Play group today!


I have about 2 minutes before I have to get Caleb dressed and begin the "getting out the door" process... "caleb get your juice, where's your shirt, do you have a coat, enough diapers in the diaper bag for each child, strap Josh in...etc". I'm looking forward to this playgroup especially. An acquaintance from the Library time is meeting me there. I am hoping to forge a friendship with her. She lives in Monroe (5-6 minutes away), she has 2 kids and one on the way (her oldest is Tessa's age), and I think she is a Christian. She and I would be on the same page in life and perhaps be able to help each other with advice and impromptu baby sitting. The added plus is that our parents are both in California and there is the crazy idea of the two of us flying to California on the same plane with the kids each way and visiting our own separate parents while we are down there... We'll see. $ is of course a consideration.

Josh has more tickle spots than I thought. Behind his knees seem to be ticklish, as well as his feet. Although I haven't gotten the laugh with tickling his feet.

Well, I should go and make sure I have everything before I leave. I'll write more later time permitting.

Happy Monday!

I haven't posted in a while and I've missed writing and reflecting about all that my little boys do that is funny, cute and endearing. So here I am today with a brief spot of time. I hope that what I write is as enjoyable as it will be to write it.

Thanksgiving was a pleasant day. Tessa and Caleb had to work out the wrinkles of learning to share. But after they went up into the nursery/kids play room and shut the door they seem to get along even better. Of course they were bound together in a little mischief. They both took the time to fill their diapers, and then they moved on to playing with the play-doh in the carpet. The carpet was rescued fortunately, but you should have heard the laughs and giggles coming from that room before their activities were discovered. The mess that had to be cleaned up was worth it to hear their joy.

The day ended strangely. We were still at Grammy and Papa Dahl's house, Caleb, nap deprived, requested a grilled cheese sandwich, but he fell asleep before it was made for him. Shortly after falling asleep he woke up hungry. The sandwich was already to go. Caleb cuddled up on Papa Dahl's lap and ate his sandwich; he brushed off the crumbs he dropped on Papa's tummy with his shirt, he gave good hugs and smiles, I think it was worth the extra time at their house. And boy did he ever stretch out eating that sandwich. It must have taken him at least and hour, but it was finished eventually.

Caleb is not yet familiar with the pronouns that refer to himself. He understands ME, but not I or my. So as a replacement, he calls himself "Boy". He told me today "Cut boy's hair". I've tried to get him to say his name even. I'm afraid to say that he refuses to say it, says "Yeah" when I tell him is name is Caleb, or even worse... has pronounced his name as Cable. As in Cable TV, not the name I was going for. Well, he'll get it eventually, just like potty training. That's another effort that has been doubled. He is having a bit more success. It has helped to have Dad back me up on the training and bribery, as well as staying in the family room when he is without a diaper. And he is without a diaper frequently because he has discovered how to undo the velcro tapes, or if that fails he some how wiggles out of them. Not my favorite though is when he throws the used diapers around the room. I can be feeding Josh and zing goes a diaper against the wall above the couch; fortunately to date they haven't been diapers with a load in them. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my luck with hold out on that count.

Caleb is starting to interact with Josh even more. It is adorable to watch the relationship between the two bud. Today, Caleb pushed the button on his singing elephant, then he walked over and took Jockey's hands and bounced and swung them saying "dance Jockey". Also this morning, Caleb went and cupped Josh's cheeks in both his hands and kissed Josh on the mouth; Josh liked it, and I was sure to say positive things to Caleb. He was proud and said "Brother me". Caleb has been such a blessing on a few occassions that I have been in the middle of dinner or laundry and Josh has started to fuss. Caleb climbs up and gets in Josh's face and tries to tickle him or smile and laugh at him. The most enjoyable is when the two of them were smiling and laughing at each other; I was pleasantly surprised at how much and how well Josh was responding. Caleb has also begun to understand that Josh is a little person with likes and dislikes. He frequently tells me that Josh likes his pacifier, but last night I was told that Josh doesn't like baths. Although, that last part about the bath could have been because Caleb wanted to take a bath and I said no, mostly because he had just taken a shower and hadn't been dry and in clothes for more than 3-4 minutes. So I'm not a bad mom saying no for bad reasons... it was just a long day and I wasn't in to doing double duty.

