Reminder!

Just wanted to send a quick post to change your blogroll, feed reader, link list, ect. to our new address!

www.lesliecolin.wordpress.com

Love to All!

the Colin's

Adios Blogger!

Well, I've gone and done it. While 'blog surfing' at two am a few weeks ago I read that WordPress allowed both private and public posts within the same blog. This caught my attention.

Now, with the changes that have happened in my home I've pondered quite a bit about more privacy. I've only been able to journal WORDS. Well, so many pictures aren't being blogged/journaled because I simply CAN'T post them for all of the public to view and see....

So, I signed up last night and imported this whole blog into the new one.

It will be a learning process and who knows I could end up coming back here....this blog won't be deleted, but this post might be the end.

I wonder what it will do to those that read and follow our life....those friends that I don't know read the blog, but I see the numbers....I do hope you'll follow me there AND I also hope you'll understand the privacy issues/changes.

There will be posts that are password protected....this will be limited to those who I choose to have the password. This might mean less comments, but Lil Girl's safety....and our family's safte is at stake and, well, comments really aren't worth it when it comes to safety.

For those of you who want the password please feel free to ask for it I'm not restricting friends and family....I just want to KNOW who is seeing what I've posted.

The regular life and happenings that were free and open on this blog will still be free and open over there...just the ones with Lil Girl in them will be password protected...

I love you all! Visit me still! ;)

www.lesliecolin.wordpress.com

a much easier address, I think!

3.5 Year Old Attitude

Lil Girl: with hands on hips, "listen here bossy!"

Leslie: Excuse me? Surely, you're not talking to me?

Just in case you were wondering....which she was.

***********

Primary President, Noelle, said to Lil Girl: ***Name*** please sit down here.

Lil Girl: said to the Primary President: No, you sit down. (Pointing to the seat, with eyes in slits and wrinkled little nose.)

***********

It's safe to say she's comfortable and feeling well enough to say exactly how or what she feels. Something we'll be working on will be respect for adults. There is none. Especially, men. She simply ignores Victor when he is trying to discpline her. With time my little one, you're going to come around at least a bit.

The Night From Hell/One Worded Spouse Arguement

I am a crappy sleeper. I just can't seem to lay down and fall asleep. I lay watching the clock tick.tick.tick. And, then, once I fall asleep I wake up for no reason....I sleep so horribly I even have a prescription for sleeping medicine. I've only used it sparingly and when it's REALLY needed, but it's wonderful stuff!

Last night, after finally cleaning up the house I got into bed at 11. (Please don't tell me to go to bed earlier....if I do I just LAY there. I must be REALLY tired to fall asleep. It has happened, it just doesn't happen often.

Well, I remember seeing the clock at 1:27 and then again at 2:05. Well, at 3:52 (yes, I remember times....it's a waste of memory but for some reason I can almost always remember the clock times.) I got up and went and got a drink. My husband sighed. I'd woken him up, for the millionth time....

I came back into the room and tripped ON HIS shoe. He sighed again.

I got into bed and instantly snuggled into the blankets, my instant thoughts were "it's super cold." Then, the mother in me kicked in and worried about Tanner who always kicks the blankets off..and then both Lil Girl and Tanner, they both argued that they MUST wear short pajamas to bed last night. So I debated, do I get up and make Victor mad again? I'll just lay here and wait for him to be fully asleep.

My flat feet need to be cut off. I simply cannot tiptoe or walk quietly on our laminent flooring. So all that Victor said was, "Babe!?" But, I knew he was mad. Annoyed. Tired. I said, "I have to check on the kids! It's cold. What about Tanner?!" And, went into the bedroom. Both kids sleep like ROCKS and I am able to turn the light on and cover them up and head back into the house.

At 5AM Lil Girl opens the door crying for her mommy. All day Friday she asked for her Mommy. It's the first day/time she's been asking for her. I told her that her Mommy was most certainly sleeping and it was far too early for Lil Girls to be up. She went into bed and was quiet.

I slipped back into sleep.

Twenty minutes later I heard, "your baby is awake. Time to get up and play." I was mad. Tired. Annoyed. I went in and sternly told her to close her eyes and go back to sleep. I knew that now that Tanner knew she was in there he wouldn't go to sleep and so I scooped him up and brought him into bed with us.

