Corben's Baptism

I am finally taking a little time to write about Corben's Baptism - which happened way back in May, early May.  In fairness, I haven't written about our amazing trip to France either - and that may take all year to do.  So, first the celebration.  Before Corben was born, we discussed names, all the time.  Well, I had discussions with myself all the time.  Colin occasionally let me talk names.  I tossed around ideas with some friends (which I am generally very hush hush about names, but this time I had a few ideas and wanted to hear some feedback) - at least I thought I did.  Anyway, I was really loving the name Cohen but had serious reservations about it and as I often (well, maybe more often than not) do, I drove myself crazy researching names until I was just about to give up.  And then I had an idea.  Corbin - but spell it Corben.  Hmmm.  Well, it was definitely on my short list.  Now, to find out the meaning.  Well, it means Raven - it also means dark-haired - which is really raven - so Raven.  Colin was sure to love this.  While I considered how to best "throw out" the name to receive a favorable response.  I got this text from Amy (and of course auto correct changed "on board" to "in board" but you get the idea . . .

And from that point on I was pretty sure the baby was going to be a Corben and although I did flip flop a little towards the end - our dark hair (at least at birth) Corben arrived.  As soon as Corben made his debut I knew who I wanted to be the godmother.  Amy, of course!  She basically named him.  Amy has a Ben so the spelling I knew would be a hit too.  Settled.  Now, for the godfather.  As a good southern Baptist I am no authority on godparents.  My view (and again this is simply my made up idea about what I think a godparent is) is that your aunts and uncles and immediate family are sort of "required" to be there for you in life - and I feel like with godparents, you have the opportunity to add an additional set of cheerleaders to your child's life.  Another support group - besides the ones he is stuck with (i.e. you and your family).  So, all of our kids have godparents that are good Catholics and not of immediate relation.  And, up until Corben they also weren't related to each other.  This time we selected Bob, Amy's husband and Colin's best friend to be the godfather.  I honestly love each and every godparent to our kids and happen to know that we are sooo lucky to have all of them in our kids lives because they are each a perfect match with our kids.

Bob and Amy haven't been to Birmingham since our wedding.

 We were thrilled they could make the Baptism and also visit, kid-free, for a few days.  The Baptism was on Cinco de Mayo and we were really hoping Corben's uncle Neal and his alter ego Carne Cabeza could make and appearance.  I mean what is a Cinco de Mayo Baptism with a Mexican wrestler?  Unfortunately, Carne was booked.  We still had a good crowd and special celebration for our little prince.

 The decor

 the Petit Fours

 Mini muffins

 The Baptism - Connor really wanted to be up there with us

 This is a good pic but everyone is looking at a different camera

 Cora is thrilled

 So special that Nina got to come!  

 Aunt E and the boys

 Bob and Amy and Baby Corben

 Aunt NJ and Corben (as a side note, she is having surgery tomorrow on her arm, prayers for quick and easy recovery)

 Aunt Cathy and Corbie

 Grandma Cathy and Pop Pop

 Grandad Bob and Mom Mom Pat

 Photoshoot the next day with the special baptism bonnet from Uncle Neal and Jess

 Special Baptism blanket from Miss Lesley and Beth

and Corben's special cross from his godparents

Halfway There . . .

Corben is 6 months old today -so he is halfway to 1.  Happy Half Birthday (ok, I do NOT celebrate half birthdays but Corben's half birthday is on my actual birthday -- and as another side note, Connor's half birthday is on Neal's birthday - weirdness) so Happy Birthday to me, I guess it is Happy Halfway to 70.  Yikes that sounds terrible.

So, to celebrate we went to the doctor.  Party animals.  Corben had his 6 month appointment and weighed in at 17 pounds 8 ounces and was 27 inches long - so 50% for weight and 75% for height.  Cora had her appointment as well - because who likes going to the doctor everyday?  Not me.  Cora's 2 year stats are 3 feet tall (90%) and 29.8 lbs (75%).  After the doctor we went to Target - again, just partying it up all day - and got a few items and then back home for lunch and naps.  And now, it is time to leave for carpool.  Did I mention that I am OVER carpool (week 3, people).

Ok, so back to Corben.  Corben is rolling over and back all the time.  He can turn all different directions and travel in his crib.  He is a mover - just hope he can learn to sit before he crawls!  He is in a size 3 diaper and 6 month clothes.  He tried avocado as his first food and was just squealing with delight.  I'm not sure he ate very much of it but Cora ate the rest and then some more - and Connor even enjoyed an afternoon avocado snack.  Corben is a smiler.  He loves people and smiles at everyone (so don't feel special if he smiles at you :).  Connor can make him laugh and laugh and laugh.  Both Connor and Cora are very good with him - unless of course it is a dance party with ninja moves kind of day (um, pretty much every day) - then I have to rescue poor Corben from the floor.  He is still sleeping well.  Maybe every few weeks he will have a night that he wakes up but so far he is easy to take a paci and get back to sleeping.  One bottom tooth is starting to creep through - so lets hope sleeping continues when the teeth arrive.  He can pick up most items and transfer them immediately.

