Collin walking

The Life of a Tot

Collin keeps us busy these days. About a month ago he started taking some steps but it wasn't until the last couple weeks he really started moving. He always a has a big smile on his face as he does the tot swagger--think Frankenstein meets drunken sailor. And then falls down with a plop! Considering he was a rapid crawler, there hasn't been a big change in chasing after him (though my back gets more of a break); we will see what happens when he discovers the fun of running.

From Spring 09

He's curious about everything especially if it involves taking it apart and putting it in his mouth. He seems to understand how things fit together and yeah I may be a bit biased, but this is definitely a bright kiddo. He continues to be a great eater (way less picky than his dad). I imagine I'll be making many trips to Costco when he's a teen.

Talking and walking also go together though we have yet to understand him most of the time. Comprehensible words include "momma," "dadda," "nanna" (for banana), "meh" (for milk).

Some of my favorite Collin moments:
*"Ayyyeee dui" I have no idea what this means but it seems important
*Holding his play phone up to his ear with a smile
*His high-pitched giggle and laugh and the wide smile with so many teeth (6, 7 now?)
*"Momma" with his arms outstretched (talk about feeling wanted)
*Bouncing up and down with a sing-songy voice
*Big wet kisses
*Of course the walking. It doesn't get old. Seeing the changes and growth that happen just month to month really are astounding

Some not so great Collin moments:
*Separation/strangaer anxiety (see #4 above) as nice as it is to be wanted it can also be annoying when he screams if someone looks at him. Thankfully he seems to be getting over this stage.
*Getting into everything. If we go somewhere that isn't babyproofed it involves watching Collin every other second to make sure he isn't destructive
*The drama. We've seen some hints of temper tantrums though the all-out screaming like he did as a newborn is rare. However, I have this sinking feeling as Collin approaches the terrible two's, he will be that child on the floor with limbs flailing while I walk away and let him do his thing.

Look Ma, no hands!

Collin is very excited to be getting himself into a standing position without any help and holding it longer than a few seconds. This morning he even took a couple steps! We'll see how long it takes for him to be a full fledged walker...

Tulips!

We took Collin to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn. Despite being irritated by a very long wait of cars and a disorganized parking lot, once we were there it was beautiful. The perfect weather drew a lot of people and in the future I'd probably stick with a week day. But we're glad we went and captured the look of amusement and wonder on Collin's face as he stared at all the pretties. (There was also some prompt movement involved to make sure he didn't swipe a petal).

Trouble maker

We're raising a "green" child for sure. Collin is heavily invested in our planet's future as you can tell by his help sorting our recyclables.

First haircut!

Mike and I finally gave in and decided that the hair falling over Collin's eyes meant it was probably a good time for a haircut. Collin has the best baby hair ever. He was born with a full head of brown hair which unlike most babies didn't fall off. It's remained thick and lightened up to a sandy blond with ringlets over his ears. Sigh I love his hair and could never give him one of those super short cuts. Mike and I are in agreement that the long shaggy look on boys is adorable but for safety reasons it was time...

We took him to one of those places that specializes in kid's cuts with car shaped hair stations and individual video monitors. Packed in a strip mall in Lake Oswego, Mike's face dropped when we were greeted by the chipper receptionist. But there was no way either of us were going to attempt to cut Mr. Wiggle's hair. He'd either end up with stitches or look like some deranged soldier. The hairstylist was friendly enough and seemed to know what he was doing. We just wanted Collin's hair "Cleaned up" and he promised he wouldn't snip it too short.

Here we go:



Goodbye long locks


Sitting by himself definitely wasn't going to work so he moved to my lap

Collin squirmed in protest but didn't scream. The stylist skillfully moved around his hair with the scissors in rapid motion.


Almost done!


Collin's torture was finished!

We got a certificate and a lock of Collin's hair. It was about as painless an experience as you can expect for a fist haircut. Hopefully we can hold off on the next one until we can take him to a place closer (and cheaper) near our house but we're both happy with the cut and that he still has his long Collin hair (but can now see).

Party, Party, Party!

From First Birthday!

Collin's first birthday party was a blast! Despite napping in the middle of his own party to prevent major meltdown, everything went down unhitched. After the "recharge" Collin got his first taste of carrot cake, courtesy of grandma (Mary Ann). It took him a while to figure out what to do with a whole "mini cake" to himself that wasn't cut into pieces. But once he started, there was no turning back. To everyone's surprise ate every last scrumptious crumb. He seemed to do okay with the sugar but we definitely won't be making it a daily habit. Then thanks to generous friends and family members he made out with a ton of great loot to keep him entertained, well-read and clothed until at least his next birthday! We're so glad everyone came and helped celebrate with our little guy.

What do I do with this


Mmm cake


All done!


Hanging with his future girlfriend, Miss Hailey


Whoa grandpa, what's that!




The grownups enjoyed the toys too


A sampling of gifts--one lucky boy!


Enjoying his new ride