Josh started eating solid food!!! And here are the pictures:

He is doing so well at eating. He is surprisingly enthusiatic. It is wonderful to have such an easy transition, just as long as you let him play with the spoon. He will slurp the food right off and inhale it if you let him. Please Lord, let this be more that just a phase. Josh even ate well for Daddy! Which was wonderful and a huge relief for me; it was my first girls' night out and making sure Josh didn't starve or suffer was my biggest concern. It went so well, I have my fingers crossed that they will have a few more times to enjoy time alone with their daddy and a refreshed mommy when she gets home.

And boy did Caleb was mommy to come home to tuck him into bed. I'm choosing to feel special and awed and loved by that rather than guilty or codependent that I wasn't there for bed time. But he woke up once I got home and he got his cuddle after all, which made everyone happy all around.

Ok, it's late. More later.

Caleb met "Papa Bill".


Caleb met "mommy's daddy" today. He did really well with a new person; this is only the third time that he has met someone new and in the same day hugged them and talked well with them. Although he can be more chatty than he exhibited, he talked more for a conversation with a new person. I think the biggest ice breakers were that they compared "owies" and Caleb learned that "Papa Bill like slurpee". He woke up from his nap today saying that so the information must have stuck. They played with the basketball a little bit before it got too cold to continue. Caleb told Papa Bill that the baby in the corner was "Jockey brother" and a few other little things. And Caleb gave Papa Bill a couple big hugs to say see you later/good bye.

Of course, this was Jockey's first time meeting Papa Bill too. He was pretty calm and content to just be held. After a surprising amount of still time he then wanted to be stood up and change position, but he held still for a nice amount of time for Papa Bill to hold him. Next time will be the time for Jockey to smile and be tickled and laugh.

I figured out why Caleb has backslid a bit on the potty training. His poor forgetful parents didn't remember or know that the little potty was "used" shall we say. And Caleb the little neat freak hasn't wanted to use a "used" potty, and he hasn't been able to tell us that the potty was "occupied". So now that I have that fixed, things are picking up again... of course the reward is still candy not the pride of an accomplishment... we'll get there. I'm ashamed that we didn't figure out the problem beforehand, and I'm astonished that it wasn't "sniffed out" at all... must be the odor free carbohydrates that Caleb eats because it sure isn't vegetables he's eating!

Ok, enough potty language. And that's it for now.

We are a little under the weather today.

I woke up with a scratchy throat, but that is nothing in comparison to the stuff coming out of Caleb nose. And Josh didn't sleep well last night because of his congestion. If it wasn't for the congestion, I think that he would have slept from 10 to 4! And I missed it, sigh. I figured out about 2 am that he wasn't hungry but rather he was fussing because he couldn't breathe, then I elevated his head and he did much better.

Enough sad stuff. Since we were home, and after our second (yes, second) nap of the day we had a little fun! We colored eggs. We had a good time, and still wished for more but I had run out of eggs. Caleb did excellent, although I might try a different kit next time I go to the dollar store. Caleb liked sprinkling the eggs with the glitter. He loves to do crafts. Sometimes he sees it as a fun thing for him, and other times he thinks he is "helping" me. Either way, I love sharing the crafty side of me with him. A little part of me was afraid that boys would like this kind of thing and I would miss out having boys not girls... not true, and thank you Lord. It's too much fun to miss for Caleb too. And the dollar store is becoming a best friend with all the craft and kits and TOYS they have. I am able to affordable give Caleb special treats and surprises that he loves and feels love through, often because I get to take a few extra special moments with him to introduce the new thing. Time is better than the toy any day, I know.

Well, Caleb doesn't know it yet, but I have hidden stickers in his room for him to find. He loves sticker hide and seek, the improvised game from when we were delayed at the airport. And for the briefest moment I feel very organized with the game just waiting for him.

Caleb has started coming up to me and saying "me cowboy". I'm not sure where that is coming from. But the most funny thing, he has started to wrangle or lasso Jockey. He wraps his shirt around Josh and then calls my attention to him and says "me got Jockey, me cowboy". I hope this is a phase because of all the professions and decorating/fashion themes I'm least interested in, cowboy/western is at least in the top 3.

We are renewing our potty training efforts. We backslide a bit since our trip to California. I'm working hard at getting Caleb back in the swing of things. So far he doesn't want to use the little potty anymore, and he won't use the big potty if the child's seat is on it. As a result, when he uses the big potty, he nearly drags his bum in the water during moments of intense concentration. He doesn't seem to mind. I guess I have to go back to "what ever works" as my motto.

I'm eagerly waiting Caleb's hair growing. He didn't hold still for the last haircut, and let's just say that with what little growing out it has done...it has become more and more apparent that this was his worst haircut to date! Which is odd because I cut my hair on the same day and have the best self-cut haircut to date.

Big land marks!!!! Josh had his first rice cereal, solid meals yesterday! He did great. I think that was one of the reasons he would have slept longer at night, at least I'm hoping. I'm so proud of him. As long as I let him think that the spoon was a new toy to suck on, he let the food go in his mouth and then down to the tummy. Of course, a couple of times I put the pacifier in to make him want to suck it down rather than spit it out. It worked so great. Almost like packing the powder of an old old civil war era rifle. I was thinking, how come I didn't do think with Caleb... Oh, that's right, Caleb didn't ever use/have a pacifier, which would explain why Caleb didn't take to food and eating as well as Josh did yesterday. Of course, I should expect Josh to have his moments of reverting back to rejecting food. So I'll just be happy about the success right now.

And in case I haven't mentioned it... Josh is an officially rolling over baby. Has been for a month. And he is working on sitting up. He gets curious about something and reaches for it, then he just topples... But I hope that turns into a crawling position and ta da. Caleb never crawled officially, so maybe Josh will get that niche.

Ok, back to task with the boys.

We're Back!

