ONE

OINK, BAA, MOO, NEIGH...It's Collin's FIRST Birthday!

Happy Birthday Sweet Collin. You are ONE. March 10th fell on a Saturday so we planned a park party on your actually day. So many friends and family came to celebrate you. I hope you know just how loved you are. The weather report called for rain, so at the last minute we changed the plans and moved the party indoors. Mommy started crafting new decorations and made a video slideshow the night before. It all worked out fine. Your theme was farm and you had the best day. I feel like almost all one year old parties, the child ends up having a meltdown because it's all so overwhelming, but not you. I guess you're used to the chaos because you just loved every minute of it. You were happy and playing and eating and enjoying all the noise and attention. I think your favorite was the cake made with love by Auntie Laura of course. You just acted like you eat cake all the time. You tried to pick the whole thing up, but it was too heavy. We played a Collin James Jeopardy game and the Grandparents team won. We had chick fil a for lunch and opened some fun presents. You are very sweet to share with Jack who has been enjoying them as much as you. You went to the doctor for your one year check a few days after your party. You are growing and moving up on the scales due to your love of food. Now at 20% for weight (up from 5%). You had to get four shots and literally did not flinch, not one tear, not one squeak...nothing! It was amazing. So amazing, the nurse picked you up and walked you through the office saying she's never seen anything like it and started telling all her nurse friends. Again, being the baby of the family, you're tough and used to being poked and pushed a bit. I told her, wait until I bring big sister in, you will need to call in back up to hold her down. The doctor said you were very active and smart. Healthy and strong. He's sending you to an ENT to get your adenoids checked because you are a mouth breather. I'm guessing nothing will come from that. You switched to whole milk no problem, didn't seem to notice at all. You still use the bottle, but prefer food. No teeth yet, and the hair is slowing coming in. You actually walked today (3/19) I'm writing this a bit late. You walked in the loft over to Hannah while we were playing with you. Collin, I've loved all 365 days of being your mommy. I promise to love you for everyday to come. Thank you for being my amazing little boy. Happy Birthday!


My Darling Collin on your First Birthday, I lay you down one last time as a baby…my baby. How lucky I am to be your mommy. I close my eyes and try to engrave all the moments of this past year into my brain. I hope someday you look back and see that through all the chaos there is love. A love so great and so special. I love you more than my words can express. You are sweet, funny, active, loving and patient. You go with the flow and cause no problems. You have big blue eyes that I could stare at all day. I hope I remember the feeling of your little hand wrapped around mine and the sound of your sweet laugh. Collin, you love toys, balls, dumping things out, throwing things, emptying cupboards, water bottles and laughing with your brother and sister. You don’t like to be alone and love when mommy gives you attention. You say mama and dada and are so close to walking. You crawl very fast. The doctor said you are one of the most active 12 months old he’s seen in his office. You love to eat and enjoy meat, spaghetti, pancakes, bananas, peanut butter and jelly, peas and sweet potatoes. Collin, I’ve always wanted you. I dreamed of a third little baby and I’m so blessed God gave me you. I promise to love you, support you, keep your secrets, protect you, and do my best every day to show you that you are special.
In your first year of life, you have learned to crawl, stand, throw, wave, clap and point. We call you Calls, Collie, or Collin Jamesy. I have watched you grow into a brave happy little boy and I know this world has big plans for you. For you now, life is simple…love, play, explore, learn, grow. You like crawling on the grass, singing songs, looking around and getting hugs. Life won’t always be so simple, but I hope you always remember the beauty in the simplicity of things. No matter how old you get a hug, a song, a walk around the block can make any day better. Being a mom is a wild ride. I think most days you teach me more than I teach you. Today know, that your life has made mine better.
Thank you Collin for every smile when I need it most, thank you for being a friend to Hannah and Jack, thank you for trusting me and knowing I’ll always be there. I love you forever and always. The world is yours and you can be and accomplish anything! Happy first birthday my sweet Collin James.
Mommy loves you

11 Months

My Sweet Baby Boy, Your first year is coming to an end. Time goes far to fast. I try to close my eyes and picture moments with each of my babies in those early days. I wish I could hold you and keep you little forever, but I also know that ahead waits an exciting journey, one that God created just for you. I love your curiosity and watching you play, explore and learn. I'm already so proud to be your mommy and look forward to seeing you accomplish all the things in life you wish to achieve. One thing is for sure, I love you dearly and always will.

Collin James, You are always on the move. You crawl so fast but also just stop and stand. You are pretty steady on your feet and I'm certain you will be my first baby to walk before age 1. You also love playing toys. You can sit in a room of toys and entertain yourself for long period of time. This past month you have also learned to wave, high five, and clap. You say Mama and baba consistently and with intent. You also do a barking noise for dog. If no one is looking you will splash in the dogs bowl, empty the bathroom trash, or dump all the cereal on the floor. You eat a ton. I think you'll have a growth spurt here soon because despite being tiny, your hands and feet are big and you eat so much. You are still a great baby. You really never cry unless left alone. You take two naps and go right down. No song and dance needed. You like being held, you're pretty much bald and have no teeth. You have the cutest laugh especially when your belly gets kissed and still kick your feet when excited. You love other babies and waving to them. I think you'll be a social kiddo some day. Collin, words don't express how much I love you. In this crazy house we call a home I hope you feel loved and know that I am so blessed to be your mommy.

