On Playing with Feet

My newest trick is playing with my feet and putting them in my mouth.

My mom was curious to see if she could do it too.  I tried to show her how it is done, but she was laughing too much.

On Bags

Once you have a kid, you have a lot of bags.  (Okay, I admit, I had a lot of bags before Colleen).

Coming home from school I have the following items:  Two water bottles, my school bag, Tom's school bag, my purse, Colleen's zebra print bag with bottles, Colleen's bag of cloth diapers from daycare, and a Target bag with dirty rags from cleaning my classroom.

PS-Some of you may be wondering where Tom was while I was carrying all these bags.  Truth is, I made fun of Tom for something and my "punishment" was to carry all the bags.  In his defense, he was carrying Colleen.

On Colleen's First Day of Daycare

Last week Colleen started daycare.

Of course, she went in with a bang: pooping on the ride over which then leaked onto her first day of school outfit.

We stayed with Colleen for about an hour or so.  We were able to meet the other babies that Colleen hangs out with along with many of their parents.  She really enjoys the other babies.  Well, except when they cry.

Each baby has their own crib.  The baby in the crib next to Colleen's is only a few weeks younger.  The first day, the ladies said that Colleen and this little girl were smiling to each other through the clear sides of the crib.  I like to think that they are going to become good friends.

It was hard to leave her the first day.  However, knowing that she was only going to be there for a couple of hours made it a little easier.

Now, since school has officially started, she has been there for full days and it is getting a little harder.  I find it difficult when we go to pick her up in the afternoon to think of all the time she spent without us. I often stop and think about her during the school day and wonder what she is thinking or doing right at that moment.  And I'm sad when they tell me stories about how much she loved being outside or playing in the water and how I missed being a part of it.  (Although I still want them to tell me about it!)  

But my worries seem to melt away when Tom and I walk into her room to pick her up and she see us.  And smiles.  And laughs.  I know she is happy.  And picking her up is the best part of my day.

On a Lego Weekend

Last weekend, Tom's parents, along with our nephew, Alex, came to visit.  I call this the "Lego Weekend" for several reasons:

1.  Legos arrived at our house a few days before the visit
2.  The boys took a trip to the Lego store on Saturday
3.  We played Lego board games
4.  The boys spent most of the weekend in the basement playing Legos and video games

Don't worry.  Tom's mom and I went to the Paper Source store and had fun hanging out with Colleen.

Alex entertaining Colleen.

Dinner at Brickoven

Surprisingly, we didn't get much rain from these clouds!

Already looking forward to the next visit!

On a Question for Nini

Dear Nini,

Do you make quilt extensions?

Love, Colleen

On What Happens When You Fall Asleep on Your Belly on the Floor

On Rice Cereal

At Colleen's four month appointment, the doctor said that she was ready to be introduced to rice cereal.  Tom and I were surprised, but when the doctor asked if she watched us while we ate, we thought maybe she was ready!

I was surprised how she knew to open her mouth for the spoon.  She was even leaning forward to reach for it!

I think she liked it!

On the Sassy Seat

I'm finally big enough to use my Sassy Seat!

Dad is teaching me how to use my seat.

When I put my toes on the ground, I can make myself bounce!

But sometimes my legs get tired and I just let myself hang.

But I sure love it!

On Travelers Passing Through

One of the best parts of living in North Carolina (besides the sweet tea) is that we are an easy stop for visitors traveling to the ocean.  Recently, some of Tom's family including his Aunt Mary Ann, Aunt G, Uncle Dave, and cousin Ryan stopped by for the night on the way to Hilton Head, SC.  Colleen enjoyed the company as much as Tom and I did!

Hope they come visit again soon!

On a Visit from Nini

During our beach vacation, mom and I discussed her coming down to visit for a few days before school started.  Even though we both had busy schedules, I'm glad we were able to find time for her visit!

I used to feel like when people came to visit that we should take them places; like they were on vacation.  So Tom and I would take family to places like the Farmer's Market, Pilot Mountain, and Mt. Airy.  But now I realize that some of the best visits don't involve going to a bunch of places, but hanging out at our house talking.  (Or asking Mom to help me organize Colleen's bookshelf which had become quite a mess.  Which, by the way Mom, still looks great!)

Colleen enjoyed the special time with Nini and Tom and I were even able to go to a movie...together!  Already looking forward to the next visit!

On a Four Month Old

Four Month Doctor's Appointment

Weight:  14 pounds 10 ounces (74 percentile)

Length:  26 inches (97 percentile)

Head Circumference: 16 1/2 inches (77 percentile)

We are lucky to have a healthy happy baby!

On Five Years

While it is hard to believe, July 22 was our five year wedding anniversary.  Since that was the day we were driving home from Williamsburg, VA, we celebrated early.  While vacationing with Tom's family, one night Tom's parents watched Colleen so that we could go out to eat at Shields Tavern on the Restoration.  Of course, we forgot the camera and therefore we don't have any pictures of the evening.  But, it was a great meal anyway. Afterwards we took a walk and then went on a drive on the Colonial Parkway which connects Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.

When I decided to go to school at Bowling Green, I remember my mom telling me what a big decision it was and that I might meet my future husband there.  At the time, I couldn't imagine being married.  Now, I can't imagine life without Tom.  I'm very lucky to have married my best friend; who, as it turns out, is a wonderful father as well.

I love you Tom! Looking forward to many more years together!

On the Fourth of July

This year, for the Fourth of July, Tom, Colleen and I were in Tom's hometown of Medina, Ohio.  Unfortunately, we were there for the funeral of Tom's Aunt Donna.  Aunt Donna was a very inspirational lady.  She did a lot for the community and even has a senior center named after her in Parma, Ohio.  There were two services for her; one at the church and the other was at the senior center.  You could tell by the sheer number of people at both services how much Donna was loved and how much she cared for others.  While Colleen wasn't able to meet her Great Aunt Donna in person, she did get to see her on Skype.

While it was sad to be home for a funeral, Colleen was able to meet many of Tom's extended family members including Great Grandma Ashton.

Four generations picture!

We had a yummy cookout while Colleen, Tom, and I visited with family.

Colleen with Aunt Christine.

Beth holding Colleen and her son Cole.

Colleen hanging out with Great Aunt Mary Ann.

On Colleen Jennifer Rees meeting Jennifer Gaker Paisley

Jen and I used to live four minutes apart.  Now we live almost 1,000 miles apart.

However, over July Fourth weekend, my best friend Jen and I were in the same part of Ohio visiting family.  So, we met for brunch at this great little place called Wild Goats in Stowe, Ohio.  And Colleen Jennifer Rees was finally about to meet Jennifer Gaker Paisley.

Best friends for 20 years!

Colleen got dressed up for the occasion.

Can't wait until we can visit again!

On a Sleeping Baby

What is it about a sleeping baby?

Is it the cute sleepers with the feet?

Or the fact that they can fall asleep anywhere?

(the floor)

(the Baby Bjorn)

(the stroller)

(the swing)

(the car seat)

(the beach)

(a pillow)

(in the arms of someone they love)

Or maybe it is the position in which they sleep...

(all spread out)

(on their belly)

(on their side)

(while playing "air guitar")

(all curled up)

(the same way Mama does)

Or maybe, after a long hard day; or perhaps a difficult nighttime routine; I find it heart melting to watch a baby sleep.

To me, it's perfection.