We left Friday for Chelan to celebrate Great Grandma Dahl's 83rd birthday. We had a weekend full of festivities. Dinner and our first viewing of Auntie Birdie's new condo on Friday night. She graciously allowed Caleb to have a sticker hide and seek game in her guest room. And as the practiced grandma and grandpa that the Ochoas are, they played with full silliness with Caleb.
Saturday morning was a time of swimming for Caleb, and although he intended to, he missed swimming with Nick; never fear, the afternoon was a time of swimming again and he connected with his hero. Caleb does favor Nick, but he loves Tyler and Matthew and Gavin just as much in slightly different ways. Perhaps it is the best that there are 4 other boys to split up Caleb's attention between, sometimes he can run a person ragged by his rambuncious and dogged play. Thanks to the cousins for playing with and tolerating Caleb's exhuberance. It's just 'cause he loves you so much!
We had a lovely birthday meal with the entire family. The all boys did fantastic, let alone for being in a restaraunt. (Of course, the restaraunt saw us coming and wisely put us in our own wing of the facility. Which as a parent relieves my nerves because fellow diners are that much further away and harder to annoy.)

Both Josh and Caleb traveled well. Josh was awake far more on the way home than I expected, especially since he slept the better part of the way there. But over all he did great. Caleb was also and excellent traveler, the second half of the going trip was spent with Grammy and Papa Dahl. He had a really good time with them. They also permitted him to stay in their room while we were over there. He really liked that. He would cuddle with Papa right before bed, but as I have been told, when it was time to sleep he "shushed" Papa and rolled over to sleep.

Caleb did take a tumble while walking the dogs, he scraped his hands up pretty good. One of the scrapes was deep enough to go right through his little fingernail. I'm trying to watch those scrapes closely and treat them with Bactine to prevent infection. Try holding a two year old still for that though!

It's time for dinner so I'll finish with: We had a great weekend, and we hope that GG Dahl felt all the sincere love that was/is sent in her direct by her large and blessed family!

Hi all,

I gave Caleb his new Bible today. He was so cute; without prompting he said "thank you me book mommy". He was very enthusiatic about the Bible. He liked the pictures and we read a little bit of it. I told him that it was God's Word and he said "yeah, yeah" and this was how we learn things and know what Jesus said "yeah, yeah". It was very nice. Caleb tells me he likes my surprises.

We went to play group today. That was fun. I'm so proud of Caleb and the way that he is interacting with the other children of late. He is learning to share and play together with the kids. Someone told me once that the dog that likes to be chases is the leader, well, that's my little Caleb. He loves to have others chase him.

Caleb has entered into a new phase of emotional developement. He is starting to have more feelings but hasn't learned to describe the feelings yet. So anything unhappy, sad, mad, embarrassing is "me no like"; and then everything good is "me happy mommy" and then he tells me what object is making him happy. I've had to start guessing what the feeling is and then helping him understand and constructively express it, or explain a course of action to prevent how he is feeling. For example, for Cousin Nick's birthday, we called Nick to wish him well. I offered Caleb the phone and he turned it down in silly 2 yr old style and throwing his shirt over his face. So Nick had to go and we hung up. Suddenly Caleb says "me no like Nick me no like talk". Knowing that Nick is darn close to his idol I knew that he was trying to say more than the words meant. It turned out that Caleb was sad that he didn't actually talk to Nick. So I had to tell him that next time I ask if he wants to talk he has to say yes and not be shy. There are other actions or words that he says that shows he is trying to work through and learn other emotions. It's so addicting to watch Caleb develope and become aware. He changes nearly every week.

Well, time for naps. Bye for now.

Time to step up my game as a mommy.

This is the posting that I eluded to last update that was coming and in the works, but held up by the needs of a precious Josh.

This Sunday, Caleb asked a question with child-like words, curiousity and innocence, but the answer has unfathomable depths. "Jesus Doing?" (Caleb doesn't use what yet.) We were on our way to church, and he asked what various other people were doing, and as we pulled into the parking lot of the church (where Caleb had been told we would sing songs to Jesus) he asked this marvelous question. "Jesus doing?" I answered "Jesus is waiting to have a relationship with us." I just love this. I love that he wants to know who Jesus is, that he asks (rightly so) like Jesus is a real person. That is so huge because he is starting to be accepting of a person that, unlike everyone he's met to date, Caleb hasn't met Jesus face to face, and yet he still is getting the concept. It's wonderful to see that cognitive skill in one so little. And is understanding and belief is so pure. He accepts that Jesus just wants to have a relationship with him. In Caleb's baby book there is a spot for "first awareness of God". I have wondered for 3 years (I bought the baby book before his birth) when I would know the first awareness, what that would appear like or play out as... I know and it is such a memorable moment.

Of course, this comes on the heels of another memorable moment involving Jesus and answering of prayer... If Caleb was filling out his babybook this next story might be the one he'd write. We drove to 7-11 for Slurpees (yes, our shared vice), and the machine was refreezing (i.e. "broken" in Caleb's vocabulary). He was very sad and he wanted me to drive to another 7-11. I admit to feeling a bit of a craving, enough to consider driving to SNOHOMISH! But on the way out of town I had to stop for gas. When I got back in the car, Caleb said "Slurpee fixed". I told him that we could pray about it. So we did; we asked the Lord for a silly request that we acknowledged had no eternal purpose other than to make His children happy, and that we would drive by the Monroe 7-11 again with the faith that if it was God's will the machine in town will be fixed but if not then there was a reason for us to have to go to Snohomish and we accept that in our lives. Caleb says from the back seat "Slurpee fixed", I asked him if Jesus told him that, and he said "yes". Would you believe that when we drove to 7-11 it WAS "fixed" (i.e. done refreezing)!!!! So we not only were joyful about getting slurpees, but Caleb and I took a moment to say thank you to Jesus. The whole 10 minutes home Caleb says repetively from the back seat "Jesus fix slurpee ma-sheeen". It was so cute and wonderful; I loved the lesson that I was able to teach Caleb in this.

Both of these stories were confirmed by what the Lord told me; Caleb has entered a new phase of developement in spiriual matters. The number and depth of answers that I will have to have about faith is now going to be greater. It is time to step up my game. I will have to be prepared, even if it is being ready to say "I don't know, Let's go find out". I am going to have to show Caleb more of how and to know the Lord. To be obedient to the Lord's tasking, I have purchased a real, although geared to kids, Bible; we will make reading it a priority. The level of responsiblity has just increased for me, and though I won't always succeed, I am aware of the increase requirements placed on me. I pray for wisdom, and grace. And I praise the Lord that Caleb is such an open, compassionate, teachable son.

