11 Months.

Dear Colin,

Three days ago (I am late!), you turned exactly 11 months old. 11 is such a funny number. It is so close to 12, to your one year mark, that parties are being planned and invites will be sent out soon. That being said, 11 is still one whole month away from 12, and I am going to make sure each and every day of the next 31 are savored, enjoyed and celebrated. We have spent the last 11 months as a set. Very rarely did we stray far from each other and lately we have led much more independent lives. Our time apart is about to increase drastically and I am really going to miss the everyday you. That being said, I am so excited that just like me, you are starting out on a new adventure come September too. Some days you will get to experience what it is like to be one of 5 kids, and others you will get to experience what it is like to be the center of attention every second of the day...neither situation have you had much of for the past 11 months!

This past month, we were fortunate enough to spent 17 wonderful days in Florida. The first 8 were spent together as a family of 3 and the next 10 were spent with your Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, all of whom love you so much. As seems to be your trend, you surprised me during this trip. I went in with little to no expectations of you, considering I knew the demands Disney World can put on a kid, never mind a baby, and you exceeded and surpassed them all. You honestly were a dream, pretty much from day one to day seventeen. You were happy & content on the plane rides (although in need of constant entertainment...but we will take that any day over screaming!), happy to be in your stroller to nap (even if it was only for half and hour or so a day), and a dream sleeper. You seemed to like the rides you went on like Dumbo, Whinnie the Poo, and the African Safari and watched intently at all the lights and movement. Throughout the week, your Dad and I talked a lot about how it would be the next time we came to Disney with our family and how fun it will be to see you as excited as your cousins were to see Buzz and Woody, Handy Manny and all the other characters roaming around the parks. You are going to love it, and we are going to love watching you enjoy every minute.

Our 17 days away proved to be quite a developmental leap for you as well. You are now a super fast crawler and have added pulling up on anything and everything, climbing stairs, and standing on your own for a second or two to your repertoire. Our house is now your playground and you are exploring every single inch of it. Doors are now closed during the day in order to keep your mischievous ways in check. You seem to have some kind of radar that lets you know when the mud room door is open as your beeline for it instantly and spend your time in there spilling Jake's water bowl and playing with the water cooler...both of which are awesome to clean up. You are getting pretty brave and have no problem taking chances in order to reach whatever you are after. I love how tough you are. You hit your head on something about 47 times a day. You pinch your fingers in one of the kitchen drawers about 24 times a day. 99% of those injuries you take like a champ. You are easily convinced that you are ok and and on your way to something else before a tear drops. You are also a very independent player...something I love to watch. If I could be in your head for one hour, I would choose the hour that you play with your farm. You seemingly have some sort of method where you put all the animals in the barn, and then get them all out. This is repeated for a solid hour. Whatever keeps you happy.

You now have 4 top teeth and 2 bottom teeth with more coming each and every week. And let me tell you, your two front teeth are huge! I did not know babies could have such massively huge teeth. Not only huge too, those things are sharp! Since you love to pick up anything and everything and put it in your mouth, inevitably throughout the day I must retrieve things that you have no business on chewing. Think rocks, bottle caps, earrings, you know, really baby friendly stuff. Prying your jaw open and jamming my finger in to fish whatever it is out is a constant gamble as I am fairly sure at some point you will actually bite my finger right off. The other day I somewhat considered giving you one of Jake's bones just to file those things down a bit. No wonder you cry when you bite your own finger...

We have a growing list of strange things Colin has eaten and this month the major addition was an entire tube of lip gloss. I know, I know, I should be watching you better but the vacuum was going (I'm sure by now you know my love of vacuuming), and my mind was elsewhere. I was slightly worried at first, however quickly realized that a toxic lip gloss would probably not be a very good seller and relaxed and enjoyed your menthol freshness for the rest of the day.

You and I have major food standoffs at meal time now. I wouldn't necessarily call you a picky eater, but you definitely prefer to feed yourself now. Dropping things on the floor has also become part of your repertoire. When you refuse vegetables I simply say "ok, I can wait" and I sit there for a few seconds before trying again. This frustrates you and usually you give in and I win. My make shift "discipline" when you throw stuff of the floor consists of turning your high chair around to face the wall. You do not like this. I spent the entire 10 seconds you are turned around wondering if you have any clue what I am trying to do. It's a fun game.

Today, for the first time ever, I looked at you and did not see a baby. I all of a sudden felt like you looked so different. So grown up. There have been many new stories lately that involve tragedy and children. So many in fact that I have been brought to tears over the cruelty and mistreatment of helpless children.

I cannot and will not let myself imagine ever losing you as I would search the world over for you. I am so thankful to have you here, to have your giggles and yells echo through the house, the noise of your life in my ears, my little man, my bubaloo.

