Kollman turns 5!

July 10th 2009....Kollman turns 5...or as he says...one whole hand! More than anything he wanted a date with Mommy. I let him choose where we wanted to go and he picked Mc Donalds...or in his terms "Old Mc Donalds." I dropped Madeline and Ryan off with my parents so Kollman could have me to himself...he does not get that often! I enjoyed the conversation we had and the laughs we shared. The entire time I just sat there gazing at him thinking "wow...you are 5!"
For me....there are so many emotions attached to this birthday. I remember his birth like it was yesterday. Kollman was not due for another 6 weeks but decided that July 10th would be a good day to make his arrival rather than August 20th. Totally caught us off guard as you can imagine! Despite many efforts to stop labor Kollman arrived weighing just 4 lbs 11 oz, 18 1/2 inches long and a head full of black hair! That would expalin the heartburn...but where did the black hair come from?!!
The next 12 days Kollman spent in the NICU. I cherished my time rocking him, nursing him, singing to him, memorizing him.....and praying over him. I look back now and realize that the Lord had orchestrated all of this for a reason. With Kollman being cared for in the NICU I was able to get some much needed rest and get back on my feet before bringing him home. Upon bringing him home we were faced with many challenges and trials. We were not prepared for any of this! You know, the Lord places people in our lives for a reason and boy during this time I found this to be so true! Our sweet next door neighbor, who was like a grandparent to our kids, had a premature baby herself and was a nurse......and thank goodness for my sake....an incredible listener and friend! She helped us through so much and had a way of making us see that the glass was half full and not half empty!
During the past 5 years we have come such a long way! Kollman is a healty, sweet and very sensitive little boy. We are so thankful for him and all that he has taught us and means to us.
Kollman--Mommy and Daddy love you more than you will ever know! We look forward to making many more wonderful memories with you!

Staying Busy

Boy....do I have a lot of catching up to do! It's been 2 months since I wrote the last blog entry! Much of our time in May was taken up with end of year activities at Madeline's school, Mother's day and a trip to Rockport. June was just as busy.....Madeline completed 1st grade (where did the time go?), Father's day activities, a trip to Sea World, and a week long visit from Aunt Michelle (Matt's sister from NY), VBS and last but not least Madeline began cheerleading classes and gymnastics! Matt and I were able to sneek in a few dinner dates as I turned 36 in May (YIKES) and we celebrated 10 years of marriage in June! I am in the process of downloading pictures now so I can begin the updates! Needless to say we are staying busy and having lots of fun in the process!

Changes.......

What an amazing two years!!

Changes.......

Nothing Runs Like A Deere

We had gone to an Easter Egg hunt down some serious country roads! On our way back we were following some friends of ours.....all of a sudden they pull off on the side of the road because their
daughter wanted to take some pictures of something that she saw. Well, this ranch hand happened to be on his John Deere tractor doing some work in a field where we had stopped. He noticed that we had kids and drove his tractor to the side of the road where we were and let the kids hop on for a ride! Ryan had stars in his eyes! However, he did not like riding in it as much as he did looking at it! The kids were so excited and talked their experience the rest of the day! Truth be known...I think Matt enjoyed it just as much as the kids...if not more!!! Funny thing is that when we see a John Deere...and living where we do in South Texas we see them often....my children can tell you what kind it is due to the JD movie we have! Only in Texas!!!!

The Adventures of Ryan

Relaxing Saturday afternoon

Ryan decided after we came in from outside that he no longer needed to wear clothes. It's hot...so this is his look. I've learned you have to pick your battles!

We had a good friend of ours come over with his tractor so we could get our yard ready to plant grass. Ryan and Kollman both were very curious and watched closely! Notice....Ryan has on a diaper and his Woody hat (Woody is from the movie Toy Story). They starred out the window for the longest time.

Then Ryan decided today he wanted to nap on the couch.........yes, he is surrounded by his favorite tractors............

I wish these moments could last forever!