They send you a check a week later.
This sale is a very big deal. Maybe some of you know about this but it was all new to me last year when I started checking them out. Think of Black Friday but with a bunch of pregnant ladies and moms. People line up long before the doors open. Then when they open the doors people make a mad dash with thier trash bags in hand and start grabbing everything. Forget your manners and forget you are in church this is mommy competition!! I even took my own bags so I wouldn't waste any time.
They have a deal that sellers can volunteer 6 hours and they allow you to pre-shop on Friday night. PRE-SHOP..that means before everyone else!!! I don't have to elbow pregnant ladies and grandmas to get to what I want. Sounded good to me so I signed up. Friday I volunteered from 8 am until about 3pm. That is a story in itself. I was so excited when I saw a Step 2 Sand and Water play table! Only $20!!It was exactly what I was looking for-it HAD to be mine-I mean Collin's! I returned early so I would be the first "pre-shopper".
It started at 6:30pm so I was going on 10 1/2 hours. I earned my pre-shopping benefits-I worked my tail off!! SUCKER!!!!! First thing the lady running the sale says..."lets go over the rules before we get started". WHAT!!!!There are no rules in baby sale shopping! "You can only pre-shop in the clothing room, no large item purchases and you have a 20 item limit in the clothing room".UUUUGHHHHHGHGH!!!!!!! I wasted an entire day, got up at the butt crack of dawn, missed a night and a day with my son and now I can't even bring his sand and water table home for him??? And what is this 20 item crap??? I'm shopping for 3 kids!! Even if I was only shopping for Collin, 20 items is nothing. I was SO not happy!! I went in and got my 20 stinking items. It took about 5 minutes and I was done. There went 12 hours of my life I will never get back. 12 hours with a bunch of church ladies I don't know rocking out to Christian music-I almost cracked! Watch out pregnant ladies...I'm going home to stretch!
Needless to say I was on a mission the next morning. Unfortunately, I didn't get much sleep and I woke up feeling like I had the flu-again! But, nothing was going to stop me!! I didn't arrive until 7:15am so there was already a line. I had pretty much given up on getting anything good and there was no way I would get the table.
Finally the doors opened-Game On! Forget being nice, I busted past all of them-they were too slow. I spotted the table across the hall and took off in a full sprint. Out of my way grandpa! Don't even think about it! I cut him off and snatched the sold tag, threw him a quick victory smirk and took off for the clothing room. I dare you to be at the 18 month boy table!!!
I hit the girls 4T and 2T tables then the 12-18 month boy tables. I filled up a trash bag for one kid,threw it in a corner and started on the next one. The secret is to push your way up close to the table then put your elbows out and swing them wildly so no one will get too close to you then you grab anything that looks decent. Fill the bag, dump and do it again. When you are finished you find a spot on the floor, dump out your bag and evaluate the booty. Not everyone has what it takes. Someone says "excuse me" and I just laugh-haha LOSER-and keep loading up! I was a woman on a mission, not only a woman, A MOM ON A MISSION-Watch out!
Is this what they refer to as maternal instinct? I wouldn't have been caught dead at Filene's Basement fighting for a wedding dress or standing in line in the freezing cold all night for the $10 DVD player on Thanksgiving night so what is the deal? Who cares... I got the table!! And today we went and bought sand and filled it up and played for hours-he loves it!! And, if I wouldn't have gotten it at the sale I would have gone and paid full price for it because I knew he would love it!!
It was 65 degrees and sunny and we were so glad to be out of the house. We spent the day at the zoo and then came home and played until dark. Now that is a good day!
I shouldn't really say I had him the whole time because my mom was kind enough to take care of him while I did my baby sale rounds this weekend. I LOVE going to the baby sales. I can clothe Collin for the whole season for under $200. I even loaded up for my neices-2 full trash bags of clothes for $160. My favorite sale is the Grove City Nazarene Church MOPS sale. They have TONS of clothes,all in great condition, most look new! They have lots of brand name clothes and the prices are great. I actually was a seller and a shopper this year. They solicit sellers and the church gets 25% of your profit. They do all the work you just tag your items and drop them off. They send you a check a week later.
This sale is a very big deal. Maybe some of you know about this but it was all new to me last year when I started checking them out. Think of Black Friday but with a bunch of pregnant ladies and moms. People line up long before the doors open. Then when they open the doors people make a mad dash with thier trash bags in hand and start grabbing everything. Forget your manners and forget you are in church this is mommy competition!! I even took my own bags so I wouldn't waste any time.
