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!

My Baby Girl

Today my baby started First Grade. I am still trying to figure out where the time has gone.


I had the first day jitters big time. Even down to the nightmares last night. I don't think I caught a wink of good sleep! Alex was fine though. Very exctied. Anxious to see some of her friends and her dear Mrs W (her classroom aide that moved up with her). She was also very excited to wear a fancy dress. Nothing short of a holiday dress was going to cut it for her today. So this was our best compromise. I'm glad I caved. She was so proud of how she looked. And giving her self confidence may just be the most important thing I could offer her. (And yes, she insisted on the oversized bow as well.)

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!

...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