Wilder is 3

Here are the pictures from Wilder's third birthday earlier this month. As you can see the icing on the cake made his whole mouth blue, he got some trains, our neighbours came over, and we ate pizza. This was really the first time Wilder actually appreciated what a Birthday was and he was very excited he would get 3 candles on his cake. 

Wilder stuff

A few bits of Wilder. First because I played some hockey at school and University I've been doing coaching of the Redding and Easton Hockey middle school teams - Bluet and Ilona have also started playing in the beginners squad. This means Wilder quite often has to come along. Here he is getting his practice in. 

Wilder's favourite jacket

Wilder likes 'catenpinars' - we were sent this picture of a catenpinar and had to print it out and stick it on his wall. He also likes to talk about the time he held one in his hand

'Hi Dadn, I go in dere'

This is just how we roll

Meanwhile, Bluet

Here is Bluet dressed up for a School trip to the woods (taking her penknife and some hot tea once more; i think here she is waiting for her tea)




And a photo she took of Wilder (I think they bonded a little whilst I was away with Ilona)



And wearing her new hat, given to all the school kids by the local policeman as part of the road safety education program.

Kids in America

So right now Emily is in Missouri with Wilder and Ilona - Bluet and I will be joining them on Friday, when Bluet's 2 week autumn holiday starts. This is, of course, Wilder's first visit, despite being the proud holder of a US passport. He slept and ate perfectly on his first flight, whilst Ilona watched 8 hours of 'the hive' a bee-based kids cartoon. Here he is on his first trip, and Ilona too. Despite the lighting in the photograph, I understand Ilona is fully adapted to American time, but it has thrown Wilder's schedule (i.e. a long night time sleep) off a little.



Although Bluet is enjoying the peace and quiet at home, when Bluet spoke on the phone to Emily a few times she explicitly asked to speak to Ilona, which was sweet.

Wilder in the hospital

His first starring role

Bluet and Ilona meet their baby brother

Ilona and Bluet got to meet Wilder at the hospital two times before he came home. Here is some exclusive footage of their first meeting. Important questions from Ilona at the hospital:

before the baby was born: "Mama, why do you have 2 pairs of flip flops?"
after the baby was born: "Mama, was I a girl baby?"



And the kids back home, waiting for the return of Emily and Wilder

New Baby Alert!

He's finally here. Wilder Corse Collins was born on Monday (10th July) at 8.11AM, here in Zurich, weighing in at 3.14kg (6.9lbs) and 50cm in length (20"). As with both other kids, he was born in the middle of a rainstorm. The name was inspired by the American authors Laura Inglles and Thornton. At the moment he seems impossibly small. Emily and Wilder returned from the hospital yesterday morning, and so far everything is going swimmingly. Bluet and Ilona both seem delighted by their baby brother.