Cullen's New Room

So we moved Cullen into his new room. Formerly Allie's Pink Princess Room. We still have to finish the trim, buy a dresser and second mattress, hang pictures, etc. But you can get the general idea.

Cullen loves his new bed and has had no transition issues. It's so much fun decorating for a boy!

Big Boy

My baby is growing up!

Cullen was 18 months old last Friday. It's just not fair. He was supposed to be my baby. And being our last...he was supposed to stay a baby. At least for awhile. But Cullen will hear of no such thing. And just as his sister did, he felt that 18 months was long enough for the crib! He was a big boy and he wanted out.

So while in NY last weekend, he decided to climb out of the pack-n-play. And once we returned home, he did the same with his crib.

This weekend we went shopping for a big boy bed, but his set won't be in for up to 10 weeks. So we borrowed Grandma's toddler bed yesterday and tried it out.

We could not believe that Cullen got right in and slept the entire night without getting out once! We were sooooo proud of him. Now let's hope tonight goes as well!

A Look Back

Looking forward to a busy weekend!  We didn't think we'd get around to this trip after just getting back from Tennessee, but how could we resist.  Not when those huge dark eyes light up and sparkle at the near mention of Elmo!  Even Alex has been begging for months to take Cullen to Sesame Place.  So off we go.  

I also couldn't help but to take a walk down memory lane and look back on our first trip to Sesame, and the following year when we eagerly returned.  I think I am just as excited as the kids!!!

Gabi and Alex- Sesame Place 2005

Weren't they adorable!  And those were the days when they actually let us dress them.  And of course they had matching Sesame ensembles for each day we visited.

And the following summer- 2006

Barking Baby Boy

Yes that's right, barking. Seems our boy has the croup. He started on Wed night with a low grade fever. Had a deep and raspy voice on Thursday and then the bark started last night. So it was off to the docs today.

Although he acts under the weather, I wouldn't classify him as miserable. Hopefully it gets better quickly and he won't ever reach that point.

The good news is that I get to spend the whole night snuggling with my boy. He is afterall the world's best snuggler! And at nearly 18 months old, he doesn't stop long enough to do much of it these days.

BTW....our house is DONE! I will post pics later this weekend.

Happy 1st Birthday, Cullen!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

In one breathe I think about how the past year has gone by so quickly, yet in another it's a struggle to remember a time that didn't include our sweet little boy. I never doubted that adoption worked and that it would happen for us too. But who knew it could be so perfect (twice). Yet still, when it does happen, it is such a surreal experience. And for many, like us, it happens quickly. Very, very qucikly. I mean the wait may feel like anything but short, but once that "call" comes, life goes from 0 to 120 in seconds.

A year ago this day I had nothing to post. It was just an ordinary day, or so I thought. I had no knowledge that our son was busy making his grand entrance. I would not know for another day that our time had come and he would be joining our family. And we'd wait another after that to meet him.

I know I have said it before, but Cullen is truly every bit of what our prayers were made of. It's like my heart was not only preparing for a baby ...but all along, it was preparing for HIM! God knew what, and who, would complete our family. Another adoptive mom uses the term "sweet completion" and I just love that. It truly describes how I feel about my children and my life. I am so very, very blessed.

Cullen,
I love you more than the breath I breathe. Like with your sister, I hope that Daddy and I can give back to you even a fraction of the joy and fulfillment that you give to us every day. We love you to the moon and back and wish you the Happiest of First Birthdays.

Melissa,
You know my thoughts. And the love that our hearts hold for you. And we think of you even more on this day. I pray that blessings be wrapped around. And know that today, and every other day, Cullen is surrounded by love.

Cullen's First Haircut

Can you believe I did it? Are you all so proud of me? I know my mom is!

Last night we took Cullie for his first haircut. I was so surprised (though I shouldn't have been) at how well he did. No fussing and he even sat STILL through most of it. I was so very sad to see those baby curls dropping to the floor, but in the end even I have to admit that it looks much, much better. It was getting a bit wild! I still may try for those long curkscrew curls at some point though!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Eleven on 11

Cullen is 11 months old TODAY!!!!!

I thought I would take it as an opportunity to share his latest and greatest accomplishments as well as some things he does or enjoys.

At 11 months old, Cullen loves:
Playing and splashing in water
Listening and dancing to music
Climbing into anything, especially the diswasher
Wrestling
Snuggling
Playing with Alex and Hemmingway (our dog)
Banging or beating on anything

And Cullen can now:
Use a sippy cup
Eat almost all table food
Pass a ball back and forth
Wave goodbye
Play Peek-a-Boo
Clap
Do "so big"
Climb stairs
Shake his head yes and no...sometimes even appropriately
Say mama, dada, mom, dad, mommy, daddy, Allie, Ellie, more, doggie, hi, bah (and probably a few more I am foregetting)
Stand on his own for about 10 seconds at a time
Take several consecutives steps at a time (made it to 6 steps last night)

Other things about Cullen include:

He sleeps well. He has slept through the night since 6 months of age and puts himself to sleep with ease. No rocking or bottle needed, hooray!

