Adjusting

Crazy hair Kaz!

It has been a while since I have written because I am trying to adjust to a life of full time work and a baby. Yes, I had to go back to work the Monday after Easter. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do - leaving my baby. The whole weekend leading up to it, I cried. And of course that whole morning I cried. I know it was harder on me than on him - but my heart was breaking! Kaz is staying with Jared's mom and of course that helps. She loves that baby! Kaz had a really rough first day - he wouldn't sleep! I'm sure that made for a long day for Debbie. It started to get a little easier when Kaz finally started to get a routine at Nana's. Now, he does very well. I only have 5 more weeks of school and then summer break. This is the first summer that I will not be working since I started teaching. I am looking forward to spending it with my son. I have to say that I have never been this tired in my life! My evenings seem so short with feeding the baby, working out, and dinner. Not that I necessarily get all of that done every night (except for feeding the baby of course). I also want to spend every minute at home with Kaz. We have to soak in every moment we can. Jared is a big help with Kaz and sometimes even with dinner. :)

"I feel better now that I spit up."

We enjoyed having my dad come visit for a couple of days. He was here on business, but of course got in some "Kaz time." I took a picture of my dad and Kaz with their Illinois shirts on - my dad went to University of Illinois and of course is a big fan. My aunt and uncle sent Kaz a super cute Illini onesie that is he about to grow out of. I figured I better get a picture before he won't be able to fit into anymore. We are looking forward to see my whole family in just 4 weeks for my sister's wedding!

Grandpa Jimmy and Kaz sportin their Illini

Time is flying by...

Beach Baby

It has been a while since I have posted anything because we have had company for the past week. First my friend Rachel and her infant Julianna came from Indiana and stayed for about 5 days. Rachel and I have known each other since we were kids. Then my mom came for 3 days of her spring break. While Rachel was here our babies could not seem to get on the same schedule! While one was sleeping the other one was awake... one was cranky, the other one happy... and the cycle continued. We still managed to go to the lake, the beach, and the zoo. To say the least I am tired! We had a good time catching up and sharing our pregnancy/ delivery stories. I can't tell you how nice it was to share our recent experiences.

Kaz and Julianna (Kaz had to lose his cute shorts, they were too tight on his belly)

It was really nice to have my mom here as well. Of course she had to get her dose of her favorite (and only) grandson, Kaz. We both enjoyed having her around. I love spending time with my mom - she is one of best friends! She even helped me clean out the refrigerator ( a chore no one wants to do). It was sad to see her go, but we will see her in about 7 weeks at Whitney's wedding. I think it will be here before we know it. It will be interesting to see how we do flying to Indiana with a 3 month old.

Kaz is growing and changing so much so fast! He is now 7 weeks old! About a week and half ago, he starting really smiling and he hasn't stopped since. It is so cute! He is also talking up a storm! (He takes after his mommy, according to Daddy.) And of course by talking, I mean all those babies shrieks, squeals, and coos! I could just watch and listen all day! Who wouldn't? I stopped by work yesterday to kind of get my bearings before I go back (one more week). My dropped as I pulled in and realized that I would be going to work for real since and next time it will be without Kaz in my back seat. Then, I cried the whole way home. Pray for me.

Farmer Kaz

Kaz recently discovered the little Baby Einstein frog that I hung from his car seat. He then proceeded to have the cutest "conversation" with his new friend. He's discovering a lot of things lately - his hands, his legs... it's so fun to watch him grow! He is holding his head up and look around everywhere (although, he has always been very alert).

Conversation continued

Kaz in the morning

Babies, babies, and more babies!

Kaz One Month

It seems that this is the year for babies! Just in the past 5 weeks there have been 3 of us at my church that have had babies. There have been 5 born in the past 4 months. There are at least 3 more pregnant and two of them are due any time! It's crazy - that's just at Tampa Covenant! Plus, one of my cousins had a baby in January and one of Jared's cousins is due in May! Wow! That's a lot of babies! The fun part is all the kids will be close in age - he will have lots of friends! It's was fun being pregnant at the same time and now our kids can grow up together! I love the support and fellowship with those in the same stage of life as us.