Ok, I know this took a day or so longer than I intended to get posted, but it is here now. Sorry for the wait. Until next time.

Howdy.

Well, yesterday we didn't end up going to the movie. I don't like to let my kiddos dictate to me what is going to happen, but the balance of that is that I should lead from their cues. Josh decided that at the time that we would have to get ready, he didn't want to be put down, he wanted to fight sleep with a vigor that surprises. So in the light that we did have evening plans, and I wanted everyone well rested then, we stayed home so that the evening would be on good footing.

The evening went great. We celebrated Unlce Brian's birthday. If there was any doubt that Caleb liked Uncle Brian, the doubts were laid to rest last night. Caleb asked a few times to sit in Brian's lap. And then he would snuggle, cuddle, talk to Brian, and talk to Uncle Brian's Daddy, etc. He spent at least a third of the night sitting with Uncle Brian. He liked giving Uncle Brian the cookies that Mommy and Caleb made and frosted. Caleb liked giving the present to Brian. Caleb wore his baseball hat last night and said that he looked or was like Brian. He also had to wear a necklace like mommy and he had to wear his ring on his finger like Cousin Nick! He really is at a fun age.

Today we met Anthony and Leticia down at Daddy's work. Josh had never met them before, and it's been a while for Caleb. But the meeting went well because Papa and Grammy Dahl were there and they smoothed the transition and kind of introduced them to Caleb. By the end of the night, Caleb wanted to go bowling and leave with them. It was cute. He hugged them and everything. I love the love and acceptance that my little son has for people.

We also went to church today, and there is a very cute and poignant story and other things to say, but Josh has just decided that my time is up right NOW! So look for that update soon!
Bye. and Good night!

Good Morning!

Today, I'm anticipating taking Caleb to see the new movie that's in the theaters: "Curious George". I hope that he sits still. The one thing that I'm nervous about is that he woke up and hour earlier than usual and I hope that doesn't mean that I'll have a boy who is cranky or falling asleep in the movie that I'm attending just for him.

So a few back stories here.

Caleb again is showing how he can be a stellar big brother. Caleb comes and gets me often when Josh has woken up from a nap and says "Jockey cry mommy, Jockey wake". I told him, with much praise, how wonderful that it was that he came to tell me. (I'm thinking that in the future when they are both outside playing that Caleb will come and tell me if Josh has tripped, scuffed, fallen etc... not that I'm hoping for accidents, mind you.)
Also, in the cutest way, Caleb is reflecting the lessons that we have taught him. He has frequently shooshed me. He says "mommy, mommy, mommy...Shoooosh, Jockey sleeping" Of course he yells the first part to get my attention, and then whispers the second part as he holds his little finger in front of his mouth. It's just so cute, and a far improvement over his previous behavior, which was "Roaring" in Josh's face while he slept and waking Josh up. I'd prefer to be shooshed anyday over waking a tired sleeping baby who doesn't go right back to sleep.

Well, we have done it. We tried to take Caleb to the Lynnwood Chuck E. Cheese the Saturday after the storm, and it was experiencing a power outage. We survived the disappointment of a 2 yr old. I told Mike that we shouldn't say anything until we get there so that in case there is a huge line Caleb wouldn't know the plan. Well, it did slip out before we got there, and murphy's law had it when it was darker than a night sky with only one abandoned car in the parking lot. We had to tell Caleb that it was broken (a word he understands). And in the precious, trusting mind of a 2 yr old, he said "daddy fix chuck e cheese, mommy fix it." And then it when on to "Brian fix chuck e cheese, Zuie (zuma) fix it" and the heartbreaker of it all "I fix chuck e cheese?" He was forlorn. He wanted so desperately to have it fixed, I almost made the group drive to the Bellevue location. But Caleb the ever wonder boy, was very patient and understanding with his parents and life that he perked up quickly when we moved on to visit the mall. He got to run around the children's play area and that nearly made up for it.

Of course, this last Wednesday Play group was cancelled and we actually went to Chuck E Cheese. Daddy was still on nights, so he got to go to. Caleb had a GREAT, WONDERFUL, EXCITING time. And we did ok because there were maybe a dozen and a half other patrons total! So the crowd was non-existent, the noise was minimal, and we could see Caleb because he was nearly the only thing moving in the entire restaurant (if restaurant is the correct word for this place). Mom and Dad helped Caleb with the games, and the winning of tickets... and Caleb got to choose some really cool toys/trinkets to play with. If you're looking for deals on the toys, go to the dollar store for the items; you really have to be thinking in terms of an entire experience and the toys as just memory keepsakes. Speadking of keepsakes, when we go again (because I know there will be an Again) we will have to remember the pictures with Chuck E, we forgot them this time. :( But, Caleb was so excited about the day as a whole, I might be considering a Chuck E Cheese B-day for Caleb. Tessa was certainly excited to go when Caleb told her.

Wednesday rounded out the day with a nap at Grammy's and the luck of seeing the Surface family and GG in the evening. Caleb and Tessa had their usual rivalry and what has become standard fare of the usual naked time. It's never intentional on our part, but it happens when one is using the potty or getting changed, the other thinks that it is a prime time to strip themselves and start the giggle fest. At this stage I'm a bit unaffected by his nudity, heck Caleb cooks in the buff, finger paints in the buff, etc etc, then only thing I don't let him do naked is sleep (and he has tried that too without me knowing it...lets just say I found out to much bed linen changing at 2 am). At least these little cousins are only 4 months apart. If they were 4 years apart, I think we'd be in a whole different ball game. The over the top funny thing is when Caleb starts repeptively yelling "NAKED" but it comes out "nauuuckeddddd!!!!"; this happened in the Taco Time last week when we saw Tessa...Fortunately he was still wearing all his clothes when he was yelling because half the restaurant was turning their heads.

Back to this last Wednesday, here is an couple pictures. The first being an endearing moment of bonding between Caleb and Auntie Kristina. Caleb likes back rubs, and Auntie Kristina was willing to oblige, but Tessa also thought she shouldn't miss out!

