When I grow up...

Tonight we were reading Caleb a kids book that talked about what you can be when you grow up. We talked about many different occupations, but Caleb decided to show us one that was not in the book. 

Can you guess what that may be....

A plumber! Happy Wednesday:)

Caleb is 18 months old!

Happy 18 months to our fun, energetic, and loving little boy! Over the past few months, Caleb went from walking to running, he understands most things we say, speaks quite a few words, and he can let us know what he does and does not want. Some words he says a lot are dada, cat, brother, bubbles, nite nite, book, bye bye, and milk.

Caleb loves to be outside for walks, playing on the playground, and exploring. He likes being read to, playing with trucks, trains, elmo toys, and almost anything he can use his fingers to manipulate. He likes listening to music, clapping his hands, and dancing, and his favorite song right now is the ABCs. Caleb knows many animal sounds, and he can pick out a lot of things by looking at pictures. This train is his favorite toy right now, and it can keep his attention for almost a half hour, which is rare for him!

Caleb loves his brother, and gives him kisses a lot during the day. The smacks are getting less and the kisses more. Ben is starting to smile at Caleb when Caleb sits with him on the floor.  When Ben cries, Caleb gets real quiet and rubs Ben's belly. I think it is his way of saying 'it's ok baby:)'

At times, we find Caleb lounging in Ben's swing...not while he is in there, of course.

Caleb is a great sleeper, and he frequently asks for nite nite before naps and bed time (thank you for inheriting your dad's sleeping genes)! He goes to sleep around 7pm, wakes around 7am, and usually takes a 2 hour nap. Caleb has his 18 month checkup next week, but we think he is about 20lbs. Caleb is wearing 18 month shirts and PJs, and starting to fit into 12 month pants....update 1/21/13 - at his 18 month checkup, Caleb weighed 20.5lbs (7%), was 30.4 inches tall (2%), and his head was 47.6cm (56%).

Caleb is getting a mouth full of teeth. Over the last month he has cut his upper and lower first molars, and is now getting his upper and lower canines.  Say Ahhhh:)

Caleb likes to hold utensils and use them sometimes. He has a good appetite most of the time, and is not too picky of an eater. Some of his favorite foods are: yogurt, cereal, turkey, cheese, avocado, green beans, bananas, cantaloupe, and grapes.

Caleb loves his daddy. He loves wrestling with him every evening before the bath, playing outside with him, bath time, and getting lots of hugs. Don't grow up too fast, big guy...you will be filling those shoes (literally) before we know it!

Happy 18 months Caleb, we love you!

Ben is 3 months old!

Ben is 3 months old, and getting sweeter by the day. He lights up our lives with his big smile and bright brown eyes. He talks a lot and started laughing. This month he found his hands and likes to put them in front of his face and in his mouth. He usually enjoys tummy time, he likes to kick his feet, and he is so content in his surroundings. The past couple of weeks, it looks like his umbilical hernia is getting smaller, the doctor says it should be gone by the time he is two years old. 

Ben usually sleeps about a 5-6 hour stretch a night, and take several naps during the day. He nurses about every 3-3.5 hours, wears size 2 diapers, 3-6 month and 6 month clothes.

Caleb loves to give him kisses the on the head, and he does not whack Ben quite as often anymore. One day soon Ben will be able to defend himself :). 

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Here is  Caleb  at 3 months old.

Ben, you are such a sweet little boy! We love you so much, and we love every day with you!

Explorers

This was our last week off together, so we explored the area. One day this week we went to a new park that was pretty awesome. It had a huge little and big kids playground, trails to walk around the park, a carousel and train (which opens in the springtime), and the park attaches to a botanical garden.

Another day, we went to the new Children's Museum at the National Harbor. This museum just opened in mid-December, and it had neat international exhibits, a fun sesame street play area for the little kids, and some crafts. Caleb had a fun time playing all morning.

Afterwards, we walked to the Gaylord Hotel, which was beautifully decorated for Christmas. Little did we know the hotel was hosting what we later found out was called MAGfest (Movie and Gaming Festival). We saw some interesting people as we walked around...

 

 

Another day we went to a park in our neighborhood. Caleb enjoyed the swings and climbing up and down the equipment.

On Saturday, we all went to Philly for Mike and Marissa's baby shower. While I was helping get the shower set-up, Nathan and Caleb ventured downtown for a couple of hours to explore. 

Most days we were able to sleep in till 7 and take naps...it was a good week!

Mama's back to work

The time has come when this mama has to go back to work, tomorrow. While these past 3 months have been busy for our family, it has been so nice being home with sweet Benjamin. Nathan also was able to stay home the entire first month, and I truly cherish the time that we both had with him and together.

Month 1

Month 2

Today :)

Going back to work is bittersweet. Of course I am sad to leave our boys again, but we have excellent childcare for them, and I am excited to begin preparing for our posting abroad in a few months.

Please pray for a smooth first week back to work for me!

Shower for Baby East

On Saturday afternoon, we had a family shower for Mike and Marissa to celebrate the soon-to-arrive baby East. We celebrated with their Philly friends, her cousin Cara from DC, and Amanda and David from NY. We hosted the shower at Chris and Olivai's home, and she beautifully decorated it for the occasion. We had a delicious brunch of homemade quiche, creme brule french toast, danishes, fruit, yogurt, and cake. 

There were lots of babies and toddlers at the shower. It was fun for them to play during the day...and good practice for the parents-to-be:).

Mike and Marissa received lots of nice gifts, and everyone had a good time together.

Marissa is a glowing mama-to-be, and Mike is a proud soon-to-be dad. We all love Mike and Marissa lots, and we are excited for this little boy to arrive in a few weeks...let the count down continue!