Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Collin Richard Crager

I had always heard that you are never the same once you see your own child for the first time. But I had no idea what that really meant, nor was I prepared for the overwhelming feelings of love... and fear that filled me. Love - because from that moment on I couldn't imagine a stronger love than what I felt for my child. And fear - because the love I felt for my child was so strong it scared me. And suddenly, things I thought were so important seemed so insignificant. Likewise, things I never knew existed all of the sudden consumed my mind!

After an induction, a really good epidural,and 4 hours of labor, Collin was born! Weighing 7 lbs 4 oz and measuring 20 inches, he was as healthy as any baby could be. He nursed like a champ and slept like an angel... in the hospital anyway.



Once we got home and settled in, life with a baby began. Our beautiful baby boy that stole our hearts, and continues to do so to this day, took us on the ride of our lives!! At about week 3, the colic began. He cried, wait a minute, he SCREAMED for a solid 2 hours. I honestly thought he might die from such crying. (My mom, however, assurred me that he wouldn't and that I too was known to do this as an infant. That advise still didn't help our situation or our feelings very much.) This one night marked the beginning of a very long journey of no sleep, lots of spit up, lots of crying and lots of expensive acid reflux medicine and not to mention, formula. NOTE: Now I know that we were first-time parents, but I am convinced that this baby would have rattled the most seasoned parents!



Aside from all the negative, Collin has brought us so much joy and laughter. And although I wish I had been more relaxed and a lot less stressed during his first year, I realize how much Kyle and I learned from him. Collin has taught us some valuable life lessons that I think apply to any new parent. (1)There are some things that just work themselves out over time (2) ALWAYS trust your maternal instinct (3) What works for your child just might not work for another one (4)Throw your "How to Raise Your Baby" books in the trash. Your child will not be warped for life if you rock him until his feet drag the floor. Nor will he be unable to function or walk if you hold him as much as he wants you to. Life is too short and babies grow up entirely too fast. Case in point - see the following photos




6 weeks old


2 months and "talking" up a storm




Toes in the sand - Destin October 2007


Happy Halloween- 3 mos



Our lil pumpkin











We couldn't believe he sat with Santa :)







First Christmas - 5 mos old & sitting up. Just in time to play with all his new toys!!










In January of 2008, Collin was 6 months old. We really started having fun with our little man. He could sit up well and LOVED attention from anyone who would give it. His little personality really began to shine through these days (notice the little ham in the picture below.)





The month of February brought sweet news. On Valentine's Day, we discovered that Collin would have a sibbling!! At 7 months old, Collin continued to become more and more curious and excited about the world around him.




Easter came in March this year. Collin was 8 months old in these pictures. Even though he couldn't quite understand the holiday, the Easter Bunny still paid him and visit and he was very excited about his new toys. He began crawling the week of Easter. Months of frustration paid off and our lil man was finally able to get where he needed to go- hence a much happier baby boy :)





In May of '08, we took a trip with Kyle's parents to Destin for several days. Collin was 9 months and battling a cold. The trip was beautiful, but the weather was still a little chilly. We still managed to get some cute beach pictures... even if we did have to stuff Collin's ears with cotton to keep the wind out :) At this age, Collin really began to be mobile, pulling up and cruising around furniture. (We just knew he would walk early... but no. He waited until the 13th month to finally let go and take on the world!)




SUMMER TIME!!
I was so excited to be out of school and finally be at home with my baby (and soon to be babies). Mom and Dad still lived in our old house at this time so we had access to a pool.




Beach Bound Again!
In July, we took a trip to Orange Beach with mom and dad and Casey and Derek. Collin really enjoyed the beach and of course, the sand.







COLLIN IS ONE!!!


We celebrated Collin's first birthday on his actual birthday, July 19th. Tons of friends and family came. We must admit, this party was way bigger than we intended it to be. And we were completely wiped out afterwards. But it was well worth it. They only turn one once right??!!





Collin is strong-willed, and I know he was made that way for a reason. He is an early talker and an eager learner. Even in his young age, I see so much compassion for others, a caring spirit, and a desire for excellence in all he does. He will be a leader... somehow I just know that. And I have faith he will make us very proud - he already does :)
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1 comment:

Angela said...

Totally teared up at the tiny Collin baby pics!

December 16, 2009 at 6:31 AM

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