Thanks, Crystal!

Crystal, my amazingly talented sister-in-law, created this cute header for our blog! Thanks so much, Crystal!

Playing in the Pillows

Caleb LOVES to play in the pillows and this video definitely displays his utter enthusiasm and excitement. I think his Daddy enjoys it just as much as him!

8 Month Pictures

Yesterday we had Caleb's 8 month pictures at Portrait Innovations. In the past, Kevin has always come with me, but it was kind of a last minute thing so I just decided to take him. I don't think I will be going by myself again because I couldn't get him to crack a smile! I couldn't believe my smiley baby refused to smile for pictures. The pumpkin picture is the only smile I got...oh well!! I told Kevin that I was ONLY buying the $9.95 deal...but couldn't resist 2 other poses so I ended up spending $40...and the pictures aren't that terrific!

Caleb is also cutting a tooth on the bottom. He has had a runny nose lately and has been getting up some at night (which is totally unlike him), so I think his teeth are bothering him. We are heading to Arkansas for my cousin's wedding (yes...an 8 hour drive!!!) tomorrow evening, so it should be an interesting weekend!

Caleb the Great

I wanted to post some pictures that showcase Caleb's personality and tell a little bit about what we have been doing lately. The first picture is of Caleb in his crown and apron that "he" made at the Barnes and Noble playgroup. :) I really wanted to get a picture with him and all of his friends from church at Barnes and Noble, but it was a little crazy so we weren't able to.

Caleb's favorite toy last week was the box that his carseat came in. We taped back the ends and he used it as a tunnel, crawling through it back and forth. Unfortunately, the box had to be put away but it makes me excited for all the boxes at Christmas!

Caleb is going to be a saver like his daddy! Look at his fascination with coupons from the Sunday morning paper...

I wanted to take some pictures of Caleb by our rose bushes because they look really pretty right now, but apparently Caleb is terrified of the grass!!! I put him on a blanket, but he looked around and just started bawling. I couldn't help myself...I had to capture the moment!!

The last picture was taken today. I put him down for a nap, but could still hear him making noise on the monitor so I knew he wasn't asleep. I went into his bedroom to check on him and he was standing up in his crib!!! We have his mattress lowered but I probably should take out his bumper. It's something new every day with this little guy!

Psalm 139

"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise, you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord...

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139: 1-4, 13-16

Since I found out I was pregnant with Caleb, this psalm has been my absolute favorite. Actually, part of this verse (I am fearfully and wonderfully made) is on the wall in his room, right below the letters spelling his name. Life is truly a miracle. I am still amazed each and every day that I look at my precious boy. Only God could create such sweet, innocent beings as babies. At times in this adventure of parenting I feel totally out of control, especially when I was pregnant. I can do everything in my power to keep Caleb safe and free from harm, but beyond that God has to do the rest. I believe that becoming a mother has taught me great lessons in putting my faith in God.

On the lighter side, Caleb is changing so much! He is crawling and pulling up. Forget the toys, this boy just wants to stand for minutes on end. He is so smiley and greets everyone he meets with a big two-teethed smile. :) He is also starting to display his ornery side, which I am just sure he gets from his Daddy (just kidding, Kevin). :) He is testing us...right now with touching outlets and wires. We have covered all the outlets, so they aren't dangerous...but everywhere we go won't have outlet covers, so we are trying to teach him not to touch them, covered or not. It is interesting to see his little personality unfold. He is such a joy! He also signed "more" for the first time today! We have been working on this for months and I was starting to think it was hopeless...but I am so excited to teach him new signs now!

I hope this post finds all of you well. We are flattered that you would take time out of your busy lives to catch up on ours. Thank you!!!