They have a deal that sellers can volunteer 6 hours and they allow you to pre-shop on Friday night. PRE-SHOP..that means before everyone else!!! I don't have to elbow pregnant ladies and grandmas to get to what I want. Sounded good to me so I signed up. Friday I volunteered from 8 am until about 3pm. That is a story in itself. I was so excited when I saw a Step 2 Sand and Water play table! Only $20!!It was exactly what I was looking for-it HAD to be mine-I mean Collin's! I returned early so I would be the first "pre-shopper".
It started at 6:30pm so I was going on 10 1/2 hours. I earned my pre-shopping benefits-I worked my tail off!! SUCKER!!!!! First thing the lady running the sale says..."lets go over the rules before we get started". WHAT!!!!There are no rules in baby sale shopping! "You can only pre-shop in the clothing room, no large item purchases and you have a 20 item limit in the clothing room".UUUUGHHHHHGHGH!!!!!!! I wasted an entire day, got up at the butt crack of dawn, missed a night and a day with my son and now I can't even bring his sand and water table home for him??? And what is this 20 item crap??? I'm shopping for 3 kids!! Even if I was only shopping for Collin, 20 items is nothing. I was SO not happy!! I went in and got my 20 stinking items. It took about 5 minutes and I was done. There went 12 hours of my life I will never get back. 12 hours with a bunch of church ladies I don't know rocking out to Christian music-I almost cracked! Watch out pregnant ladies...I'm going home to stretch!
Needless to say I was on a mission the next morning. Unfortunately, I didn't get much sleep and I woke up feeling like I had the flu-again! But, nothing was going to stop me!! I didn't arrive until 7:15am so there was already a line. I had pretty much given up on getting anything good and there was no way I would get the table.
Finally the doors opened-Game On! Forget being nice, I busted past all of them-they were too slow. I spotted the table across the hall and took off in a full sprint. Out of my way grandpa! Don't even think about it! I cut him off and snatched the sold tag, threw him a quick victory smirk and took off for the clothing room. I dare you to be at the 18 month boy table!!!
I hit the girls 4T and 2T tables then the 12-18 month boy tables. I filled up a trash bag for one kid,threw it in a corner and started on the next one. The secret is to push your way up close to the table then put your elbows out and swing them wildly so no one will get too close to you then you grab anything that looks decent. Fill the bag, dump and do it again. When you are finished you find a spot on the floor, dump out your bag and evaluate the booty. Not everyone has what it takes. Someone says "excuse me" and I just laugh-haha LOSER-and keep loading up! I was a woman on a mission, not only a woman, A MOM ON A MISSION-Watch out!
Is this what they refer to as maternal instinct? I wouldn't have been caught dead at Filene's Basement fighting for a wedding dress or standing in line in the freezing cold all night for the $10 DVD player on Thanksgiving night so what is the deal? Who cares... I got the table!! And today we went and bought sand and filled it up and played for hours-he loves it!! And, if I wouldn't have gotten it at the sale I would have gone and paid full price for it because I knew he would love it!!
It was 65 degrees and sunny and we were so glad to be out of the house. We spent the day at the zoo and then came home and played until dark. Now that is a good day!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
What's new with the Wilson's??
Well, not much. I don't have any Easter pictures to post because I forgot my camera at work so I will post those later. I have a free moment which has been rare lately. Of course it is one in the morning but hey, it's still free time!
Easter was good. We had brunch at our house because I had to work. The kids had a little easter egg hunt in the yard. It was a fairly nice day, a little cool, but nice enough to go outside for a bit. Brylie definitely understood the concept of the hunt this year. Collin could have cared less. He found one egg and just sat on the sidewalk and played with it the rest of the time. Kahlen seemed to understand but isn't nearly as quick as Brylie. Probably by next year they will be beating eachother up to get to the eggs! It will be the WWE at the Wilson's. We may have to move the Easter egg hunt to the back yard to prevent any unnecessary alarm or calls to the police.
Collin had his first "unscheduled" doctor appoinment since he has been home. He has been feverish and stuffy but we just assumed he was teething. A couple of days ago he got a really nasty cough that sounded like it was coming from his toes and he was gasping for air so I thought we had better call the doctor. He has bronchitis and an ear infection so he is on antibiotics and they sent him home with a nebulizer for breathing treatments 3 times a day.