Corben is talking up a storm but obviously not using real words.  Just Corben babble.  He gets pretty loud so he must know he needs to compete for attention already.  Poor guy.  He is napping two times a day if we are home all day.  If not, he cat naps in the car and is usually content but car riding is not his favorite activity.  Sweet baby - can't believe your first birthday at Disneyworld (what? 3rd babies get some love too!) is in 6 months!

This tongue cracks me up.  He is trying to sit up and pulled himself to sitting from a full reclined position yesterday but he needs more practice.  We got the Stand, Cruise and Crawl toy that Heather gave us many years ago for Connor out of "staging storage" and he is loving it.  And the Jumpy made another appearance too.  Amazing when you have more than a rug on the floor to play.  

5 Months

July was a very busy month and I am sad to report that I missed posting Corben's 5 month photos - but I took them - just haven't had the time or energy to get them to the computer.  I have 5 minutes (I think) so here is Corben at 5 months.  He is rolling over officially, sleeping great, and generally a very happy baby.  We discovered Extra Protection Pampers work with only 1 diaper most nights - sometimes you need to be doubled up.  You are in Size 2 or 3 regular diaper (depending on what we have in stock here).  4 bottles per day at 8, 12, 4 and 8 usually.  Some mornings you sleep in until 9! and your mama gets so much accomplished - sometimes you think 7 am is the new 8 - but typically you are an 8:30pm to 8 am.  2 naps - one in the morning and one between around 1 and 3.  You love new people and you especially love your mama (for obvious reasons) and your big brother and sister too.  You cannot wait to crawl.  You are scooting on your belly everywhere - almost time to lower the crib!  Yikes!

 Sweet

 Happy 

 And this is what our house is really like . . . 

Party for Five

Today is Connor's first full day of 5K and it is also his 5th Birthday!  5 is a big year and to celebrate we have a whole week of festivities planned.  Colin's mom and step-dad flew into help too!  Last weekend we celebrated with a Space Themed Birthday party at my parent's house.

Can't have a Space Party without Sun Chips, Capri Sun and some Blue Moon!

Some decor to brighten up the garage - Chinese lanterns dressed up courtesy of the Dollar Store and some Parent/Teacher Store facts about the Solar System - in case kids want to get a head start on school and no party is complete without an Official Training Pass (thanks again to Cathy)!

We had fun missions (games) for the kids, including:

1.  The Black Hole - a Beanbag toss courtesy of Uncle Chuck (which could probably sell on eBay for big bucks - it has folding legs too!) It looks really cool - this was a kid favorite!

2.  Avoid the Asteroid - I tried to demonstrate this for the kids but was a big fail.  Luckily Alexy was an expert.

3.  Saturn Ring Toss - This wasn't as successful as I thought it would be but the nylon frisbees were a hit.

4.  Martian March - walking on Monster feet across the room - a good cool down activity

5.  Create your space - for all the artists in the house - space stickers and paper - kids loved this

6.  Photo Booth - astronaut for a minute

The super cute jet pack I made for Connor to wear - I'm not certain jet packs are supposed to be cute but this one really is!

Commander Connor

And then there was the Italian Ice Truck serving up a good cool down treat . . .

. . . and then there was the Rocket Launch of spray painted (diet Coke rockets) and mentos - plus Uncle Chuck our resident Missile Man.

. . . and finally the Alien Invasion (piñata made by Aunt Cathy - it is an amazing piece of work that kept her up almost 48 hours before the party perfecting it - ahhh the life of a Spanish teacher).  It survived the beating and is in perfect condition to decorate our new space when we move to a new house later this fall!

 Zayna and Lyla were all business!

 Alexy severed the alien - C-section?

  This is how Cora spent her party time, well, riding the tricycle and putting her Crocs in the mud and then yelling "Mess!"  She is a mess.

 Connor's friend Nicholas has a new baby brother, John David, who is about 40 days older than Corbie  they had fun "talking and staring"and playing with the singing Chihuahua.

 And the Cake 

 Boy needs some air for 5 candles !