Love you to the moon and back x11.

Love,

Mama
xoxo

Motivation.

Our recent trip to Florida was not only an amazing getaway for us to spend some much needed time together, it was also a opportunity to "forget" about the amount of work we want to complete on the house before September. I say "forget" in quotations as I don't think Jason or I ever really do forget, however are somehow able to put it out of our minds for a moment or two when we are over 2000 miles away instead of the work starring us in the face when we are home.

Every day that we drove from the rental house in Florida to Disney, I would comment to Jason about how I always had a small hope/belief that somehow it just wouldn't be busy that day and there would be no line ups and we could ride all our favorite rides all day long without ever waiting. Naturally, as soon as we pulled into the parking lot, that hope and dream was shattered beyond belief as I watched the other 3000ish people all marching towards the entry gates. The entire time we were away I had the same dream for the 4 acres of 3 foot weeds that have taken over our entire property that I had for all those people...that they would disappear! Naturally, what I got was crowds of people every day in Disney and 5 foot weeds upon our return home. Bottom line is this...we have about 5 weeks to get this place cleaned up and closed up before school and work dictate our lives once again.

Jason and I are both very good list makers. I especially, can make a mean list. When I was in high school and involved in way too many things, I would get overwhelmed with the endless tasks at hand. My Mom would always save the day, calm me down, and get me to make a list. A list means you see everything in front of you and you can cross out as you go. I love the feeling of crossing things off a list. I catch myself making lists sometimes just because I know I will be able to cross things off. My phone is full of lists, the side of the fridge is full of lists, both mine and Jason's computers are full of lists. This house is one big list right now. The problem, or at least what has been the problem for the past 6 months or so is where the crossing off comes in. There has not been a whole heck of a lot of crossing off. See for yourself...


We have started and made progress in a lot of different areas, however for one reason or another have not quite got to the crossing out stage and therefore motivations are dwindling. That is where the next 5 weeks come in and a much needed, revised and temporary list. Our energy needs to see some crossing off and we need to see it soon. We have had our fun, and will continue to in moderation, however it is time to buckle down, refocus and just get it done. Winter is coming way too fast to delay these outdoor projects any longer. Siding needs to be finished (man am I sick of looking at housewrap), garage doors needs their openers installed, the back deck needs to be built and railed (in time for one small person's BIG birthday I hope), the front steps need to be redone and lastly and most annoyingly, the weeds need to be tamed and tilled. Somewhere in there I hope to make a fenced in area for Jake too, since as much as we love him, he seems to not love us so much and tends to prefer the people who live across the highway.

My own personal list apart from the house building is growing right along side with curtains to hem, Pinterest projects to complete and not just sigh over and parties to plan. I am determined to get this stuff done as I do not have much hope for my desire and/or energy level once September rolls in.

This is it. Here we go. I have my black sharpie ready and my work clothes on.

Forever Memories.

It has been a long time I have written and updated this blog and let me tell you, A LOT has happened! We have spent some much needed time together, visited with our wonderful family, seen all that southern Florida has to offer, shopped for a much needed new wardrobe for Jason and ultimately just had a lot of fun. And during all of this, Colin has changed and developed exponentially as well.

Tomorrow, we will head home, back to the reality of schedules, renovations and the everyday chores that life brings. Although I am excited to get back to "normal" and to see our pup again, I am also sad that this amazing trip has to end. It has been very busy and jam packed with excitement, however has also offered a lot of downtime for swimming, naps and overall relaxation. I would also argue that the shopping that we have done has also been relaxing, however I know that some (Jason) would disagree with that!

Our trip started with the longest day of life, getting up at 4:00 a.m. and not arriving in Naples until 7:30 p.m. Although Colin did not sleep at all on either plane ride, he was fairly happy, therefore there isn't much to complain about. He loved looking out the window and playing with the new toys I saved for the ride.


He did however save all his crying for the 4 hour car ride from Orlando to Naples where he got it ALL out...believe me. At least it was only Jason and I listening to it, rather than a plane full of others. Once we got there and were able to move around again, he was much happier. Here is his getting to know his new home for the next week. Every inch needed to be explored!

The next two days were spent with some friends and their son, who has already been deemed Colin's best friend for life. Hopefully as they grow up, Colin will stop scaring the crap out of him with his constant yelling and roaring :). These two had fun together playing in the pool, and the 4 of us adults had a great time catching up, fishing on the ocean, visiting an amazing secret home of tortoises and viewing the most amazing fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July.



