Colin

Colin is going through all kinds of new things. Today was the first day spent entirely in big-boy underpants. For the non-parent types, that first venture out of the house without diapers on is a little scary. But Colin does well as long as you sit him on the potty every 30 minutes or so. After that you risk an accident, even through the plastic training pants I bought him. He still only asks to use the potty if he's naked. We are definitely making progress, though!

We also switched him (finally) from the crib to the big bed, mostly because he was climbing out of the crib, sometimes with perilous results. Last night was the first night, and he cried a little for his crib (unfortunately still in view) but pretty quickly went to sleep. He only got up once in the middle of the night, but that was because he was soaking wet.

Tonight's been a little bit different story - he's gotten up numerous times. The lure of all those toys and books is just so tempting. Oops - just checked again, and he was actually still in bed this time. Hopefully he'll drop off soon.

The inspiration for Colin's name came from my father's brother; we chose his name to reflect my English heritage, as Anna reflects Anthony's German heritage. Colin was a name I heard a lot growing up, and I always liked the sound of it. After we chose it for my son, my father said how nice it was to hear a familiar name again from his childhood - he and Uncle Colin were closest in age and played together a lot as youngsters.

Sadly, my Uncle Colin died early Sunday morning. He'd had a lifetime of illnesses, and it was a blessing he was able to live so long. He was able to come home from hospital before he died, and his wife and daughter were with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Paula, and to your mum and Billy. Also, deepest sympathies to my dad and Auntie Norma.