I'm pretty sure he loved the party - thank goodness we worked hard to make this a special birthday

Two

I feel like I need to start this post by saying "I cannot believe Cora is 2!"  But I can.  Honestly, I feel like she should be older than she is.  I'm not sure why.  She isn't small for her age.  In fact, we went to McDonalds today for lunch - I despise McDonalds, always have, (but we went inside our local McDonalds today and it was filled with the NICEST employees I have ever encountered at a fast food restaurant in the South  -  and I live here) but Connor discovered McDonalds at some point this year and is addicted.  I'm sold on our local McD's.  My kids just love this place and I acquiesced only because today was a special occasion.  Cora's second birthday.  She loves her brother so much that she let him pick the destination.  As long as her "Coggie" was there - she was happy.  Don't get me wrong, she loved, loved that Cheeseburger - but Connor is WAYYYY more important.

So, today we spent a fun but odd day together as a family.  We woke up early.  I woke up at 4 am - thought it was 6 am because I wasn't wearing my contacts (because you aren't supposed to sleep in them but . . . well, I have 3 kids) but I was following directions for once.  I realized it was 4 am before I got in the shower (to be my first in at least 2 days - maybe 3).  Got back in bed until 6 and then literally fell out of bed in order to make myself get up.  As a side note, July was a rough month for us . . . more on that later . . . but to try to just make our life even more interesting, we decided to put our house on the market this week and I have literally destroyed myself trying to get this done.  Colin helped but he is swamped at work so most of it was on me.  We got it done, barely - but the house looks amazing - better than it has ever looked.  Now the waiting.  Ok, so that is why I am tired.  So tired.  Oh and I am trying to prepare for Cora's birthday party this weekend (luckily I kept the guest list super small) and Connor's party next weekend (more guests, more to entertain) - I am not sure why I thought it would be "so fun" to have kids with birthdays back to back.  It isn't fun at all.  Instead of being excited about August I am seriously like a deer in headlights.  August is such a wonderful month for us but at the moment - one day in - it is so packed full I am dizzy.

Look at this cowgirl.  Ridiculous - dressed herself!!

So back to the birthday day.  My kids slept in - they must sense that I need this - thank goodness.  I got 465 things done this morning before Connor even got up.  I accomplished about 57 more before Cora stirred and Colin got back with Panera for a Birthday Bagel.  Cora must have licked 2 tablespoons of cream cheese off the bagel.  She is crazy cute.  Cora opened some gifts - (I'm spreading them out between now and the party because I just can't have 1000 new toys in my newly staged and decluttered house) You are welcome, Colin.  We bought her a necklace and some dresses in France and she received a wonderful Princess Castle with horses and more from her Cousins and Aunt and Uncle in Baltimore.  I predict fights over the castle so I'm waiting until we have an offer on the house to open it.  Yes, I am a control freak.  Can't help it.  I decluttered my house and I can't have a bazzillion new gifts here).  She got a baby doll that can go potty - her personal favorite at the moment ( Connor loves it too and I haven't even told them that if you put water in the bottle she actually pees - I'm such an evil mom :))
She got a tricycle - still in the box - she wasn't as impressed as she will be once it is assembled but I didn't have time to do it this week and once it is assembled she is never going to come inside so I told her it has to go to the "assembly store" and once it comes back she can ride it.  She accepted that explanation.

Corben was still asleep - he has started rolling over - (more on that in his 5 month post which is several days past due but I have been busy) so I got the big kids ready and put them in the car.  Got Corben up, changed and in his car seat and we were only 5 minutes late to Connor's allergy dr. appointment.  After the allergy dr. we stopped by the dance studio to pay for Cora's dance class this fall and then headed to the perfect location - Sikes - for shoe shopping - starting her off young!  This girl loves her shoes.  She literally cannot wear any shoes that she has except for Crocs and a random pair of sandals that were handed down to her and are too big but at least not too small.  3 pair later and we walked next door to Savages Bakery to pick out a cookie for our post-McDonalds treat.  McDonalds, Nap, Snack, Dinner out at Pappas' (which I just discovered is BYOB - possibly my new favorite place) and home for bath and bed.  Oh and in the meantime we had a showing for our house - so nap time was spent decluttering the last closet on the list and mopping floors, sweeping porches and watering plants.

Colin went back to work tonight after he helped get the kids in bed.  And now with a glass of wine and a moment to myself I can think back and cannot believe this was only 2 years ago.  Our sweet Cora, 2 years old and everyday such a blessing!