Well, Josh is getting ready to get up from a nap. I have to get Caleb packed for another blessed time (for everyone invovled) at Grammy and Papa Dahl's house. So time to go.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The plan for today is to be at Grammy and Grandpa Dahl's house for early dinner and maybe some club fun afterwards (So I'm told). Caleb and Mike left earlier today to get some work done at the club and have fun before dinner and get a nap. Josh and I will follow later. I'm taking a quick moment now to write the latest stories.


I mentioned the "Boots" before. The yellow gordon fisherman puddle boots. Caleb has either worn them most of every day since Saturday, or he has asked to wear them. He even wears them with nothing else! I got a picture of him in a little more than nothing so that I could post it. In this picture he has pulled up a chair to help cook, very proudly I might add.

But the boot story continues. Caleb "dressed" himself. Or at least he looked like it. Picture this (because I wasn't fortunate enough to get a picture): silver sunglasses, red shirt, gray sweat pants with navy blue stripes, medium blue coat with orange trim, no socks, and rubber boots! This is how he was attired when we went to dinner; he did his little strut and marched into the restraunt carrying his shirt. It was so funny!

This morning, when I was still in bed with Josh and Mike came up to talk to me, Caleb got into a little mischief... imagine that. Caleb discovered toilet paper. He must have had 25 feet of it and he was having himself a happy little toilet paper party in the family room. He was tossing it and rolling in it when Mike found him. Mike had to share with me what Caleb was up to, so he balled up a bunch of the tp and had Caleb come and show me what he had. From there the tp was tossed onto the bed and Caleb shared the tp part with me and Josh. Thanks so much Caleb. It was as if Caleb was having roll in dry snow on New Year's Day for as much fun as he was having. I had to make sure he didn't have too much fun and roll over or jump on Josh.





But seriously... Caleb does love Jockey. This is a picture that melts my heart. I have another one where Caleb is actually asleep holding Josh's hand.

Caleb always asks to hold Josh. The most funny time was when Caleb wanted juice. He asked to hold Josh, so I set him up on a pillow and placed Josh in his arms. Once Josh was settled, Caleb promptly said "mommy, juice". He had actually planned that once he was supervising Josh that I would be available to get him juice. What a smart kiddo. Good reasoning skills. And it was cute too. Caleb has grow more affectionate lately, and I don't mind one bit as the beneficiary. He is amendable to taking affection, but he also is initating it. I find myself being sat on or next to and cuddled alot or being covered with a repetition of kisses. I love it. Caleb sat next to me and linked his arm in my and sat hugging and squeezing my arm as he watched Winnie the Pooh. I felt so great I was afraid to move and break the moment. I'm glad that Caleb feels free to express demonstrative affection, and I'm hoping to foster actions that he will be comfortable with expressing longer in his life than just kisses that end at 7-8. He frequently asks to hold my hand while we sit somewhere, and I feel lucky and blessed.

One for the "I didn't think I'd ever say that" list: Caleb, don't put your fingers where the poo comes out.

Lastly, I finally got a picture of Caleb's obsession. Big Buzz. So in case there was any question as to what Buzz looked like in Caleb's world..here Buzz is:

Well, that's all for now. I hope to come back from Thanksgiving with lots of tales to tell.

Caleb is so helpful.

Yesterday, Caleb insisted on helping with the laundry. He carried his side of the laundry basket from room to room collecting clothes for the wash. Because he had volunteered to help, and because I found it in some pants that I was going to wash, I gave him .11 cents for a reward. I told him that he was helpful and that he earned it so he could put it in his money jar/peanut jar. Hey, it's a start. I am definitely going to show him that there are chores you do because it's just your responsiblity, there are chores you do simply because they are a help to your mom, and then on top of those there are chores to do extra if you want to EARN spending money. But I have to start laying the foundation somewhere. I have purchased a see through (thanks for the advice mom) money jar for Christmas for Caleb. I hope that he likes it and it will encourage saving.

Caleb continued to be a help by making a homemade pizza with me. He is turning out to be a "tasting cook". You know, the kind of cook that tastes each component of the recipe as you go. He tried olives and cheese, next time who knows.
I might make cookies tonight because I am attempting to make NATURALLY colored frosting so that Caleb's life of food won't be without color. I might have the technique perfected in time for Caleb's birthday, I hope!

I have to tell you something very funny. Apologies in advance if it is a bit off color. Caleb has stopped saying "eat" for when he is hungry. Now he says "hungry".... but it doesn't come out sounding like hungry, but rather "horny". The first time I heard him say it, it took me a while to clue in that he meant food rather than something entirely more complicated that what I wanted to deal with at 6 AM. At 6 in the morning I can deal with breakfast, "Here's your french toast. And Thank you Lord I figured out what he was saying because I was too tired to think of how to deal with the other!"

