It's beginning to look like Christmas at our house.

After three days of working on it, sometimes with Caleb and sometimes with him working against me, the tree is finally done! I think it looks decent, I'm just glad that it is done. The first night of working on it was delightful. I turned on the Christmas carols, and Caleb was dancing with the tunes as he tried to help. Caleb was very interested in putting the ornaments and bells on the tree. He has no sense of symmetry or balance at this stage of the game though. If I didn't rearrange things we would have a very odd tree with identicale ornaments lined up on a branch like birds on a wire. He did well if we went one at a time and I told him where. He liked to say "I did it" and "me help mom". Tonight will be the first night of the tree being done and lit up. I'm excited to show him. Caleb put the first present under the tree. It is for Daddy. He thought that that was cool, but about 20 minutes later he handed it to Mike and told him it was Daddy's. Caleb doesn't understand waiting for Christmas yet. (I know how he feels, I have a particularly good gift that I'm already near bursting to share. Anticipation to share builds and builds and is part of what makes it exciting.)

The other neat thing that we did today was we took out the nativity set. I sat Caleb down and we set it up together. I told him about the Christmas story and took each piece out as they appeared in the story. I think he is understanding more and more. The best thing was when I asked him who one of the figurines were and he said "bebe jees". It was adorable the way that he said that. Of course, after we set it all up, I had to have him look me in the eye and I told him "no touch" for the tree and the nativity set. I think he got it.

Josh is standing quite well. He gets tired of course, but he still likes to stand as much as possible until he is tired. I've finally gotten a picture of him standing with someone; I'd have had a picture of it eariler except I can't take a picture and be in the picture myself without an extra effort.
The exersaucer has been a great thing for him in the short period of time that it has been out. He has a great time and he reachs for things. He gets a great view of the world from it, not laying down or sideways for this kiddo anymore.

Well, gotta go. TTFN.

Josh's New Toy!

Well, new to him at least.

Daddy pulled this out of storage and cleaned it up for Josh. Josh loves it because he can put his feet down and stand, but also just let it cradle him. As you can see, we have to wrap blankets around him for stablity, but he stays warmer that way anyways. He likes to reach and play with the items on the tray. He can really see around the room now. And when Caleb returns, it will provide a safe buffer around him so that big brother doesn't play to rough with him.

Mike and I were talking last night about Josh. We agreed that having Caleb visit Grammy and Grandpa for a day was great for those parties, but Josh also benefits by having Mommy all to himself for a day as well, and an evening time with just Daddy. So thanks again Grandparents Dahl. Now all I have to find is a Caleb and Mommy time.... Well, that will come in time as Josh can go longer between feedings.

Ok, there is lots to do today before I have double kid duty again, so I better get to it. Bye for now.

I can tell that the holiday season has arrived by....

The trees on the side of the highway start all looking like potential Christmas trees. But we ended up cutting down a tree from up in the forest by Skykomish instead. Caleb was really cute in his snowsuit. He was really excited to walk and play in the snow, until he realized that it was COLD. He definitely wanted his gloves to be sealed shut with the cuff of the snow suit. I had the thought run through my head to just duct tape the mitten on! Josh did wonderful! Although his contribution was minimal, he was so cute when we ended up waiting in the truck for daddy to come back with the tree.

Yep, Josh did reach a hungry point and Caleb a too cold to go any farther point, so the hero of a daddy hiked back to truck with us and then went back into the woods for a tree. And I think we have a good one too.



The tree is in the tree stand just waiting for the decorations. I haven't yet decided whether I should decorate it without Caleb and have his interest in the tree be unsatisfied and lead him to play with the tree for the next 3 weeks, OR if I should wait until Wednesday to decorate it with him and risk him thinking it is a toy or for climb for the next 3 weeks... It's a gamble either way isn't? I guess it comes down to time, energy, quantity and quality of fun, and picture opportunities. Given those criteria, I think that I'll wait until Wednesday.

The other big event for the weekend was Grandpa Dahl's birthday; which he was so generous in allowing his special day to turn into a family event. We saw the Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach, a festival of holiday lights that hopefully was beautiful enough to qualify as something special for a birthday. I felt that it was a wonderful was to kick off the holiday season. Our first stop was to see the Nativity ans tell Caleb about baby Jesus and why we are celebrating. "Jesus has a birthday, just like today is Papa's birthday" etc; I loved sharing the real reason for CHRISTmas. And Caleb understood BABY Jesus better this year because of his baby brother.

