Kaz has a case of the giggles!

There were three in the bed and the little one said roll over, roll over....

Little Stud Muffin

First of all, I am thoroughly enjoying being a stay-at-home mom this summer! How will I ever go back to work!? We are not really doing a whole lot - just staying home, playing, running errands. Some days I realize I really didn't get a whole lot done, but most importantly I spent a lot of time with my son! I just can't get enough. We have gone swimming at Jared's mom and dad's pool a couple of times. Kaz loves that - it's like a big bathtub! He kicks and splashes. A few weeks ago we went to the beach for an afternoon - it was very hot! By the time we actually got out to the beach and got everything set up - Kaz was in need of a nap. He didn't last too long (I'll have to time it better next time).

Kaz preparing to go out on the beach.

For Jared's first Father's Day we went to a river house on the Weeki Wachee River. We took Kaz on his first canoe ride! It was quite a sight after putting on his life jacket and sunglasses and then getting him settled on a towel and in the Boppy on the bottom of the canoe. We just took a short trip. Kaz did well. He seemed to be relaxed and enjoyed the ride. Later that day Jared and his brother James went up the river for over 5 hours! They saw manatees along the way. Someday when Kaz is older he will go up the river with Daddy - I know he will love it.

Kaz's first canoe trip

Happy Father's Day

Kaz loves to grab anything he can get his hands on.

Jared's Grandpa Ivan used to always wear a hat like this. In honor of Grandpa. (and Kaz looks super cute!)

On the 4th of July we had some family and friends over for a cook out. We kind of let the time get away from us and missed the fireworks. So we had to settle for watching a few neighborhood fireworks and the NY firework show on t.v. We did have a couple of sparklers we showed Kaz. He was very intrigued!

Happy 4th of July!

It seems that Kaz is learning something new every week! On Father's Day, when we got home from the river, we gave Kaz a bath and put him to bed. A few minutes later, Jared went in to check on him... he had rolled over for the first time! We put back on his belly to watch him to it again, but of course he wouldn't. As soon as we left the room, there he went. He now rolls everywhere very quickly. He can roll from his back to his belly and his belly to his back. He also gets up on his knees and scoots a bit. I know he will be crawling before we know it!

He started like this...

And ended up like this...

Kaz grabs anything and everything he can get his hands on and chews! He is teething something fierce, but no teeth yet! He is eating baby cereal and applesauce and in a couple of days we will start on vegetables. ( I am making his food and I am waiting for the processor that I ordered.) At his 4 month appointment (at which he was really 18 weeks) he was 17 lbs. 7 oz. He's a big boy. He is now 21 weeks old (5 months) and is continuing to grow!

My little boy is growing up!

Watching the Rays before going to bed!

He used to be a little peanut in this swing. Now he completely fills it!

Kaz got his first haircut the other day! He is actually thinning out a bit on the sides and in the back (because of rolling around so much), but his top was very long and would not spike up anymore. While getting my hair cut (over 6 inches), Kaz got a little trim too. My stylist John did a great job with him!

Kaz seriously loves watching his team - Tampa Bay Rays!

Where does the time go?

The shirt speaks for itself!

Kaz's first plane ride

A lot has been happening at the Collins household in the past few weeks! First of all, two weeks ago we flew to Indiana for my sister Whitney's wedding! It was fast-paced, but fun. If you've ever been involved in a wedding (especially girls) you know how crazy those last couple of days can be! We flew in Thursday night and had dinner with my family (Noble Roman's pizza - oh how we miss the cheese sauce!). Kaz did great on his first flight ever! My plan was to have him drinking a bottle on the way up and on the way down (I heard that the sucking helps their ears not to fill and to hurt.) Well, that didn't go quite as planned... he slept during departure and landing. At least he was sucking on his pacifier. He was such a good boy the whole way! (I did have to change one poopy diaper in the "lavatory" - that was quite an experience!) On Friday morning Whit and I met some of the other bridesmaids for manicures and pedicures at our favorite nail place - Ivy Nails! (we hardly ever go, but Ivy, the owner, always remembers us, says hi and asks us how we are doing. That means a lot in today's customer service!) After nails Whit and I had a "to do" list to accomplish before the rehearsal dinner. We completed our tasks efficiently and even had time for showers! Meanwhile, Jared had taken over with Kaz and was doing well. I appreciate all his help over those two days - he really did it all on his own. (Not that I ever doubted him.) He was amazing! Super Dad! We all made it to the rehearsal and then had the dinner. It all went great!

The beautiful bride

The bride and groom's first dance

On the day of the wedding, the forecast called for scattered showers. Whitney's wedding was an outdoor wedding, so we just chose to ignore the possibility of rain. Praise God, no rain ever came! It was humid, but no rain! The gardens were beautiful - so lush and green. Her pictures will be amazing! Of course Whitney was gorgeous! My mom, dad, Whit, and I were all able to have a moment together before we went out to the ceremony. Of course we all cried, but it was a special time for us to pray together before such a big moment in all of our lives. The wedding went flawlessly (except I guess you couldn't hear Shane - the pastor - very well). Jared sang while Whitney and Jon lit the unity candle, took communion together, and signed their marriage license. It was a neat part of the ceremony. Jared sang his song very well! I love to hear him sing because he has such an amazing voice, but ironically he doesn't sing at home. I also enjoyed seeing my best friend, Lori, and her family. She came over from Richmond, IN to help with the wedding day and to visit me. It was a blessing to have her there and I'm sad our time was so short. We don't get to see each other like we would like. Well, Whitney's wedding day was great - plus, the food and cake at the reception were delicious!