Well, all of these stories have been about Caleb. So now is time for a little blurp about Josh. I laid him down yesterday and place a mirror next to him. He is really starting to stare at that baby that is staring at him. He sticks his tongue out and talks to him. Early social behaviors I hope

A funny thing, Josh is video camera shy. Every time I turn it on he stares at the lens as if it is going to do something to him. Over interest in the noise it makes of course, but it makes it VERY hard to get him to smile, laugh, or coo on camera. The strange coincidence is that on his ultrasound before he was born, he was also camera shy and tried to block the camera's view with his hands as if he was saying "back off paparazzi". As a mom, I feel VERY grateful that he isn't as digital camera shy so that I can actually get a good smile out of him occasionally.

Well, more later. Time to distract Caleb by having him help make cookies.

Yesterday was a good day

Caleb, Josh and I went with Brittany to visit her mom, Pam. Pam had not yet seen Josh, and she really liked him. She remembered how much work it is to have 2; her girls were 8 months apart, so almost like twins. Caleb played with their dog, Vinny, who was patient and kind in return. Caleb showed off his big Buzz toy, and after lunch we walked to the park that is in the neighborhood. It was nice to visit and just talk, but in addition to that we were blessed to receive a box of boots, shoes, coats and other clothes from Pam; these items were from a renter who had left them... and they are the perfect sizes for right now or in the next 3-4 months! Thank you Pam and the Lord for orchestrating the visit; the Lord has great timing to have us visit Pam on the day that they were going to get rid of the box of items! Caleb LOVES certian items in the box! (see story later about the boots)
It was a good day, but I was sooooo tired by the time I got home. Having missed family naptime, I was glad to get off the road because I was fighting sleep and I told myself that I was not going to drive again until I got some sleep!

I've mentioned before that Caleb has talked in his sleep. And everyone knows that occasionally what is in your conscious slips out when you're unconscious. Given that, I have to tell you what Caleb is shouting out in his sleep! Last night I put Caleb to bed, about 45 minutes later he shouts out..."No Slurpee....5 unintelligible words, Mom". It was funny because I could hear it all the way into my room, and when I checked to see what was wrong... He was totally asleep! Another story, early one morning Caleb has climbed into bed with me. About an hour into sleeping, he says clear as day "Buzz? Buzz!" Buzz's wings pop off quite a bit (by design) and I'm constantly putting them back on, but at least that Buzz toy is bringing him joy when he's asleep as well as awake.

The next story is about this morning, and this is where the boots come in. Caleb woke up, which I didn't know right away because he didn't leave his room immediately. The first thing that I hear is "coming Mom", he walks into my room and says "I did it, boots". I look down and he is in his PJs and the yellow, rubber, puddle boots.... on the wrong feet! (picture to come) He was sooo proud of himself that he had put the boots on his own feet. He had insisted that he wear the boots to the park yesterday, but I thought that his loved of them would stop there, but no he really likes them because he can be independent with them and do for himself. They are just slightly big, hence the ease of putting them on. The boot story continues. I come home from grocery shopping and Caleb is in a t-shirt, diaper and these rubber boots and he is acting crazy... wanting to sweep and cook and chase the dogs.
And as if these boots were great enough.... Gues what was in the box too. POOH snow boots! The world is complete for Caleb now. He has Winnie the Pooh (and tigger too) snow boots, which are also of a size and velcro that he can put them on himself. He spent nearly a half hour last night AND again this morning taking the Pooh boots off and putting the puddle boots on and vise versa again and again and again! It was exhausting to watch as well as a moment of happy pride that he was enjoying his world and the things he has, and what the Lord has provided to me directly or through others, to provide to Caleb.

Well, Caleb has crashed early due to a nap shortage today. Hey, I'll take the toddler free time when I can get it. It's time to feed the littlest Dahl and then off to bed and reading for me! 'Night all.

I've taken a new approach to potty training.

Since the potty is downstairs and I can shut that room off from the rest of the house, I am leaving Caleb's diaper off for extended periods of time. He can't hide and I can watch him better in one room than I can in the whole house. Plus, with his diaper off he starts looking around with a knowable expression on his face, I can ask him right away, and I can pick him up fast and plunk him down on the potty quick. We had 2 successes yesterday. Of course there was a couple other times....