She screamed for about two minutes (it seemed like ten) and then I went in and said she needed to be quiet and if we ALL didn't go to sleep we weren't going to be able to "camping" with Grandma. That seemed to work and she quieted down. However, Tanner climbed all over Victor and I for a good hour and then finally laid ON ME (which I hate). I finally rolled him off me in a dead sleep and fell asleep myself.

She came back in at 8:30 and then everyone except Victor got up.

At 9:45 Victor asked me, "how are you not tired?!" It's probably the first time he's ever asked me that. My answer, "It's my job to get up with them. It's in the job description. The end."

Sleep is something I always want and never get.

my camera was only six inches from this thing....

I, on the other hand, was across the room scared silly! Victor is simply crazy to have captured this thing before killing it, which is what he did! Where do these things come from and WHY inside my HOME!? YUCK.

Life with TALKING kids...

(I'm working in the office...just through the door is the living room with Victor, Tanner, and Lil Girl).

Tanner: see EV (tv)

Victor: how do you see please? please? como dieces por favor? por favor? Tanner? You gotta say POR FA VOR {(all drawn out) I'm laughing quietly in the office assuming Tanner is doing the sign for please...so we've got THREE languages going...}

Tanner: (LOUDER) EV EEEEVVVV Mommaaaa

Victor: No, don't you Momma me. Lil Girl, finish eating.

Lil Girl: I'm done. {not touching much}

Victor: Okay, get down.

(still trying to get Tanner to say por favor {he doesn't even say please in ENGLISH! only does the sign} POR FAVOR Tanner, say it. Por favor.....beating a dead horse.)

Cell Phone starts ringing...

Victor: the phone, the phone is ringing....oh it's Domingo...we're not here. (sung to the tune of Wonder Pets phone is ringing song....) {I laugh}

Lil Girl: I'm hungry.

Victor: okay, eat your dinner.

Lil Girl: Okay, I'm not hungry.

{I laugh again}

Victor: What time is it? Is it bathtime, bedtime....only been five minutes....Leslie are you done yet????

{I laugh LOUDLY} NO. Sorry.

Lil Girl: jasldkfjkadsfhasdfhaskjdfh (understandable talking)

Victor: what? Speak Spanish. or speak English. If you're gunna speak English, speak slowly and clearly....I don't speak English. (I laugh again.)

Lil Girl: I'm hungry.

Victor: Eat your dinner.

Lil Girl: Okay. (and she eats)

Tanner: eat. Eat. EAT. (gets progressively louder)

Victor: No, you're done. You ate your moms AND your food. Let it hit your stomach.

Lil Girl: I'm done.

Victor: I give up.

Lil Girl: No, really, I'm done.

(her plate is empty).

Tanner: DONE. Auh Done. DONE.

Victor: IT'S TOO LOUD IN HERE.

(I laugh)

Victor: Okay, put your dishes in sink.

Lil Girl: Huh, did you just speak like Dora?

Victor: No, (pause) that was English.

Lil Girl: Oh, okay. (and gets done and does it without being told again.)

Victor: I'm beat....it's only been ten minutes....Leslie are you done yet?!

how's a girl supposed to work around this crazy nut house?! {by the way I totally pretended to still be working to type this up.....}

Just Journaling

First and foremost: To answer the many unpublished comments/emails - I don't feel comfortable posting Lil Girl's FACE on the blog. For obviously safety reason, both ours and hers! I'm learning to get creative with random body part pictures. I do have wonderful pictures of her BRIGHT and beautiful eyes....but, those won't ever make it on this blog!

We've been to two different parks in two days. Both times MELTDOWNS occur towards the end. I say we'll be leaving in this many minutes and instant tears. I'm thinking she didn't go to many parks and THINKS we won't be returning.

We had our first sibling beatdown. Okay, that was a bit dramatic, but hey it's me. Technically, the story goes as followed: Tanner finished his sippy cup and headed for the next best thing, Lil Girl's sippy cup. She in return bit him. She was given a time out, but that lasted all of maybe a minute as she freaked out and her reaction to the time out sent Tanner into a worrisome fit of his own. He completely forgot why he was crying and clearly distraught over her being upset. Afterwards, both hugged and went on their merry way.