I am placing the blame for his decline of health soley on the shoulders of my brother who thought it would be funny to get me back and stuff Collin full of chocolate on Easter. He poisoned my little healthy eater. The poor kid never gets sugar let alone chocolate. I know...mean mom... but I believe in starting early. He's only one-he doesn't need candy for Easter! He got toys in his Easter basket and he seemed very happy with that.
If everyone is healthy we are taking all of the kids to the circus this Sunday. Hopefully they will enjoy it. I know I did when I was a kid. My Grandpa was a Shriner so he and my grandmother took us every year. I recall bringing home a chameleon one year and always eating lots of cotton candy!! I'm sure my parents were thrilled. I am going along to supervise so that my brother doesn't get any ideas. Who knows what kind of fun circus food he will try to feed Collin!!
Wyatt will be leaving us next week for his annual Las Vegas "boys" trip. It will be the first time one of us has gone away since Collin has been home. I really would love to go to Vegas but I don't honestly think I could leave yet...and I wasn't invited!! We will miss him!! Hopefully the weather will improve so we can get out of this house!! WHERE IS SPRING!?!
That is about the extent of our excitement over the last week or so. Check back for Easter pictures!
Easter was good. We had brunch at our house because I had to work. The kids had a little easter egg hunt in the yard. It was a fairly nice day, a little cool, but nice enough to go outside for a bit. Brylie definitely understood the concept of the hunt this year. Collin could have cared less. He found one egg and just sat on the sidewalk and played with it the rest of the time. Kahlen seemed to understand but isn't nearly as quick as Brylie. Probably by next year they will be beating eachother up to get to the eggs! It will be the WWE at the Wilson's. We may have to move the Easter egg hunt to the back yard to prevent any unnecessary alarm or calls to the police.
Collin had his first "unscheduled" doctor appoinment since he has been home. He has been feverish and stuffy but we just assumed he was teething. A couple of days ago he got a really nasty cough that sounded like it was coming from his toes and he was gasping for air so I thought we had better call the doctor. He has bronchitis and an ear infection so he is on antibiotics and they sent him home with a nebulizer for breathing treatments 3 times a day.
I am placing the blame for his decline of health soley on the shoulders of my brother who thought it would be funny to get me back and stuff Collin full of chocolate on Easter. He poisoned my little healthy eater. The poor kid never gets sugar let alone chocolate. I know...mean mom... but I believe in starting early. He's only one-he doesn't need candy for Easter! He got toys in his Easter basket and he seemed very happy with that.
If everyone is healthy we are taking all of the kids to the circus this Sunday. Hopefully they will enjoy it. I know I did when I was a kid. My Grandpa was a Shriner so he and my grandmother took us every year. I recall bringing home a chameleon one year and always eating lots of cotton candy!! I'm sure my parents were thrilled. I am going along to supervise so that my brother doesn't get any ideas. Who knows what kind of fun circus food he will try to feed Collin!!
Wyatt will be leaving us next week for his annual Las Vegas "boys" trip. It will be the first time one of us has gone away since Collin has been home. I really would love to go to Vegas but I don't honestly think I could leave yet...and I wasn't invited!! We will miss him!! Hopefully the weather will improve so we can get out of this house!! WHERE IS SPRING!?!
That is about the extent of our excitement over the last week or so. Check back for Easter pictures!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Our Day in Court
Today was our final adoption hearing through Franklin County. As I mentioned before it was just a formality but the Wilson's never pass up a perfectly good excuse to celebrate.
Where do I begin?? The "re-adoption" process in theory is very simple. I had heard most people don't even hire an attorney they just do it on their own. If most people can do it, I know I can do it! It was mostly fill in the blank paperwork with a lot of fancy language. I have a theory that the clerk at the adoptions desk in Probate Court has some type of agreement with the attorneys to make the process as difficult as possible for the idiots that think they can do it on their own!
When I went in the first time to turn in the paperwork it was not a very pleasant experience. When I walked out I felt about 2 feet tall, I must be an IDIOT! The clerk was nasty and rude. She rolled her eyes a lot and was very short with me as if I should know exactly how this all worked. After all of the huffing and eye rolling she told me she couldn't assign a court date until 6 months after we returned home. Why was she rushing me then?? We still had 5 1/2 months to go! We came home September 13th so 6 months would be March 13th. She told us to come back on that date at 10AM and then gave me her list of demands. Bring this, bring that, do this, do that!!! And if you don't, you will be sent home!! Quite honestly, I wanted to knock her out but instead I left before she reduced me to tears. Didn't she know what we had been through??? As if it wasn't enough to deal with the Guatemalan government and the US Federal Government now I have to be hassled by a clerk at Franklin County Probate Court. When will it end?? Oh! And yes, they took money from us too!!
