Super Collin

If Collin had a super hero power it would be super strength. It's fun for me to go back through Hannah and Jack's books to see what milestones might be nearing, but at the same time Collin loves to surprise me and do his own thing. I've been sitting here waiting for him to find his toes (which I'm still waiting on) when out of the blue he can sit. What! He is four months old. The first pictures I took of Hannah and Jack sitting their chins were nearly touching the ground it was so caveman like, but Collin is fairly upright. Now, he can only sit for about 30 seconds, but I still think it's amazing. He has also started scooting. Put him on his belly and he can scoot across the room. He also scoots in his crib as I'm always finding him in different positions. Collin also holds his bottle which neither of the other two ever did, but I still hold it with him because I like feeding him so it's teamwork, we do it together. Tonight he had his first puree food, sweet potatoes. He absolutely loved it and actually got most of it in his mouth. The jar was clean in no time. Guess he was ready. Now lets see if that helps him sleep:)

Operation Mommy Needs Sleep

A sleeping baby is quite possibly one of the most precious moments. I often find myself just watching all of my kids sleep because they look so peaceful. The world has slowed and they are safe resting, growing, and dreaming. If you scroll through my camera roll you'll find 100 photos of Collin sleeping. Most look almost identical but I keep taking them because he just looks so sweet.

Most of you know I am a firm believer in the consistency of a sleep routine and for Collin it was time. His naps are really good. 9, 1 and 5 in his bed. He is doing those great. Now while I am strict on the time of sleep, I am lenient on where my kids sleep. 9 times out of 10 Hannah and Jack find there way into my bed at night and that's okay because this time is short and to be honest, they give me comfort too. So I would have been totally fine keeping Collin in the little yellow bed right next to mine forever if it was working, but it wasn't. I'm even cool with letting Collin sleep in bed with me, but that also started not working. So we decided to move to his own room in the big boy crib. First we tried the Merlin's Magical Sleep Suit which was magic for Jack. I tried it three nights. Each night got worse. He absolutely hated it. So that plan went out the window. Enter operation Mommy needs sleep. For months Collin would wake every 2-3 hours at night to eat. He was hungry. He wouldn't cry, just quietly wake, eat a whole bottle and go right back to sleep. While not ideal I knew he needed the food so I did it. But then something changed, I felt like he went back to early newborn days. He started waking every 30-45 minutes. I tried to keep up with him, but I was just so tired. Three nights ago I decided to let him cry a little and see if he could self soothe. Well the answer to that is no. He went down at 8pm. I knew I was in trouble when 8:45 hit and he was crying. The routine pretty much went the same the whole night, I'd let him cry, then go in and soothe him and set him back down. No bottle (which at the 4 month old appointment, the doctor said was fine). The second I set him down, he'd scream, set the clock...repeat. He cried the entire night from 8pm-6am except for the brief intervals of me soothing him. Seriously worst thing ever. I cried with him at one point, because my heart hurt, but I knew if I gave in, the madness wouldn't stop and no one can survive on waking every 30 minutes. So I was strong while I cried by myself outside his door praying that God would give him comfort. Collin cries real huge tear drops when he cries. I've never seen anything like it which makes it even more sad. The next day his voice was hoarse. I felt so bad to think I had a role in that. The last two nights he as only woken up twice. Once at 2am (6 hour stretch) and once at 5am. I still think he should be doing a little better by 4 months but that is so much progress in just 3 days so I am very hopeful. Maybe tonight's the night :)

PS. Totally off topic, but he can do the caveman tripod sit for about 10 seconds alone. What! so strong. That seems really young to sit. I've always said if they sit long enough for you to step back and snap a picture it counts so I'll try that soon.

4 Months

Collin James I can't believe you are 4 months old. You are getting too big too fast. As creepy as it sounds I just love to stare at you, smell you, kiss you and hold you and keep you tiny forever.

You started laughing on July 11th while sitting on the couch talking to Mommy. I was shaking your tummy saying "I love you." I was the only one home and couldn't get up to get the camera because my toe is broken, but it happened and I will always remember it. Sorry I couldn't get it on video. You always chew on your hands and are drooling a ton lately. Instead of your thumb, your favorite finger to chew is your pointer. Your hands are also almost always folded in the 'prayer position.' You can hold your own toys and like to swing, stare at faces, be with mommy and eat. You are much more interested in toys this month as well. mostly anything with music and lights. I love you so much I can't stand it. Lately, I've been commenting that you are still on a newborn schedule. You eat 4 oz every 2-3 hours. Any longer than that and you will be screaming. You also still wake 3 times at night. We recently started giving you rice cereal for breakfast and dinner. You seem to like it, but more ends up on you than in your tummy. This month you took your first trip to Bishop and did great. I think you liked the new people and watching your cousins play. You pretty consistently nap at 9, 1 and 5, but we need to work on getting you to nap in a bed. Right now you usually either sleep in the car, in the swing or in mommy's arms. I was planning on working on the crib when we got home from Bishop, but I can't get up the stairs with you so that has been delayed. Today Daddy took you to your doctor's appointment. I felt so bad that I couldn't be there to comfort you when you got your shots, but again there is no way for me to carry you. When you got home you were sleeping so hopefully it wasn't too bad. Your hernia is looking better, so I'm anxious to hear what the surgeon has to say next month. You are definitely my tiniest little one. You weigh 14 lb. 5 oz (24th %). You are 24 inches long (7%) and your head is 36%. I can't wait to watch how you grow and change and wonder if you will look like Hannah or Jack. I do know you are adorable and very loved. Your brother and sister both call you their best friend.

