Snow Days...

Lucky me...I have had three snow days in a row! I have been a "stay at home" mom for three days in a row! YIPPEE!! The boys and I have had a lot of fun together. We baked cookies, played several hours of basketball and just enjoyed some relaxing! Ben had to leave for Ft. Hays State in Kansas on Monday night, so we were left here all alone. Thankfully we have some pretty wonderful neighbors who came to dig me out so I could get out of the garage if I needed to. Ben made it home early this morning around 4 am. All I can say is thank goodness he is no longer the bus driver! The roads are not great still!

The countdown to Christmas is on! Peyton is still hoping he gets a train table and a couple of new trains. However, when he isn't being a good listener...he tells me, "No train table, no Toby, no Edward...you tell Santa."

First Game...

Well, last night was Ben's official first game as a head coach. The Bearcats faced off against the Tigers of Mizzou. My dad, Peyton and I left for the game around 3 while Tate stayed home with Grandma Ackerman. (THANKS GRANDMA!). The trip to Columbia took a little over three hours. When we got there it was time to get in our seats and get ready for the game! As we were walking in, the lights were low and they were introducing the Tigers. I must say, at that ponit I got REALLY nervous for Ben and the team and kept thinking, "YIKES! What did we get ourselves into?!?!" However, the game started and the Bearcats looked fantastic. They led for the first five minutes of the game and then were neck and neck for the first half. We obviously didn't get ANY calls from the officials and made some turnovers due to Mizzou's pressure...but for the most part, we did a great job. I was so proud of Ben and the way his team looked tonight. I know that no matter what, at the end of the day, he can be proud of who he has playing for him this year. I am looking forward to the rest of the season and hope that it is a great one! GO BEARCATS!!!

After the game, we drove back to Maryville. We didn't get home until about 1:00, so it was quite a late one for this mom! Mom and Dad stayed today and then left after dinner. It is so nice to be living close enough to have them be able to come down for events like this. Tomorrow, Ben's mom will be coming down and staying until Tuesday for Ben's first home game. Tate will get to go to that game on Monday night!

Tate's six month pics...

We had these taken a couple of weeks ago. I love his happy little self! :)

New beginnings in Maryville.

Wow. I just read my old posts and so much has changed since I have last written. We are settling in pretty well to all of the changes that have taken place in the past 6 months. I still miss all of my friends in Emporia so much. I feel like part of me is still with them and that I am on vacation and will eventually come back; however, lately, Maryville has started to feel more like "home."

Tate is getting very big... he is already 6 1/2 months old. He has two teeth, can sit up, and has just started to try baby foods. I absoultely love being a mom of two boys. As Tate has become more interactive, Peyton has really embraced his role as the big brother. He talks to Tate and shares toys with him. He is very protective of him and when Ben calls Tate, "Tator Tot" Peyton chimes in and says, "That's not Tater Tot, that's Tate Benjamin." Tate is an extremely happy baby and loves life. He rarely cries...and is full of smiles all of the time.

Peyton and Tate stay home with our two nannies everyday while I am at work. We tried so hard to find a daycare that we both approved of and had zero luck. It is so hard to be new to a town and to find someone you can trust with the most precious people in the world! I was ready to quit my job and be a stay at home mom until we thought of the idea to have college girls come here. We found Kati, our Tuesday/Thursday girl pretty easily since she is dating one of Ben's players. Then, we put an ad on-line through the college and ended up interviewing about eight other girls for Monday/Wednesday/Friday. We were blown away by Natalie...and hired her. They have both been wonderful with the boys and really a blessing in so many ways. I can leave the boys in their jammies and usually come home to see a great art project, freshly baked cookies, and most importantly...very happy boys. :)

I am getting into the swing of a new job. The amazing thing about teaching is that you really can do it anywhere... I have a group of 18 first graders and I can honestly say that I really love being their teacher. They have already learned a lot and I met all of their parents at conferences. My school day is from 7:50-2:40, so I am able to be home by 3:00 on most days. I really feel I have the best of both worlds...I am home with the boys a lot and still have a career.

