Big Boy Haircut

Grandma Libia had to wait a few weeks before everyone was in town and healthy to witness Collin's first haircut. Cas and I were happy to participate as we drug Collin's high chair outside, and Grandma Libia gave his baby locks their first trim. Let me at that clipper - Whoa, get that thing away from my head

Hey you with the camera - put that down and get me out of this chair.

Not off the top - I want to keep that part long

Good-bye messy sideburns

Get away from my bangs

Sigh, I think I survived my first haircut

Not only did Collin make it through the first haircut with only a few tortured expressions, he now looks like a big boy!

Pool Party with Grandma Libia

Last Wednesday Grandma Libia joined Collin, Bruno and Fergie in the blow-up pool in the front yard. Collin loved playing with his bath toys outdoors in the pool, while Bruno and Fergie appreciated access to the water hose.

Bruno didn't want Collin to be lonely in the pool by himself, so he joined in on the fun.

Looking cool with his baby sunglasses in the inflatable pool

The first week of April marked the start of Collin's second season of swimming. I expect kicks, bubble blowing, splashing, and perhaps his first dunk in the months to come.

Raking in the Pollen

Springtime in Texas means piles of pollen to rake. We put our 14-month-old to work. We've got a ways to go in the work ethic department . . . he didn't last very long. Leaving the pollen behind, he explored the driveway and front yard and experienced another toddler right of passage: his first skinned knee! I'm sure this is the first of many outdoor exploration war wounds. Cas claims I am an over-protective mother for taking sticks and sharp objects out of his hands as he toddles around, but I'm trying to prevent serious injuries to my unstable son. Skinned knees I can handle, impaled sticks, not so much.

Going on a rabbit / squirrel hunt

Collin enjoyed having his dad join him on Saturday afternoon at his favorite local park.

Spying out the window -

He had a good time in my arms or sharing the see-saw seat.

And climbing structures to be taller than his dad -

But he had the most fun tracking squirrels - Until they escaped up the tree - He tripped and it's blurry, but he got really close to this tame one - The biggest excitement - at least for me - was following a friendly rabbit, which Collin is pointing out in the background - I see a zoo post in the near future!

This chair is just right

Wednesday started off calmly, reading with GGM (Lita) after breakfast.

Then Collin discovered the rocking chair that had come from my grandparents' home. It was loved by all of the grandchildren starting with me. Collin's discovery of the chair that is just his size marks the start of a new generation enjoying the miniature rocker.

But being a typical boy, quietly rocking didn't last long. Hmm, what else could I do to have more fun. Climbing on the unstable chair would be much more exciting. Over to the couch, or leaping off the front.

Silkie in hand = smile on face

How quickly he went from walking to running to climbing. Another stage of baby-proofing will soon begin.

Austin birthday party

With our family in town for a wedding and Bob, Carla and Daniel dropping by for a visit in route to San Antonio, we ended up with a great crowd to celebrate Walter's birthday in Austin. Collin somehow had energy left after the playground to play ball with Grandpa Brownie and explore Cheryl and Walter's deck and backyard -

Cas, Grammy and I, tired from the toddler chasing, all enjoyed a relaxing and incredible dinner while the rest of the family took turns watching Collin. He let Leah chase him all throughout the backyard, taking a quick break at the table for me to shove some black beans in his mouth, which were not highly appreciated.

Happy birthday, dear Walter - Yum for chocolate sheet cake! In pajamas, saying good-bye to Uncle Larry before we headed out. We had another wonderful visit to Austin - a great town with really great family!

Basket, Basket we want two (clap, clap, clap)

Both of my boys were EXTREMELY proud of Collin's dunking ability. When in Austin, we played at the elementary school down the road from my aunt and uncle. Cas found an adjustable basketball goal, set it on its lowest setting, and handed Collin a ball.

Since he's been watching his dad throw the ball through the hoop for the last year of his life, he immediately made the basket. This is the only picture showing Cas' proud daddy grin, but Grammy thought Cas' smile was bigger than Collin's. He knows he made the right moves, slamming the ball through the hoop -

It took quite a bit of strength, determination and focus -

The playground was perfectly sized for toddlers . . . not so much for adults, though we tried.

Collin was non-stop for 2 hours, playing with toys and later exploring the playground.

A sweet but brief water break before he was back up to explore some more -

I would bet that Cas has been checking craigslist for a similar b-ball goal for our home.