God Bless America

I was very excited for Collin to celebrate his first Fourth of July. It was also his first trip to Bishop and he did amazing on the long 5 hour car trip. We spent 10 days there. Daddy was recovering from Thyroid surgery so mommy drove and the three kids smooshed into the middle seat together. This was nice for Collin because Hannah could help entertain and feed him. Bishop is a fun place to be on the fourth and I know the kids will all have good memories of their time there. My favorite thing is just to sit back and watch them have fun, away from the crazy fast pace day to day we typically have. They love playing with their cousins and being around family. We fed the ducks at the park, visited the train station, went fishing, went on a hike, went to the farm, went swimming, did art projects and just enjoyed each other. Hannah's favorite activity was the farm. She loved how the two goats Barney and Elsa escaped from the gate. She also enjoyed playing 'My Country Tis of Thee' on the piano, doing sparklers, driving in the back of Gramps' truck, and of course playing Restaurant at the Z Bar with Zane, Weston and Jack. Jack says his favorite part of the trip was playing baseball with mom. You seemed to really enjoy swimming this year and spent a lot of time in the big pool with Uncle Larry, Nana, Gramps and Uncle Jeremy. You will also forever be quoted now with your infamous phrase "We're gunna cook it on the grill" in reference to the fish we caught (always with a shout out to Uncle Jeff/Uncle Jeremy and Great Uncle Larry who always so selflessly give up their catch so the kids can take turns reeling them in.). Collin I think you most enjoyed spending time with new faces particularly Nana, Gramps in the rocking chair and Auntie She She who Tim has officially deemed the baby whisperer. You also liked watching your siblings and big cousins play. I know you'll be running around with them in no time. I enjoyed our family hike even though our typical spot was flooded this year due to all the rain. I love seeing the beauty of the mountains and lake and how much fun the kids have just exploring nature. Hannah and Jack were covered in dirt, skipping rocks, and wading through water. We even witnessed a beautiful bald eagle fly overhead. I've never seen a bald eagle in nature and it was pretty cool. Collin, you are just shy of 4 months but did great on the hike in mommy's front pouch. And of course the 4th is always a highlight. We love watching the fireworks from the back of Gramps' truck while eating popcorn and m&ms. Hannah and Jack love driving back home in the bed of the truck with no seat belts. Collin you slept through both nights of fireworks. This year with a family of five, a baby who wakes 3 times per night and a recovering surgical patient Nana and Gramps gave us their bedroom which meant camp outs in the tent for Hannah and Jack with Zane, Weston, Nana and Gramps. Hannah and I left Bishop for 2 nights and drove to Las Vegas for Hannah's National Dance Competition. We had so much fun together on our own little vacation. I hope I get the chance to take Jack and Collin on their own get away someday as well. While I was gone, Nana took the night shift and Nana and Sherrie stepped up. I missed the boys like crazy, but must say two nights of sleep were glorious. When we returned, I was making up for lost time and giving Jack some extra attention. We were playing baseball together on the grass. He was having so much fun laughing and smiling that it makes me happy to think about, but unfortunately I had a freak accident. I was barefoot and while running, my toe must have gotten stuck in the grass. I knew instantly something was wrong. Uncle Jeremy carried me to the car since Daddy isn't supposed to lift over 15 lbs. and i was off to the emergency room. One xray and two shots later, I had not only dislocated, but also broken the toe. The whole time waiting at the hospital, I was the most sad that I had to leave the baseball game with Jack. Now I'm on crutches and can't carry Collin because I'm on one foot which has been less than convenient. But I'm choosing to look at the bright side and remember all the fun moments from a great trip.

A Three Hour Tour

Summer has started and it's so nice to have lazy days at home and family activities together. To kick off summer, we rented a Duffy boat in Newport and sailed around the island. We had tons of food and of course music to dance to. Captain Grandpa steered the ship with a little help from Hannah and Jack. Collin seemed to love the movement and was perfect the entire time. Hannah and Jack are planning our next ride. Apparently we will be bringing our dog.