I let Caleb take a shower. Normally I have to warm him that his time is almost up. But after quickly checking on Josh in his crib, I came back to Caleb getting out of the shower himself. I later found out why... he left "things" in the shower for me to smell later. Thanks Caleb. And I thought when he got out of the shower saying "no poo in the shower" meant that he didn't want to poo in the shower, oh, my mistake.

Josh has about 3 tickle spots that make him laugh. He has a deep huffy laugh that is so cute. He opens his mouth really wide, and his dimple comes out. I like making him smile and laugh just to see that dimple some days! It's all the reward I get from him at this stage.

We are off to go with Brittany to her mom's house today. I hope all goes well down there. I feel like I'm bringing enough toys for 2 toddlers. And I hope that.we stay on schedule for the most part too.

Well, I have to go now. I'm having to fight Buzz over the keyboard.

Josh is certainly a cool kiddo. As he slept he was signing/waving the "hang loose" sign. He must be stressed about nothing. Whereas Caleb kept asking for Juice in his sleep. Caleb wants to play and interact with "jockey" so much, I am trying to teach him to play "peek a boo". That's a little bit more constructive that pulling Josh on top of him and saying "kicking", which he means "holding". Or yelling "Coming Jockey" and running then jumping up on the bed and cramming a pacificer in Josh's mouth. Caleb is ever helpful. He rushes to the diaper changer when it is Jockey's turn. He's started to cry wolf though; he misinforms me that Jockey is pooey so that I have to check, I think it is a ploy. I think he is interested in helping with that chore because he gets a peek of Jockey's equipment. "yes Caleb, Jockey has one".

Caleb is also showing signs of wanting to take a bath with Josh. He is back to being interested in baths because Josh takes a bath, and he gets in to his bath and says "Jockey turn" and splashes in the water. I guess that that will happen someday... perhaps when Josh can sit on his own and Caleb doesn't use the bath as a potty.

Caleb is enthralled with the Pooh movies that I found at a thrift store. He is even starting to talk about the other characters, not just Pooh. I had to go out on a search for more pooh movies because I was going out of my mind with the others that I had memorized. Mike even caught me singing the "rumbly in my tumbly" song. Caleb thought that it was wonderful to have his mommy singing with Pooh though, he jumped and laughed the whole time.

New today. Bribery. I told Caleb that if he wanted Candy he would have to use the potty. Of course, the moment that Daddy came home I had to bring Daddy up to speed on the deal because Caleb ran to him and asked him for candy. What a smart child. Smart if you think about it in terms of a two year old; it would be called manipulative if he was an older child, but for now, it tells me that he's a thinker.

Today was a day of tents and hair cuts. Caleb actually came up and asked me for a hair cut, so I obilged since I don't know when the next time will be. I think that he looks handsome as ever, although he made a terrible mess of the mirror. Well, that's the price to pay.
And we built tents in the living room with a big sheet. I always loved forts and tents growing up and I've been excited to share the fun with Caleb. He liked it for a while but his focus switched to something else quickly. Caleb did take some time to sit and cuddle and laugh with me, and that was fun too and made up for a half interest in the tent thing.

We talked to Grandma Bishop on the phone because Caleb said he wanted to. He was a little shy at first, but then he would just grab the phone and start telling her something and then hand the phone back. Josh was also quite vocal; some coos, some grunts, and then a few wails to let me know he was tired. All in all, a good phone call. I'm not entirely sure he knows which Grandma he was talking to because in the end he said "good-bye grammy". Well, he's got two Papa's, I guess if it helps to understand then he can have two Grammy's. Right now he says "Papa Daaahlll", so maybe it will Grammy Bishop or Grammy Daaahlll someday.

Caleb has really warmed up to Gi-gi in the last week. We visited her on the weekend and then we saw her again Monday and Tuesday. I think that Caleb has benefited from seeing her more. I love to see him return the love to people that love him so much. He talks more about her and runs to give her hugs and kisses. It's just very nice to see his world of people expanding around him.

Well, time to cook dinner. Bye.

Happy Sunday!

Caleb is still in love with his new Big Buzz. He took it to bed last night. I had visions of him rolling over onto Buzz and hearing "Never tangle with a Space Ranger, my friend" and Caleb waking up, but that didn't happen. Caleb is teaching Buzz about the world around him. Buzz wanted to try to drink milk. Also, Caleb was very certain to show Buzz that Daddy's coffee was hot by opening Buzz's hand and holding it up to the hot cup. It was cute. Now, if Caleb would only want to show Buzz how to use the potty.