Cora at 2 you are: talking more than ever before.  Forming sentences and loving commands.  You are counting to at least 5 - Connor claims more than 5 but I haven't heard you do it, yet.  Sad to say you aren't saying your ABC's but you are showing more interest - if only I had more time to devote to letters.  Soon.  You told Corbie you loved him this week - unprompted - out of the blue - totally melted my heart.  i've actually never heard her tell, even her beloved Coggie, "I love you" without prompt.  It was such a sweet moment I don't ever want to forget.  You are very observant.  We swapped our fridge from the basement that came with the house and "fits" better upstairs and it was the first thing she noticed in the morning.  You are obsessed with changing diapers on your baby dolls.  You are more obsessed with apple juice and since you can ask for it so clearly, you get very upset when I try to ration it.  Very upset.  Actually, you get upset when you speak clearly and politely (you always, beg, please) and we say no.  It is almost as if you thought that once you could say the words the answer would always be yes - your face tells the story and it is hard to say no - but 54 cups of apple juice is a dental nightmare.  You either eat everything in sight and want more or you refuse everything.  If Connor is eating it, you will too.  Daddy's food is your favorite.  She will be eating the EXACT same food as Colin but will insist on sitting in his lap and eating his food instead of hers.  I think she just loves her daddy.

To my delight, I have somehow raised at least 2 kids - hopefully 3 that are so freaking curious about food that (yes, they eat tons and tons of meat) but they want to try all food.  Connor is starting to get picky but they both love onions - raw and cooked.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this.  Onions are super delicious.  Colin despises onions but that is seriously deranged because one time (awhile ago back in Baltimore) I was making a risotto (you know, when I had hours to cook delicious food) and it was just at the sautéing onions stage when Colin walked in and said, and I quote, "What smells so good?"  Hahahahaha  Onions (As another side note, he asked me tonight in regard to our listing, what the difference in an "oversized tile shower with seat and a water closet?)"  I haven't stopped laughing.  Lucky for him he is at work and doesn't have to witness it.  I adore him - especially since after I explained that besides the fact that the latter is a toilet - he thinks we live in England, not Alabama.

23 Months

Miss Cora - Oh you are 23 months old.  Your birthday is quickly approaching and we haven't started planning your party.  Now that we are back from France it is time to start making some sort of plan.

You are getting tall!  You weigh 29 1/2 pounds and are in a size 5 diaper.  You are wearing size 2T and some 3T dresses even fit you too.  

Your language has picked up very rapidly over the past 2 months.  You have gone from only about 20 words to speaking in full sentences and using some words in a sentence that you never used individually.  Amazing.  You are funny too.  You will tell us where to put the baby when you need our attention (crib, bed, swing, someone else's arms, etc).  You will also alert us when Corben needs a paci or you want him to have one.  But, you still won't say his name.  You are saying most words very clearly and now that we can understand you easily - you expect to get what you ask for.  No, is not a word you like to hear - but you sure love to say it.  There hasn't been a repeat of the climbing out of the crib episode - thank you!  I still put you in the sleep sack for naps and bedtime but I'm not sure you need it.  

You still love bubbles.  Every day the promise of bubbles after a good nap seems to work like a charm!  You can actually blow bubbles- which I am pretty sure is a much earlier age than your big brother could do it.  You are starting to show an interest in going to the potty - which is great - but I don't really have the time to do it right now until Corben is a little bigger and can be in the exersaucer or jumpy.  Soon though.  You will sit on the potty but have yet to actually pee pee in the potty.  Plus, although 2 in diapers is tough, I would rather you be 2 1/2 before we start training.  

You are usually such a sweet girl and make sure that Connor is not forgotten (although I think he would let us know if you didn't).  You always get him a snack when you get one for yourself and you always make sure I include him in meals - not that I have forgotten him - ever - but she always makes sure her Coggie is fed.  Your hair is finally long enough for pig tails and oh, you are soooo cute in pig tails.  I wish I was better at fixing your hair - practice will help I think.  

You discovered apple juice this month and can ask for it very clearly.  We discovered that mixing milk and apple juice is a bad idea and results in vomit in the car.  At least we are hoping that it was that combo that caused the problem because we want to avoid it at all costs!  

4 Months

When we booked the trip to France we didn't know Corben would be born the last day of February so we missed his 4 month milestone by a few days.  Sorry kiddo!  After struggling to get through 2 ear infections and a disrupted sleep routine - you are still a sweet baby boy.  You weigh 14 pounds - which is amazing!  You were only 10 pounds at 3 months.  Wow, 4 pounds in a month - that's some positive weight gain!

You are smiling and cooing and giggling all the time.  You found your feet this month.  You love watching your brother and sister (and unfortunately you also like the t.v.).  You are pretty much out of 3 month p.j.'s clothing but 6 months is still a little big.  Luckily 3 month clothes still fit you so just the p.j.'s are too small.  You had your first trip to the beach at 3 months and now you are going to the Lake this week!  We just hope your ears stay clean so you can enjoy the summer.  

We will be starting Rice Cereal this week and I cannot wait to see if you like it.  It should make 5-8pm much better for everyone if you will enjoy a distraction of food.

Your hair is so light now (well, mostly your hair has just fallen out but the only remaining dark parts are in the very back.  I'll get a photo of that tomorrow.  3 blondes it is.