I passed it off as a normal childlike response....I bit until I was really too big to be biting. Funny thing is my mom met Lil Girl today and said besides two prominet facial features she could resemble me as a little one. Same hair and eye color, and same build. My mom also reminded me of my biting problem, though she didn't need to remind me of that one.

I'm having a HUGE problem with Tanner just assuming he can SIT on her whenever he'd like. OR pull her hair, another girl thing he's facinated with. He also still just plain STEALS her food and sippy cups. He can be HOLDING his own cup and it be FULL. Or have food in his container and still feel the need to have hers. We're working on it.

Tanner really does love having another child her all the time. A couple people expressed their worry of his feeling left out, but it's quite the opposite. They hug ALL the time. When they wake up in the morning and naptime and randomly throughout the day. Today they sat side by side each playing separately, but as soon as one moved the other moved at sat right by them and continued playing separately; one with cars and one with littlest pet shop animals.

Last week, before knowing we'd been approved I was speaking with a friend. We were talking about my worry of how much I would be able to accomplish with TWO children. This was when I had it in my head we'd be getting a baby or younger than 2. (Now, I realize we were licensed for 0-3 and they don't really FOLLOW that strict age limit WE have to be the ones to follow it.) So far, besides taking an extra bit of time with dishes and picking up it's been okay, but she's 3.5 AND helps out a bit IF asked.

I expected a call from the Social Worker today. I guess I was thinking they'd call and check in after the first weekend. At 2pm I still hadn't received one and so I called and let her know we were all getting along and happy. It was a short call and I was still surprised how little she asked....I guess I'll be getting more used to the system.

This is what I looked down and saw on our way to the park today. It was only then that I realized from this view they looked like they were pretty matchy matchy. Good thing the shirt colors were WAY different. Two sets of sippy cups, crocs, and board shorts. :)

Thank you, Dora!

Thank you for mesmerizing two kidlets freeing my time to tidy up the kitchen. You must have known how it was driving me batty. I am AMAZED at how one extra little person really does a number on the dishes. Today, I was *sighing* (and whining in my head) about a dishwasher....oh, how I would love one!

New Diapers

Still loving cloth diapers. I won't lie there are days when I stop and think, "ugh!" But, it's not any worse than being thrown up on and/or cleaning any soiled laundry that has been thrown up on or peed on. :) PLUS, I'd still have to change the poopy diapers.

Anyways, well I've had 12 diapers and loaned 2 out to my Aunt so I'm down to 10. 10 was good, but I wanted more. So, I bought more on eBay. Similar to the type I already have bought, but a different seller.

Brighter colors.

I'm in love..... .....with the colors.

So far, I HATE the diapers. I'm leaving nuetral feedback, because they are new and they were shipped fast and the snaps are awesome, even almost too tough for me; however, the front "wings" have nothing holding them in place and they come untuck and therefore he leaks everywhere.

I'm sad because I bought bright fun colors of crappy diapers. I'm thinking I need to look into repairing them somehow...maybe my seemstress has ideas!

It took me a week of using half new and half old to figure out that the new ones are missing ONE button or velcro on each flap front side. I've had a few people tell me how easy it will be to put in a button or velcro I have yet to actually do it.

I DO appreciate not having to wait for a dry diaper. More times than not I would wait until I was down to two diapers and wash them all and sometimes, depending on Tanner and his peeing, we'd be waiting for one to dry. We never had to wait long, but NOW we don't wait at all! Even if I have to use a new one I know that I have a few days worth drying and, that, is a relief!

Example of the BRIGHT orange! (I ordered blue, aqua, red, "apple" green, orange, and yellow.

Family of Four

enuf said? ;)

Just kidding. If only I posted a post with JUST two words. Ha, funny.

Well, I got the call that 'Lil Girl' was going to arrive this evening.

6:30 came and went.

7:30 came and went.

I was so sure she'd be there soon that I didn't bother to put Tanner to bed. At 8:15 I gave up and we put Tanner to bed.

