Button, Button, Who Has My Button?

Collin had been having quite a bit of tummy trouble since he came home. It involved quite a bit of pain for him and sleepless nights for both of us. After SEVERAL "shock and awe" sessions with antibiotics, we decided that the problem might be coming from an umbilical hernia. So, in late October we headed to Primary Children's for a little surgery. The night before, we went to Build-A-Bear to make him a special "hospital buddy" he named Rocket. We had to be there pretty early in the morning, and since he couldn't eat or drink after midnight, I decided the "scoop and go" approach would be best. He was still sleeping when we got to the hospital, but was fully awake when he saw this:

The hospital, however, decided to go with the hurry up and wait approach, so we had time to have a little fun with the camera. This is Collin still thinking we're gonna have fun today:

I think he's starting to get suspicious...

After about 6 hours at the hospital and a totally successful surgery, we were home. Although not entirely thrilled with our new state of discomfort.

Luckily, with the help of some calming medicine, Tylenol and our new friend Rocket, it didn't take long to get back to this:

Apparently mommy, didn't fully explain that the "outtie" was going to become an "innie" part of the plan because when I took the bandages off a week later, Collin instantly reached for his belly button, got a VERY concerned look on his face and whimpered "Mommy, where my button?" After grabbing a mirror and showing him that all was still right with his anatomy, all was well. We haven't had tummy trouble since. Sure wish we'd thought of this solution 6 months ago!

Ready To Rock!

This is Collin's (and Mommy's) friend Gabe. Gabe studies music at School of Rock in Sandy with all of these guys (and girls):

There's something you should know about Gabe... for a 13 year old, he is completely AMAZING! He comes by it honestly, his mom is completely amazing too. He has such a big heart and is so concerned for everyone else. This year, School of Rock did a Live Aid - Remade show. If you were around in the 80's, you might remember the original. Nationally, the proceeds went to help Haiti, locally, Gabe and his friends wanted to make a difference for people they knew. They asked if the money could be donated to Bel Haiti (the organization that is building a children's village for Collin's friends who are still in Haiti). We were thrilled. But they didn't stop there. They invited all of the kids that came home from Haiti this year to come to school to learn to play the instruments. Collin of course went straight for the drums:

The headphones had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes, but he didn't want to take them off

The kids had a chance to play any instrument they wanted and the students were THRILLED to teach/help/dodge way-ward drumsticks! When he got tired of the drums, Collin decided to play the...fan? I have no idea, but it was pretty cute. Especially with the ear plugs hanging out of his ears.

And of course, there is always time for some cool shades. Thanks Lydon!

At the end of the week, the school put on their Live Aid concert for the public, and the kids got to be a part of it. Twice. Gabe (and fellow School of Rocker's), thanks for all of your hard work and huge hearts and thanks for taking care of people so far away that you will probably never meet. It's an experience we will never forget! I'm so grateful that Collin has so many examples of selflessness, generosity and service around him.

Fun At The Zoo!

At the end of the summer we decided to go visit the zoo. Collin was so excited to see the new baby elephant Zuri. He did get a little jealous when Zuri and her mom started to play with the ball and Collin couldn't join in.

Mommy made the mistake of pointing out the carousel at the beginning of our visit, (oops, but in my defense, I didn't think he'd know what it was or have ANY interest in riding it) so after the 237th, (I might be rounding up, but not by much), time of telling him "we'll ride it in a minute", I gave in and bought the ticket. He picked the walrus. Yeah, I have no idea why...

Believe it or not, he's not completely terrified, this is actually his "happy Collin" face. I know, we're working on it...

After a little more walking, we opted for a train ride through the rest of the zoo. And by the rest of the zoo, I mean the last itty bitty corner that we handed already covered on foot, pushing a stroller. That might have been Collin's favorite part. He LOVES trains.

I can't decide which was having more fun, Collin seeing the animals up close for the first time, or Mommy watching his reaction. Seriously, how DO you explain a rhinoceros to a 2 year old Haitian?