We got Kaz's one month pictures back and I love them! Our photographer did such a good job! And of course it helps that he is so darn cute! He is growing right before my eyes! Last night Jared and I went to visit our friends Debbie and Glen in the hospital. They just had their fourth son - Levi Adam. He was beautiful and so tiny! Debbie warned me as I walked in that it would make me sad to see how fast Kaz had grown and she was right! My baby is getting so big! Although I love that my son is healthy and growing, it is hard to believe how time flies. My friend Jennifer gave me a journal (made by her - super cute!) so I can record my special moments with Kaz. What a great idea!

Love my boy!

Daddy's Love

Kaz is continuing to become more and more aware of things. He is making more sweet sounds and coos. He noticed the mirror the other day for the first time. It was cute! His neck and legs are becoming stronger and stronger. He holds his neck up pretty well and is starting to use his legs to stand (with assistance of course). We are using Skype to talk to my parents and my sister in Indiana. It's fun and they can catch a glimpse of Kaz as he grows and changes! We are praying that Lord allows them to move to Florida sometime in the near future (after Whit's wedding of course)! Thanks to all the family and friends who have blessed us their love in so many ways! We appreciate you deeply.

Kaz 1 Month Old !

Can you believe it!? Kaz is already a month old! Time flies! Sometimes it seems like just yesterday he came into this world and yet other times it seems that he has been part of our family forever. He is getting so big! Yesterday we went for a check up with the lactation consultant and he weighed in at 10 lbs. 8 oz. ! He gained almost a pound in a week! He his going to be a big boy! And his hair continues to grow like crazy! It has yet to fall out at all.

sleeping in his swing

Kaz is such a good baby. I love being home with him. I'm hoping this next month goes slowly because then I have to go back to work. Of course the sooner I go back to work, the sooner summer will be here and I will have three full month at home with my little man! It has been a dream of mine to be a stay-at-home mom. Jared's mom and my mom were both able to stay home with us and I never pictured anything different than that for my family. But, the world we live is very different than when we were kids. We are definitely a two income household. I am in constant prayer that the Lord will bring some sort of alternative income my way so that I could be home more. Although, I have to say that I am very thankful for both of our jobs. The Lord has blessed us with consistent, dependable work that provides for our needs. We are very blessed! I do enjoy teaching and as a working mother it is probably the most ideal job to have.

Kaz on Daddy's shoulder - one of his favorite places!

Kaz had his first photo shoot on Tuesday. We had his one month pictures taken. It was also the first time anyone has taken a picture of the three of us together! Can you believe that? One day I realized that we did not have a picture of Jared, Kaz and I together and Tuesday was the first time we were able to do so! I'll have to make point to do that early with our next child!

We started using our web cam this past week. My parents got it for us for Christmas and we finally got it up and running. We have made two video calls so far and it is so cool! It's really weird to hear my family coming through the computer! Now they can see Kaz weekly as he grows and changes! Unfortunately they are still trying to work out the kinks of Whitney's web cam on her computer so we can see them. They can see us, but we can't see them! It's still a lot of fun! Technology can be really cool sometimes! Well, I need to go get a shower while Kaz is still asleep. Enjoy the video below - he is becoming more active and responsive!

Just can't get enough of that Kaz!

Kaz is growing and changing daily! It's hard to believe he's almost 10 pounds already! His face is starting to fill out and I noticed his cute little belly is starting get bigger. He is such a content baby! He loves to stare right at you! In the middle of the night, if he doesn't go back to sleep after he eating, he doesn't cry he just looks at me! It's so cute! It's hard because I want to enjoy the moment and yet I am so tired I can't keep my eyes open. Kaz got his first real full bath on Sunday and really seemed to enjoy it! He smells so good! Below is also a quick video clip of Kaz stretched out on the changing table. He loves to look at the light coming in the windows of his room. If you're like me, you love to just watch him! Enjoy!

What a sweet boy!

Kaz's first bath!