It was then back to Naples for some relaxation and family time. Since Colin was born we really haven't had much time to spend just the 3 of us, so we made the most of the days we had in Naples. A beautiful condo gifted to us for the week was the perfect place to do just that. We enjoyed the space so much as it sits directly on Vanderbilt beach in Naples, a beautiful spot with a unobstructed view of the Gulf of Mexico and all the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that come with it.

Except for a couple fall-ins, Colin quite enjoyed the ocean and playing and splashing with the water and all the shovels and pails he could ever want. Unfortunately for me, while carrying a bag of garbage to the trash shoot, I cut my leg on some broken glass and ended up with 5 stitches in my leg preventing me for going into the water anymore. Although it was frustrating and disappointing, the entire process at the hospital was actually quite pleasant and wait-free! I was sure to keep my leg free of water and sand and chose to enjoy the sun instead.

On our last day in Naples we met up with the same friends from earlier in the week, as well as her brother and family whom we are also friends for a day at the waterpark and a feast of blue crabs for dinner.


We had a great time to end our week in Naples and headed out for Orlando the next morning. After meeting my parents, sister, brother and families in a great rental home about 10 minutes from Disney we were up bright and early Monday morning to start our week at the happiest place on earth.

First up was none other than the Dumbo ride...could any other ride ever really be first?

The rest of the day was spent on other great rides including all our favorites from 1988 (the last time we were all together in Disney) as well as some new favorites. Even though it was VERY hot all week, the kids (including Colin surprisingly) did awesome and were happy and energetic all day long. I am loving this next picture...one to keep for sure.


To my relief, our little man did occasionally chose to fall asleep in his stroller as well. THANK GOODNESS. Although it was only for half an hour a day, it did wonders for him and gave him the little bit of energy he needed to finish off the day.


Thankfully on the Epcot day we even ran into an old friend of mine and a new friend of Colin's. Epcot proved to be just as educational as I remember it being...so naturally, Jason loved it :).



At the Finding Nemo ride in Epcot, Colin got himself into an dangerous predicament. When I showed this picture to my nephew, he got a very concerned look on his face and asked "how did Colin get away?"

I am not one to take pictures of "fake" scenery, however this "Tree of Life" in the Animal Kingdom really took my breath away. I don't know if it is because I have never seen it before (as this park was not around the last time I was at Disney), however it is truly something to see. It is massive and smack dab in the middle of the Animal Kingdom for all to enjoy as you make your way through the park.

Like I mentioned earlier, even though we were busy trying to squeeze as much Disney as the kids and the heat would allow, there was still lots of time to relax and enjoy the pool that as my nephew pointed out "was glad that Grandpa bought for us!"



After my sister, brother and families left back for home, Mom, Jason and I took the opportunity of Grandpa staying home with Colin to check out Universal Studios for the day. Stop number one was a given, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as both Mom and Jason are avid readers.

The castle was something to be seen, looking very unique and authentic, even in the Florida sky. What wasn't something to be seen, at least I wish I hadn't seen it, was the 2.5 hour wait for the main Harry ride. We did however wait, and it was fun...I guess :). I did however get a Coles notes version of the entire Harry Potter story while in line. I probably had time to read the entire first book had I had a copy.

After the ride, we took a break for some butterbeer, something I was told was a must!


Something I found out on this trip is that my days of riding big roller coasters and simulation rides may be over. I just can't handle them and end up wishing they would end seconds after they start. I almost have a mini panic attack and do not enjoy the feeling. So instead of boarding some of the thrill rides Jason was excited for, Mom and I enjoyed walking through Universal for the rest of the day while Jason sampled some of the coasters. I did at one point almost leave with Captain America...he is very dreamy :).

Over the past 2.5 weeks, Colin has become a quick, brave little mover and has us on our toes even more than before we left. Here is a quick look at a new skill we have mastered while here...

We all have so many amazing memories that will last a very, very long time. There are so many more pictures, stories and quotes that I am sure will be recounted for years to come.

This trip would not have happened had it not been for my parents. Even though the official reason we are all here together at this time is to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary (Happy Anniversary!), I feel like an even more amazing reason to celebrate is just how wonderful our family has always been, and continues to be as little people are continually added to it. We could not ask for better and I am eternally grateful that I get to be a part of it. Thank you Mom & Dad/Grandma & Grandpa for an amazing couple of weeks. It was just what we needed and we will remember it always!

View from the toes.

Wedlake tradition reads that a view from the toes is a definite must, on all hot-holidays.

I never, ever, ever, in a million trillion years, thought I would be so lucky to have THIS view, be MY view from the toes. The ultimate of all views is looking up and seeing the ones you love, experiencing new things right before your eyes. I would take this view over the most beautiful places in the world as these two mean the world to me.


More Florida updates soon. Lots of love from the beach!