So here we are...March 13th! We got up early to get Collin fed, bathed, dressed and ready to go. He wore a suit and tie!!! We ran down the checklist of demands so as not to get sent home with our tails between our legs. Off we went on our adventure downtown to the courthouse. My mom, dad, Bryan and Brylie met us down there-we had a crowd. We get to the counter and there she is looking at us like we are IDIOTS! "Can I help you"? DUH!!! My 1 year old is in a suit...yeah we just thought we'd come up to the 22nd floor to look out the windows!!! Now who's the idiot...I mean, there is a big sign above your desk that says ADOPTIONS!! Wrong, it's still us! "We don't have any hearings scheduled today"??
Now, I KNOW 100% that she told me March 13th-exactly 6 months from the day we came home. "Your hearing is March 14th at 10am". This chick is really cruisin' for a bruisin'!!! She claimed that all the magistrates were gone and we would have to come back. Just as we were walking out the door-wait a minute! A magistrate magically appeared . Thank goodness because the idea of getting Collin in that suit again and going back down there the next morning was not sitting well with anyone, especially me! And, mostly because I know I'm right and she's wrong!!!
So we got our hearing where some strange guy asked a bunch of personal questions. He wanted to make sure that we understood that this was the same as having a biological child and he doesn't come with a warranty-he comes as is. NICE! As Wyatt put it, I'm pretty sure they have never turned anyone down since the adoption is already legal-get on with it buddy!!
Finally, the hearing was over and we had to return to the dreaded clerk for some additional paperwork and...suprise...to take some more of our money! There was a lady sitting at the desk looking very frustrated. The clerk was rolling her eyes and literally scolding this woman holding her newly adopted baby. The lady got mad and eventually started crying-I feel your pain sister!! I know it is embarrassing to break down in public. People think the only women with the raging hormones are the pregnant ones-WRONG!! So when the clerk stepped away I had to go talk to her and tell her not to feel bad that she treated me the same way which seemed to bring her a huge sense of relief.
She said something that rang so true with me. She said you go through all the "stuff" you go through to get this baby home and you are just emotionally "raw". I thought that was the perfect word. You expect and are used to dealing with disappointment, rudeness and annoyance from so many different angles throughout the process. You don't feel like you can really speak up for yourself because you don't know if this person can make or break your adoption. You are literally at the whim of that person's mood. Once you are all home together you just let it all go. All it takes is one person to look at you wrong and all that anger and frustration just floods out of you. But the other thing I have found is that there is usually someone close by that knows what you are going through and that is willing to help or at least offer some words of encouragement. Sometimes that is all you need is someone who really understands. It seems throughout our journey with Collin, especially when he was sick in Guatemala, just at the time I thought I was going to lose it someone was there to help me. Don't laugh, I call it karma. You help someone when they need it and someone will help you when you need it. That has been proven over and over to me during this journey.
Off the soapbox and on to the pictures!!
Here is Collin waiting patiently in his favorite chair with his remote.
Here we are during the actual hearing-thanks to my brother, our photographer.
Collin wasn't too happy about the magistrate either.Wyatt looks like he's running for office!
Collin-worn out after a tough day in court.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Nice Suprise!
Today we received a nice surprise from the son of Collin's foster mother "Mama Rosa". He e-mailed us pictures of Collin that we had not seen yet. We have a few but we were really glad to receive more so that we can fill up his baby album. It will be very special for him to see the people that love him in Guatemala. We have stayed in contact with his foster family and it is very apparent that they love him and miss him very much. We hope that some day Collin will be able to meet them. We can never thank them enough for taking such good care of him and loving him as a member of their own family. They gave him such a good start in life and created a great foundation for us to build on.
Here is Rosa, Collin's foster mother.
Today (yesterday now since it is 1am) is the 1 year anniversary of the day we received Collin's referral. Forgive me while I go back in time...it was a very exciting day!!! We had just turned our dossier in the day before . When the phone rang I saw that it was the adoption agency and figured that they were letting us know they got it. Our coordinator said "you have a baby"! I was at work driving around with some coworkers and I just wanted to scream!! She was e-mailing the photos and overnighting his package to us. I called Wyatt and he told me I had to wait for him to look at the pictures. I think he had special duty that night because he didn't get home until after midnight as I recall. I was sitting at the computer waiting. Neither one of us could wait to get our eyes on him! We pulled up the pictures and breathed a sigh of relief. You have no idea how you will react in a situation like this. A million things go through your head but he was absolutely beautiful!! We printed off about a million pictures and started passing them out the next morning. There really are no words to describe how happy we were. And today there are no words to describe how happy we are that a year later it is all ancient history and he is here at home where he belongs!! It is hard to believe.
