The Denver Collins

Easter Egg Fun

2008-08-06T16:34:00.004-06:00

Kalea was so excited to dye Easter eggs this year. It's the first year where she could really do it all by herself. As you can see from the pics, Xavier was content to watch his big sis!

Kindergarten Round-up

2008-08-06T16:18:00.003-06:00

Kalea's first school performance was so cute. The preschool and kindergarten classes did a short performance at Kindergarten Round-up Night at Kalea's school, Calvery Temple Enrichment Center here in Denver. They sang "Along came Mr. Crocodile" and "5 Little Monkeys." Since most of you weren't able to see I've provided a play-by-play:

Fun Moments...

2008-08-06T15:55:00.005-06:00

Kalea and Xavier never turn up an opportunity to play! Here's some pics of them playing at the life-size food play center in the mall and at the park. And, of course, there's always more pics of Xavier eating!

Kalea and Xavier one one "very large banana."

I think seeing all the life-size food made Xavier hungry.

Yes, Xavier seemed to be in an "eating his own hands" phase at about 6 months old.

Can you say "Linebacker?"

The princess dressed herself for the day at the park-fashionable, yet practical...

Kalea is very good at sitting like a lady.

We saw a very brave squirrel at the park. It even made its way on the picnic table and tried to eat Kalea's fries! Kalea was both excited and scared!

Soon she'll be driving.....

The chunky monkey enjoying a post-park snack.

One word comes to mind: Papap!

It's a bird, It's a plane, No, It's Hannah Montana!!

2008-08-06T15:39:00.006-06:00

Here's a few pics of Kalea posing with her favorite Hannah Montana wig and Daddy's hat.

(She posed herself for all the pics!)

Happy Heart Day 2008!

2008-08-05T16:13:00.004-06:00

Valentine's Day was fun this year, especially for Kalea. It was her first time getting to make valentines for all her friends at school. As you can see below she worked very hard decorating the cat and dog themed valentines, putting stickers on them, and taping candy to them. She was so excited when she came home from school the next day with a bag full of valentines from her friends.

Kalea's famous "chewing on her tongue" move helps her concentrate while writing her name on the valentine.

Here, she is meticulously taping the pink tootsie rolls on.

On Valentine's Day morning Kalea is all hearts as she displays her bag full of valentines.

Ready to go spread some love.

Quick Visit to Utah: Feb. 2008

2008-08-05T12:35:00.008-06:00

Joy and the kids went on a quick weekend trip back to Utah in February. The Utah grandparents just couldn't stand being 500 miles away from their babies and not seeing them everyday like before! While there, we were able to spend time with all the grandparents, watch Alyssa's senior night for cheerleading, see Aunt Kay and Uncle Larry at the game, celebrate Paige's 15th b-day, have Allie cut Joy's hair and paint Kalea's nails, and see everybody from CLC that missed us! It was a blast but went fast!

Grandma Gigi and the then reddish-haired Xavier.

Auntie Paige and the "Chunky Monkey" again.

Kalea preparing for her favorite part of all birthday celebrations: blowing out the candles!

(Even though it is actually Paige's B-day)

Kalea ended up blowing out the candles for Paige! Hope she made a good wish for you, Paige!

Yum, who knew snowboards tasted so good!

True "Cake Faces."

Chillin' in the Tub

2008-07-09T16:08:00.002-06:00

These pics are from when Xavier was about 5 months old in February 2008.

Xavier's First Cereal

2008-06-24T13:44:00.002-06:00

Xavier was born a pro at eating. After his 4 month check-up, his Dr. said it was okay for him to start with rice cereal since he wasn't satisfied with just milk. It didn't take long for him to get the hang of it as you can see...

Getting Ready for Bed

2008-06-18T13:24:00.003-06:00

Kalea and Xavier had both just taken their baths for the night and were "settling down" for bed.

Xavier's First Walk

2008-06-18T13:12:00.003-06:00

Well, this wasn't Xavier's official first walk, but it was his first here in Denver. He didn't get to go on too many in Utah since he was so sick. :(

Before the walk....

...and AFTER! (works every time!)