10 Months

Collin is 10 months old and I can't believe a year is quickly approaching. I just want him to stay little forever. I'm a few days behind on the photos because this past week he had a bad cold with croup so his eyes were all glossy and nose all runny. He's so cute I waited to take his photo. Which i quickly remembered is basically impossible with a 10 month who doesn't sit still. He is back to doing well though, crawling everywhere, playing with Hannah and Jack, pulling up, trying to walk, and exploring. This past month Collin started saying his first word "Mama." !!! He usually says it when he needs something as he's crawling towards me. He truly is so sweet and I get so many comments about how he is the best baby. He can stand for a few seconds by himself before he squats down. Still no teeth, but is eating more and more new foods. He seems to like things with flavor as opposed to just individual pieces of fruit on his tray. He likes spaghetti and meatballs, bbq chicken with mac and cheese, and fried rice. He loves to play peek a boo and laughs hysterically when you kiss his belly or pretend like the spoon is stuck in his mouth when you feed him. He also thinks he's funny when he tries to share his paci with you. He still likes water bottles, emptying drawers, pulling dvds off the shelf, balls, pulling hair, and chewing on remote controls. He also really enjoys throwing anything onto the floor and having you pick it up (over and over). He still takes good naps during the day with one paci tucked under his belly. He and figgy are so much better with each other and I'm glad he gets to grow up with a puppy. He is starting to do a wave and we are working on clapping. Gramps taught him to raise his hands over his head any time he hears the word "winner." He has the sweetest smile and laugh. He makes me so happy and I am so blessed to be his mommy.

Heart Eyes

Happy 7th Birthday to big sister Hannah! This past week Hannah turned SEVEN! wow so crazy. She celebrated with her 6 dance friends at our house. It was an emoiji party and she had a wonderful time filled with dancing, strobe lights, photo booth, poop emoji cupcakes, crafts, games and pizza. I'm glad she had a happy day.



My Darling Hannah on your 7th Birthday,

I remember holding you in the hospital. The nights were long and sleep was minimal. You cried and cried, probably from frustration and hunger, but I didn’t know that at the time. I had never been a mom. I thought I was in over my head, but I loved you dearly and was so happy to be your mommy. I found myself singing ‘You are my Sunshine’ over and over. Throughout the years, I have continued to sing ‘You are my Sunshine’ to you and this year more than ever it feels so fitting as you truly do ‘make me happy when skies are grey.’ Your birthday has come less than week after Grandpa’s accident. The pain is still fresh and the tears still plentiful. You, as you always are, act as a rainbow on a stormy day, bringing happiness and joy just as Grandpa would have wanted.

Hannah, you truly shine in all areas of life. In school, you are simply outstanding. You read 103 wpm and comprehend at a 3rd grade level. Your teacher said you are top of the class in reading, writing, and math. More than academics, you are a leader. You are good and kind, you listen and follow directions, you do what’s right, and act with grace in all situations. Three 1st graders were awarded a character award for the first trimester and you of course were one of them. You were the only primary student k-2nd who moved on to the district level in the PTA reflections competition with your dance choreography entry and received a trophy in front of the school. You just got an email that you have been promoted again to compete again all of Orange County and are getting a special recognition at the Orange County Department of Ed. Your dance skills have taken off and you are so talented. Your dedication and passion is to be admired. You dance 6 days a week usually going straight from school to dance. You are competing your first solo this month and are very excited. Whether you continue with dance or not, I hope you carry the work ethic, poise, and confidence you have gained from dance with you throughout your life.

Hannah, you are an amazing sister. Jack wants to be exactly like you and Collin adores you. You are so patient with them, always sharing, teaching, nurturing and loving. This year you got the puppy you’ve always dreamed of. You deserved it sweet girl and seeing your emotion on the day she arrived is a moment I’ll never forget. This last year we welcomed a new baby brother (you got to be in the delivery room when he was born), enjoyed a family vacation to San Diego, trips to Bishop, Mommy/Hannah trip to Las Vegas (your first time to another state), time with family, sat in the front row at a Dodger game where you ‘caught’ a ball and were on the jumbo tron, started 1st grade, mastered a front and back walkover as well as numerous dance moves, lost your 1st tooth (and 2nd), had your first sleepover (and 2nd and 3rd), got a puppy, said goodbye to a Grandfather you loved dearly, continued with girl scouts, made new friends, tried ice skating for the 1st time, and enjoyed each day.

You are strong and passionate, smart and kind. You are protective, dedicated, loyal and driven. You inspire those around you and you make me proud to be your mommy. You love dance, American girl dolls, listening to music, making up dances, being silly with friends, dogs, the beach, emojis, writing stories, drawing, creating, Chinese food, sleepovers at Grannys or in Mommy’s bed, ice cream, and playing with your brothers. You dislike going to the doctor/dentist, getting shots, when someone you love is sad, doing homework, and riding bikes. You are the most beautiful girl. You are tall, gorgeous, have curly golden hair and as daddy says sport a ’20 pack.’ You are a girly girl through and through, but with 3 boy cousins and 2 brothers, you can hold your own with anyone. You are truly the light of my life. I love you dearly and I’m here for you always as your number one fan. Happy 7th Birthday!
All my love, Mommy