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. :)

Sea Legs

Sorry it's sideways...but we finally caught Caleb walking on tape! The way he walks reminds me of a sailor with sea legs! :)

Birthday Fun

Happy birthday boy!

Caleb loved all of his presents!


Excited (at first) for the cake...but then not so crazy about it.

The "Very Hungry Caterpillar" cake that Kevin and I worked so hard on

Caleb didn't finish off his cake, so Uncle Chris thought he would enjoy it! :)

Caleb had a great birthday, celebrating with lots of family! We went to church on Sunday, out to lunch, and then came home to put him down for a nap. Of course, on the day that I needed him to he didn't want to go to sleep. He talked to himself in his bed for 1 1/2 hours before finally falling asleep. He only got to sleep for less than an hour before we had to get him up for his party. We had both of our families over for pizza, cake, and presents. :) Caleb wasn't too interested in his cake...I think he was still tired and his teeth were bothering him. Oh well...I'm sure he'll like his cake more next year!

Since the party extravaganza, he was sick AGAIN with a high-fever (which we eventually determined was a sinus infection). He had blood drawn 4 times last week, 3 shots of antibiotics, a throat swab, and a nose swab. I'm thinking he's not going to want to visit Papa and work anymore! :) Last Thursday he started feeling better and has been doing great ever since.

It is amazing how much his vocabulary has increased in the last week or two. I told Kevin last week that I felt like he was learning a new word everyday. His favorite things to say now are "hot" (which he says in a whisper while dipping his chin to his chest), "peas" (please..again in a whisper), and bottle (which he says with amazing clarity). This one breaks my heart because we are trying to get him to drink out of a sippy cup. This morning when he got up and I was giving him breakfast, he just kept saying "bottle, bottle". I am hoping that by doing it now it will be an easier transition than when he is older and even more attached to it. When you ask him what a sheep says, he'll say "baa" and a cow says"boo" (he has a hard time with the /m/ sound). Also, he says "blue" but thinks that everything is blue. We're working on other colors. :) He's taking several steps, but it is on his timetable. He is still much more comfortable crawling. When he does try to walk, he doesn't really wait to get his balance, he just takes off.

Sorry to bore you with my baby's milestones...this info is more for my benefit later down the road than anything. :)

On a more somber note, please be praying for a precious little girl named Cora. I worked with Jess (Cora's mom) at Eddie Bauer Home in college and through her got to know another dear friend who made my days at WSU so very enjoyable. Cora is 10 months old and was just diagnosed with cancer. She recently underwent surgery and will be starting chemotherapy in the next week. Please pray for her parents and that God will heal this precious little girl!

Happy Birthday!

One-year old…how can it be?
Time swept past like a shooting star.
My baby boy is growing up,
Twelve months just seemed so far.

Your precious smile brightens my day,
Cuddles and kisses mark the night.
With your sweet little voice saying “Peas”
And your occasional strong-willed fight.

Your laugh brings joy to the day
Like golden rays of sun.
Your wobbly steps are still very few
Because crawling is much too fun!

The strawberry locks on your head
Frame your angelic face.
Your blue eyes twinkle oh so bright
Freezing time and space.

You love to talk and ramble on
You have so much to say
You get so excited to take a bath
This age I wish you could stay.

Your daddy and I love you so much
This stage we will surely miss
Even when you’ve grown taller than me
I will be here with a hug & a kiss!

I ask that God would equip us
To raise you strong and true
With a name that means “faithful & bold”
I know it is fitting for you.

As you grow, just remember this
Love God, be a servant to all.
Far after your grown and on your own
To my knees I will continue to fall.