There were so many lights and so many activities, it was as if every light was lit by happiness and a truly enchanting experience. Caleb made the happiness contagious. He LOVED to ride the pony! He made Grandpa Dahl take him a second time. He was also quite bold in petting the donkey, rabbit, and other animals. We were also lucky enough to catch a session of storytelling; a perfect break to feed Josh and to get in to warm up a bit.

Personally, I had a delightful time. I hope that the rest of the family had a good time as well, and thank you for coming and making such a memorable experience. I have to also thank the Lord! I had prayed for a week that the weather would be nice, and what I meant by nice was not raining, not snowing and passable road conditions. The Lord was great, He not just answered my prayer but went one step farther and kept away any wind or breeze that would have bit right through our clothes. Instead it was a crisp clear night on which the sound of bells and music carried farther than expected, right into our hearts. So Praise the Lord!!! And here is the family photo:

Time for bed! Good night.

My little gentleman.

Caleb was such a little helper and gentleman today. He helped for the first time actually change Jockey's diaper. He unsnapped and resnapped the sleeper, he wiped the bum, and he threw away the old diaper. He did really well, partly because Caleb is just great and the other part is he wants to see Jockey's bum... I guess because his own is a little difficult to see. Then we went out and he carried things that I asked him to and he was opening doors for me. And I'm thinking, Wow I'm really going to get to raise a little gentleman to treats mom and ladies properly. I was thinking that until after we went to 7-11 and got him a "little slurpee" as he requested and he started to burp on the way home. He told me he was "burping slurpee". Ok, so he is a gentleman in training, but so are most men.

Caleb put both of his hands on Josh's cheeks and said to him "Jockey, look, me, me brother." It was just amazing that he wants Josh to know who he is. And Josh loves the attention. Josh likes to have his hands clapped together, his legs "exercised", and to have someone click their tongue at him. He's also smiled and chuckled at the "Itsy, Bitsy Spider" song just like Caleb; that song was the first real stimuli that Caleb belly laughed to as a baby.

Well, the potty training is going surprisingly good. I guess the "Bribe a Butt naked boy with no place to go but the Potty" method is working. We've had a number of successes, and not just with "#1", which surprised me; everyone's told me that #2 is a harder thing for children to learn. Praise the Lord. The funniest thing is.... Well, see picture. The Pooh sticker didn't go on the potty this time.!

Today, Caleb announced that he was "Boy Dahl". He is still not saying Caleb. Sometimes he calls himself Cay. At least he knows the last name.

Caleb has started to answer the phone. Of course he doesn't answer it with a whole lot of clarity. Most of the time he picks up and says "daddy, hello daddy". So if anyone calls and gets a long pause and then a small little voice, just know that I'm on my way and that Caleb has just beat me to the phone. He's quicker than I am when I have to run with Josh in my arms.

Here's a picture of Caleb in his first snow adventure in the backyard. He came in and said "hand cold mom". I had to respond with "your hand gets cold when you pick up snow". We did race around the backyard in the sled. I stopped to catch my breath and without missing a beat he said "more". So I raced him around again and again until I was nearly dizzy, mostly because the smile on Caleb's face was a big motivator. Today, I dug out his sand bucket and shovel. He started digging and scooping, that solved the cold hands issue for a while.

I wasn't going to share this photo just because most of the people who read this blog were already there. However, I changed my mind. Caleb was looking at the pictures with me, as he frequently likes to see himself in pictures. As I was reviewing the pictures from the camera, this one came up and I asked him "who's that?" and he said "Family". That's enough, post it...

And as if that wasn't enough pictures for one blog posting.... I wanted to share this next one. I can really see the relationship forming at the very moment this shot was taken. And you wonder when the bonding begins, answer from the very earliest moment possible...

Josh is looking right at Grandpa with a bunch of smiles, and vice versa. They both had a good time, but so did I. I like seeing other people have a good time with and loving the two little wonders that make my life enjoyable. It is a comfort to know that so many people are interested in and love my sons; like I have back up if I'm ever in need of it, the assurance that others have my sons' best interest as heart makes it easier to let go later.

Well, back to the toddler/infant juggling act. Thanks for reading.

It's Snowing outside!!!

Caleb is acting very curious about the snow. I don't think that he remembers it snowing at our house before. Of course I don't think he remembers much of the summer either. He was very excited when I told him that he could go outside in the snow. It was as if he was thinking "really?!" He kept calling it rain, I guess this is rain that was falling white and slow enough for him to actually feel/see, but I told him that it was snow. If it starts sticking enough I'm going to take our little sled out and pull him around in it. Although, it is getting quite dark already...sigh. I'm sure that it is getting colder (not warmer) and it will be here in the morning to venture out and see what kind of joy and mischief Caleb will get into. Knowing him, he'll want to take Buzz in the snow, and wear his yellow rubber boots!