10 Months.

Dear Colin,

Today, you turn exactly 10 months old. What a month we have had! This past month you learned to crawl and are now pretty quick getting from one place to another. The day you finally learned to crawl was the day where your toys became obsolete. The house is now your toy and you spend your days opening and closing kitchen drawers, getting into everything (often things you shouldn't) and following me around from room to room. One of your favorite things to do is follow the vacuum hose around "catching" it at various points while I clean. Your ability to move and get to where you want to be has made you an even happier little boy than you were previous to your new skill and that makes me even happier as well.

This past month has been a very busy one for us, as most June's tend to be. You have been so patient with us and have not complained through sleep transfers, many meals abroad, and quite a few grocery trips. The real test of your stamina is yet to come however, as we are leaving for a 3 week trip to Florida in just 2 sleeps. The weeks will be full of visiting, plane rides, and theme parks, all which I believe will equal a disrupted schedule and lack of napping for you. I apologize in advance for what I'm sure will be a challenge for you, but please know that we will do everything we can to make sure you get what you need through it all. In return, all that I ask is that you perhaps entertain the idea of napping in your stroller...I know that will be a tough one for you as it isn't something we have done before, however you have surprised me many times in the past and I'm hoping that that will be the case this time as well. One of the things I am looking forward to the most about this trip is the time you will be able to spend with all your cousins. We did spend some time with them last year, however you were so young that you were still spending the majority of the day sleeping and did not get too much of a chance to really play with them. I know that now that you are older, it will be different and the 5 of you will really get a chance to start to form the friendship that I'm sure will last a lifetime.

Ever since you were old enough to react to sound, you have loved music. If the TV is on, you rarely pay attention to it anymore, that is, until some form of music is played on it. You love to pound on any piano and sing the days away. You also love to be sung to whether it be in the car, while playing, or before bed. When your Uncle Jordan was in town the other weekend with his guitar, you were right in there, singing along with him. It will be interesting to see if this interest of yours lasts and if music is one of your passions as you grow. There are no shortage of music teachers in our families so if you do love it, you will have many to help you along the way.


Recently I have started to do a lot of research and reading on toxins and chemicals that are present in our everyday life and what we can do to minimize or avoid them all together. Once I did all this reading, I had a hard time not feeling fear and paranoia for you. I think one of the toughest things about being a parent is the inate fear deep within you that you will not/can not protect your child from absolutely everything and anything that could potentially harm them. There are some simple changes that our family is going to adopt and hopefully it will spur a way of life that will make us all healthier.

The fact that you are already 10 months old makes me realize that before we know it, you will be one whole year old. By that time, summer will be over, the leaves will be falling and we will start a new routine where you and I do not so much come as a set. There are many things about this fall that I am so excited for. Mainly, I am excited that you will get a whole day a week with your grandparents. They adore you so much and I know that they have many adventures planned for the 3 of you. The other 2 days that I am at work you are going to get to spend with a wonderful lady, and a few other kids your age and older, and I am really looking forward to seeing how you will react and adjust to them as well. Bottom line is that it is going to be really different for us both. It is definitely going to take me some time to adjust as I'm sure we can say the same for you. For now though I am just going to enjoy the next two months we have as a family. I cannot think of a better way to cap off the last 10 months, than with 2 full months of family time and know that it is going to be so much fun.

In the past, I have written about difficult times with you, or stages where you were a challenge for us to figure out. Nowadays there really isn't much to complain about. You are most definitely a creature of habit but have also figured out how to fake your way through tiredness, hunger and even the occasional tooth or two. You are turning into a tough little guy and I love you for that. The number of times you fall on your face, pinch your fingers in a drawer, or bite your finger a day are numerous, however for the most part you just continue on without even a whimper. We do of course have the occasional teary eyes and bout of crying, however it rarely lasts longer than a few seconds and before I know it you are off again. Clearly not only do you look like your Dad, you are also tough like him too :).


I really don't think I could love you more if I tried. When we are driving somewhere, I often look back and see you in the mirror just looking out the window watching the cars and world pass you by and think to myself, "wow, that is my kid. Forever and always, that will be my kid. My oldest, my son, my first born." You are all of those things but so much more to your Dad and I. You make me laugh and smile so many times each day. No matter how I am feeling or what is going on, getting you out of your crib in the morning or after a nap is an instant mood changer as you are so energized and full of smiles and life. You just make everything better. I am so proud of you for who you are and what you have already learned and accomplished in just 10 super short, way too fast months. So with all that being said, let the sun shine down on us for the next 2 months we have exclusively together, bub.

Next stop, Disney World!

Love you to the moon and back x10.

Love,

Mama
xoxo