Cullen has 8 teeth. He weighs 26 pounds. And wears a size 6 shoe!

Cullen has an very happy personality, as evident in all of his photos. He is very affectionate and often takes time out to come and offer "loves".

And I feel so incredibly blessed to call him my son!

Cullen Update

Poor baby was a bit worse today. His rapid and laboured breathing is really freaking me out. I think we need our ped on speed dial. But they continue reassuring us that what we are seeing is typical and could go on for quite awhile longer. I got him to take a whopping 5 oz today along with his baby food. And every bite of his food was a challenge. He kept gagging it all up and crying because he was hungry and getting frustrated :-( I had to force the Motrin down which he normally guzzles.

So I am expecting tonight to be a long one. I brought the pack-n-play into our room and have the humidifier cranked. They have suggested that we take turns sleeping so one of us could keep an eye out for any respitory distress. Yikes.

Prayers would be much appreciated.

Jodie, if you are up in the middle of the night like you usually are, track me down on im. I may be up just watching my babe breathe.

...and he's OFF!!!!!

We'd known he was close. He's been traveling backwards for several weeks. So yesterday, I kept the camera close by just in case! And BAM...he took off!!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Adoption Songs

I am on a quest. A search to find the most perfect song(s) for Cullen's video. We did a lovely video of Alex's placement day and her first year. It is such a treasure to me! And now it is time to start Cullen's. I have a huge list of songs I love. Yet I continue to search for the PERFECT one.

Although I still don't know that I am crazy about how the song is actually sung, I LOVE the lyrics of this one that Teri found for me.

A MOTHERS PRAYER
by RANDY MOORE

They laid the baby in her arms
she watched her newborn son sleepin'
she bowed her head in silent prayer
and asked the Lord for his safe keepin'
you know his life has just begun
sometimes it won't treat him fair
so be with him when I can't
all I can give my little man
is this Mother's Prayer.

A MOTHER'S PRAYER CAN MOVE A MOUNTAIN
A MOTHER'S PRAYER IS PURE AS GOLD
AND THE ANGELS UP IN HEAVEN
MAKE SURE SHE GETS HEARD UP THERE
CAUSE THERE'S NOTHIN' THAT'S MORE
PRECIOUS TO GOD'S EAR
THAN A MOTHER'S PRAYER

She tries her best to explain
as she holds his little hand
she says you're meant for better things
I hope that you can understand
all the papers have been signed
and your new home's waiting there
and one day they'll tell you soon
how you were the answer to
another Mother's Prayer

Home

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Ahhh, what a sweet word. Home. It was only three days, but it was exhausting. The conference was great. Good people, interesting panels, great dining and lots of fun. But it was challenging too. Cullen didn't do all that well in the hotel. Up 3 to 5 times a night, which is quite unusual. Just wasn't himself. The bad news is that it ended up being an ear infection. The good news is that hopefully is wasn't an indication of how challenging Disney might be.

Sounds like Daddy had his hands full back home as well. Alex didn't get to her required Taekwondo classes all week. She missed the bus for the first time on Thusday and ended up being nearly 2 hours late for school after Daddy ran back in the house to get something and locked the house and car keys inside. Thanks to a locksmith they were back in later that day. Friday seemed to go a bit more smoothly. And even though Alex wore big, clunky sneakers with her cute little skirt and top I laid out...the sky did not fall.

Now it is a mad rush to unpack from Toronto and pack for Disney. Only 11 days to go and I feel soooo enprepared.

To Cut or Not to Cut

Yes, that is the question of the day. Seems everyone has an opinion of whether or not it is time to cut Cullen's hair. Daddy has been ready for weeks, while Mommy was not in a hurry to say goodbye to those beautiful baby curls. But over the last few weeks I have had several comments from well meaning family members that, perhaps, it's time. So there lies the question. To cut or not to cut?

Seems like a simple enough question, but with it comes a bit more complexity. As I often do with his hair, I have consulted various African American friends and coworkers (as well as strangers) with this question. The answer from them was a resounding, NO! It appears that the first hair cut for AA babies is typically held off until one year of age. I have heard everything from it's tradition, to it will change the texture of his hair, it will give him "bad hair" and then my favorite....it will make him stutter. My conclusion? It is purely cultural.

Which is where the complexity and questions begin. Although Cullen is half black and half white, society views him as black. Fair enough, I'm cool with that. But the fact is that he is being raised in a white family in a predominently white neighborhood, and (with the exception of a few friends in the adoption community) around mostly caucasian friends. I get the idea behind fostering his pride is his heritage and culture. But to what extent? He is also half Italian. Does that mean I should serve sauce on Sundays? I guess my question is where/what is the appropriate balance?