Ben is hard at work with basketball and is actually at a scrimmage today at Kearney, Nebraska. He is a busy man!!! Hopefully we will have a great first season with him as the head coach! He recently was inducted into the Bearcat Athletic Hall of Fame with his 2001-2002 team. It was SO fun to see all of his old teammates and hang out with the wives following the event. All of the guys are really great and successful in their careers.

Next Friday, the official season will begin. My dad, Peyton and I are going to Columbia to watch the Bearcats against Missouri. (Tate will stay home with Grandma Ackerman) Then, Ben's mom is coming on Sunday and staying for Monday nights game at home. It will be busy once the games start, but more fun for Peyton because he loves to go to games and watch his dad.

And an update on Peyton....he is quite the little man and is always coming up with new sayings, etc. Recently, his word of the day was "imagination" He told me that he would be using his imagination while he played with his trains. My favorite story from about a month ago was when we were eating yogurt when I got home from school and all of a sudden he started running away with the spoon. I asked him what he was doing and he told me, "I'm the dish, Mommy...you know, like hey diddle, diddle..." Then he went to get me the book. Where he comes up with this stuff.... He is a football player and ONLY wears jerseys....except to church, because I told him Jesus likes when little boys wear nice shirts to church. OK, so that was a white lie, I am sure Jesus really doesn't care... We have been having some typical two and a half year old tantrums and have had a serious conversation about Santa. Santa is watching...THANK GOODNESS! So far, we hope that Santa brings us a train table, football gloves (like the players wear), and Bertie the Bus. What a wish list!

I will try my best to keep updating more often! The McCollum house is always a busy one!!!

Pictures!

Grandpa and the boys

Grandma Mary and Tate

Uncle Joey and Tate

Grandma Anita and Tate

Our first family photo

Welcome to the world, Tate!

In labor...

Tate Benjamin is here

We have had a wonderful and exciting week! On Monday morning at 8:50 am, our little boy, Tate Benjamin arrived after a quick labor. I only had to push three times to get him here and actually feel really good...nothing like I felt after Peyton was born! He weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces and was 20 inches long. We came home on Wednesday morning and are getting used to having a baby again! Peyton is a wonderful big brother who is full of love and kisses for his baby brother. Ben's mom is here this week and next and my mom just left today...we are so lucky to have family who can come help us out since Ben has to be in Maryville!

I will post pictures very soon. I am exhausted and am going to go to bed tonight, but promise to get them on here tomorrow!

Happy Easter

Today is Easter! We got up and went to 8:00 church....it was packed. It is funny how many people go to church only on Christmas and Easter. Then we got a few groceries at Wal-Mart and came home to see what the Easter Bunny left for Peyton! He had a great time finding all of the eggs filled with money for his piggy bank. We went to an Easter Egg Hunt in Olpe yesterday and he got his share of candy...so we did not want to over do it! It is also Ben's birthday today, so we have been celebrating that all weekend with his favorite red cake! Aunt Judi was here all last week to help me and make sure I was not alone just in case the baby decided to come. She packed up TONS of stuff for us, took great care of Peyton during the day while I worked, and was woderful company. Peyton adopted her as Grandma and called her Grandma everyday. It was very sweet!

We thought maybe the baby would decide to come this weekend, but so far, no such luck. At my doctor's appointment on Wedensday, I was dilated to 3 and 50% effaced....so I really thought the baby might be here by now. He/she has dropped and Dr. Cook was pushing on the baby's head. (SO weird!) My mom is coming down tomorrow to stay with me this coming week, so maybe we will meet this little one soon....who knows! I do know that if I have not had the baby by April 28th, I will be induced, so that is good to know.

I hope you have all had a wonderful Easter! Take care.

Once a Bearcat....ALWAYS a Bearcat

We have some BIG news at the McCollum house hold. Ben has recently accepted the Head coaching job at Northwest Missouri State University. He had to be up there on Sunday night to get started, so Peyton and I are alone during the week and will see Ben again on the weekend. www.nwmissouri.edu You can read all about Ben if you follow the link and click on athletics. Peyton and I are very proud of Ben and although there is a lot of change in store for us, it is all going to work out for the best.