This last picture was a day or so after the 'breaststroke in the bath tub' day. Daddy, Grandpa and Grammy got in the water with Caleb. Caleb had a blast, and he really liked the freedom that the lifejacket gave him. And Caleb did really well with a little of Daddy's directions. As you can see Papa Dahl had a good time with Caleb.

And this picture is just so Josh isn't left out.

Josh has got his own stories. Like he loves to mouth things, but gets frustrated with them when they aren't all suckable like a pacifier. The "sound plug" as the pacifier was called with Caleb, has been renamed the "drool plug" for Josh. He doesn't need it half the time that he is sucking on it for a comfort, but I need him to have it in order to keep his shirt front dry. Josh has also developed a painful hair pulling habit, hence a haircut was due... who knows, a drastic cut might be in order.

Well, that's all for now. We've got to get ready for all of what the day has for us.

We have new Neighbors....

But it's not what you think. For those of you who have visited our home, you know that directly accross the street there is a fenced off marsh area. Well, that's where our new neighbors are residing. They are part of the "Vegetation Control Pilot Program"....they are goats! Actual, real, live, "City of Monroe" goats. They even have a little goat house labeled as City of Monroe Goats.
It's like having our own little petting zoo accross the street; it's just one more reason to visit us, because this is a fun house if you ask me. We went out yesterday and fed them a carrot. Here are the pictures.


Ok, I'll write more later/tonight, but as for right now I'm off to the dentist for a very important filling.

Good morning (To most, to others good evening or good afternoon).

Caleb makes me laugh, and smile with pride. He was watching "Finding Nemo" (the animated fish story where the little fish gets swept away by a diver and the father fish goes to "find nemo") and the father fish was on the screen during a sad moment... Caleb walks up to the TV screen and rubs his shirt over the fish to make him feel better. I thought AHHHH, the heart of my child is so beautifully sensitive, what a blessing to have that kind of compassion in a little child.

In the wake of us being a one dog family (there is still talk of once again being a two dog family this Late Spring), Zuma has been sucking up all the attention she can get. Admittedly it isn't just the kind fawning over she would like... but she takes the good with the bad. Anyway, Caleb has now labeled her "My princess Zuie", or when he is being too rough and we say no more leave her alone, then she suddenly becomes "Your Princess Zuie". Mike and Caleb get into it and like a ping-pong match go back and forth arguing over her: My princess Zuie, no My princess Zuie, no my... etc. It is funny. And of course, Zuma has decided the title fits and with that crowning title comes specific rights... sneaking upstairs to lay somewhere of her choosing (even occassionally on the bed!!!), riding inside the cab of the truck with Mike, etc. Boy, she is in for a rude awakening when a puppy comes along and she has to be a "commoner" once again.

Caleb is obsessed with spending his money. He makes me open his money jar so that he can take the money out. He puts it in his pocket so that he has it when he needs it. I ask him what are you going to buy... 50% of the time it is a slurpee for me, which I think automatically he thinks is also a slurpee for him... but the other 50% it has become "Ride pony". When he is good in the grocery store I sometimes allow him to ride the mechanical horse. It is a bribe-and it works! But now he wants to pay for it himself. I hope that paying for it himself doesn't negate the need to be good for mom if she isn't the one paying for the pony ride. Although, I don't make him pay yet. That lesson will come, just not yet.

Well, I have to go now, but I'll update later with the couple other stories that I have.

Caleb my exercise buddy...

We drove to the club and walked around the track today. About a mile and a half. Caleb likes to pick out a basketball or a tennis ball and ride in the front of the stroller with it. He also was playing/teasing a little boy down there. Again, I have to tell him that growling or "roaring" aren't the best ways to make friends. Caleb and Josh got to see Grammy and Papa Dahl and Auntie Birdie (Charlotte) too, and of course Daddy. We are home in time for dinner and "Survior". In the end, I hope that all of Caleb's running will make him ready for bed tonight.

Thank you GG for the liverwurst. Caleb devoured a full sandwich of it tonight! It is a relief and it makes me smile to know that he is getting enough nutrients. And Caleb definitely likes the German Deli's liverwurst better than the grocery store's version. So thank you for the care package.

Potty has taken a left turn. I guess that is what you can call it. Caleb is branching out and trying to be creative. (at least that is the positive perspective to take.) His new "method" of going potty is as follows: stand ON the big toilet's seat and TRY to aim downwards... let's just say that it is a good thing that every surface in the bathroom is washable... including Caleb. And it is a good home design that has a toilet right next to a sink or shower. If you've read previous posts, you'll remember that I have caught Caleb in the sink turning on the water and trying to wash his bum, well lets also say that in this case it might have been a good action.

Ok, well, that's all for now. Post ya later.

Getting settled.

We took Monday to settle in to a routine again. Although it was more like just Monday morning for rest and recoup since after naps on Monday I drove Caleb down to the Club to go swimming then dinner and a stay over at Grammy and Papa Dahl's house. Caleb is so eager to take baths lately; Sunday night he called us and wanted to show us his new trick... he was actually doing a kid-like breast stroke in the tub, keeping his head up and everything. That meant that it was the perfect time to get him into the pool again. He really did like the pool once he was there and he didn't want to leave despite shivering near constantly. He was put in a life jacket and was basically free to go where ever he wanted, he was independent! It was great to see him have so much fun. (Next time Josh and I should be over our head colds and be able to join in the fun.)

Tuesday, Caleb woke up at Grammy's and had a good time. They went to the soccer class and played. It was time for lunch after that, but Caleb was so tired he didn't make it from the center Woodinville to Grammy's house before he had conked out in the car. Must have been some class, or still residual tiredness from the trip. But he took a nap and then woke up to play with Tessa for about an hour before it was time to hop in Dad's truck and head home. He was full of chatter when he got home. "Me see tessa." etc.

Wednesday, we went to playgroup. He is really starting to interact with the other kids, not just the toys or being an observer. This time he pushed a little 4 yr old girl in an infant creeper. She had crawled in there by herself and loved how fast Caleb could push her. He still likes to come back to home base (my lap) every now and then, most of the time for a hand full of snacks. I really am proud that he is starting to get along with other kids and get socialized. (I can't believe I'm talking about Caleb as if he is a little puppy who needs to get out more to avoid dog aggressive behaviour.)