So, to parents out there raising children of another culture, what do you do or do you plan to do in order to incorporate your childs heritage? How do you celebrate differences without making your child feel different?

As for the hair....Mommy caved. I called a local salon who specialized in AA children's hair, but they wouldn't give me an appointment :-( Said he was too young. So we stopped in a few salons at the mall. And guess what. Daddy chickened out! Appears he was all talk all along. I guess he isn't ready either. So for now, the hair stays, but the questions it raises remain. So I would love to hear from some other families out there!

Oh and lastly, Cullen started saying "Mumma" this weekend. Is it possible for my heart to swell any larger with love for this boy!

A Special Day

Today was a very special day for two very special children...mine!

Alex's teacher has given each of her students a "special day" in which they are the helpers and where they can share a bit about themselves with their classmates. Alex has been counting down the days until her "Special Day", September 25th. It finally came. And she was so very excited. Mommy came in to school and made little books for each of the students containing facts about Alexandra. We read one of Alex's favorite books to the class and she introduced her brother to all of her friends. I wish I had borrowed a camera and captured the fun!

But Daddy had our camera in Texas for another very special day, Cullen's adoption finalization. The agency that Cullen's birthmom worked with is based out of San Antonio. So Shawn flew in yesterday in order to be present at today's court appearance, in which Cullen David Reardon was offically declared OURS!!! And it is with tear filled eyes that I type this news. I look at my two beautiful children each day in amazement and wonder how is it possible that we have been so blessed!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I just can't help myself....

I've already been searching for ideas for Cullen's "Big Boy Room". Premature, maybe. But it will be here before I know it and in true Sue fashion....I want to be prepared. So I have had my eye on this darling set at Pottery Barn Kids. It is exactly what I would want. Simple, yet colorful and oh so "little boy". I have been watching it for a month or so and just noticed the first item become unavaialble. And I just can't take the chance of missing out on getting it! So since I worked some extra "call" in September, I am allowing myself the splurge!

Tonight, after work we'll take a trip to Pottery Barn Kids and I get to buy the Quilt, Sham and Sheet Set. This so incredibly foreign to be me. I will actually be paying FULL price. I don't pay full price for anything. But I MUST have it!!!

In other news, Lily and Family are doing beautifully. The little stinker has to be woken up at night to eat or she would sleep straight through. That is just wrong. My 6 month old is just now sleeping through the night!

Also, Grandpa was released from the hospital yesterday. The good news is that he is home. The bad news is that he has some additional health challenges to contend with now on top of everything else. He should get into a specialist soon and hopefully being around the family will help lift his spirits.

Shawn is back from Chicago, YAY!

Next week is Finaliziation, even bigger YAY!!! Shawn will be flying to San Antonio, TX on Wed for a Thur court appearance.

Alex is doing well in school. Kindergarten is a lot of work and she is coming home exhausted each night! She also earned her blue belt a few weeks ago and she is super psyched about that. Her new goal is not only to earn a black belt, but to then make the Demo Team. You go baby! Reach for the stars!!!

A Peck of Pickled Peppers

Alex and Cullen had a wonderful time at my sister's house last week. While Shawn and I enjoyed dinner, Alex had fun with Uncle Tim looking for fish in the pond and picking vegetables from the garden. I don't think any of the green beans made it to the table though, as Alex ate them just as quick as they were picked. She saved the shiny peppers for our salad, which she was very proud to help make.

Afterwards, she and Cullen did some wrestling outside.

Brown Eyed Boy

Teri took this picture of Cullen last night and I had to steal it from her blog. I may be partial, but I don't ever think I've seen a more beautiful baby!!!

The Road to Cullen

Just as I did with Alex, I finally got around to jounaling the path that led us to Cullen. It's too long to paste the entire document, but his story can be found here. In addition there is also a link over to the left that will stay on this page.

4 Month Check-up

Cullen had his 4 month check-up today and along with it a set of shots. Poor little guy. Of course he screamed and of course it tore my heart out. But nothing a quick bottle and a kiss from sister couldn't cure.

At 4 months, he is 16 lbs 11oz and 25.5 inches long. Only in the 70th or so percetnile, but still a giant compared to his petite sister who was 13 lbs 6 oz at that age!


Ok, now we are off to Carrabba's for dinner and my mom's house for cake. Hopefully the little guy isn't terribly fussy!

4 Months Old

It arrived!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was so excited (and surprised) when I opened the mail on Saturday and found Cullen's passport!

And did I mention that I got lengthy apologies from individuals with both the town and clerks office. :-)

80 more days til finalization......and 121 til Disney!!! Yippeeee.