Fun with Family

2008-06-18T12:56:00.005-06:00

Our kids are so lucky to have so many people who love them in both our extended families. Here are a few pics of some of those people!

Xavier with Poppo Isaac, Grandma Teri's husband, on our last Sunday at Christian Life Center in Utah.

Kalea and Xavier with Grandpa Lee, Grandma Joyce's fiance, when we first got to Denver.

Xavier with Jay's Uncle Ronnie at dinner with family at PF Chang's.

Xavier eating his hand with Joy's cousin Jordan at an LCA basketball game on a visit back to Utah in February 2008.

Kalea feeding Xavier

2008-04-24T09:32:00.000-06:00

Kalea is a great big sister. She loves to help out with her "little" brother, including to help feed him. And as always, Xavier loves to eat regardless of who is feeding him!

One Last Christmas in Utah...

2008-04-24T09:31:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Christmas and New Year's in good ole' Utah, before heading off to Denver to start our new adventure. This Christmas was special because it would be our last one in Utah and Xavier's First! The highlights of the day were Kalea's Hannah Montana hair and Grandpa Rich's sentimental "Story of Kalea in Utah" book. We were also truly grateful that little Xavier was happy and HEALTHY on his first Christmas.

Kalea helping decorate the tree.

Kalea famously drinking her milk and playing with her hair on Grandma Teri's lap at the Christmas Eve Service at church.

Xavier and his life-size stocking on Christmas morning.

Kalea and Xavier posing by the tree in their Christmas PJs.

The whole family on Christmas morning.

Kalea turns 3!

2008-04-23T15:22:00.001-06:00

Kalea turned 3 on November 19th. It may not have been a memorable birthday for her, but for us it was. Xavier was still in the hospital and we already had her party scheduled. Jay stayed with Xavier, while Kalea celebrated with her friends at Classic Fun Center. They played in "Pirate's Cove" and jumped on the blow-up toys. We wanted her to feel special, even though at the time, all the attention was on Xavier.

Princess Kalea making sure her earring is on good.

Blowing out 3 star candles on her Cinderella cake.

Checking out all her presents...

There she is, Miss Birthday Girl, Kalea!

Getting help from friend, Alexis, with presents.

The Scariest Moment Ever

2008-04-23T14:54:00.005-06:00

As most of you know, Xavier suddenly stopped breathing for a moment one morning when he was 3 weeks old. Jay called 911 while I performed rescue breathing on him. By the time the paramedics got there, he was crying, but looking a little "dusty" according to the EMT--meaning he was a little blue around his lips--meaning he wasn't getting the proper oxygen. They wanted to take him to the hospital just to check him out thoroughly since he was so little.

While in the emergency room, they determined that he was not doing well without oxygen and decided to admit him to monitor him a little more. They took x-rays of his chest and determined that he had brochilitis and that it was taking over his body since he was so little. While at the hospital, he had quite a few episodes in the middle of the night where his heart rate dramatically dropped. He scared the doctors and nurses enough for them to start running every kind of test on him. They did everything from an EKG to a spinal tap--poor little guy!! As you can imagine, this made Jay and I and our family very anxious. However, all of the tests came back negative reaffirming that it was just the virus taking over. Nevertheless, it was still just as scary.

The nurses in pediatrics decided that it would be best for him to be under the care of a Neonatologist and transferred him to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, better known as NIC-U. While there, they did an x-ray of his abdomen and found that his large intestine was grossly enlarged. They decided to take him off food and immediately put a tube down his throat to suck out whatever fluid or air that was causing his intestine to swell. He didn't get to eat for 3 days! Oh, it was heartbreaking!! Especially since he was in a little incubator with IVs coming out all over including the top of his head!! ---I know, sorry to be so graphic.

So I won't give you ALL the horrible details, but the story does end good. Xavier was able to come home the day before Thanksgiving. And since we ended up missing our flight to Colorado, Jay's mom, Joyce, was able to fly to Utah to see Xavier and spend Thanksgiving with us. We definitley had a LOT to be thankful for. Oh and did I mention, Kalea's birthday party was already scheduled while Xavier was in the hospital--but the show went on and everything worked out. We also learned a LOT--way more than the average person should know about hospitals! And we thank all our family and friends who sent their prayers and thoughts with Xavier during that time.