Social Worker and Lil Girl arrived at 8:20. Social Worker is a LOUD talker and Tanner never fell asleep. He did stay in his room for the majority of the meeting. We took him out when he began yelling (as if we couldn't hear his talking) "MAMMMMA." :)

Lil Girl made herself right at home and didn't even mind when Social Worker left. She said, "bye," and when Tanner gave Social Worker a hug bye so did Lil Girl.

Lil Girl came with VERY little. One pair of pink jeans, two shirts, two leggings, the underwear she was wearing and sandles.

As Social Worker was getting into her car, so were we. Tanner in his jammies and all. Off we went and picked up a bit of clothing. Not much. I'll be scouring second hand stores and FRIENDS house like MAD! :)

We came home and I put her in her pajamas and into the bedroom they went. I had her climb into the toddler bed and took Tanner to the rocker. I rocked him EXTRA long thinking he was asleep. He laid in bed until he thought I'd left the room and sat up and began to "talk" to his new roommate.

She wasn't too sure of the room (understandably) and wanted her Mamma, but I patted her back for a while.

THAT was an hour ago. I am sure it's the latest Tanner's ever went to bed. AND, as of about ten minutes ago they were both STILL awake. It's a good thing Tanner is in the playpen for the night because it's safe to say he'd NOT be in bed if there were no rails.

She talks, alot. She's big for her age. She is very comfortable with us and didn't seem to even think twice that we're complete strangers. THAT is a RELIEF (for all of us).

It's going to be an interesting few days as we all get to know one another, I'm sure we'll all see many sides of each other.....the good and the bad....the 'honeymoon' stage will end, of that I'm sure.

We've Been Approved!

Foster Care: Nearly two weeks after our final interview and home inspection I got the call! We've been approved. We're excited. I have to admit the longer the time went by the more freaked out I was, just waiting about killed me!

I was told to call the placement and "introduce" myself. I thought that was a bit weird, but following instructions I did. Immediately, she asked what my placement age was for 0-3. She said, "we have *#* of kiddos waiting for homes." She went through the details of each child and we determined which would possibly be right for our home.

I, then, called Victor to tell him everything up to this point.

I, then, called the child's social worker and was given more details about the child.

I, then, called Victor again. I didn't want him to be left out and wanted to make sure he was comfortable with the age, child, and details. He laughed and said, "I'm working, I trust you, just do it!"

I, then, called the placement desk back and she said some more things. I began to wait for the call to head to Tacoma, but it never came. I do know why they didn't come as we spoke again in the afternoon.

We're waiting, but I was sad, really SAD, to think of the number of kids needing safe homes. The number one reason we're doing this!

I have a few blogging-friends who have been waiting for this post just as we have! Since my post on The R House I've had random people email and ask questions about Foster Care in Washington State. I've also been able to find an awesome blogging friend who does Foster-to-Adopt who I go to for some of my questions.

Four Legged Subjects

Who says only two legged peeps must be saved in memory with images?!

Not these two pooches! Roufus and Kipper really appreciated the "treats" that were tossed their way after our moment together!

Roufus is a big oaf. Tail wagging and a goofy attitude.

Kipper. I swear the first image looks as if he's smiling!

FIRED UP!

I'm so freaking annoyed. I REALLY wonder IF people THINK before hitting SEND. I received an email tonight and I'm STILL mad. Normally, I don't even read junk forwarded emails. BUT, the title of this forwarded email caught my attention: Mexico is Angry.

Seriously, people, do you NOT think? Leave me off "joke" emails like that. I am pretty sure I took more offense to the email than Victor. He read over my shoulder because I was VISIBLY (but quietly!) angry.

Crap. All crap. That's what this email stated. On what "our" immigration bill should look like.

Junk like:

1. There will be no special bilingual programs in the schools.
2. All ballots will be in this nation's language.
3.. All government business will be conducted in our language.
4. Non-residents will NOT have the right to vote no matter how long they are here.
5. Non-citizens will NEVER be able to hold political office
6. Foreigners will not be a burden to the taxpayers. No welfare, no food stamps, no health care, or other government assistance programs. Any burden will be deported.
7. Foreigners can invest in this country, but it must be an amount at least equal to 40,000 times the daily minimum wage.
8. If foreigners come here and buy land... options will be restricted. Certain parcels including waterfront property are reserved for citizens naturally born into this country.
9. Foreigners may have no protests; no demonstrations, no waving of a foreign flag, no political organizing, no bad-mouthing our president or his policies.These will lead to deportation.
10. If you do come to this country illegally, you will be actively hunted &, when caught, sent to jail until your deportation can be arranged. All assets will be taken from you.