The other funny thing that Caleb is doing is "shaking hands". He doesn't shake another person's hand in introduction, no, that would indicate an understanding of social behaviour. He holds his hands up, about a foot apart with the palms facing each other and literally shakes his hands. I can't say why but it is funny every time he does it.

The funny things that my boys do are the glue that hold my days and sanity together.

Howdy on this Fall Saturday!

We went shopping today for a few needed things. We ended up in North Bend. Caleb was an excellent shopper as far as patience and obediance. As a reward we visited the toy shop. He was even good in there. He looked at lots of items, but he saw the gem, the ideal, his dream toy (something we didn't spy). A really 15" inches tall, all joints moveable, talking, pop out wings, with a helmet that goes "whoosh"...BUZZ! Boy, he is a happy guy! And the parents are feeling very good at making their little boy very happy; we were also very happy that it wasn't expensive!

After shopping, since we were so close to Gi-gi, we stopped in for a visit. Caleb showed off his Buzz to Gi-Gi, and she was dutifully interested and impressed by his toy. Josh also put on some happy smiles and cooed/talked nicely to Gi-gi. Of course, that's not all he did in Gi-gi's arms, but mommy changed that diaper and then he was back to smiling.

Josh has a "pooing-position". Yes, I hate to admit it. My silly son, whom I'm learning new things about every day, does have a certain position in which most of his action happens. And this wouldn't be so bad, except his favorite time is about 5 AM! So instead of letting him grunt and fight it for 2 hours, I have learned to just lay his head and arms over my tummy and leave his knees on the bed and rub his back. He wraps things up quicker and I can get back to sleep faster. Maybe this is another thing that he has nights and days mixed up on and I can switch them around. Ok, a mom can hope, can't she?!

Caleb can order his own drink now just like James Bond. "Juice, no water". I guess that he has learned his parents' secret of making a gallon of apple juice stretch further; he's learned that we water it down. It just struck me as funny that he now is placing requests on how we prepare his juice. I'm still going to water it down, but maybe not so that just a dribble of juice goes in but rather something that he can taste... because he gets really upset if it is water. That's what you get for teaching them how to talk. (kidding, I love the things that he says; see next paragraph for an example.)

Well, I've heard of the males of our species naming their male anatomy unit, but I didn't think that it came at 2 1/2 yrs old. For about a week now, Caleb has called it "food coloring"!!! He has said "food coloring" and slapped his diaper over it, he's said "no food coloring" and wagged his finger at me, etc. The irony is that makes it even more funny is that he is allergic, like Mike, to food coloring. I hope that the duo meaning that it has come to have in our house won't warp him for the future. "no food coloring" indeed, as if that will happen.
Another one for the list of things I didn't think that I'd say: "Caleb leave your food coloring in your diaper for sleeping." (It's not good to leave it out and fall asleep if you're not potty trained.)

That's all for now. Everyone's bedtime here!

Caleb talks in his sleep.

I heard something and I went into see if Caleb was ok. Not only was he ok, he was fast alseep still. He had said "mommy" and later he said "shirt", all in his sleep. It's funny and amazing that he talks in his sleep, and I feel honored that I was one of the things that his unconscious was thinking about.

This morning Caleb came into my bedroom and crawled into bed with me. He then started talking and babbling. He started a discussion about the cat and the cat box. He suggested and I had to correct Caleb that "No, Mommy doesn't poo in the cat box." Well, it was funny at 5 am.

Well, off to do chores with the hope of a nap later since I didn't get my "sleeping in" break.

Joshua's Nicknames

This is not an exhaustive list, but close:
J.P.
J.P. Peepers
Joshua Peter Peepers
Little Sweets
Duck Fluff (his hair after a bath)
Chubby Buddy (obvious)
Little Tank
Little Cutie pie (Auntie Brittany)
Precious

and he has "Thunder down under", meaning you can hear a diaper change coming because of the explosive nature of the bodily function.

Caleb was very happy with his special Buzz movie surprise. He curled up in my lap and watch with me for about 45 minutes, before I had to get up and cook dinner. But when I came back, he sat next to me and he took my hand and held it for nearly 5 minutes (which is long for his attention span). I felt so special and loved my little Caleb.