I had to put my letter of resignation in today. It is always so difficult to tell your boss and the people you work with that you are leaving them. I had a lot of tears and a lot of hugs....our time in Emporia has been great and the people here are ones I will remember forever. I am going to be applying for a position at Horace Mann Elementary which is the laboratory school on campus at Northwest. Ironically enough, Coach Tapp's wife taught 2nd grade too and her position will be coming open at the end of this week. Once I get everything settled, I know I will feel much better! Then there's our house and getting it sold and OH YEAH, we are having a BABY! I had to go to the doctor today because I was having so many contractions (probably stress induced). I am dilated to 2 1/2 - 3cm already and continue to have a lot of contractions. My mom is hopefully coming to stay with Peyton and I for the rest of the week and hopefully most of next week too. Ben is only three hours away, so hopefully he will make it back in time if I do go into labor at some random time.

:)

BOY or GIRL????

At this point, it is KILLING me to know if we have another little boy or a girl in my belly! While we were in Topeka, we found a boy and girl outfit to bring the baby home in from the hospital. I also found the cutest little ruffly socks and headband bow to match the girl outfit. We ordered Peyton a big brother t-shirt and it happened to come in yesterday, so he will have something fun to wear when his baby brother or baby sister arrives. I have been busy washing all of the neutral clothing, etc. and I think we are as ready as we are going to be as far as baby gear (for now anyway). I will be 35 weeks on Monday, so it won't be long until we will know who is in there!!!! I have been having a lot of contractions...especially at night. They are mostly Braxton Hicks as far as I can tell, but I was dialated to a one at the last doctor's appointment. I will go to the doctor on Wednesday and will update again. I am really swollen in my legs, ankles (or should I say cankles) and fingers, so that really stinks. The warmer the weather, the bigger everything gets!

We have had a busy couple of days around the house too. We trimmed bushes, put new mulch down, and fertilized the lawn outside and then cleaned the entire house today from top to bottom. Ben was a great help with the cleaning. I don't think I would be able to do it without him! Peyton was a great helper outside with the rake and mulch. He loved spreading out the mulch after we dumped it out.

I feel sad that spring break is over, but am so happy we were so productive!

Family Trip!

Here is Peyton and Mommy looking at the elephants!


Peyton and Daddy fed the goat. This goat loved us when he saw that we were getting food. He came running right over to us to get a snack! Peyton thought it was pretty funny to have him eat out of his hand!

Daddy and Peyton roaring like the lions.

On Friday, we took a family trip to the Topeka Zoo. It was a little chilly that day, but overall a successful trip. The zoo is very nice and is just the right size to see all in a little over an hour. Peyton loved the tigers, gorillas, monkeys and lions. He talked about them when we got home and is still talking about them today! It is amazing how much he remembers about the trip. It was so fun to take a short trip as a family!!!

Pony!

Emma riding the pony with Ryan.

Peyton's turn! As you can see, Mommy had to be RIGHT next to him and he had to keep his thumb in his mouth.

Brushing the pony before he put the saddle on.

Holding Emma's hand to cross the road.

Checking out the other horses in their pen.

Peyton and I have had such an awesome spring break. We were busy every day with some activity. On Tuesday when Ben had to be out of town recruiting, Peyton and I went to the Emporia Zoo in the morning, out to lunch with a friend, and then after nap, out to Ryan and Amanda's farm to ride Emma's pony. Peyton probably won't be a cowboy anytime soon as he wasn't too comfortable on the pony, but he did enjoy watching Emma ride, looking at the horses and cows and helping to brush and feed the pony. He and Emma are such good friends. They are fun to watch together!!!

March Madness...

Here is a picture from this morning - 34 weeks exactly. Peyton loves to take pictures when we do and always has his little belly in a picture too!

I can't believe it is already March! The time is flying by so quickly! Ben's team lost in the MIAA conference tournament the first weekend in March and the season came to an abrupt end. It has been very wonderful for both Peyton and I to have Daddy back and home at night and on the weekend. It has been kind of strange for me to be caught up on laundry and keeping my house sort of clean. We have enjoyed a lot of quality family time - Peyton is on to baseball and LOVES going to the ESU baseball games with us. It has been very nice here so we have had some great afternoons and weekends outdoors.