Yes, I took that straight from the email; however, there was more. This is about a third of the email. The craziest part is the unsuspecting elderly church lady that sent it to me. I did respond. I'm sure she didn't send it to me to get me fired up and offend me but I did simply reply, with "I'm sorry, **NAME**, but I didn’t really enjoy this email. Thanks, Leslie."

I mean come on people I'M MARRIED TO A MEXICAN. I am having little mexican children. Good grief! I do not believe any of these things and WOULDN'T even if I wasn't married to the man I am married to. This just reminds me of a comment that SOOOO many people told me before Victor and I were married. Of his intentions on marrying me. Sadly, I'm sure there are even more people who thought it.

I want everyone who reads this blog to know....I think America has a few screws loose. Really, there are great men and women that aren't "American" IN America. Isn't this supposed to be the "Land of the Free?" I don't remember visas and citizenships taking precedence over our ancestors who just came into this country? I also think labels of America being 'football and hotdogs' and crap like that ridiculous also.

I'm rambling. I do that when I'm mad. And, now you know how I sort of feel.

Nanny and Poppy

Nanny and Poppy are the grandparents to the Disque kidlets. They were at the house the same day and Nanny wanted their pictures taken but Poppy didn't. After some "talkin to" he relented and the snapping begun.

The Disque Family Spring Session

Trenton:

Miranda:

Makenna:

Nathaniel:

Aiden:

THE BABY IS ONE!!! Bryce:

All of the boys:

Girls:

Victor's Worst Nightmare: a country boy

Victor is ALWAYS calling me a "country girl" and making fun of my jean overalls that I wore when we first met....they weren't exactly 'in style' even then. I watched my son transform into his own personal heaven....little boys and dirt and 'tractors' and fun. When the engine started roaring my words were, "oh, that's going to be a problem." Doreen was worried that I was scared Tanner was going to get hurt. NO, my worries were he was going to RUN at it and be in the way. BUT, luckily for ALL of us Makenna was starting it for rides. Seriously, as soon as Tanner saw the lawn mower come around into view he started whinny, "mamma, mamma." He was thrilled to be on there and would have stayed on as long as she drove around, it was so cute.

the Littlest Sister

Would you believe I didn't take one picture of my Mom on Mothers Day? I did take some of the littlest girl in the family. To get her to look into the camera I asked her, "do you see Cinderella in my camera?" To which she replied, "yeah, hi Rella!" It cracked me up. It's crazy to think she's MY SISTER and not a niece or cousin or something!

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm so thankful to have so many Mom's in my life. Between yesterday and today I will spend some time with Cathy, Lucy and my Mom! Tanner sure loves having THREE Grandmas to spoil him!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie

2 Pie Crusts for 9" Pie

4 Cups of Rhubarb (diced into pieces)

2 Cups of Strawberry (diced into pieces)

1 1/2 Cups of Sugar

3 T of Cornstarch

1/4 t Salt

1/4 t Cinnamon

In large mixing bowl stir together sugar, cornstarch, salt and ground nutmeg. Add rhubarb pieces and strawberries pieces, toss gently to coat fruit. Let stand for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare and roll out pastry. Line a 9 inch pie plate with half of the pastry. Trim pastry to edge of pie plate. Pour fruit mixture into pie plate. Place pastry on top of filling. Cut slits in top to allow steam to escape seal and flute edge.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Night #2 - Blossoming Buddies

Tonight, we were planning on Victor leaving for YM's and being home along...again! We get bored of being home, sometimes. Victor was planning on riding to the activity with Randy. When Randy walked in holding little T I made the comment, "well, so are you taking Tanner, too?" Of course, the immediate answer was, "yeah right." :) I knew the answer even before I asked it. So, I made the comment, "well, you can leave T here too." Well, Randy took me up on the offer and so we had a VERY fun evening. We played, and hugged, and laughed, and danced, and shared toys, and I worked REALLY hard to keep sippy cups separate!