Family Love

Daddy and Kaz

Kaz has a big family who loves him so much! Jared and I truly appreciate the love and support of both of our families. As I mentioned in the previous post my mom was able to surprise me at the hospital the morning after Kaz was born. Then, my dad and sister were able to fly in the following Tuesday (the original date planned for my c-section). Jared's parents, his brother James and his wife Holly all live here in Tampa. Jared's mom, Debbie, will be taking care of Kaz when I go back to work in mid April. Although I desperately want to stay home with Kaz, it is such a blessing, since I do have to go back to work, that he will be with his Nana who will love him and give him plenty of attention! I am looking forward to having the whole summer with him! One of Jared's other brothers, Mike, and his family happened to be down here for a visit about a week after Kaz born. Our nephew Lance has been so sweet to Kaz! Needless to say, we love our families and the love they have for our son. We are so thankful that they will all be an important part of his life! We are looking forward to introducing him to more of our family when we go to Indiana for my sister's wedding in May!

Grandpa Jimmy


Aunt Whitney





Poppy




Nana


Uncle Jim

Aunt Holly

Introducing Kaz Harper Collins!

Our Boy

First of all, we want you to meet our newest family member and the love of our lives Kaz Harper Collins! The little guy came earlier than expected, but we couldn't be happier!
Let me back track to February 11th. That night, from about 12:30 a.m. on, I was having contractions on and off. They never turned into a consistent pattern, but to say the least, I didn't get any sleep that night. I tried to go to work that morning (I really wasn't prepared to have a substitute yet - my last day was supposed to be the 13th), but that didn't last long. Within an hour, I was on my way to the doctor. When I got to the doctor they determined that I was not in active labor but was on my way there. I was 1 cm dilated and more than 50% effaced. Kaz was still breech, so they did not want me to go into active labor. I was sent immediately to the hospital. This was all a very unexpected, so I had to call Jared at work and he had to go home get all our stuff and then meet me at the hospital. By the time he got to the hospital I was already admitted, triaged, and about 30 minutes away from entering the operating room. It all seems very surreal now - it happened so fast! They took me into the operating room around 12:00 p.m. and allowed Jared to come in after they had given me the spinal (anesthesia). It seemed like an eternity to me, but Jared said it seemed like seconds. Before we knew it, the doctor was telling Daddy to pull out his camera because the baby was almost here! Kaz was born at 12:21 p.m., was 8 lbs. 5 oz. and 20 1/2 inches. He cried very quickly, which was the most beautiful music to my ears! Of course, we could hear all the nurses going on about his head of hair! Jared was able to walk around and watch as they cleaned him up, weighed him, etc. Soon thereafter I had my beautiful baby boy in my arms! (Of course, Jared had to help me because I was shaking so badly). He was just looking at us with his bright eyes! To say the least, it was a whirlwind of a day, but the happiest of our lives!

Mommy meets Kaz

Of course Jared couldn't be a prouder father! He is in love with his son! Bless his heart, that first night at the hospital I really couldn't get out of bed and so he took over all the diaper changes and he rocked! I know that first day was very exhausting for him.

Daddy and Kaz

Kaz after his first bath

Another big surprise, besides the one of Kaz coming 2 weeks early, was the morning after Kaz was born, my mom surprised me at the hospital. I wasn't expecting her until the weekend because my parents and my sister had already scheduled their flights for my planned c-section on the 17th. I was beyond delighted that she was able to be there so quickly and of course I sobbed, which after a c-section hurts! It was a big help to have her there at the hospital with us. She was able to give Jared a break so he could go home and clean up!

Grandma Jan

Those days in the hospital were pretty crazy. I have to say that I was very happy to come home! He is such a sweet boy and I think I am the proudest mom on earth! I now know the meaning of that instant, deep, deep love for my child from the moment I laid eyes on him! I cry just at the thought of what an amazing miracle of God he is!

Going home!

Life at home is definitely changed forever, but we wouldn't have it any other way! Kaz is such a joy and we can't stare at him enough! He definitely is the most beautiful baby boy I've ever seen (not that I'm biased ). He really is a pretty content and "chill" baby - he has his father's personality. He really doesn't cry too much and is pretty scheduled throughout the night. I think last night he slept for a 4 hour stretch! We will try to continue to keep you updated. Hope you enjoy the pictures of our little man! Please keep the three of us in your prayers!