Caleb has also developed a growing fondness for Josh, even more than before. He actually cried when a little boy got too close to Josh at Pump it up. And today he had to be told that the kids were just looking at Josh, and it was not ok for a while, but when it was ok, he said "just looking" to the kids. As if it was only ok to look, but no touching... which they also wanted to do. It is funny that the other kids just wanted to pet Josh's head, but Caleb said no, and then he ran a car over Josh's head, hmmm.

My friend in Bellingham recently became pregnant and told me that I now had to mentor her and give her advice and the scoop on raising two. I told her GET SLEEP, and a few other things. But really, I think that if you're going to have 2, you should be sentences to 3 weeks with 3 kids and then having just 2 will seem easy. If you are going to have 3, then you should have to have 4 for a month, etc so that the actual work with the # you intend to have seems like light duty. I say this after the wonderful breaks that I enjoy from double duty when Caleb is at Grammy and Grandpa Dahl's. I still have Josh, so it isn't like I'm my own person, but it feels near miraculous to only maneuver tasks around one child's schedule. Breaks are necessary and nice. Brittany even leaves my house and appreciates the quietness and absentence of being climbed on or jumped near at her house, my response "glad to help you appreciate your life".

Caleb is just so energenic. He has learned to open the garage door, and has taken to enticing one or more of the dogs into the garage... And once they are there, it's anybody's guess what he does with them. Most of the time boss them around and tell them to sit or lay down or pull them by the collar around, or unfortunately hit them with what he can find in the garage, or force them to eat their dog food. (Actually that's a cover, Caleb generally wants to eat the dog food himself and only feeds the dogs when he is being caught red handed.)

That's all for now.

No More Chocolate..... at least for a while.

Well, this picture should be enough of an explanation as to why we are going to take a hiatus from Chocolate. In that frame of mind, it also explains why we spent the better part of our morning driving all the way to Manna Mills, a natural food store in Edmonds/Mountlake Terrace area, getting alternatives. They are the only ones that I know of (I haven't checked PCC yet) that carry candy that doesn't have Food Dye in it. So I would do just about anything to have a healthy surprise and make my little boy happy. I now have two options of sour gummy bears or jelly beans, all Dye-Free! Is it too late to consider bribery to promote potty training?

In the car, Caleb is so cute. When I have the radio on he starts bobbing his head to the music. Then he calls out, mom, mom, until I look back and he has to show me that he is bobbing his head. It is almost as if to say, "I like this song". There are other times I see him waving or shaking his index finger to the beat of the music. It is just so cute and good to know he enjoys music and that the car ride isn't some torturous event.

The Buzz saga.... Caleb is still a big buzz fan! He is at Grammy and Papa Dahl's house tonight, which again feels great to get a break; my heart gets refreshs so that I can keep loving Caleb with the same intensity and I can keep up with him too. Thanks Grammy and Papa. But he is in for a great surprise when he gets back tomorrow. I have picked up from the library the "Buzz Lightyear, Star Command Adventure" movie. Imagine a movie with the main star of Buzz! As soon as I learned this exsisted, I hunted it down for my little guy. I hope that he is impressed with the extent of how much I love him and the legnths that I go for him. I'd be happy if he shows just 5 minutes of excitement over this... We'll see.
However, the down side of Buzz. (as if there could be one, I know) I wrangled Caleb into the Buzz Lightyear costume that Grammy got for him. I was surprised that he is NOT a fan of "being Buzz". But at least I know why. In the movie, Buzz falls and breaks his arm, by "being Buzz" Caleb believes that he might hurt his arm again. It make sense, in fact I could try to find the silver lining in this and hope that this is an indication of logical, sequential thinking with decision making that would deter from "dangerous" results. Also, the other positive is that the costume is so big on him that he will fit it for at least the next year and in that time he might come to understand that his arm won't have to break to "be Buzz".

Lastly, a story that I will have to be as vague as possible while still conveying the humor. Caleb has been saying for a couple weeks that he's a boy, Daddy's a boy and Jockey is a boy, and that Mommy is a girl. He is now starting to learn what makes the difference, and he is now requesting to see "the difference" from Daddy, or me, or Jockey. I tried to tell him that he doesn't need to see Jockey's or Daddy's and Mommy just doesn't have one. However, Caleb is still very proud of himself. He stood on the bed, hands on his hips, chest pushed out with pride and he announces "Me pean!!"; did I mention that he was in the buff at the time of this announcement? This was after I was tricked. Yes, tricked by a two year old. He keeps saying that his bum hurts, so I take off his diaper to see what could be poking, rubbing, or cutting into him..... At which point he squirrels and wiggles away and takes the opportunity to run around the house nude! He's learned that I'll be attentive if something is hurting him (or if he's crying, as in the case of fake crying at night for my attention, which he tried at 3 am one night); but Caleb doesn't know that I know what games he is now playing...I'm wise to his racket. He doesn't have to fool me TOO many times before I learn.

