Life...

Life is good and moving right along in the Collins' house.  

Everyone is fabulous!  We are getting further along in Mikayla's diagnoses and getting closer to determining the help she needs.  We've had evaluations and appointments that are leading to more evaluations and appointments, but we are getting there, slowly.  Our goal is still to have everything diagnosed and sorted for her before school starts in August.  She is such a trooper!  She had to undergo testing the other day for over 7 hours and came out in the end still smiling.  She is so patient and understanding.  We have started her on a non stimulant ADHD medication and so far she is doing really well with it.  

While we aren't going to dr. appointments we have been enjoying our summer (when it isn't raining) playing at the pool and spending time with my niece and nephew, who are staying with my parents for the summer.  The kids absolutely love having "Mimi and Papa" right up the road, especially now that Celeste and Caleb are there!  

Aslyn turned 4 last month!!  Where does the time go?!  It is almost difficult to remember her as a tiny baby because of how fast it has gone by...it's sad.  She is super excited to be starting kindergarten next year.  I am not excited.  My baby is getting big way too fast.  

Brayden will be 7 next month!  He will be starting 2nd grade.  It doesn't seem real.  

Parents, enjoy your time with your babies!!  Before you know it, they are starting school, doing homework, and learning all kinds of nasty things from the other kids at school.  

I miss the innocence and smell of a newborn, baby babble, and all the milestones that come in the first year of life.  But I admit, I do not miss the crying and middle of the night wake up calls for feedings and diaper changes.  I very much enjoy potty trained children.  It's bitter-sweet. 

We are loving Gainesville more than ever with my parents being here and us getting involved in our church and finding our own little niche with things. 

I was just offered an opportunity for a job at a local children's boutique literally less than a half a mile from our house!  

Ben and I JUST started talking about the possibility of me looking around for something since my parents live right here...they can help out with the kids.  We really want Ben to be able to look for something in the near future that is not so demanding on him.  So with me working it will allow him to be able to start pursuing other options.  We weren't sure how easy it would be for me to find a job that would be what we are looking for since I don't have any work experience in the last 6 years.  This job just kind of fell in our laps...God is always on top of things!  If everything continues to work out the way it is, then this will be a great opportunity for me to continue with my schooling and to contribute financially, for Ben to pursue other (more desirable and less stressful) career options, and for us to still be able to have plenty of family time together!  We are really excited! 

Everything just keeps falling into place, we are so blessed!  Please keep us in your prayers...for Mikayla and for all of our new changes that are about to take place!  Thanks everyone!