Just being a boy

Caleb loves his new walker, thank you Grandpa and Grandma P!

He also loves just being a boy...dirt, dirt, and more dirt.

We love our little boy -:).

We've got a climber!

Check this little boy out...

Nathan's Graduation Weekend and visit with Grandpa Mark

This weekend Nathan graduated from George Washington University with his Masters in Engineering Management. He has one more semester to go before he is completely done, but the University holds graduation in May so we celebrated this weekend. Ever since I met Nathan in 2005, he has talked about wanting to go back to school. I am really proud of him for accomplishing this big goal of his, and for all of his hard work. He started the program last March while working full-time and he will finish in early August. We joked that he should go back for a Ph D in October since we shouldn't have too much going on then -:).

Nathan's dad came to town for graduation, and it was so nice to spend the weekend with him. Graduation was held on the National Mall in DC, and it was a beautiful day for the event. Mark, Nathan, Caleb, and I headed downtown on Sunday morning for the big day. This was Caleb's first time riding the metro, and he enjoyed the train and people watching downtown. There was 25,000 people at the event to watch the proud graduates. The University gave honorary degrees to a few prominent (and one ethically questionable) international figures, and then the commencement address was given by Brian Williams from NBC Nightly news.  It was interesting...not quite what I expected for a commencement speech, but a lot of the crowd seemed to enjoy it. After the ceremony we found the proud graduate and took lots of pictures -:) Congratulations Nathan, I love you very much and I am very proud of you!

After graduation, we went to Ted's Montana grill for some delicious bison and beef burgers. Caleb was a great sport and had a fun day downtown, riding the train, and napping in the shade....sounds like a perfect day to me -:).

Grandpa Mark loved on Caleb a lot this weekend. They had a fun playing outside on the swing, in the grass, and with some new toys that grandpa brought along.

Caleb is a happy boy, and he is very expressive. I just love the faces he makes!

On the last day, Grandpa Mark put Caleb to work and had him till up our garden. After a few hand and mouthfuls of dirt, we were good to go! Caleb's new nickname is coal miner Caleb, since had brown spots all over his face, eyes, hands, and feet. It was cute!

The next morning, Mark and Nathan left very early to drive back to Illinois. Nathan and his dad have  special bond, and it was a good time for a road trip. Nathan got to spend a couple of days at home with his mom and dog Ned, and to visit his grandma. It is so restful where Nathan grew up, and I know he is enjoying being at home. I wish Caleb and I could have gone with them. Thank you Grandpa Mark for the great visit this weekend, you can come back and do our gardening anytime! We love you -:).

10 months old!

Caleb turned 10 months old on Monday! It is hard to believe how fast this little boy is growing. We love playing with him and watching him learn new things. He is wild and on the go full-speed until he crashes for a nap or bed. He is a fast crawler and he now crawls around the house into other rooms. He especially loves making a beeline for Twix's food and water bowl. We caught him with a handful of kitty food a couple of times, we have managed to keep it from his mouth -:).

Caleb is a talker! He says dadda and babba (still no mamma), waves hi, gives high 5, and gives kisses. The other night in the bathtub he kissed the drain. I felt bad when he choked on the water, and I don't think he will be doing that again, but it was funny and sweet. He has been working on his top teeth for a while and tonight I finally felt one break the surface. 

He is scheduled to go to the doctor again at one year, but here is his latest happenings: Not much has changed since last month, mostly all the new and exciting food:

Clothes: 6-9 months and 9 month

Diapers: Size 3

Eating: 4-5 bottles a day, plus big boy food! We feed him strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mangos, avocados, yogurt, cheese, and bites of dinner. Last week he started eating the daycare big kid food, and they said he loves it!

Sleep: about 7:30pm - 5:30am (sometimes 6:00 if we are lucky)

Naps: 2 a day

Caleb's daycare called me on the way home to say he has a fever. They said he was laying down outside in the play area this afternoon...not his character at all! When I picked him up, he was calm and warm, but once he got home, he sure perked up! Here is a video of Caleb and daddy this evening. He loves being read to, and tonight for some reason shaking the flowers in this book made him crack up.