As far as the pregnancy goes, I am 34 weeks today, so at most 6 weeks to go! I can't believe how quickly time seems to be flying by. I am feeling great...but have been swelling in my ankles and hands. I have spring break this week, so it has been great to have some down time to relax. I have been washing our gender neutral baby clothes and digging out baby towels, blankets, etc. Peyton has been a big help with all of the organizing. He loves to look at all of the little clothes and says, "Wow, Mama!" He is quite the character and comes up with all kinds of things to make us laugh. He has been doing a lot of pretending lately that there are snakes we have to hide from or that a lion is coming to get us. He has developed a new love for Thomas the Train and still thinks school buses are pretty neat. We drive by where Emporia's school buses "sleep" every time we are out and about. He also has been noticing all of the stop signs when we drive and always tells whoever is driving to stop! We love our little backseat driver!

Today we have been to the library for craft morning and then went to the park to play with our friends. Peyton was very hungry and then ready for his nap!

Not much going on....

Hello! I haven't updated in a couple weeks, so I thought I better. Not much new has been going on since I last wrote...Ben is winding down the season and just won his last road game vs. Washburn tonight. He plays on Saturday at home and that will wrap up the regular season. He will have the conference tournament in Kansas City the first weekend in March. I am not sure if Peyton and I will make the trip...it will depend on how well they play during their first games because I won't be able to take off work to head up there on Friday. It is crazy to think the season is almost over because we have talked for so long about how the baby will be here after the season!

Pregnancy Update:
I am 31 1/2 weeks today and went to the doctor on Monday. Everything is going well...baby's heartbeat was at 155 and my belly actually measured smaller this week so either baby dropped a little or moved. I had been measuring at least 2 cm bigger than the week I was on, so I was actually a little relieved to be right on this time. (I was worried I would have a HUGE baby)! I have had a bad sinus infection and the doctor gave me some antibiotics so I am finally feeling like myself after one horrible week! The baby continues to be VERY active at night....and actually a lot of times during the day when I am teaching....I get a foot jab here and a roll over there.

Peyton Update:
He has now mastered the art of free throws and gets 'fouled' when he is playing basketball. He makes us wave our arms and say "oooooooooo" like the fans do in real games. If we don't automatically do it, he tells us, "ooooo, Daddy and Mommy." It is pretty cute. He lets us shoot once in a while and sometimes waves his arms and says, "oooooooo" for us - I need to get that on video! Today he had a pajama party at his babysitter. They celebrated the letter P...which was great for him because it is his favorite letter. They ate pepperoni pizza, had purple punch, read all kinds of books and played a fun game called "oppossum" Jo, our babysitter, would have the kids walk around and then when she said "possum" the kids would all lay down and act like the were asleep. Peyton loved the game and was still talking about it tonight when we were at home. We are so blessed to have such a great babysitter. She is wonderful and has taught all of the kids so much! I love that she works on academic AND social skills with them all of the time.

I go back to the doctor in two weeks and will post more pictures soon. I can't believe March is almost here! Spring break is just around the corner! YIPPEE!!!!

4-D sonogram pictures!

Here is my attempt at posting some pictures. They are really small on the CD, but I can use a different format on my computer to make them large...however, I can't seem to do that on the blog. Anyway, the baby looks great and we think he/she looks a lot like Peyton. So, probably another boy?!?!?! We did not find out! Only 11 more weeks until we will know for sure!!!

28 weeks

WOW! I can't believe I am 28 weeks along. To be honest, I feel like there is no way I will make it 12 more weeks...where will the baby go? We had our 4-D sonogram on Monday and everyone was able to go with me....even my mom and dad. The Emporia Gazette newspaper came too and is going to feature our family in a story about the new equipment at the hospital. Peyton was not sure about the whole event because of all of the people in the room with us...I am going to post pictures of the baby (who I am thinking is a boy because he/she looks a lot like Peyton) as soon as I can. I have to get them off the CD they gave us. They estimated the baby to weigh 2 pounds 10 ounces during the sonogram....so he/she is getting bigger and bigger every day! I start going to the doctor every two weeks now and have another checkup on Monday. I also had my Rhogram shot on Monday because I am Rh negative. It was not the most pleasant shot I have ever had!!! I will update everyone on the progress of the baby after that visit.
Here is a picture of Peyton and I this morning. He was so cute about taking pictures. I have two others of my belly and Peyton's belly because he lifted his shirt up too!