Caleb came home to a big surprise. And ask him and he will tell you that he likes mom's surprises. I had bought and had shipped to me, Buzz Lightyear, velcro closure, light up shoes! He liked those alot! The first night he was wearing nothing but socks, the new shoes and his shirt as a cape while he ran about the house! Then just yesterday he was playing with his Big Buzz and he was making Buzz talk. He was playing with Buzz with the same excitement that he had the day we brought Buzz home. It was great to see the toy still bring him joy.

Today, I'm not so sure what we will do. If we are smart, we'd relax and I'd get a break before the packed (and all by myself childcare weekend) occurs. But if we are "fun", then we'll be going out and entertaining Caleb. We'll have to see, Mike isn't up yet.

Tomorrow our plan is to go to the Quest Children's museum in the evening for their free times. Saturday, I don't have a specific plan, but I should get one because it makes for a long day all by myself if I don't get an activity structured into the day. Sunday is church and then another day that demands an activity because we are on our own again. So I'm going to have to pull on my resources and check out the free stuff that I know of and see what to do.

I'll post updates as the fun occurs. That's all for now.

We're Back!!!

There is so much to tell. I don't know if I have time to write everything in one post, but we'll see.

First of all, it was a great VISIT/TRIP; "vacation" really isn't the appropriate word. I'll tell you the items that made it a challenge, and then move on and end on the happy notes.

The first night, Josh came down with the flu, the second night Caleb, the third night myself. Robert had the cold/flu when we got there, but the fourth night he had to go via ambulance to the ER for problems breathing; this gave us a little scare. I stubbed my toe and nearly ripped the nail right off, but as it is now, it just hurts really bad a week after the fact even just to walk. On the return flight, it was delayed by 2 hours so I had to manage two kids waiting for the extra time in addition to the normal 1 1/2 hours. And all of this on top of my mom having just got out of surgery on her foot, being in a cast (which we called her "Super foot" and being in a wheelchair and needing assistance. So Challenging is the word. But end of complaints!

It was a great trip. I had been worried about going through security with two kids, one of which can and sometimes does run off, and a bunch of stuff. But I received great and kind help from the security personnel, both in Seattle and in Sacramento. They were patient and didn't try to rush me. The flights were fine with the kids. Going down, Josh slept the first 40 minutes, and then was happy and awake the rest of the trip. Caleb and I talked and snacked and played with the various toys I brought. He told me about 15-20 minutes from landing "Me done flying" and then tugged on his seat belt and said "Me stuck" with a little whimper of frustration. I told him we weren't on the ground yet and let him look out the window for a little bit to watch as we descended a bit. And to explain it more, I took out his toy airplane and explained and demonstrated landing to him. As long as I kept talking and showing it to him, he didn't feel "stuck" without a reason. On the return flight, Josh slept the entire way with the exception of the last 15 minutes in which I nursed him so that his ears wouldn't hurt because of the congestion he had (and it was time and I didn't want to sit in the car in the parking garage). He did great on the plane. Caleb also slept the entire way, only opening his eyes twice to ask if we were there yet or to see out. Then he went directly back to a much needed nap. So other than the delayed flight time, the airport experiences didn't scare me off of traveling with 2. I'm looking into flying down again the first part of April. This trip proved to me that Caleb and Josh need to see the California grandparents more, and vise versa.

I should tell you about the extra positives at the airport. In Seattle for our wait, they have a play structure that Caleb likes. It is a great place for him to get some wiggles out before the flight. It is such a great idea that I can't understand why all airports wouldn't invest the $200 in something like it. But he had a good time with the little girl that was also playing on the equipment. And on the way back, with the extra 2 hours delayed... I was really worried, but I shouldn't have been. The double stroller is a dream to take. I pushed Caleb up to a window and he looked out for 15-20 minutes and asked questions "that man doing?" (everyone is a man, he doesn't use "woman" yet, but in this case most of the ground crew were men anyways.) After the outside lost interest we played with the stickers Grammy Dahl sent with us. We played hide and seek/hunt with them. He found them all and asked to do it again. Anything is a success when he asks to do it again. Then he spotted a boy twenty feet off. He went over and growled/roared at him. I called Caleb back and told him that wasn't the way to win friends and influence people. So I offered to Caleb to take a sticker or two to the little boy, which he did and ran back to me; the first sticker he handed the boy, the second sticker he stuck on the boy's shirt himself. Then I told him to tell the little boy his name. So off he runs again (or chugs or struts, or this new arm swinging hunched forward walk he's experimenting with) to the little boy and says "me Caleb, me Caleb", and then he comes back. So I gave him a couple of the toy cars that we had in the toy back and told Caleb to go ask the little boy to play with him. He ran over and said "play me, play me" then handed the car to the little boy and walked off. I hear the little boy said "look what that boy gave me"; the father of course said no, that Caleb wanted to play with him. The father and I had made eye contact and a couple chuckles over the course of all this interaction. So then the boys played cars for a while. The only stressful time is when the little boy got tired and went to nap on the floor, but Caleb wasn't done playing with him. Caleb tried to take his coat/pillow, tried to lay down in the little boys' spot, get right in his face and talk and pat him on the shoulder. All of this went on when I was trying to change Josh, help him to fall asleep despite him fighting sleep, give both boys cold medication, and then change Caleb's diaper also. I ended up getting our little staked out picnic area all picked up and doing a lap or two in the stroller. Which put Josh to sleep and we parked at another window and looked out for the next 20 minutes again. So it was a funny and not to bad wait.

Caleb warmed up FAST to Papa Bishop, and connected deeply too. Of course, it was only the last 2 days that he got his Papa's straightened out. For the entire first part of the trip he called Papa Bishop, Dahl. And when he finally said Bishop the first time it came out (pardon the cuss) "Bi-shit"; but his tongue practiced it and it finally ended up being "Bizs-hop". Papa Bishop, despite having the cold, played well and kept up with all the activities Caleb had going. Caleb really likes playing with Papa. And the connection was there, that anytime he could see papa he asks "Papa doing?" or "Papa come me?"; even at the airport to go home he wanted Papa to go with us. Caleb was really concerned for Papa when the ambulance came for Robert. He wanted to know what "that man doing?" in terms of all the medical staff. Caleb saw all the tubes and mask etc when they wheeled Robert out, and again at the hospital. Caleb didn't show signs of distress other than observation and asking questions the whole time. The only thing was when we were allowed into the ER room he was too shy to hold Papa's hand, but once we left the room he was very upset that he didn't hold Papa's hand. He got to go back later and he got to sit on the gurney and hug Papa and say good night. That made him feel better; especially when we left Robert at the hospital and went home. Of course there was all the explanations of what is going on, what he sees so that he doesn't get scared. EKG connectors were stickers. We was glad to see Papa in the morning; I brought Robert home about 1:30 in the morning.