I have to go check on the little guy sleeping in his crib and give him a little extra love on this special day(if that is even possible)!!
Here is Rosa, Collin's foster mother.
Today (yesterday now since it is 1am) is the 1 year anniversary of the day we received Collin's referral. Forgive me while I go back in time...it was a very exciting day!!! We had just turned our dossier in the day before . When the phone rang I saw that it was the adoption agency and figured that they were letting us know they got it. Our coordinator said "you have a baby"! I was at work driving around with some coworkers and I just wanted to scream!! She was e-mailing the photos and overnighting his package to us. I called Wyatt and he told me I had to wait for him to look at the pictures. I think he had special duty that night because he didn't get home until after midnight as I recall. I was sitting at the computer waiting. Neither one of us could wait to get our eyes on him! We pulled up the pictures and breathed a sigh of relief. You have no idea how you will react in a situation like this. A million things go through your head but he was absolutely beautiful!! We printed off about a million pictures and started passing them out the next morning. There really are no words to describe how happy we were. And today there are no words to describe how happy we are that a year later it is all ancient history and he is here at home where he belongs!! It is hard to believe.
I have to go check on the little guy sleeping in his crib and give him a little extra love on this special day(if that is even possible)!!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
I must be psychic!
What did I tell you? You have to love Ohio. 5 days ago I predicted a blizzard and guess what????
WE GOT IT!!
Maybe I should go into the weather business? I have to say that this is the most snow I have seen in quite a few years! I had to weather the storm to go to work today only to find my city car snowed in. I couldn't even get into the parking lot. I couldn't find a place to park my personal car so I had to go to headquarters and sit there all day. FUN! Another productive day. The real tragedy of the day is the fact that everything is closed including White Castle! No coffee for me! I thought White Castle never closed???
We bundled Collin up in his snow suit and took him outside this morning. He didn't seem to enjoy the snow any more this time than he did the last time. I don't think he is going to be a cold weather person. We were outside for about 5 minutes which is only half as long as it took us to get his snow suit on! I will have to post the pictures later.
So, Collin and Wyatt get to stay home together this weekend while I brave the cold to make the bacon. What has this world come to? I wonder what they are doing??? My guess is laying on the couch watching a lot of TV-some quality male bonding!!
WE GOT IT!!
Maybe I should go into the weather business? I have to say that this is the most snow I have seen in quite a few years! I had to weather the storm to go to work today only to find my city car snowed in. I couldn't even get into the parking lot. I couldn't find a place to park my personal car so I had to go to headquarters and sit there all day. FUN! Another productive day. The real tragedy of the day is the fact that everything is closed including White Castle! No coffee for me! I thought White Castle never closed???
We bundled Collin up in his snow suit and took him outside this morning. He didn't seem to enjoy the snow any more this time than he did the last time. I don't think he is going to be a cold weather person. We were outside for about 5 minutes which is only half as long as it took us to get his snow suit on! I will have to post the pictures later.
So, Collin and Wyatt get to stay home together this weekend while I brave the cold to make the bacon. What has this world come to? I wonder what they are doing??? My guess is laying on the couch watching a lot of TV-some quality male bonding!!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Look mom...I'm a dog!
He must have been really thirsty! We need to get this child around kids. It seems like he's being raised by the pets. I know it's gross but he was very proud of himself.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Collin's Favorite Things
I've noticed there has been a lot of writing and not a lot of pictures posted lately so here is a photo update of some of Collin's favorite things.
PLAYING WITH BRYLIE
PULLING THINGS OUT OF THE CABINETS/
MAKING A MESS
PLAYING WITH BOSLEY
BATH TIME AND WRITING MESSAGES
WITH HIS BATH LETTERS-HE SPELLS VERY
WELL!!
VISITING WITH HIS BROTHER AND SISTER
AND RIDING HIS ZEBRA-VERY FUN
SITTING IN HIS FAVORITE CHAIR
WITH HIS REMOTE
WATCHING BACKYARDIGANS or Food TV
SEE ABOVE
FALLING ASLEEP IN HIS FAVORITE CHAIR
FALLING ASLEEP WITH DAD-PRICELESS!!
