12 Years Later...

And we still love him and miss him as much as it were yesterday.

Picnic in the Park

The town of Sedgwick is really quite adorable. Caleb and I have gone out there once every week so that we can see Kevin during his lunch hour. The center of the town has this cute little park that takes up an entire block. Since the weather was nice today (minus it being a bit windy), we decided to meet Daddy for a picnic in the park!

I picked up McDonald's on the way...Caleb is really enjoying his "Big & Tasty"

Out of all the things to do, Caleb's favorite was just walking in the grass until he fell and then crawling.

Thanks to the camera's timer...we got a cute family pic!

Cupid's Cafe

Last Friday night, we had our 7th Annual Cupid's Cafe. This is a tradition that I started when Kevin and I were dating and have done it every year since around Valentines Day. Basically, it's just code for me making a nice dinner with side dishes (not JUST a main dish) and the table decorated in a "Valentiney" theme. :) Normally, I make the same thing: steaks (thanks Mom), twice-baked potatoes, sauteed zucchini, garlic bread, and cherry tarts. Last year, Caleb was 3 weeks old so he just slept through our dinner. This year, he was VERY involved and wanted to "help" me cook and set up. :) I decided at the last minute that we should dress up just in time for Kevin to arrive.

When Kevin and I first started dating, my little brother and sister were 11 (it is hard to believe that they will be 19 in a couple weeks). My sister made this adorable sign to put up at my parent's house for Cupid's Cafe and I really wish I would have kept it. Maybe in a couple years, Caleb can make a cute sign for us.

Cherry Tarts

It must be a special occasion...I NEVER set the table anymore.

I am amazed how much Caleb looks like Kevin in this picture...both are so cute!

My shaggy-haired little man in a suit! I know it is nearing the time for his first haircut, but I am fighting it all the way. He has cute little curls in the back and I am not ready for him to be big enough to have a haircut. Oh well, the shaggy look is in style now for baby boys...right?

Playing Around

This video captures what we do most evenings...sit in awe of the sweet and silly things our little guy does. As you can see, he thinks that every color is "blue" and loves giving kisses with his ENTIRE mouth. :) I am so amazed how much he is learning and how his sweet and outgoing personality has evolved. Today we drove ALL the way to Sedgwick (a 35-minute drive one way) to visit Kevin at his new job at the nursing home. We visited each of the residents while they were eating lunch. I thought Caleb would be a little bit scared because many of them were in wheelchairs, some couldn't talk very well, and some had to use special equipment to eat their food, but he was so friendly and loving to each of the residents. This is one of the many qualities that I adore about him...his sweet and loving personality towards all those he meets.

My heart has been heavy this week with the news about baby Cora. Combined with the 12-year anniversary of Brian's accident coming up on the 23rd, I have been kind of emotional. I am completely amazed how God has worked in the midst of both of these tragedies to bring others to Christ. God doesn't cause tragedy, nor does He desire it, but you better believe that He can use it to bring glory to His name. One of my favorite scriptures of all time comes from Romans 8:28: "And in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Being silly with the mixing bowl

Bullied!

My baby was bullied for the first time today *tear*. Okay, not really bullied because the other little guy is the same age as Caleb and doesn't know that he was being mean. We went to Baby and Me storytime at the library this morning and Caleb was playing with toys afterwards when another little boy bit him (very hard) right on the top of his nose. Caleb proceeded to scream like I have never heard him scream before and cried for what seemed like forever. The other mom felt TERRIBLE and was almost in tears. At first, I thought he was just startled and being extremely sensitive. However, with his nose continuing to get more red by the minute, I know it probably hurt like crazy! I just hope it doesn't turn black and blue tomorrow. Poor baby...

These pictures were taken two hours after the incident!

My Heart is Breaking...

...For my friend Jess and her husband Joel in the loss of their precious baby Cora. May God wrap His arms around them!

Talking "Sheep"

Because Saturday was such a beautiful day, we ventured out to the zoo (along with 1/2 of Wichita). Caleb took the opportunity to practice talking to the sheep. :)