Orion at 4 months

Orion Elijah, 4 months old

I like to try to sit up

I like to eat my toes

I like to laugh

I like my tummy time

I like watching TV

I like chewing on things, cause my teeth are coming in soon!

I like when my Mom carries me in a wrap

and I like to look at books with Papa

Back to School!

September came as I knew it would, and it was back to work for me! Life is so different now, and I sympathize so much with the many families out there who juggle work, home, and family. Thankfully, I have a wonderful job doing something I enjoy-- teaching music to children. Here we are at the back to school picnic at PS#1 Elementary School, and playing around in my office, giving Orion an early introduction to musical instruments. He looks like a natural, doesn't he?

Michael is working from home as well as teaching video editing part-time at a performing arts high school. And taking care of the baby when he's at home. Quite the mulit-tasker! So he and Orion are getting lots of bonding time in their mornings together. I'm so thankful that my husband is so amazing.

The Collins boys at bath time!

Orions' first Interview with Charles St. Vincent

Kirstina and Orion, documented...

It seems like I'm usually the one taking the pictures around here, so I made a point to ask Michael to take some pictures of me and Orion.  We found the perfect occasion.  My dear friend Debra, who resides in Italy, was in town visiting.  She invited us to a barbeque at her uncle's ranch out near Riverside.  We had a wonderful time, and it was a wonderful break from urban life.  Thanks Debra and family!  Even though we had very little sunlight to work with and Orion was getting fussy, we got some really nice pictures.  I treasure the moments with my baby and I want to remember them forever!

Time with Papa

Orion loves his dad.  Right now, Michael is known as "papa" to him.  Michael loves his beautiful boy to pieces.  It's so fun to see the two of them together. 

Music Time

Play Time

Adventure Time

Just Hangin' Out

Morning Snuggles

A little boy and his "papa"!

Orion's Blessing Day-- August 16th, 2009

Orion Elijah Collins, born May 25, 2009

     Fresh from heaven.  Welcome to our family!

Sunday was a very special day.  It was Orion's blessing day.  Michael officially gave him his name and a blessing during our church service.  It was a beautiful blessing that welcomed him to our family and blessed his life.  We were thankful to have many of Michael's family in attendance.  Following the blessing, both Michael and I spoke in the meeting.  So it was a big day for the whole family.

Getting ready-- the day began with a bath and a nap

Then getting dressed in his blessing outfit...so sweet!

Then off to church.  Orion cuddled with Michael before the blessing, was alert and mostly quiet during the blessing, and then after the blessing, he slept in Grandma's arms for the rest of the meeting.

After church and visiting with family, he was all tuckered out.

Sweet dreams, little guy.  We know you are God's child, and we're thankful that you are ours too!

A visit from Michael's family

We enjoyed a visit last weekend from Michael's mother, his sister Jane's family, his sister Claire's family, and niece Hiedi and her boyfriend Shelby.  Also, Michael's brother Sam and his family came up for the day on Sunday.  We had fun at the beach, at the Aquarium of the Pacific, and at the Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro.  Thank you for taking the time to visit us!