ELMO!

La, la, la, la...la, la, la, la! On Saturday we went to the "My Gym" open house. In addition to getting to play in a super-fun atmosphere, the kids also got to meet Elmo. I admit...He didn't really look like the REAL Elmo, but the kiddos didn't know the difference (by the way--is Elmo a "he"??? Elmo just always refers to "himself" in the third person)


Here are some pictures from our visit!

Caleb was hanging on to us for dear life! He didn't know what to think about this Elmo "impostor"

Brent, Crystal, Ethan, Evan, Emma & Candace

The kids weren't so sure about the ball pit at first...it was pretty deep!

Climbing all over!


Rachel, Abbey & Jackson

Daddy, Caleb & Elmo

19 Month Pictures

I am a month behind on the "normal" picture schedule, but I decided to take Caleb to our town's park to both play and take pictures. I knew he would be much more cooperative if the two were intermingled and he most certainly was! We got a new Canon camera in March, so I feel like that purchase was more justified now that I can take my own pictures (even though they still aren't "photographer quality"). Plus, the last time we went to Portrait Innovations, it was a total disaster. I consider getting 1 really good picture out of a photoshoot with a toddler to be a success, so here are a couple of my favorites...

I just realized that in the last 3 of 4 picture sessions, Caleb has been wearing overalls. All different ones, but still! Can you tell that I think overalls on little boys are the cutest??? ;)

baby in the tummy

Apparently we have really been playing this "baby in Mommy's tummy" thing WAY up. So much, in fact, that Caleb recently looked down at his very full tummy when he was wearing nothing but a diaper, patted it, and said "baby." I can definitely see how it could be confusing, especially to a 19-month old! :)

Each day that passes I am more sure of what a great big brother Caleb is going to be! It is sad to think that he isn't going to be my little baby anymore...and he has definitely lost pretty much all of his "baby" look in the last couple months. He is the happiest kid ever and brings so much joy to our lives! And he is VERY busy. I've actually been kind of worried lately because this baby isn't moving NEARLY as much as Caleb did...maybe that just means he will be super laid-back! Here is a sweet picture (with strategically placed hands) of Caleb in the bath.

And another...

Empty Nest

Our houseguests have officially left us. Our baby birds learned how to fly last week and they have decided to find a different home. I don't really blame them...a front door isn't the most peaceful place to build a home! Here is one final picture of them before the left us...(and yes, that is what you think it is surrounding them. We are now left with a very gross mess to clean up on our wreath). It was amazing how fast they grew (and I'm not even their Mama). :)

Ironically, this happened in the same week that my parent's home will also officially become an "empty nest." After raising children in their home for almost 32 years, their child-rearing days are no more. Tomorrow my little brother and sister leave for college *tear*! Good luck Boogs and Kel...we love you, we'll be praying for you, & we'll always be here for you if you need anything!!!

Part Toddler, Part Fish

To say that Caleb loves the water is an understatement! He would be in water--of one kind or another--all day, every day if he had his way. He is ONE HAPPY BOY in Papa and LoLa's pool!

And this one I included just because it is adorable...

On another note, I am starting to get panicked again about getting everything done before the baby comes. After all...we only have 15 weeks left! My previously-made list has now tripled with scrapbooking, video-making, sewing, and random other odds-and-ends that I want to get done. We had originally planned on having Caleb moved to a twin bed by the time the baby is born. However, I am now rethinking this decision for a number of reasons. 1) He seems really little to be in such a BIG bed and 2) I have not been sleeping well lately and Caleb is SOOO good at entertaining himself in his crib in the mornings for up to 45 minutes while I get a little bit of extra sleep. I know that Kevin and I will most likely be REALLY sleep-deprived for a couple months once the baby arrives, so it might be a blessing to have him contained as he occupies himself. Any suggestions from you veteran mommies (or anyone else for that matter...we can use all the help we can get)????

Thank you for the prayers!

The echo-cardiogram results came back and everything looked normal! Thank you for lifting us up in your prayers over the last several days!

Happy Birthday Kevin!

Here are 27 things we love about you:

1. You love us so much and spend every available moment with us!
2. You teach Caleb how to be adventurous.
3. You never say anything about how many Sonic drinks I've had in 1 week. :)
4. You love singing along to songs even if you don't know the words!
5. You very rarely become frustrated or angry.
6. You treat others with the utmost respect and kindness.
7. You love God and are a spiritual leader for our family.
8. You love to watch sunrises and sunsets.
9. You love to tickle Caleb.
10. You are extremely handy and can do just about anything around the house.
11. You are a VERY hard worker! I'd be embarrassed to see how much you got done around the house if you were the stay-at-home parent for a while!
12. We have switched personalities on the matter of cleanliness and organization...I have become much more relaxed and you have become more meticulous.
13. You love to eat my cooking (even though I'm not a very good cook) and even prefer it to going out to eat.
14. Your frugality has worn off on me (and I have taken it to a new extreme).
15. You love to play Monopoly, but so lovingly compromise to play the card game (that takes 15 minutes) instead of the full-blown game because you know I can't stand it.
16. You are just as sentimental about memories as I am.
17. You always take time to cuddle with Caleb, no matter how much you have to do.
18. Caleb loves it when you give him a bath because you let him splash water EVERYWHERE.
19. You are extremely kind and gentle with the elderly...that is one of your many God-given gifts.
20. You are SOOOOO handsome! ;)
21. You always honor your commitments and follow through with your word.
22. You still give me butterflies!
23. You are the best flower arranger I know!
24. You enjoy being involved in every aspect of parenting and you don't even mind changing poopy diapers!
25. You are an amazing husband, father, son, brother, and friend!
26. You NEVER get jealous about ANYTHING...except when I make a meal for someone else and tell you that we're having McDonalds for dinner (again).
27. You continually honor us with your love, devotion, and desire to keep God at the center of our family!

We love you! Happy Birthday!!!!

Love: Jenae, Caleb, and Baby (Noah?) :)