PLAYING WITH BRYLIE
PULLING THINGS OUT OF THE CABINETS/
MAKING A MESS
PLAYING WITH BOSLEY
BATH TIME AND WRITING MESSAGES
WITH HIS BATH LETTERS-HE SPELLS VERY
WELL!!
VISITING WITH HIS BROTHER AND SISTER
AND RIDING HIS ZEBRA-VERY FUN
SITTING IN HIS FAVORITE CHAIR
WITH HIS REMOTE
WATCHING BACKYARDIGANS or Food TV
SEE ABOVE
FALLING ASLEEP IN HIS FAVORITE CHAIR
FALLING ASLEEP WITH DAD-PRICELESS!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Spring has Sprung-but not for long!
What a beautiful day!! I have a love/hate relationship with days like these. I love them but I hate them because I know it will be followed by a blizzard or freezing rain or some other weather catastrophe. Regardless, the Wilson's enjoyed the day as much as possible before going to work.
Collin was especially crazy today. I don't know if it was the nice weather but he was in a great mood and very chatty. He talks and talks but we have no clue what he is saying. He does say "yeah" a lot. We can make out the occasional mama and dada. There have been a few nana's and pops. I guess he knows what he is saying though because he looks right at you and tells you how it is!!
So we had our first taste of Spring and it was great. I didn't want to go to work today. We can't wait for it to warm up so we can go to the park and on bike rides. There is so much more to do when the weather is nice. Collin is getting so much more interactive and attentive. He actually seems like he is enjoying himself so the zoo will be much more fun this year. We can actually play outside instead of at the mall and in the house.
We finalized our plans for family vacation! We are going to Beaches an all inclusive Sandals resort in Jamaica. Everyone is very excited. My parents are taking Brylie and Kahlen. Alexis and Peyton will be coming with us and of course Baby Collin! The kids should have a great time. The resort is family oriented and very kid friendly. They have a water park and tons of kids club programs for the little ones. The big kids have an XBox game theater and teen disco-not to mention the beach and pools (with swim up bars for the really big kids). It should be a fabulous trip.
All the kids are getting their passports. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Collin will have all of his paperwork back in time. I thought we would have plenty of time but after reading some posts on an adoption site it looks like the US government is taking their sweet time (and lots of our money) processing Certificates of Citizenship(CoC). Collin already has his but it is in his other name "Rodrigo Alejandro Wilson" so we have to have it changed once his name change is complete. Speaking of which, Collin's final adoption hearing is on March 13th. That is when he will have his official name change. We didn't have to readopt him here but they call it "recognizing" a foreign adoption so that he can get a US Birth Certificate. It will make things easier for him in the long run having a US Birth Certificate. Then we will have to wait 6-8 weeks until he is in the system to get a copy of that and then go to the Social Security Office to get his SSN changed to Collin rather than Rodrigo. It is all very complicated AND expensive! Just when we thought we had all of the adoption expenses paid for they hit us for something else. All I know is I booked Collin Jeffrey Wilson on his vacation so it better all be official by August 11th!!! Keep your fingers crossed!
Here are a couple pictures of the resort. Maybe I will make one a screen saver to keep the positive weather thoughts flowing!!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
In honor of St. Patricks Day-even though it's a month away
Have you ever wandered why I make the big bucks??? Yeah, me too!! Above, you will see what Collin's name would be if he was a leprechaun. These are the things that I do while I am bored at work thanks to my new air card. Technology is a beautiful thing. I'm not complaining that more people aren't out there beating up there families, causing me to earn my money, but is it too much to ask for just every once in a while?? Do you sense a lack of satisfaction with my current position? Don't get me wrong I am far from miserable enough to return to Patrol and push a cruiser around all day but a sister needs some work every once in a while!
Relief may be on the way but I will have to wait until Tuesday to find out. I put in for a job in Assault Squad which should be much busier, dare I say, too busy? Mama needs to stay busy or she wants to go home to spend time with her baby and this job isn't cutting it! I am number 3 so 2 other people would have to pass for me to get it. This would also allow me the opportunity to learn some tricks of the trade from Yoda aka dad since he also works in Assault Squad on 3rd shift. We would actually work together a couple of hours a night.