I'll tell you about the other activities, but the absolute HIGHLIGHT of the week was Papa Bishop's idea. CHUCK E. CHEESE. Caleb has become a devotee with lightning speed. I told Robert I if I have to now decorate Caleb's room with Chuck E. Cheese paraphenalia it was his fault (teasing of course.) Papa Bishop hit a major home run with Caleb with this idea. Caleb was interested from the moment the car was parked, and his excitement just built. We could barely keep him from running off before we were let in. He stripped off his shoes and went for the tube and slide play structure first; he needed help the first few times, and then he met a little girl who either helped him, or he was showing off for, but he didn't need me after that. He tried the toddler slide and arcade/ride on toys, and then he discovered everything else. The idea of money and tokens now has a purpose in his mind. He takes the tokens sometimes reverently and other times with a fast gimmie, then he plugs them in and waits to see what will happen. He really liked a ride in Monster truck on hydraulics. This thing moves, shifts and bounces to a height of 5 to 5 1/2 feet in the air. The next thing that he discovered with relish was the "Skeeball" game. He didn't always bowl the ball, he didn't always keep it in his lane, and most of the time he stood in the lane...but he had a great time. And tickets, boy we had to play the games for tickets. There were several that he liked. But the miracle that brought a smile of pleasant irony to my heart, when it came time to exchange the tickets for prizes... the first things he saw were a ball and a frog. He said ball and I had to ask "Are you sure? You have so many balls?"; he then chose a frog, and then he went back to the ball. Nothing else was interesting to him, he got exactly what he wanted because we were just one ticket shy, which they graciously fudged for us. He loved the music, the hyper fun excitement, the other kids, the big mechanical singing mouse. Did I mention that he didn't eat much...too much to do, go go go. Did I mention that we had to leave for the sake of the babies and everyone else and had to go back a second day?! A promise is a promise, so despite the 45+ minutes wait we (especially and thank you Robert) endured. Caleb woke up Friday morning and went into to see Grammy and Papa, the first words out of his mouth were "Me go Chuck E. Cheese". He also told me "me like papa biz-hop, me like pap biz-hop house, me like chuck e. cheese." I also heard "papa come me, chuck e. cheese." Gee, do you think that Chuck E. Cheese made an impact on my son?! All I can say is $5.50 all you can eat salad... Because with the frequency that Caleb will want to return, I can't afford the carbs pizza has to offer.

As standard operating procedure dictates, "Keep Caleb busy", therefore I went equipped with ideas and resources for activities. We indulged Caleb in 2 different inflatable jumpy house places, the mall provided a playground to burn off energy after we got our picture taken, and a craft night happened, and a stop at the dollar store for a couple toys. It all worked to keep him inside of constructive behaviors while we were down there. Although he tormented Skeeter (my mom's basenji) with the vigor that he does Zuma; Skeeter won't be missing him anytime soon. One of the toys that Caleb spent a good deal of time with was a train set that my mom has at her house. It is a special train set with a special place in my mom's heart. It is one that she's kept for 25 years, one that my brother Jeff played with. I think that it means something special for her to see the next generation, her little grandson now play with a toy that her little son once played with.

Caleb did his level best to eat them out of house and blueberries. He wanted them with nearly every meal. (With the exception of eating at Chuck E. Cheese.) Caleb cuddled with my mom and Robert both frequently, when he wasn't stripping himself naked and running around silly. We bought him a potty so that the training wouldn't be interrupted. Caleb swam in her "pool", aka garden/spa tub. He helped their friend take down the Christmas tree/put away ornaments. We watched Baby Einstein so much that it won't be missed for a while! (by my parents, I still have to see it upon request here at the house) Caleb got a wonderfully soft and pretty Winnie the Pooh blanket, and a great book for his collection. And Papa treated him to a couple cheese burgers.

We saw my grandmother Dyer. He calls her "Guh- grammy-ammy Dyer"; she brought him a stuffed bear which he held a bit. He was feeling pretty tired and sick when she saw him so he wasn't quite so animated. But he still knows who she is and talks about her.

We also got to see my Cousin Meghan and her daughter Alexandra and my Aunt Sunny. Caleb accepted my cousins as his very emphatically and quickly. It could be because the first time he met them was at Chuck E. Cheese. However with my Aunt, he was more interested in her little Chihuahua that sat on her chest. I had a wonderful visit with them. I liked talking babies with Meghan, I wished we could have talked more but things came up that night.

Everyone had a great, activity filled, exhausting week. We are very tired, but had a GREAT time. There are so many little stories I'll just have to type them as I remember them. Like when Caleb asked "papa doing?' and in this instant papa was using the potty... when Robert came out Caleb said "good job pee pee potty papa". And Caleb thought it was very funny when my mom came back from the restroom (after struggling with the wheelchair) and she said whew, I did it...and I gave her one of Caleb's gold star reward stickers that came with his potty.

Josh had a good time. He talked and talked with everyone who would hold him. He sits and smiles a whole bunch. Grandma got lots of time with him because they both needed to sit. He is a very good baby with lots to say and objects to stuff in his mouth! I think that he brought delight to the grandparents.

Well, that's all for now. I should note that Caleb has rediscovered the joys of Baby Einstein, and he requests them now just as much as "pooh".

I'll have to post pictures soon, until then, bye.

"Good Job Buzz!"

Yep, Buzz Lightyear flushed the toilet and sent it's contents "To infinity and beyond". Caleb helped of course.