When I put Tanner to bed at 8 he screamed like I've never heard. To say he was MAD that I put him to bed with another baby in the house....wow. He was so mad. Although, his anger was only for about three minutes and then all was quiet. Thankfully, lil T was a pretty quiet baby. He did at one point drop his sippy cup ON my little pinky toe....I had to remind MYSELF that Tanner was asleep. It hurt so bad! T laughed at my face. Nice, thanks kid! :)

At about 9 he got sleepy and simple cuddled with him and rocked him and he was asleep in less than a minute. It was very surprising to me. That was probably the easiest baby I've ever put to sleep! EVER. Especially, for him not knowing me super well!

Here's a bit of our dancing:

Hugs:

Smiles and laughing:

Drinking of sippy cup, upside down:

Last night lil T was pushing Tanner on the little car. Well, today, Tanner figured out to have lil T push him and he rolled around with his feet up like this, my thoughts, "are you kidding me kid?":

One final cutie:

Video Blogging

Today, I took more video clips than pictures....possibly a first.
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Tanner was so good TODAY...he seriously played for two full hours all by himself. Occupying himself with grand toys at the Payne's home. He had the house to himself (sans little girls) and really was so good. Everyonce in a while he'd find me and give me a hug and then off he went again. His MOST favorite toy is definitely the little girls doll stroller. He pushed that thing around all over, including UP stairs. I'm sure Victor would flip out if I bought him one....maybe it will be a Birthday present from a family or friend (HINT HINT!) :).

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However, this evening he was put in 'time out' twice. Surprisingly, he stays put for the most part. As soon as he is put in time out he begins to wail "DADAAA." The MOST irritating part is the second time out Victor had ME put him in, with a cop out line of "he listens better to you." Whatever. Victor likes being the "Disneyland Dad" and making me out to be the mean Mommy. (Video of first time out - you know for "journaling purposes)
Tonight, we had friends over for dessert and "FHE." I am still laughing at the long title for tonights "lesson" I do believe it was longer than the whole lesson. Last night our home teachers came by and we got off subject of a spiritual lesson and somehow onto my love for internet shopping/selling. They both have items they want me to sell. I should open up shop. ;) Well, one of the two said, "what are you doing for FHE tomorrow night?" Nothing. He continues, "well, why don't my wife and I come over and we'll have a lesson on 'how to continue making money during these hard times..." or something along that line.
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I laugh now because all that I did was show him how to list an item on eBay. :)
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I made a HOMEMADE(!) Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. It was splendid (do people still say splendid?)! Everyone, including my opinionanted husband, agreed. I do hope they weren't just telling me a line, because it very well could be my most favorite new dessert. I have a Girls Night Out this week and I think I will make another for it! It was SUPER easy! That I love. Can you actually buy rhubarb in stores? I don't think I've ever noticed?

Here's little T pushing Tanner around. T doesn't walk quite yet, he's taken steps but man can he push. It took Tanner a bit to realize he was BEING pushed and that he wasn't doing all the hard work himself. They played very well together. I think lil T is somewhere like 10-11 months old. He's super cute. AND SUPER LIGHT. I held him on Sunday and wow. I could hold that kid all day compared to my tank!

Lil T was looking at me BANGING my hand against the fridge to even get them to look up. The first picture was blurry, it was on manual focus and this was the only picture I remembered to switch it to auto focus.

SHHH! Tanner's asleep!

Tanner usually is a great sleeper. I really should NEVER complain. He's been fighting a cold and I started nebulizer treatments about a week or so ago. He seems to HATE the nebulizer when he's not tired. So I began giving it to him and rocking him in the chair. He's been falling asleep in my arms.

I'm not sure if it's the nebulizer or the fact that he likes sleeping in my arms or what but once I put him in bed he freaks out and won't sleep longer than an hour and fifteen minutes. BEFORE he got sick he was doing stretches double that amount of time!

When he was really little we read and used a sleep book. I love it and will use it again. I don't remember ever really having a problem with Tanner having to cry, but I can't say that he didn't. I just don't remember.