Dad and Whitney

Jon and Whitney moved to Galesburg, Illinois for Jon's new job. They have settled into their apartment and Jon has started his new job. We are happy for them, but we miss them. We hope to spend some time together soon!

Mr. and Mrs. Bokmeyer

Kaz met a lot of people over the course of a couple of days. He pretty much met ALL of my extended family in two days. He did great though! He was passed around and ooh and ahhed over. I wish we could have stayed longer just to hang out. We left the evening of Memorial Day. I have to say it takes me a lot longer to pack up now that I have a baby and all his stuff too! Our flight home went well - again, another poo on the plane. This time the stewardess told me about a fold out changing table in the "lavatory." Boy was that a help!

Grammy and Kaz at rehearsal dinner (Kaz is sleeping)

Stylin' in Daddy's Spy hat

Kaz in his walker at Nana's. So far he can only scoot backwards, but he loves it!

Kaz is changing and growing so much right now. He now can push himself up when lying on his belly. He wiggles and moves all over his bed. Soon he will be rolling over. He can already go from his back to his side and is trying very hard to turn to his belly. Oh - we had to finally put him in his big boy crib in his own room! He was too big for the co-sleeper. He still sleeps through the night and I don't think he even noticed that I'm not in the room any more. He is grabbing things and holding toys. He is teething like crazy - drool, congestion, chomping on anything he can. Of course he smiles and is happy most of the time. He loves to hear his own voice. He squeals and screeches louder and louder. Kaz also has acquired an awfully cute giggle. It is fun to watch all of these changes. Now I know what everyone means when they same that the time flies. He will be 17 weeks ( about 4months )on Wednesday. Can you believe that?

First flight

Kaz in his big boy high chair.

Aren't these socks cute? His feet get cold in the house so we put socks on his little toe toes.

I am thrilled to be off for the summer! My last day at work was on Friday. I won't be doing a lot this summer - maybe working in the yard and in the house. Please pray for us - this will be the first summer that I have not worked. Money will be tight. But I wouldn't trade it for anything - I am overjoyed to spend time with my son!

The latest...

The Collins family is doing well ... we are busy, but good. Kaz is growing up so fast. He is now 13 weeks old. He is laughing and "talking" more than ever and getting louder and louder in the process! He is overall a happy baby - he smiles a lot (which of course we love). He is ready to sit up! We have been putting him in the Bumbo seat which helps him sit up for a while. He lasts about 15 - 20 minutes before he starts to fold over. This morning he was lying on our bed on his side and flipped over to his belly. I don't know if I would count that as rolling over, but he will be there soon! He pushes up well with his arms - I think he's destined to be a football player with his husky chest! I know he will be scootin around our house before we know it! Most days he does pretty well at Nana's house. If he sticks to his schedule - a good morning nap and then an afternoon one, he does well. He has been sleeping through the night for weeks now. They say that a baby who naps well will sleep better at night. I don't know how that works, but it is working for us. If only I could get to bed when he does... I would be a little better off! He has discovered the Baby Einstein DVDs and is loving them. It is crazy how active he gets while watching!


Kaz had cold feet in the house so I had to put socks on him. He looks like a little munchkin! Check out the rolls on those thighs!

The weeks at work are going by pretty quickly. Only 3 more to go! This week will be a short week for me because Jared, Kaz, and I fly out Thursday afternoon for Whit's wedding. We are excited to spend time with both of our families (Jared's twin brothers and their families live in Brownsburg too!). Jared's parents are flying up for the wedding. Jared is singing in the wedding! I have a feeling the weekend will fly by all too quickly, but we are thankful for the time we have. Pray for us as we fly - I'm hoping Kaz will do well on his first flight.

Kaz in his Bumbo seat

I had a nice first Mother's Day. Jared and Kaz both got me some very sweet cards! We went to church and yet again I missed another sermon. Kaz's typical morning nap time is right during church time and if he can't sleep, the whole day gets thrown off. This past Sunday he awoke to the drums - he was scared to death! We've never had that happen. After church we had lunch with Jared's parents, his brother and his wife at Carraba's. I had never been there before, but it was pretty good. Jared's mom made me a beautiful bracelet that has Kaz's name in it! It is made mostly of real amethyst, which is Kaz's birthstone. It is beautiful!

First Mother's Day 2009

Jared has been working a lot lately - he has gotten some side jobs that he has been doing after his day job! He works so hard. The extra money will help as I am not working this summer for the first time! We hope his name will get out there and he will get more side jobs. He is so talented and has such an array of skills. He recently ran a 5K that he had been training for and was only 30 seconds away from his personal record! He got 18 min 30 seconds (for 3.1 miles). Kaz and I made a valiant effort to make to the race, but we had trouble finding it. Jared is so fast we didn't make it before he crossed the finish line. We were sorry we missed it, but proud of him all the same! Well, it is almost time to feed Kaz again and Baby Einstein is almost over! I better go - much to do today!

Kaz at Daddy"s race

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.