Through no fault of his own, Jockey brother became a butt-head. That's right Caleb's butt on Jockey's head; did I mention that Caleb had just used the potty in a manner requiring toilet paper.... YUCK. (But I made the mistake of laughing as a knee jerk reaction, and Caleb thought that meant "repeat funny action")

We had fun at Tessa's Birthday dinner. Caleb and Tessa eventually warmed up to each other and at the end of the night they were hugging until they toppled onto each other, which eventually turning into wrestling and "ring around the rosy/I'm going to land on top of you". Tessa seemed very happy with the gifts she received, at the very least she liked them enough to want to keep them away from Caleb. Tessa looked very cute in the lacy shaw we gave her and her party Tiara. The greatest thing though is Tessa used the potty and when everyone made a big congratulatory noise, she began to sing a pee in the potty song! We gave her My little pony Underwear, which she put on, at the time it was over her tights, but that's where it starts. And then the cousins had pee-offs, Caleb (of course, butt naked) and Tessa raced each other upstairs to see who could use the potty. Whatever works, I say!

So we are off to California today. I pray right now for a CALM, QUIET plane trip; and if the Lord can manage, smooth transitions in the airports! And Lord if you could please manage it, please don't let their be any potty/clothing accidents at inconvient times?

Ok, so Bye for now. If I can access the blog, and if there is a story that just can't wait, I might update before Sunday night/Monday....If not, the stories will just have to wait and the next blog will be a long one!

Good news!

Well, playgroup wasn't as expected, but it still had good results. They have been improving the boys and girls club, and today they started painting the gym, as a result, we were in a small "classroom". It doesn't have as many toys or activities, but it still went well. I found out the greatest thing from one of the moms. This information makes the whole day worth it. She told be about a gymnastics place IN MONROE that has drop-in open gym hours. They have day and evening times, and nearly every day. PLUS, they have a parents night out schedule for Fridays that Caleb qualifies for. And it isn't expensive. ($4/hr). I'm so excited to give another opportunity for fun to Caleb! We'll see when we can go after I get back from California. I'm just pleased to know of another activity for Caleb!
I've been looking into activities for Caleb in California. I think that I've found a few that he'll enjoy...but I'll save the ideas and of course the stories for when I get back! You'll just have endure the suspense until then.

"Pony rides for everyone!"

Tessa's (Caleb's cousin) had her birthday party on Sunday. Caleb loved it. He ran around in the park, he saw goats and horses, and even milked a fake cow; for some reason this held a specific fascination for a few of the kids (Tessa included). But of course the absolute highlight was the ponies. Thank you Tessa for having a birthday, and for loving ponies, and for Tessa's mom and dad for putting 2 and 2 together for a great event. Caleb was really excited. We dressed for the occasion in his western clothes and cowboy boots. I should have guessed that we wouldn't be the only ones clever enough to dress accordingly, but I'm proud that I was organzied enough to get Caleb into pony riding garb. He waited patiently, although his little head drooped when he thought he was next and really he was not quite next. But when the time came he let the little pony, Penny, sniff his hand and up he went right on top. He pet her and bounced and nodded his head as her gait bobbed him. He was in near awe as the trail led him through a forested area; it was paved of course, so not too rugged for this wild man's first trip out. He's ridden a pony before, but this time it was a "trail" ride, not just in circles. He liked it a bunch. After he got off the pony he strutted around and said "me ride pony"! He looked very cute. Here's the picture. (Pay no attention to the baby-fat carrying person standing next to him.)

It goes without saying that Tessa had a fantastic time. Her real birthday is today. We are fortunate to get to see her on the actual day. And since she can't read, I'll tell you that I'm very excited to give her our gifts. Of course there is the standard "toy". But I'm proud of and most excited about the "My Little Pony"(Her favorite) patterened pillowcases and pillows with lace and bows on them. I made them and who better to lavish creativity on that a beautiful, cheerful niece who will appreciate PONIES!!!

I look forward to tonight; but for night now, off to playgroup where I hope to have a great time with the other moms and Caleb might burn off sufficient steam!

Guess what Caleb is into now...

Well, a few things it turns out.

The first new thing is a soccer program for little guys. He liked it. It was lots of running around and trying to get along with other kids. And from what I am told, everyone is also potty training and after class they all trudged into the bathroom more or less together. I can just picture it now. Fortunately, Grammy took Caleb and I got things done like a crazy whirlwind. Boy does it feel good to get things accomplished. Caleb talks alot about Grammy and Papa Dahl and their house. And he tells me that he had a good time. The wonderful thing is that when he came home he hugged me and said that he missed me and that I was pretty. It is so nice to hear those things and know that it comes just from his pure little heart. He also told Josh that he loved and missed him too, ahhhhh.

The other fascination that Caleb has developed is with jewelry. He started talking about mine, and then he wanted to wear mine. When he started trying to pull my jewelry off my fingers or to snap my necklace, I decided that it was time for his own. Knowing that Daddy wouldn't like "prissy, girl" jewelry, I was delighted to find some that was suitable. I had to go to the toe rings because they start small and then you can clamp them down, perfect for little fingers. I got a Celtic patterned silver one. And at the dollar store I was very pleased to find a cross on a cord, also with a Celtic pattern. I'm not totally into Celtic, but it better than something that it pink and says "princess" on it! He really likes it. He takes it on and off and sometimes just carries it around. He puts the ring on his finger and then puts his hand on his hip and looks down at it to see what he looks like. It is funny to watch him develop his self-image and decide what looks cool to him. I guess that this is where it starts. I'm trying to let him discover things without my input (until he comes to an inappropriate conclusion... like putting the toe ring on that extra "boys-only" finger). That was the same day that Caleb announced to me that I don't have a "wiener" (Mike's choice word for the boys parts), Thank you Caleb for letting me know, yes it is a very sad thing that I'm missing out on, better luck next time.

Ok, so on with Josh talk.

Josh has officially been introduced to the Baby Einstein products. So far he has seen Baby Beethoven and Baby Bach. He LOVED them. He watches and talks to the tv. He laughs and coos and then watches some more. He really likes them. What a hit, and for me I got some housework done so I'm loving them too!

Josh is starting to do things on his own. He reaches out and tries to pet Zuma (who has a licking fetish for the baby) and Cosmo (who loves to have his ears gently tugged, which Josh is quite accommodating). He is impressing me when he takes his pacifier out of his mouth and then returns it with efficiency. I used to think that he was going to be left handed, and I was going to put that in the blog. But then in the last week he has really started to use his right hand, and use it first. So the bottom line is the jury is still out, but his motor skills are developing nicely.