Josh is really starting to be responsive to any person who will have eye contact with him. He can see about 12" inches away, anything out side of that and he behaves as if you're not there. He is even showing signs of being about to stick his tongue out in reaction to mommy doing the same. He also likes it when I click my tongue at him. Our favorite games are: singing the "wheels on the bus" as I exercise his legs, and "what are you going to tell me?" as I ask him when is he going to stand, walk, talk, get teeth, etc. He makes the most adorable sounds in response to my questions, I'm endeavoring to capture the sounds on video tape!

That's all for now.

Friday's Afternoon adventure.

Leave it to me to find something free. I found that the Imagine Children's Museum was having free admission this Friday (and Dec 2) so I took Caleb. Brittany went with us, which turned out to be an extremely helpful thing. Caleb had a good time, and I felt good exposing him to so many new things. He especially liked the "control tower", which is a network of clear tubes with air in them that push ping-pong balls. I think he might have just liked playing with the balls. He also felt very familiar with the plane; he just hopped right into a seat and tried to buckle his seat beat just like he was going to see Grandma and Grandpa Bishop. We played with the water exhibit (set inside a ferry), a farm exhibit (with a life-sized cow that had rubber udders you could milk water from), a tree house, the rock climbing wall, the bank, the "construction zone", of course the train area, etc. It was good for him. Although, I learned that I should bring the bjorn/snuggli to carry Josh in... Not the hand-held car seat/carrier. He got heavy and cumberson very quickly, not a great thing when Caleb is quick and can out run me when I have lots of things to carry. I intend to go back on Dec 2 because he had so much fun, it was VERY crowded though. I'm considering getting him a membership though...maybe! Used properly it would be very cost effective.

Well, we had fun and that's all that I ask.

This morning Caleb was very insistent that he get to hold Joshua. They he hugged him and kissed him, and then Caleb ran and got a book to show Josh. It's so neat to see Caleb grow in his affection for Josh and his interest in sharing with Josh. It's getting hard to remember to call Josh by his name, because Caleb talks about "Jockey" so much that I find that I often use "jockey" too when I talk. Hey, there are worse nicknames to have, I would just hope that Josh is interested in Sports when he is older so that the nickname sort of fits.

ok, that's all for now. Thanks for reading.

Learning to be a brother.

Every night Caleb and I read books before bedtime. Last night Joshua sat with us while we went through the books. Caleb did the cutest thing. He asked to hold Josh, which I got him into position to do. And then he wanted to read the books. So I held the books; these particular books are the "look and find" type where you find objects hidden in the picture. Caleb held Joshua's little hand and made Josh point to the objects on the page, then he shouted "jockey did it!" and patted Joshua's tummy/shoulder (just like I do to congratulate him when he finds the objects.). It was just an adorable moment.

Then this morning he wanted to hold Joshua, which I let him do. My little chatter bug started talking. "jockey happy" etc. And Caleb started talking about Daddy, who was in the shower and would open the door any minute. Caleb while holding Joshua then patted Josh's tummy and said "me daddy". So I had to say that no, Caleb is Joshua's brother. And he got really excited about that. And then the chatter began about "me, brother"!

Lastly, Caleb has long been into putting things into his pockets. It started with balls and rocks then moved to Buzz and then money. Then he wanted to put money into our pockets when he found it, which I thought was novel and only wished that that phase would last during the teenage years. But he now REALLY wants to play with money. He found some last night. So I decided that it was time for him to have a place to put the money. Since I didn't have a jar etc, I cut a slit into the plastic lid of a Planter's Peanut can and ta-da Caleb has a money jar. The tin bottom makes a particularly exciting (and noisy) sound for Caleb to hear when he drops money in. He loves it, "money in" and "money out". He has found more through out the house, which I don't know where it comes from but at least it's not where Josh will find it now. I gave him a few coins out of Daddy's coin jar and told him the "mommy is sharing some of Daddy's money with him", but then I had to explain that Daddy goes to work so that we have money, and that we save money up so that we can buy toys and slurpees. (Hey, you got to speak to a kid's interests.) Of course, at 10:30 at night, I really had to wonder what kind of situation I had stepped in when I had to convince him that he can't sleep with the money and that Big Buzz would watch the money for him while he slept. To which, when he finally understood, that he said "money sleep". Ok, yeah, sure Caleb, now YOU sleep!