Happy 10 month birthday Caleb, we love you!

One Happy Mommy

Today was my first Mother's Day, and I spent a perfect day with my two favorite guys (aside from dad,  dad-in-law, and brother). I woke up to these nice flowers and cards -:).

Here is an 18 week belly shot. I am feeling great and starting to feel the baby move at times. It's such a neat feeling. I remember one day barely feeling Caleb move and then next thing we knew, we would see him bouncing around my belly every time I ate...he still bounces around all day until he finally crashes for a nap or bed, and we love every second of it!

We Skyped with Elizabeth and the boys this afternoon, it was great to 'see' them! They are doing great and are adjusting well to their new home. Here is a link to this blog: The Jolliff Family Blog. Then we took a family nap this afternoon (I think a new Sunday requirement) and then went to Sky Meadow State Park to have a picnic and look around. It's an amazing park with many miles of trails, and only about 20 minutes from our house. We will be planning future hiking and camping trips to this park. Caleb had a good time being outside and exploring his new surroundings. He is a curious little boy.

Daddy and mini-daddy

Just relaxing and rocking -:)

And having a picnic!

Thank you Nathan and Caleb for the perfect first Mother's Day! I love you so much.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

The Last Couple of Weeks

We had a lot going on the last couple of weeks, so I have not blogged. Here are some pictures and a video for your enjoyment to get you caught up on what we have been up to.

I am looking pregnant a lot sooner than I did with Caleb, as expected. This is 16 weeks-:). I have been feeling very good and so far no swelling! Last week I heard a strong baby's heartbeat. We find out the gender on June 4th - stay tuned!

Caleb LOVES Nathan's hair!

And the John Deere water sprinkler, thanks dad -:)

Last week, we had a quiet night at home to celebrate my 33rd birthday. It was a perfect evening with my favorite boys. A kind co-worker of mine gave me the cake and candles, and I got lots of sweet gifts, cards, emails, and phone calls. I felt very loved. Even though I aged another year, I still feel so young at heart. Age is just a number!

When it is nice outside, we like to eat dinner on the deck. I thought this meal looked picture-worthy. Salmon, pasta, and salad. Nice and colorful.

And the view from our deck.

Last Saturday, I took Caleb to the farm near our house, to see the goats and chickens. When all the chickens started clucking, it scared Caleb and he broke into tears...but he got over it quickly and was back up looking at the animals.

Afterwards, we went inside to see the chicks. Poor little things were petrified when Caleb went right for them. They got far away from this little boy!

Then Daddy met us after he got out of school, and we played outside in the grass for a little while.

On Sunday, we spent the day with our friends Tom, Erin, Jenna, and their dog Chili. Jenna just turned one year old, and has grown a lot in the two months since we last saw them. She is almost ready to walk and is smiley as can be. She and Caleb had fun crawling around their house and more fun at the park. Caleb had so much fun that he fell asleep in the swing, hahaha! Check out the video Tom took Caleb asleep on the swing

It was a nice day, so we hung out on their deck. Chili hung out too, she is so good with the babies.

Aren't they cute? There is nothing wrong with an older woman -:). Thanks for the fun visit!

Baby Dedication

Last Sunday, Nathan and I dedicated Caleb at our church, McLean Bible. While we cannot commit Caleb to the Lord or choose his life's path, we can guide, teach, pray for, and lead him. We committed ourselves publicly to raise Caleb in the nurture and love of the Lord, and for our church to pray for us in our responsibility as parents. We took vows to raise Caleb to honor and love Jesus Christ; to maintain a home where Christ is honored and obeyed and the Word of God is the authority; and to commit Caleb to God in prayer, trusting that God will override our mistakes. We ask that you please pray for us as parents of our sweet baby boy, and that we glorify God through the examples we set for our children.

"From the day I was born I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth you have been my God". Psalm 22:10