I began to get irritated when I'd lay him in bed he'd wake up and freak out. This has only been recently he's decided to do this. I think if he could talk and tell me he'd say he'd like me to hold him the whole nap or at least sleep with him. That's just not going to happen. I'm not that type of cuddler, even with my husband. Who is told: "really, do you have to be that close to me?" I'm just not a cuddler and CAN NOT sleep close to someone. I don't have any of the cute newborn pictures of mommy and baby napping because it never happened.

Friday, I decided I was DONE with the nebulizer because I didn't want him falling asleep on me and causing a huge FIGHT when he is placed in bed. I reverted BACK to the routine of putting him in bed awake. It seemed to do better. I'm thankful for reading a friends blog who spoke about the cry it out method because the thought was placed BACK in my head. I'm sure it was there but rereading it brought it to the front of my memory and I'm so glad that was posted at the right time, I swear it, just for me! :)

This morning I WOKE Tanner up 5:15AM. I tiptoed into his room and had a full on debate with myself. Should I or shouldn't I? This morning went off just like I "planned" but wasn't worth it.

I had thought maybe ONE issue with Tanner's crying through nursery (lately) was that he was tired. Before he went from two naps to one he was perfectly happy. He'd nap before church we'd go to church happy and come home and take an afternoon nap. Now that he's decided one nap DURING church he hasn't had a grand time.

SO, I woke him up super early and we were up for 2.5 hours and then I put the playpen up in his room and put him in it. He was asleep within five minutes of "crying" it out (it was more of a MAMAMAMAMAAA which also seems to be the only REAL time he actually calls for me). He slept ten minute shy of an hour. It was heavenly because I also slept. Just in case you DON'T know me....I'm not a morning person. I was awake a few weeks ago on a sunny morning and made the comment, "who knew that it was so bright that early!" Because ANYTHING BEFORE 7 (even 7:30 sometimes) is too early for me.

He woke up and ate, again, and we went to Church. He did SIT wonderfully through Sacrament though. THAT is a better payoff for me. Recently, I've been alone during Sacrament because Victor translates through a headset for the Spanish speaking members. Great that he's doing service. Plain sucks because we CANNOT sit next to him. The microphone which he talks into picks up every noise and those listening to Victor could only hear a toddler playing, yelling, screaming. So, I'm sitting alone. Today was the first day I actually stayed IN more than I was OUT.

Even with waking Tanner up early as SOON as Sacrament was out he began telling me, "bye-bye." "bye-bye." Almost desperately. I'm now wondering if something has happened in there. Is he scared of something, was he punished? As soon as we rounded the corner to the nursery he broke out in HYSTERICS. It broke my heart. I put him down to open the door and he actually RAN to the outside door pointing to our van SCREAMING "BYE-BYE." I told the Primary President she was free to have me in there, just tell the Bishop to switch my calling. She said she'd work on it, but doubted it would happen.

I'm just going to say I pray and hope we get new leaders or switch up something because I really have a hard time leaving him in there because of how it effects him.

Usually, when I go in to pick him up he's being held and fine but as soon as he sees me he breaks into tears. Today, he didn't do that. Besides seeing a former YW/babysitter of Tanner's (and not his teachers) I don't know what the difference was. Today, he smiled and hugged me but was completely fine. Actually gave both teachers in there hugs and kisses goodbye.....

I'm baffled. There's a note on the door that says parents shouldn't stay, but I'm really starting to get tempted to at least stay through Sunday School....

Warren

Warren was a natural. He'd just sit down and be so very relaxed. He made the comment he wasn't used to babies (I brought Tanner for the first half). As he was saying that Tanner was throwing a fit wanting out of his stroller AND I was thinking I'm going to have him hold Tanner and when Nicole wasn't in the spotlight she was watching Tanner. Thanks Guys!

Nicole

Nicole was so fun to spend time with! I enjoyed driving around with her. When she hoped into my van she said, "My mom says no railroad tracks and she wants flowers." {She said it with a smile ;)} She panicked when we pulled in and headed toward to an abandoned shack. I said, "just trust me."

My favorite images come from that shack:

The flowers we hunted and found:

Nicole is one of the BIG reasons I am fond of foster care and adoption. My aunt and uncle adopter Nicole and Emily, her sister, through Foster Adopt. Funny thing is I FORGET she's adopted. She's just family, plain and simple.