Happy Rainy Thursday.

Very briefly I'll tell you the funny and heart warming things that have happened since my last post.

Last night, Josh woke himself up by farting. He also was sleeping with one eye open. Those are the funny things. As for the heart warming story... I was watching Josh sleep next to me on the bed as I read a book and winding down for the night. He laughs a huffy little laugh, then he laughs and intakes air at the same time which sounds like a little squeal, and you can watch his face and every few seconds his mouth flickers into a smile which sometimes is wide enough to see his adorable dimple. And I thought to myself, admittedly with a little pride in my heart, that he must be happy with his life, me, his whole family, and the experiences he's had so far because he has happiness and joy that wells up out of him even when he is unconscious and sleeping. Praise the Lord for the happiness that is abounding in one so small.

As for Caleb... His heart warming moment was yesterday as we were leaving a store. I asked him to stay in the cart and not try to climb out while I loaded Josh into the car. He did as I asked so when I came back to get him I told him that he was a good boy, that his obedience made mommy happy and I loved him very much. To this he responded "mommy happy me." I smiled and said "yes, mommy is very happy with you". He thought that was great because then he said "Jockey (joshua) happy me", to this I laughed because Josh was quite contently sleeping and completely unaware of anything going on around him. Sure Caleb, Jockey's happy with you.

As for Caleb's funny story, a little background info is needed; Caleb has become interested and quite a fan of Winne the Pooh, as some of you might already know. I've dug out of his toy box a little, tiny stuffed 3" Winnie the Pooh bear that he now carries around with him, which is where this story begins. These are some of those "I never imagined I'd say that" things. I was expressing milk again and I actually had to say to Caleb "no, Pooh doesn't get a turn to pump". And then yesterday we were getting out of the car to go into the grocery store, I actually said "Caleb you may bring your shirt or Pooh, you have to choose." But the most funny was while we were in the store and he dropped Winnie the Pooh while I was picking out apples, and I found myself saying in the store "Caleb pick up your Pooh!" I ask you again, why would anyone name a character after a bathroom function?!!!!!!!!! And it's especially ironic in Caleb's case that he really likes Pooh, but really doesn't like poo.

Ok, enough potty talk. I'm going to get back to the boys and rescue the under the weather Daddy.

Pump It Up, with Tessa, Daddy, Aunt Kristina, and Papa Dahl

The kids had a great time, again! Daddy and I paced ourselves a little better this time, and to help out Caleb woke up 2 hours early today so that he was tired and zoomed just a little slower for us. Papa Dahl came and saw the kids in fast forward, I think he agrees that it is a worthwhile activity for them.

From my observation, Kristina had a good time too. Just watching the kids have such fun brings joy to the heart and smiles to the face.

Grandpa spent time with each of the kids. He saw their excitement, their skillls, and joys. But he agreed that you had to be fast to keep up with them. And he did the best that he could.

The blur at the left of the picture is Grandpa.

Well that's all for now, but I thought that you should see what Caleb is really into. We've finally found a safe place for Caleb to jump as much as he wants. Last night, Daddy tucked him into bed and he sent a message to Mommy through Daddy that I was not to jump off the couches...:)

I should also mention that afterwards we went to lunch at Grammy's, or as Caleb says "Papa's house". Tessa and Caleb are in the process of trying to learn to share with each other. They share well with other kids, now they have to share with one another. But like boys of all ages, Caleb knows exactly which buttons to push when it comes to my favorite niece...a white pony named Rose; he liked to play keep away, which is not the best game to play when they haven't learned sharing yet....

Things will improve.

Another laugh:

Yesterday, again while I was on the floor playing with Joshua, Caleb came up and sat on my head. Yes, sat on my head... And then he said that he was "thinking". So I asked him what he was thinking about and he said he was thinking about mommy. It must have been my osmosis.

For a brief smile:

Caleb got out his plastic animals yesterday while I was playing with Josh on the floor. It was funny to see him instinctually line up the animals in pairs just as if they were going to load onto the Ark. He's developed an interest in the Camel. But he as also named the two gorillas, one is called duck and the other is called dog. The names might change but that is what he said last night.

We are suppose to go to Pump It Up again today... I'll try to bring my camera and get real pictures.

TTFN