Russia

Russia
We went to Yekaterinburg

Monday, March 9, 2009

A Busy Happy Birthday Weekend

This weekend was quite a busy one. I was a little worried, ok a lot worried, about how Colby would handle the over-stimulation but I think, overall, he did really well.

Saturday we went to my grnadmother, Mamie's house. It was her 90th birthday! Yeah, Mamie! The whole family got together which is about 40 people. Unfortunately, my sister Karin and her husband and 2 kids weren't there. Also a couple of my cousins weren't either but most everyone was. Mamie and Poppy have 5 children and together there are 19 grandchildren, many married, and now Colby makes 12 great-cgrandchildren. What a full life. We get together for all holidays and special occasions. Mamie's sister, Aunt Arlene, was also there along with her family, many of whom I haven't seen in a long time. It certainly was a full-house. I was curious to see homw Colby and my youngest nephew, Keith, would get along. Keith is 2 months younger than Colby. They played together a little bit but not much. It will be interesting to see how their relationship grows. I'd love for them to spend a lot of time together.

When we first got to the house, many people were already there. I carried Colby in and he stayed with me for awhile. He did eventually let my sister Kristin hold him and he let my mom hold him too. He loves his Grandma. After about 20-30 minutes Colby wanted to get down and he was off. He went exploring and following Keith around, but making sure I was close by. It was really cute. I did notice as the day went on that he became even more bold and would just take off without either Mike or I. I had been worried that he would have a breakdown but instead he became bold and curious. My worry is that he is TOO willing to go off on his own and that he doesn't know he needs Mike and me. I guess we still have some family bonding to do.

If Saturday wasn't enough, Sunday we went to Mike's parents for dinner. It was Mike's dad's birthday. We had dinner with them, Mike's grandparents, a few of his aunts, and his brother David and his wife Jocelyn. Colby had met everyone except David and Jocelyn already so at least it wasn't too much newness. David and Jocelyn bought him some clothes and a cute spiral racetrack and cars. You start the cars on a platform at the top and push the lever to make them race down the spiral track. Of course, it makes the racetrack noise. Colby loves it. He played with the family. It is obvious that he loves Mike's grandfather, Poppy, though. They are so cute together. Colby did really well there too. Both days he ate more than we have seen him eat before. A lot of fruit and vegetables and a few potato chips too. He even ate the meat and sausage in the lasagna!

Now that the crazy weekend is over, my little man is really tired. He had a little trouble settling down to sleep both nights and last night he woke up around 5:30 for about half an hour. Mommy is really tired now! I think the whole weekend made for a tired little boy. We didn't make it to nap time today, he fell asleep in his high chair while eating his lunch. He is so cute!

I'm not sure if I should worry about his willingness to explore without Mike and I during Saturday's party or not. He did seek us out many times, after a few minutes away, so that made me feel better. I know he is bonding to us and seeks comfort from us. I just don't want him to be too outgoing and carefree. Does that make sense? Maybe I am overthinking things too much. Any thoughts? Well, laundry is calling before the little man wakes.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a sweet picture..

Anonymous said...

Melissa,

My little one has been home 2 years (from Ekat) and it has taken lots of time and hard work for her to consistently seek out me for comfort. It takes time and lots of "at home" time for the kids to know what a parent is for. Colby will attach more and more each day. It sounds like you all are really doing well.

Nicole Brueck said...

I have a few pictures of Ryan like that too...isn't it too cute!!

I agree with the previous comment that he will attach more and more each day he is home.

He is such a cute little boy!

Tiger & Kar said...

What an adorable picture! So cute. As far as the exploring and bonding issue...our little Cubby has been home for just over 9 months and I still worry about this from time to time. His trust in and love for you & his daddy will grow each day. It sounds like he's settling in very well though!

Lindsey Carney said...

That is such a cute picture, I love it! Over the past 2 1/2 months we have seen lots of change in Hudson. We were very concerned when we came home because he would go to anyone and seemed to be okay exploring on his own. We have been VERY VERY careful about not letting people hold him and making sure we are the ones providing for his needs (feeding, comforting if he falls, etc.). It's not been easy because some of the people in our families can be overbearing and don't think rules applied to them, but we have stuck to our guns. He definitely prefers his mommy and daddy and no longer goes to people, even when they hold their arms out for him (except my dad and grandmother). Now that we are feeling much more secure in his attachment we are easing up on letting others hold him. Sorry for being so lengthy. Don't worry to much about it and do what you feel is best for Colby, you and your husband will know what's right for him even if you are UCONN fans :)

Kim Abraham - Mom to the Fabulous Five! said...

I could be wrong (it's happened before) but I think as long as Colby is checking back every few mintues to make sure you are there that it's a good thing he feels safe and secure enough to explore and play a little. I would be more concerned if were clinging to you for dear life the whole time. As long as he is not mom shopping or constantly seeking affection from other adults, let him explore.

I read somewhere (wish I could remember where) that the parent’s ability to let their child go and explore is also an indication of secure attachment.

Heidi said...

It sounds like your son is normal. They should want to explore and yet check back to see where you both are. You must be creating a safe environment that he even wants explore. It's hard not to overthink things but trust your instinct and just keep loving him. Everything will fall into place. Love the picture!!

Lori said...

that is a cute picture. I wouldn't worry too much about him gaining the confidence to explore. The fact that he was watching you to begin with says that he understands you will set the understanding of comfort zones

Joy Ballou said...

Try not to analyze it to death...just enjoy! This is an age where kids explore and then return to parents for security. It's all normal.

Joy (Andrew's mom)