Grandma and Grandpa visit!

Here is Peyton opening the last of the gifts from Grandma and Grandpa. He got a cool new suitcase, a headboard, blanket, and throw pillows, for his big boy bed, clothes, a basketball mural for the wall, and some new books! He loves opening presents and his reactions are priceless! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!!!

Here are Peyton and Grandma eating Peyton's most favorite treat....POPSCICLES! I swear the kid never gets sick of them. He loves to eat them with someone and this time, he picked Grandma. He loves to trade while he is eating and eat some of the other person's and then trade back. Grandma and Peyton are also sitting in the new chair that Grandma and Grandpa bought for me!!! It is a glider rocker and will be perfect for rocking our new baby! We put our loveseat downstairs a while ago and really needed something upstairs. This chair is perfect in the spot and is very comfortable!!!!

Here is Peyton admiring his new basketball mural on his wall. It is really cool!

Grandma and Peyton sat together at the ESU game on Saturday and talked about how the players dribble, pass, shoot, and make THREES! Peyton also looked everywhere for Corky our mascot!

BUDDIES! Here is Grandpa and Peyton sitting together after Peyton's nap. (of course they are eating popscicles!) Peyton loved hanging out with my dad and playing with him. It was so fun to see them together. Peyton loves having company and having new people to play with. He had a fun time on Monday staying home from his babysitter to spend time with just them. He has been very lucky lately to have had so much company!!!!

Peyton's birthday party

Here is Peyton blowing out his candles at his birthday party at Pizza Ranch

Posing for a picture with Grandma and Grandpa

Here is Peyton with Mommy and Daddy at the party.

This is Peyton's cake this year...I worked hard to make it look like a basketball on top of a net. Thankfully my mom was here to help me decorate and get the ball on top to stay...it was a big challenge, but ended up turning out good. The best part was that it tasted really good! So, overall, I think it was a success!!!

Here is Peyton and Mommy the morning of his birthday.

Peyton had an AWESOME time at his birthday party. We had about 22 adults and 6 kids come to Pizza Ranch for pizza, cake and ice cream. Peyton loved every minute of the party and especially enjoyed dancing and playing with all of his friends. It feels so good to have such nice and caring people here in Emporia. :) I am also really glad my parents were able to be here for the party. It was nice to have the extra help getting everything ready for the party!!!!!

Peyton's 2nd birthday

Here are the cookies I made for Peyton to take to his friends at daycare tomorrow!

Here is our little ball player shooting baskets tonight!

I can't believe it has been two years since Peyton was born. Two years ago at this time, I was still trying to be brave and endure labor without an epidural. Silly me. I have wised up and will be getting one right away with this baby!!!! We had a long labor and actually thought he would be here today....and then didn't come until 5:29am on the 30th. It has been a wonderful year and Peyton seems to be getting more and more verbal everyday. We are amazed at what he comes up with and the things he is able to do. I will post pictures of his birthday party on Saturday as soon as I can.

PICTURES!!!

Reading books with Great Grandma. She is very silly!

My birthday cake with Grandma, Great Grandma, and Joey. It had a dog that looks like Copper on it!

Sitting by Uncle Joey. I love that guy!

The "pet whisperer" Grandma. Copper and Lucy just love her!

Eating popscicles with "Uncle Josh." I thought he was a pretty cool guy!

Visitors!

We have been very busy during the past two weekends! Last weekend, my aunt and uncle, Linda and Bruce came to visit on their way to Branson. They took us out to eat and went to the big Washburn vs. ESU game. We really enjoyed having them here. That same weekend, Josh and Scott "Sterles" came to visit as well. Sadly, Sterles got sick while he was here, but I think the guys still enjoyed hanging out.

