Oh, my creative boy...

I remember listening to a speaker in my sister's Relief Society when I went to visit when I was in Middle School. She talked about her twin boys and how one day, shortly after she had re-painted her living room walls, they decided to draw all over them. Rather than flying off the handle, she told them what wonderful artists they were and took a picture. She then said that now that they were grown (they were my age at the time) she really cherished those pictures and that memory because now there were no more pictures on her perfect walls. Well, I really tried hard to keep that story in mind when I walked into my bedroom last night and saw:

THIS

Sam's First Haircut *sigh*

I have been putting off cutting Sam's hair for many reasons. The first reason is simply that I hate the way a haircut can totally change a child from a baby to a toddler. I am not ready for that yet. Second, I am completely inept at cutting hair and didn't want to butcher the poor kid. Third, I am completely in love with his perfect little angelic curls and the way they frame his head when he sleeps and after his bath. *sigh again* So, tonight I realized that the task could be put off no longer. So, rather than using clippers, as Wes would prefer, I just pulled out a pair of scissors and decided that I could handle giving him a 'trim'. Thankfully, the process was quick, Sam was happy as always, and he maintained his curls (ahthankyouverymuch!!) After a quick bath and a slathering of Baby Magic I realized that my baby hasn't left me just yet *sigh of relief*. He is still my perfect little angel and I couldn't imagine life without him!

One last look at his crazy long locks!!

What a handsome kiddo!

Be ye warned- there be butt crack in this here collage.

Birthday Party!

Kolton's third birthday was such an event! We tried to keep things simple with just a cake and ice cream and then we decided to go bowling and out for pizza. Throw in a surprise visit from Grandma and Grandpa G. and it's a miracle Kolton ever came down from that high!! I can't believe how emotional I get every year on his birthday. It was the greatest and yet most emotional day of my life. It was the day I officially became a mommy, the day Cori had to let go of her precious boy and turn him over to me, and the day I realized I honestly had not a clue!! Aside from the emotions, however, his birthday this year was an awesome reminder of how much he has learned and how blessed I am! Here are some highlights:

The opening of presents- all 'Thomas the Train" themed, of course!

Bowling at our local alley- needless to say, I lost.

Kolton enjoying his Thomas cake

And Sam enjoying some, too!!

It was such a fun night and we were sad to see the end of it. There really isn't much to do here in Montpelier so the chance to have something to celebrate and somewhere to go was very appreciated! And, just because I promised Cori I would, here is a picture of the blasted cake. Now, let me just clarify- I don't consider myself to be a cake decorator. I always thought that because I am generally good at crafts and sewing that somehow it would cross over into hitherto unforeseen cake decorating skills. However, no matter how hard I try, those skills never manifest themselves. The only thing that makes me feel okay about this particular cake is the fact that Kolton actually recognized what it was. In my mind, that is just going to have to be good enough.

Happy Birthday, Kolton!!

I can't believe all of this happened three years ago! :


"Well, where do we start?!? At 6:00 Monday morning (Feb 18) we received a call from Cori saying that she was pretty sure she was in labor and that I should "wake Daddy up and head over!" Needless to say, a frantic scramble followed while we threw some last-minute stuff in the car (we have been packed for a while now!). About an hour later we received a call from a friend of Cori's saying that Cori was dilated to a 10 and she didn't think we would make it on time! (We were about five hours away from where she was having him). About two minutes later I got a call on my cell phone and what should I hear on the other end but this teeny but strong cry! I immediately started bawling and Wes couldn't hear what I was telling him (we were driving through a canyon and his ears were plugged up). So, sadly, we missed seeing him come into this world, but, thankfully, Cori wasn't alone. So basically from her first contraction to when he made his appearance was just over an hour and a half! He came out at 7:28am weighing 5 lbs 2.8 oz and measuring 19" long! When we finally arrived (around 10:30) it was obviously very emotional for all of us. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I had no idea that babies can come out that perfect. I always scoffed at love at first sight until I saw his sweet face looking up at me. Unfortunately, all of the meeting and hugging and "figuring out" had to happen while Kolton (that's his name!) had to get a series of tests done. He got poked and prodded and was not super happy about it! After that we were able to go into Cori's room and get re-acquainted with her and get newly acquainted with Kolton. There is a 24 hour legal period in which the birthmom has to wait to sign the relinquishment papers (it is a Utah State law) and Cori was amazing during that time- handling it much better than I think I would have. Finally, yesterday at around 6:30pm we were able to meet with Cori and her case worker to finish the placement process. I'm not going to go into that too much because it was probably the most sacred experience of my life. I don't even think words could express how incredible and hard and emotional it was. We left the hospital with Kolton safely in his car seat (per the nurse's patient instructions!) around 7:30 last night (on the 19th). They let us discharge him 12 hours earlier than they normally would since he was doing so well, even for his small size, and also since we had such a long drive ahead of us and a storm was going to be coming in the next day. After a couple of stops (WHY do gas station bathrooms have to be so COLD?! He did NOT like getting changed in there!) we finally arrived home around 1:00am. We were in bed by 2:00am and he woke us at 4:ooam and then again at 8:00am, so it was actually very nice (the first night in the hospital he didn't want to sleep at all!). We will see how things go tonight. Right now he is watching a basketball game with Wes and his eyes are wide open and alert! He hardly ever cries and has the sweetest disposition. We really don't think life could be any better at this point for us- we are so very blessed. Thank you all for your support and love. We had many MANY visitors today and so many people who have shown excitement and love for our little family. We want to do a "shout out" to Cori, whom we dedicate this entry to. We love you and hope the Lord blesses you as he has blessed us through you!"

( February 20, 2008)

And what a third year it has been for him! He has gone through a move out of state, potty training, learning how to be a terrific big brother, and learning his whole alphabet and how to count all the way to 14. Three years ago today I became a mommy. I can't help but cry on his birthday every year when I think of how much my life has changed for the better since then. Thankfully, our relationship with Cori is as wonderful as ever and I have opportunities every day to tell her how much she means to our little family. If there are angels on this earth, I truly believe she is one of them, sent to us straight from Heavenly Father as an answer to eight years worth of prayers for a miracle. I am so thankful to have him and Sam in my life! I learn so much about myself every day as I try to be the best mommy I can be. Happy Birthday, Sunshine!