But, back to my time wasting solutions...I checked out a website called blogthings.com. They have a bunch of stupid but fun quizzes to take that tell you things like your star name and if you are normal or not. It has entertained me for several hours now so if you are in need of some mindless laughter you should check it out. BTW my star name is Venus Velveeta, Wyatt is Jimi Vicious and Collin is Amadaus Vicious. My leprechaun name is Paddy Greentooth and Wyatt is Sneaky Potfiller...hhhmmm?!? Also, just in case you were wondering, my rapper name is Freaky Supastar, Wyatt is Ghetto Beatbox and Collin is Dr. Millionaire. Oh, and I am 45% normal...is that good???
Since this is the story of Collin rather than the story of Heather lets catch up. We are all feeling better but Collin still has explosive #3, and I mean explosive! Hopefully you all know what #3 is, if not, never mind. He is not walking yet but he did stand unassisted the other day and clapped his hands. I don't think he even realized what he was doing. He crawls with one foot in front of him so he is just a step away from standing up and taking off.
If you have ever been in our house you know about the infamous ledge or drop off from the dining room down into the family room. I ripped out the railing when I moved in never contemplating children but simply liking the open space.
Once kids started hanging out at the house I thought we would just have to keep an eye on them. Brylie seemed to learn that she had to stay away. Kahlen...not so much. She was the first to tumble off. But, she escaped without injury and she hasn't done it again. Collin likes to fly up the stairs and sit right on the edge and just look at us. When we tell him no, he just smiles and starts rocking back and forth as if to say "what are you going to do about it"? It is a joke to him. I wander if it will still be a joke if he actually falls off? I have covered all sharp corners on the TV stand since Kahlen fell off but so far I am sticking to my original game plan. I think kids (and adults) learn from experience. I know that kids depth perception is not developed yet and all the developmental stuff they tell you in books but my kid is a genius!
I have contemplated putting up some sort of gate but I'm not there yet. I may be giving him way more credit than I should but his joking around tells me that he knows that is a bad thing that he should not do. Does that mean the next step is he'll do it? We will see. Now if I can just keep him out of the dog food.
Speaking of the dog...Bosley and Collin are getting along very well. Bosley has adjusted nicely and they share their toys like good boys. I was a little confused as to why Collin was always crawling around with toys in his mouth, now I understand. They play tug of war with stuffed animals. Bosley has literally pulled Collin across the floor because he just won't let go. Usually when he does it is because he is laughing so hard I think he forgets to hold on.
Collin loves playing chase and loves to be pulled down the stairs by his feet. He thinks it is hilarious. He will go upstairs and when I call his name you hear a high pitched squeak and then a giggle. He thinks most things are funny. When he is in the tub he will hand me his tub letters and numbers and I make up words for the letters and show him the sign for the letter. When he gives me a number I count and sign the numbers up to that number and he about falls over he thinks it is so funny!?! I have no idea why...I'm just glad someone thinks I'm funny!
I could go on for hours just like I can sit and watch him forever. Everything he does is so stinking cute! Well, I would like to say back to work but since the phone isn't ringing-back to surfing!!
Relief may be on the way but I will have to wait until Tuesday to find out. I put in for a job in Assault Squad which should be much busier, dare I say, too busy? Mama needs to stay busy or she wants to go home to spend time with her baby and this job isn't cutting it! I am number 3 so 2 other people would have to pass for me to get it. This would also allow me the opportunity to learn some tricks of the trade from Yoda aka dad since he also works in Assault Squad on 3rd shift. We would actually work together a couple of hours a night.
But, back to my time wasting solutions...I checked out a website called blogthings.com. They have a bunch of stupid but fun quizzes to take that tell you things like your star name and if you are normal or not. It has entertained me for several hours now so if you are in need of some mindless laughter you should check it out. BTW my star name is Venus Velveeta, Wyatt is Jimi Vicious and Collin is Amadaus Vicious. My leprechaun name is Paddy Greentooth and Wyatt is Sneaky Potfiller...hhhmmm?!? Also, just in case you were wondering, my rapper name is Freaky Supastar, Wyatt is Ghetto Beatbox and Collin is Dr. Millionaire. Oh, and I am 45% normal...is that good???
Since this is the story of Collin rather than the story of Heather lets catch up. We are all feeling better but Collin still has explosive #3, and I mean explosive! Hopefully you all know what #3 is, if not, never mind. He is not walking yet but he did stand unassisted the other day and clapped his hands. I don't think he even realized what he was doing. He crawls with one foot in front of him so he is just a step away from standing up and taking off.
If you have ever been in our house you know about the infamous ledge or drop off from the dining room down into the family room. I ripped out the railing when I moved in never contemplating children but simply liking the open space.