Xavier did end up going into the hospital one more time in January while we were here in Denver. But I am VERY happy to say, he is a very healthy, oh so smiley BIG boy now!! We will have a story to tell him when he gets older though!!

Flashback: Halloween 2007

2008-04-22T13:32:00.002-06:00

For Halloween, Kalea decided she wanted to be a ROCK STAR! She was so excited when I told her she could have pink hair. In fact, everyday for 2 weeks before Halloween, she asked if she could have pink hair. I knew I wanted to make Kalea's costume and thankfully I made it early because I had a feeling Xavier would be here for Halloween. And he was--Xavier was only 9 days old on his first Halloween. He also was a rock star with a mohawk, Led Zeppelin onesie, a chain and Vans.

So the evening started off at the church Harvest Hoedown. Kalea played games with her good friend Cameron. She SHOULD have won the costume contest, but word is that since Cameron's dad, Rob, was the judge, it would have looked rigged had she won. She definitely was the most creative and the cutest--in my opinion of course!!

We finished the night with Trick-or-Treating in Grandpa Rich and Grandma Gigi's neighborhood. Xavier stayed inside with Grandpa Rich while Grandma Gigi and Kalea braved the cold to get yet another bag of candy.

Kalea posed herself for this picture...It's my favorite one!

She learned this rocker look from her Auntie Paige.

Watch out Hannah Montana!

She takes after her Mommy and Grandpa Rich with her love of cotton candy.

Kalea and Cameron on their 3rd Halloween together (and 3rd year of life)!

Such sweet friends!!

Kalea's favorite game at the Harvest Hoedown at church.

Trick-or-treating with Grandma Gigi and getting candy from the spooky midget!

Brother Sister Time

2008-04-22T13:22:00.005-06:00

Xavier's First Bath

2008-04-22T12:50:00.010-06:00

Flashback: Xavier's "Birth" Day

2008-04-22T11:48:00.011-06:00

Not that I want to relive labor or the pain associated with it, but I do want to go back and document the day Xavier was born. So rewind to Wednesday, October 17, 2007. I went in to my Dr. because I had a slight, constant pressure in my lower stomach. (Mainly I wanted him to tell me I shouldn't work anymore and give me a note stating that!) No such luck, but he did tell me I was beginning to dialate and that is why I was feeling pressure. He said we need to see if it's active labor and sent me over to the hospital! I didn't know what to think--after all I was only looking for a note not a baby today! Well, I didn't have to worry too much. After spending all afternoon in the hospital, nothing was progressing so I went back to my Dr. He ended up giving me a note to stay home from work, but only for 2 days. He wanted me to come back on Friday to see if I had progressed any further. We went on Friday, this time with our bags packed, excited and hoping today would be the day! No such luck again, nothing had moved. My Dr. was about to send me home and tell me to come back in week--after all I still had 3 weeks left until my actual due date--but he looked at me and my sad eyes and huge belly and said, "Come back in on Monday." Well, I'm still convinced that telling myself over and over I would have him on Monday worked! Because Monday morning came and by Monday afternoon Xavier Morris was here!

Weighing in at 7 lb 4 oz and 21 in, Xavier entered the world on Monday, October 27, 2007 right at 3 weeks early! Imagine what he would have been full term! (Ya, I know, I'd rather not!) Well, it all worked out, except for the fact that he came quite fast causing Grandma Teri and Kalea to just barely miss the actual birth. Kalea was able to come in right after he was born and gave him a kiss. One of her first comments about him was right after he was weighed and handed to me.

She said, "Mom, I think he's ready for a nap now. Put him down." Just a slight bit of sibling jealousy, not bad!

Is somebody missing their pumpkin?

Me getting my blood pressure taken--this is one of my least favorite things!

Grandma Teri holding Xavier shortly after he was born.

Xavier and his big smokey blue eyes and big umbilical cord!

He's a binky boy!

"See, my brother can do an impression of a lion roaring already!"

A sweet brother/sister moment.