Thursday, September 28, 2006

Hello all,

Well, Josh is nearly over his flu. He still has a runny nose occassionally, but he is feeling better overall.

Caleb is, of course, back from camping. He has a wonderful time. He talks a lot about riding the bike in Toppenish. He tells all of his activities in this whirlwind of speech, it is hard to decipher all of what he did. But it is all told in a happy and excited voice, so I know he had a good time.
Grammy and Papa said that he was well behaved, which I'm proud of. And about the hopes of potty training getting firmly imprinted.... no such luck.... thanks to one of the automatic toliets that scared the wits out of him. But we are trying again here at home, as always.

Caleb went to playgroup this Monday and saw his good friend.

Tuesday, Josh was the lucky little guy who got to go see Grammy and Papa Dahl. Which meant that Caleb and Mommy got to spend the day with each other. We got to go to a couple stores, the library, and the park. We fed the goats. We went on a walk. We even watched his Rescue Hero Movie! He had a good time. And even with all those activities, I even got some projects begun! I was wonderful. And Joshy came home with a wonderful smile and hug on his face. He had a good time away and a good time coming home... the best of both worlds!

Wednesday was just a typical day that ended in a nice 2 mile family walk.

Today, Caleb got to see Papa Bill. Mike and Caleb drove out to Papa Bill's house and then they all hopped on bikes (Caleb in the new-to-us/garage sale purchase bike trailer) and rode the Centennial trail. The weather was beautiful and cooperated. Then they came home for lunch. All in all, not a bad way to spend a day. And Caleb is extra happy because he is ending today watching his Rescue Hero movie, AGAIN!

Well, I don't know what the plans are for the rest of the week or weekend, but I'm sure the time will get filled up. I hope that it is filled with sunny days and healthy walks.
Good night.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Hello all, I bet you didn't think I would post again in the same week!

Caleb, despite a brush with a cold, is camping with Grammy and Papa Dahl and Cousin Tessa. They went to Toppenish in the motorcoach. I have gotten the report from Caleb himself, that he has used their potty! I sincerely wish that with this weekend and the influence of Cousin Tessa, that Caleb will come home with the value of being potty trained not just while naked. If that were to happen then I would be more than grateful to Grammy and Papa and Tessa. Up until this point, Caleb hasn't seen the value of not using the diaper, it's a useful tool in his mind.
But on a non-potty note, I've been told that Caleb has talked up a storm and has been delightful company (I wonder if they have had their quota of Rescue Hero discussion and Woody (from Toy Story) comments?)... and he hasn't even kept Grammy and Papa up terribly late with his excitement. (9:30 isn't late in Caleb's mind.) They went for dinner and then for a evening swim to squeeze the last bit of energy out of the kiddos before bed yesterday. I haven't gotten the full report about today, however, I have heard that everyone is having a good time and Caleb is feeling ok.

Josh is in love with running around the house and playing with any toy he feels like without it being ripped away from him. He is sick with the flu, so it is a wonderful thing not to do sibling battle in addition to illness. He loves exploring and trying to play with the toys in the living room without interference. And thanks to a few garage sales, we have some phenomenally cool and cheap toys.

While I mentioned garage sales, I have to tell you a story. We of course were more than blessed to find a garage sale with Rescue Heroes at it. So we selected and purchased some. Caleb still doesn't quite understand the process of paying, especially in someone's driveway, but as we were saying thanks and good-bye...unprompted, Caleb turns to the lady and says "Thank you, you say me have these toys" and then he waves and says "I happy, I have fun these toys". What a truly wonderful, heartful child to understand gratitude and say those kind sentiments to strangers without being prompted.

Joshua is so happy despite being sick. And I'm happy when I call him and he runs to me and hugs me. Josh truly is a different child when there isn't a competition taking place. That's not to say that he doens't love Caleb, he does and seeks to be just like big brother, but he likes to try without pressure, I think.

I hope that Josh gets well soon, and that Caleb doesn't come down with the full blown flu, and for that matter I hope that Caleb hasn't infected Grammy, Papa or Tessa. Lord please keep these people healthy, or on the way to full health. And thank you Lord that I have two wonderful sons that are blessed with many circumstances in which to explore their environment and personality.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Hi all.

It has been way too long since I have last posted. Well, life's been busy again, or as always.

I have almost completely recovered from my surgery... with the exception of when the boys jump, stand or land on me. Which is happening more and more as Joshy gets more active and mobile. THANK YOU to Grammy and Papa Dahl for the unforgettable, can't live without it help during my internment. Caleb and Josh had a good time and were in good hands and knowing that made the recovery go that much faster. Endless Thank yous!

Thank You to my Dad and Judy for bringing dinner on a Friday and keeping Caleb entertained as he talked and played endlessly.

Thank You Auntie Brittany and Brian also from bringing a meal to us when I wasn't even standing up straight.

Life forces us to hit the ground running and I realize that even more when kids are in my world. They don't give you much notice on when they are bored, want to get out of the crib, or have to use the restroom. But they bring such joy.

Caleb is enraptured with Rescue Heroes STILL. You would think that a 3 year old would shift focus as quick as it can start raining in Seattle. He asks to watch the movies all the time and he really learns the good lessons they speak of: teamwork, nobody gets left behind, and of course "Think safe". He plays with the figures daily, and even Jockey is getting in on the act. Of course, Joshy wants to be like Caleb in just about everything that he sometimes is a daredevil in the attempt.

Joshy has discovered he can climb onto the top of the coffee table, also he is doing very well at climbing and sliding down the slide we keep in the living room. Caleb tries to help, but also cuts in line occassionally. Josh is amazing me with what he is capable of physically. He has learned so quickly by watching that he might even be developing faster than the Amazing Caleb boy.

Caleb likes taking walks and he's always bossing around the dogs. He says Tigger is his, and we let him think so. Caleb also got to go to Remlinger Farms with Daddy, Joshy, Cousin Tessa and Aunt Kristina. He had a good time and was telling me all about the boats and ponies.

Playgroup has started back up for the school season, and none too soon with the rain arriving too. We go on Mondays and Wednesdays in the mornings. Caleb loves to see his best friend, Donovyn. They both play and bicker well. The one who is really shocking me is Jockey. He is very bold and willing to go all over the entire gym in pursuit of a ball. He readily climbs on the ride on toys or the rocking catepillars. He has watched so much, he's decided it's his turn to get into the action. He sees the older boys, and of course tries to keep up with them as well. He will get there. He really isn't my little baby anymore. He is SOOO active and is always moving. The closest thing to slowing down and a hug is when he decides it is time to wrestle on the floor.

Josh is in love with bath time! He can't get enough of it. He is even climbing into an empty bath tub trying to play. I am so glad that he isn't afraid of the water.

Josh is starting to say more and more. Single words and of course improper or incomplete pronunciation... but still. I have heard him say Hi, Tigger, I love you, all done, Daddy, more, and several other things. He will be an early talker too I think.

Well, I just wanted to update the blog so that everyone knew we were ok and live was just continuing on for us at a regular fast pace. Caleb and Jockey might even be starting up gymnastics here pretty quick. I can't wait to see how Josh attempts the various skills in gym class and meets with success and challenges that will bring leaps and bound in developement and abilities. Particularly the trampoline, it did wonders for Caleb balance, and I think Joshy would benefit and love it too!

Ok, that's all for now. I hope to update again real soon, perhaps even with pictures!