Once kids started hanging out at the house I thought we would just have to keep an eye on them. Brylie seemed to learn that she had to stay away. Kahlen...not so much. She was the first to tumble off. But, she escaped without injury and she hasn't done it again. Collin likes to fly up the stairs and sit right on the edge and just look at us. When we tell him no, he just smiles and starts rocking back and forth as if to say "what are you going to do about it"? It is a joke to him. I wander if it will still be a joke if he actually falls off? I have covered all sharp corners on the TV stand since Kahlen fell off but so far I am sticking to my original game plan. I think kids (and adults) learn from experience. I know that kids depth perception is not developed yet and all the developmental stuff they tell you in books but my kid is a genius!
I have contemplated putting up some sort of gate but I'm not there yet. I may be giving him way more credit than I should but his joking around tells me that he knows that is a bad thing that he should not do. Does that mean the next step is he'll do it? We will see. Now if I can just keep him out of the dog food.
Speaking of the dog...Bosley and Collin are getting along very well. Bosley has adjusted nicely and they share their toys like good boys. I was a little confused as to why Collin was always crawling around with toys in his mouth, now I understand. They play tug of war with stuffed animals. Bosley has literally pulled Collin across the floor because he just won't let go. Usually when he does it is because he is laughing so hard I think he forgets to hold on.
Collin loves playing chase and loves to be pulled down the stairs by his feet. He thinks it is hilarious. He will go upstairs and when I call his name you hear a high pitched squeak and then a giggle. He thinks most things are funny. When he is in the tub he will hand me his tub letters and numbers and I make up words for the letters and show him the sign for the letter. When he gives me a number I count and sign the numbers up to that number and he about falls over he thinks it is so funny!?! I have no idea why...I'm just glad someone thinks I'm funny!
I could go on for hours just like I can sit and watch him forever. Everything he does is so stinking cute! Well, I would like to say back to work but since the phone isn't ringing-back to surfing!!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Flu
Yes, we all have it-the flu. What a taxing experience having a baby and a sick husband while you are sick. I never thought 2 people would have to fight for space with 2 bathrooms but it happened. We had contemplated devoting each bathroom solely for a certain activity and none other ,if you know what I mean.
Thank goodness I bought diapers because poor Collin is going through them like crazy. We didn't even bother taking him out of his PJ's today although I think he has been in at least 7 different pair. Luckily, he only has one end of the deal and he seems to be feeling okay otherwise.
Gone are the days of being a baby. You really have to suck it up. Luckily, we have kind of taken turns being the one that gets to "act" sick. You can get through anything for a little bit then by the time you are worn out hopefully the other person is rested up and ready to go. Not that we haven't snapped at eachother but I think we will make it through!!
The worst part is everyone is out of town. I was supposed to be taking care of my parents animals so they are suffering too. I hope they come home soon because we are at dangerously low levels of toilet paper!!! We may have to declare an emergency and call out the troops!
I WANT MY MOMMY!!!!
Thank goodness I bought diapers because poor Collin is going through them like crazy. We didn't even bother taking him out of his PJ's today although I think he has been in at least 7 different pair. Luckily, he only has one end of the deal and he seems to be feeling okay otherwise.
Gone are the days of being a baby. You really have to suck it up. Luckily, we have kind of taken turns being the one that gets to "act" sick. You can get through anything for a little bit then by the time you are worn out hopefully the other person is rested up and ready to go. Not that we haven't snapped at eachother but I think we will make it through!!
The worst part is everyone is out of town. I was supposed to be taking care of my parents animals so they are suffering too. I hope they come home soon because we are at dangerously low levels of toilet paper!!! We may have to declare an emergency and call out the troops!
I WANT MY MOMMY!!!!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Collin's 1st Birthday
Collin's birthday cake was a caterpillar. It had 5 small cakes, 2 yellow and 2 chocolate and one half and half. The head was for Collin to tear into or should I say Collin, Brylie and Kahlen?? Collin is okay with sharing this year, we will see about next year?!? He also had the cake from his FLASH pictures and an ice cream cake at Nana and Pops. 
This is what was left of the cake...not much!!
This is Collin opening his gifts. Once again Brylie was a big helper opening the packages for Collin because he could really care less about opening and more about playing!!
I should have put this in reverse order because we opened gifts first and cake last. Then...everyone to the tub!!!
Now it is Brylie's turn (she is 3 on 2/4) so Collin wanted to sent her a message...and it's not HPEV B1RTDAVI BRV1LIE!!!
I think we need another set or two of the bathtub letters! We had to make do with what we had!!
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