Prayers for Collin

I know that this is not always the venue to ask for prayers, but right now, I feel like it would be best to ask. It isn't a huge deal, but it could end up being.

Collin's development has been delayed. It is very likely it is simply because he is a boy and he develops a little slower than our girls. And that is perfectly fine. But regardless, he is not 15 1/2 months old and doesn't walk or talk. He has mastered walking as long as he is holding on to something. When holding onto a hand he walks very wobbly, but if you let him go, he immediately drops to the ground. His talking consists of mamama, dadada, nanana...none of which is specific to anything. Obviously there are a lot of factors in all of this. It is very possible that he has a large heavy head (which he does) and as such, he can't hold it up well enough. But it is also possible that there is something else all together.

Here is where the prayers come in. Justin sat down with Collin's pediatrician because of his concerns for Collin. They came to an agreement that if Collin is not walking unassisteed by the time he turns 16 months, then we will do a CAT scan to make sure there are not other problems inside his skull. We hope to not have to do the CAT Scan at all. So we ask for your prayers for Collin's development to catch up just a little bit.

Again, it is possible that this is nothing. And I realize that there are plenty of kids who don't walk until they are 18 months. There is concern though, given Collin's delays and head size and shape. So please keep Collin in your prayers, and maybe throw in a prayer for peace for his mom and dad too! We could use it a little!

October 4, 2009 is the day Collin hits 16 months.

Residency Applications

Applications are in! Well actually, they have been in for a little while now. We submitted 40 applications. 35 of the programs have downloaded all the available documents for the application. NOw it is a lot of the waiting game. A lot of the programs don't send invites for interviews until NOvember. We have heard that there are some that invite the end of September, beginning of October. But there is no guarantee when invites will come. It is crazy to think though, that in about 8 months, Justin will be graduated and officially be Dr. Clayton. It has such a nice ring to it! Dr. Justin B. Clayton. Wow! I can't wait for that day. we have our favorite programs, and we have our not so favorite programs, but they are all in places we would be more than happy living. I have worked on gathering information on each of the locations. We have cost of living comparisons, and houseing comparisons and lots of other info. As Justin gets interviews, the list will continue to grow. There are some things that I am holding off doing too much research on until he gets interviews. Schools for the kids, locations to live in the city, jobs for me...those can all be researched once our list is being brought down a little bit. But I am excited. It is a new adventure in our lives. Thinking about all the places we could end up is wonderful. Boston, Rochester NY, Rochester MN, Lebanon NH, Dallas/Fort Worth TX, Houston TX...and so many more. All of them are wonderful places and I look forward to the upcoming months and to finding out where we will end up.

I can't tell you how proud I am of my dear Justin. He has worked so hard for his career and continues to do so. Aside from working to do well in his classes he has worked his butt off for his family. I carry so much gratitude for him and all he has done for me and for our beautiful children.

I love you forever Justin, Always and forever!

I am so Behind!

There is a lot that I could blog about today, but mostly, I want to share the pictures from the completion of my most recent project.



It took me a couple of weeks to get the sanding all done. It started out as a dark brown dresser, but it was old and beat up. I sanded all of the finish off and replaced the side panels. Once everything was done and put back together, I stained it with a beautiful maple finish. After a few coats of laquer, that is the finished product. It is no sitting in Collins room, filled with clothes. It is my big accomplishment. I am pretty proud of it, if I can gloat for a minute.

Anyway, the project was a lot of fun and has led me into other endeavors. I am currently working on drawings and stuff for a new headboard. Actually, just a head board, since we have never had one. I am kind of excited about it. It is going to be one of those cushioned head boards and it will have a wood frame, probably stained in maple like Collin's Dresser. The measurements are all done, and I think I have figured out all of the designs and everything. My good friend Julie is going to make one form her house too, so we are going to work on it together. My only challenge now is choosing a material that will coordinate with my blue bed. We will see how material shopping goes. I guess we will see how it goes...