This past weekend, we had more company! Joey, Grandma Mary and Great Grandma Benish came to celebrate Peyton's birthday. The Grandma's stopped at Northwest Missouri State on the way down to watch the Bearcats vs. ESU. Sadly, the Hornets lost. We had a busy day on Sunday and a fun party! Peyton got some new clothes, sheets, and a cool blow up football player from Uncle Joey. He loved it all and had to try on his new clothes right away! I will be posting pictures very soon!!!! Grandma Benish (who claims she does not like animals) seemd to get along very well with Lucy and Copper. They followed her everywhere and Lucy was on her lap constantly! Peyton got to spend today with the Grandma's and did not have to go to the babysitter. I think everyone had a good time. Peyton loves having company and new people to play with. He was very tired tonight and is fighting a little cold, so I hope he sleeps well!!!

This week will be another busy one for us. I have a regular doctor's appointment on Wednesday. This will be my last monthly appointment and we will be going to bi-weekly. Peyton's birthday is on Friday and we have scheduled our 4-D sonogram for that day. My mom and dad are coming into town so hopefully they will get here time to go with us...we plan on taking Peyton too, so he can see the baby!!! Then Saturday night, we are going to have a birthday party at our new Pizza Ranch. We have a lot of our friends from Emporia coming and the theme is basketball....who would have guessed!?!?! It is sure to be a busy and fun time! I will get pictures of all of our visitors on as soon as I can....I have started my ESL practicum classes and seem to be a little overwhelmed with all I have to do before the baby comes. Our closing session is scheduled for three days after my due date...I swear I will not take ANY more college classes for a VERY long time!!!!!

24 weeks!

Here is Peyton holding Lucy again. He just can't get enough of his baby kitty. She is the most tolerant cat in the whole world. He holds her like this all of the time and kisses her. Then he carries her around the house and sings to her. Lucy also has a great time playing with Copper. She has really fit in well to our household! I am so excited that she no longer has front claws! I have many less scratches!!!!


Onto the pregnancy update. I decided not to shock everyone with a picture of the belly. Instead, here is a picture with sweater down. I am 24 weeks here and recently had another doctor's appointment. My belly continues to measure at least 2 cm bigger than the week I am on, so we may be looking at a big baby! I also had my blood glucose test and everything checked out great. I have been feeling more short of breath lately and just fat. When I went back to work on Monday everyone thought my belly looked a lot bigger! My new student teacher came on Friday to meet my students and one of my students said, "Mrs. McCollum, are you going to tell her..." when I asked tell her what, the student replied, "about the baby!" It was so funny because there is absoultely no way of hiding it at this point...I said to her... "I think she has probably figured that out already! :) It was hilarious. The kids are now giving me hugs and saying hi to the baby. They are pretty excited about it all.

Ben, Peyton and I had a fun family night last night. We went to the new Pizza Ranch and then to the high school basketball game to watch our family friend and Ben's newest Hornet play basketball. Pizza Ranch is just as delicious as I remember it and it is so nice to have a little taste of Iowa here in Emporia! Peyton loved the pizza and had two pieces! He also enjoyed the game...until half time when he said, "Bye bye ball."

Lucy and BIG BOY BED!

Here is Peyton's latest trick with Lucy our cat. He picks her up and gives her rides on his tractor. She is such a sweet cat that she just lets him do it...we did have to have a time out the other day for shooting Lucy through the ball hoop. Poor little kitty. :) He does love her up a lot though and spends a lot of time giving her hugs and kisses (right on the mouth). He also sings her songs and rocks her. They are quite the duo!


Here is a picture of the new room!

It is official...we have a big boy in our house. This week, we switched the crib and the guest bed so Peyton could have a big boy bed in his room. He had just gotten a new quilt from Grandma Ackerman and lots of room decor so we though it would be a great time to make the switch. I must admit, I was a little sad to see the crib move rooms and to see him on his new bed. He looks so big and is no longer a baby. He was a little sad the first night...not quite sure about it, but he has been doing great since. He wakes up in the night and gets a little scared, but then goes right back to sleep. It is so weird when he gets up by himself and comes in our room in the morning. Sometimes he scares me! Here are a few pictures of his new bed and room. I think the quilt looks great! Way to go Mom!!!