Josh is also well on his way to starting to sit on his own. He can sit for a little bit, but then he just leans to far and topples over. So he can sit, but not without supervision. I think he is doing great and I'm trying to teach the skills for crawling too! If he is going to grow fast, I want him to be able to do things rather than be frustrated with boredom.

Lastly, Josh's new Christmas toy. It came in a big box and required adult assembly. Well, it has been out and Josh likes it. It makes noise, lights up and it is quite colorful. He will be able to stand and hold onto it with in the next 6 weeks I'm guessing. The funniest thing however, happened a few nights ago. All of the sudden, just after midnight I started hearing the music start playing, which is quite chipper and noisy for the middle of the night. Then the cat darted upstairs quickly. The cat had gone down to investigate this new toy and moved something on it and it burst into song and lights. He must have gotten startled judging my the way he leapt up the stairs. It was something to laugh at in the middle of the night, but the most funny is that the cat goes down there at least every other night to play again and again! So it is the gift that keeps on giving.

Well, I'd like to keep telling stories, but my big guy is getting tired of me sitting here. More next time.
TTFN.

Caleb wants to use the phone.

Yes, he has a message for just about anyone whom we are talking to on the phone. "Me pee pee potty, _____" and fill in your name. He's even picked up one of the other phone in the house and said that to a telemarketer!

Well, today he wanted to call Nick. Nick was not available, but he wanted to tell Nick the same message. Of course when we were visiting yesterday, he told Nick the same message in person like the proud little boy that he is as he ran from the bathroom into the family room.

The other funny thing that I forgot to mention last night is that Matthew had a very special song that he sang for Josh. He picked up Josh's hands and clapped them together singing "I'm a pretty boy, I'm a pretty boy, a very pretty boy". Josh loved it and was smiling and cooing in response!
Mike prefers "handsome", but I don't think that that fits into the song too well. It was nice to see the affection between the cousins.

Today, Caleb and Josh shared their first bath. Caleb is really into baths again, and he finally got to share his current love with his favorite "Jockey Brother". They both had a great time as you can see from the smiles.


And Caleb was really interested in making sure that Josh was very clean. Especially his tummy and his bum.


Caleb really is the "big helper".

That's all for now. Good evening.

Oh boy has it ever been a busy few days!

Caleb has been running around saying "me big helper", and he really is! And he is even taking to opening doors for me like a little gentleman.

Caleb went to Grammy and Grandpa Dahl's house on Wednesday after playgroup. He wasn't there 10 minutes before he was whisked off to Wiggle Worms, his gymnastics class. He did so great there, I am told that he was invited to skip SUPER Wiggles and go straight to Mighty Mights, that is until he found out that he was just 2.5 not 3 years old. I guess he is doing jumps in the air and touching his toes and then landing back on his feet. That's amazing; Mike says that it is from all the pratice of drop kicking me from the back of the couch.

He had a great afternoon and evening playing with Grammy and Grandpa, and he spent the night. Thursday he went swimming and played in the Daycare in the morning, then he lunched with Mike and Grandpa. By "lunched", I mean that he fell asleep in time for them to have a quiet lunch. He took another nap back at their house, and then was brought out to Monroe in time for dinner .

Caleb, Grammy, Grandpa, Josh and I went to dinner. I have to sum up the meal by saying that I was in the restroom (for CALEB'S! benefit) for the majority of the dinner. He kept wanting to use the facilities...with sucess I might add. But it was miracle that food actually had time to enter my mouth. It was nice all in all, and I'd rather him have potty success than me a meal. The old adage comes to mind "change their diaper now, and you'll do it again in an hour...Teach them to potty and you'll never sit through a movie, meal, or road trip again." Ok, I made that up, but you can't tell me it isn't true.

In the time that I had 1/2 duty I felt productive. I returned somethings and got Caleb a new hat. He is so proud of it because it is just like Daddy's! He was almost in tears once when he thought that we was going to have to leave it at home! Pretty cute.

Then today was filled with a good deal of activity as well. First, Caleb and I finished our "mountain" making. The paper mache had dried and it was time to paint it. Let's just say that the "mountian", looks a little like Mt. St. Helens crater and all, with a little buddy on the side. It was messy, but fun. Caleb was naked anyways, which turned out to be a blessing from above.


(I smudged out the boy parts since this is going on the web, but be assured, it was covered in paint too!)

So we ended up here...

And my guess that "floating" wasn't too far away was right. He really likes to float and just lay in the tub. I know where he gets that from; I was like that as a kid and could relax to the point of falling asleep. But this bath gave Caleb time to play with his new soap crayons. This is his 4 or so package of them. Grammy Dahl got him started, we've kept him going, and this last package was bought with gift money from Great Grandma Dyer. He's thrilled. I'm hoping it will help him spell someday!

The greatest thing of all happened after naps today. We drove up to see Nick, Tyler, Matthew and Auntie Barb.... and to play at JUNGLE PLAYLAND. What a home run for Caleb from start to finish! He was so excited to see the boys. He wrestled with Matthew, watched a train simulator and went down the slides with Tyler, and his "idol" Nick...he sat with while eating pizza and cookies, he went down the slides, he climbed around every where. He had such a great time. He even was worried when we were departing from Jungle Playland that he hadn't gotten a chance to say good-bye. So we went back to their house and he got to play for another hour and a half and then said his cute good-byes! I think he would have wanted to stay if I'd asked. Of course, Mel and Rene showed up so we also got to see them for a few minutes. Which if Caleb stayed over would have meant that he and Nick could have camped out somewhere together! A 2 yr old's dream: Camping out is the object of his facination.
Not to leave Jockey out of the picture, Matthew was really interested in the baby. He wanted to rock him and hold him. It was really cute. My oldest loves Barb's oldest and her youngest took a liking to my youngest. Cousins are so great! And I had a great time talking to Barb about mommy stuff. Again, again, I am thinking already!

So here are some pictures of our Jungle Playland adventure!




Well, that's it for now. It's kind of late, but I didn't want another day to go by without me updating everyone on what fun we are up to!

More soon, I hope!