Pastry chef for the day!

Collin helped me make pumpkin shaped sugar cookies. He put in the egg after I cracked it, stirred the dough up, helped roll out the dough with the rolling pin, and pressed the cookie cutter into the dough. When the cookies were cool, I iced them and Collin's job was to put on the sprinkles. This was the step he had been looking forward to all day! Why is it that kids like to dump all of the sprinkles into one pile in the center of the cookie? After a little "sprinkling" lesson, he worked those sprinkles like a pro. The cookies turned out very yummy, and Collin has decided that we are going to make more for his friends at school for the Halloween party.

Grandma brought over a Halloween book for Collin. He loves The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything. It has a lot of repetition in it, which he really enjoys. We had to read it two times in a row as soon as we finished the cookies. Thanks, mamaw and papa!

What Collin is doing now: playing outside with daddy.

Picnic and boat rides at the lake!

Collin and cousin Chloe looking out at the water.

Collin and Chloe playing prince and princess.

Collin driving the boat!


Poor Ella could only watch..but she looked cute doing it!

This afternoon Collin and I met Mamaw, Papa, Aunty Jen, and cousins Chloe and Ella at the lake for boat rides and a picnic. It was a beautiful, sunny, Fall day. The weather was gorgeous and everyone had a good time. The kids enjoyed the boat rides on the lake and running around in the leaves back on shore. We had a nice picnic supper and then the kids were off on another boat ride. I think we will have three good sleepers tonight. The best part of it all...no school tomorrow thanks to Mr. Columbus!

What Collin is doing now: crashed out on the couch watching Dora.

1 year ago!

He wasn't a tiny, pink newborn wrapped in a blanket and new to the world. He was a 3 year-old little boy wearing orphanage-issued sandals too big for his little toddler feet. Familiar with the world, but in surroundings unknown to him, he met two strangers whom he was told were his "baba (daddy) and mama". He ran into daddy's arms and let mommy hug him. He accepted us instantly, and we loved him at first sight. When I looked into the eyes of this little boy, I instantly knew this was the little soul I was always meant to meet. The little soul always meant to speak the word that was reserved only for him, and one I'd been longing to hear: "mommy". Celebrating Gotcha Day today..and rejoicing in our happiness. What a magical year it has truly been, and what a brave resiliant little boy we are blessed to call our own!

Homework Time...yes, he's 4!

Don't worry, the "homework" was no big deal. He had to practice his name by copying it 4 times. It almost became an issue, though, when I asked him to sit down at the kitchen table to do it and "Wonder Pets" was coming on. He asked to do his homework in the living room so he could see the beginning of the show. No way, Jose'! Luckily, he came to the table without a fuss and did his work, but, when he heard the opening song of the show he busted out into a panic! He quickly put his name on the top of the homework sheet, jumped off of the chair, and ran into the living room. Good thing he was done with it!

What Collin is doing now: watching Wonder Pets save the beaver!

Birthday Mass at School

Big box of donuts...little boy!

Taking his place after his name was called.

August birthday friends

Let's go Father, I'm ready to eat my donut!

Mamaw and papaw came to see me at church!

Once a month we have what is called "Birthday Mass" at school. Today was August birthday Mass. Each student with a birthday in the month of August, which included Collin this year since he is in preschool, participates at Mass. Collin's job was to carry up the box which contained donuts for all of the August birthday friends. He did a great job carrying that big box! He also did very well sitting with the other big kids instead of his preschool class. He proudly went up to the front of church when he name was called, and enjoyed everyone singing "happy birthday" to him and his friends.

Collin was excited to see mamaw and papaw attend Mass on his special day!

What Collin is doing now: playing tractors on the living room floor.

Collin's 4th Birthday!

Collin receiving his pedal tractor...love the smile on his face!

He loves to ride his red tractor any chance he gets.

New bike from mamaw and papaw!

His letter blanket from mamaw and papaw.

Dutifully waiting until the end of "Happy Birthday" to blow out his candles.

Collin had a WONDERFUL first "American" birthday. I think it was everything he wished for..at least I hope it was. He looked forward to it for so long! His birthday was on August 20th, which was a Friday so he got to take treats to school to share with his preschool class. He also received a huge bouquet of balloons at school from his buddies, cousins Chloe and Ella. He was so proud of those balloons, he had to show everyone!

The following night, Saturday, he got to go to a tractor pull, which he loved. Sunday evening was his birthday party. He loved having everyone at the house, and got so excited when people starting arriving. Collin received a lot of nice gifts, and when it came time to sing "Happy Birthday", he stood and listened very dutifully until the song was over, gave a little nod, as if to put a 'period' on the end of the last line, and blew out his candles. I was so happy for him, I couldn't help but tear up. It was finally HIS day!

We had Collin's FINAL post-placement report for the Chinese adoption officials this past week. We are very glad to have all of Collin's adoption paperwork finalized. Now we can focus on just enjoying having him as our son!

What Collin is doing now: shelling corn in the combine with daddy!

Coming Soon...

birthday pictures! Stay tuned....