The Reptile Zoo...

Well, it was a mixed experience. It was really great having something to do with Caleb, and even better that it was just 5 minutes outside of Monroe. It was very nice to meet and go with Sarah and her daughter, Avery (3yrs on Jan 18) and son Clark (1). And it was fun to see the kids reactions and try to teach them something new.

Caleb really liked to pet the medium sized turtles; they were double the size of a football. He kept going back to them over and over. The big ones were too far away to pet. But there was a VERY large sea turtle, I forgot the name already, that was just as big as a huge tortise, but it was swimming. It was swimming with it's nose into the corner like he was on a treadmill of currents. Caleb kept looking and staring; but when I put my finger on the glass to point out it's nose, Caleb was very sure to tell me "No touch". We saw monitors, iguanas, tarantulas, scorpions, all kinds of snakes, alligators, a cayman, frogs. Caleb got to pet an rack iguana named Rocco who was about 4 feet long (and held by the storekeeper, NOT mommy!) He was quite brave and he walked up and gave it a few pets and pats (we washed our hands afterwards). But then he went back to see the turtles. There were a few things that he ignored, and others that he didn't want to go near. (Same with Avery.) It was a good time to spend with friends and peers, his and mine. We even ended on the happy note of petting the storekeepers cute, fluffy, and friendly puppy! Caleb really is more of a traditional pet owner because that even beat the turtles.
I was glad to end on a happier note too, because I am NOT the reptile lover, or even liker.... I'm happy to report no nightmares of snakes after our visit, me I mean, Caleb's fine! I hope that there are many more adventures to share with Sarah and her children.

Caleb is gaining success upon success with the potty training. We are so encouraged that Mike and I are considering some sort of underwear for him. We'll see. We looked at JCpenney and they didn't have anything that would fit his little bum, which he is probably unknowingly grateful for because he'd rather go naked anyways.

You'll all be glad to hear that "daddy pants home". That is what Caleb told me when he woke up today from naptime. Yes Daddy has pants at home, but Daddy is at work.

Caleb has now routinely calleb Josh, "Jockey Brother". He's not just Jockey anymore it is always Jockey Brother. Last night he wanted to hold Jockey brother under the Christmas tree, how could I resist that picture opportunity. Pic to be posted soon. It was so cute, because Caleb was pointing out the lights to Josh. Caleb is dying to interact with Josh and he is trying in so many ways, both effective and kind ways and not so helpful ways. He'll learn and Josh will grow and one day they will meet in the middle.

Well, lots of things to do. Bye for now.