We watch the "Polar Express" movie today. It was delightful, animated movie about believing in Christmas. The most quaint, wonderful thing was that half way through the movie, the snow started. It felt like a wonderful way to start the CHRISTmas season for the family. I really liked ending the movie with "look outside Caleb, it's snowing".

The other FANTASTIC, GREAT, AMAZING thing. I think Caleb is starting to show signs of potty training. I have to keep the heater on in our family room, and leave him butt naked... but all of the sudden he will go over and sit on his potty! He has had 3-4 successes today as well as yesterday!!! Praise the Lord. He runs over now and has me check his bum to see if it needs to be wiped; at least he has me check before sitting on the couch... that is my silver lining of the day. Caleb is very excited about the candy and Winnie the Pooh stickers (I stumbled upon these wonderful things at the dollar store.) that he gets as rewards. And Caleb knows exactly where to put the stickers, right on the lid of his potty! Just think, Pooh stickers for pooing on the potty. There is an element of irony to that, I just can't describe it well enough.

I'm looking forward to this weekend at Warm Beach to ring in the CHRISTmas season, and celebrate Grandpa Dahl's birthday. I'm praying for a clear night that carries the delightful sounds of holiday music unimaginable distances...right to our hearts, I hope. I'll be able to show Caleb the nativity and explain about Baby Jesus, a person he is starting to understand thanks to a "Can you find Jesus?" Look and Find book. I am eager to share the person of Jesus with my son(s) and open up their minds, hearts, and lives to knowing, living, loving and being loved by Jesus.

Josh is as cute and smiley as ever, but I must go wake him up now or he'll be up late. He's already showing signs of being a night owl like his Bro. He laid next to me in the bed for a half hour last night until nearly 10:30 just watching me and sucking on his pacifier. Now if only I can get that much contentment out of him during the day. Don't get me wrong, during the day he's wonderful, but he likes for interaction then that is hard when I'm trying to keep up with Caleb.

Caleb is showing all signs of love to Jockey everyday. I don't think that I have ever pushed him to love. Because of that, it feels even more wonderful to know that Caleb is showing love to his brother out of his own heart and desire. He often lays next to Jockey and holds his hand and tells me "happy". Or I leave the room to get something for Caleb and I come back to Caleb kissing Josh. And like today he said to me "Me pet Jockey head" as he lighting brushed the little fuzzy head of Josh, and Josh quite enjoys Caleb's attention.

Ok, I really have to go. Happy snowiness whereever you are!

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

The Weekend at Brunner's Lodge/Camping

This was Josh's first camping trip ever, and our first trip with 2 kids in our trailer. On the way to Leavenworth, Caleb lovingly shared his shirt with Josh, offered him some grapes and crackers, even his juice. The cutest was when Caleb fell asleep with his hand on Josh.
Josh did well as far as camping; he slept well except for needing to eat, he stayed warm, he liked to look around the trailer especially at the ceiling vent/skylight. As far as camping with 2 kids, I thought that it went ok... I could have done it with less dogs under feet. But Caleb had a good time too; it was his first time sleeping in a sleeping bag. I also got him his own flashlight. Caleb, Josh, and I AND Zuma shared the back bed. It was almost like at home, night time feedings and middle of the night Juice requests and everything.

As far as the rest of the weekend....

Caleb make no secret of his affection for Nick. He followed Nick around, ate his french fries, and crawled up on the his lap or the same chair frequently. It was nice to see the cousins get to know each other and genuinely like each other. All the boys played well, especially on the foosball table and air hockey. And by the end of the weekend, all the adults' supply of quarters were exhausted by the machines that held special prizes that the boys went to over and over. It was nice to share some activities with the kids like reading "look and find" books, painting, playing with Play-doh, and coloring.

A funny story: I was painting with Tessa and Caleb walked up to us. I asked him "Do you want to paint Buddy-bud?" and Tessa said "Yeah, Buddy-Butt, do you want to paint?" I laughed out loud for that.

Caleb enjoyed running around with out apparel when I was trying to get him dressed in pajamas. He seemed freer and to put on a show for any audience that he could find. It was fun to see what he thought was impressive behaviour.

Josh was off schedule because of the drive all the way up there, the difference in routine, and constant activities; he became short on sleep and I think, like me, has come down with some kind of flu/cold. He has never been the crier that he was this last weekend... I'm hoping that it is illness/schedules being off rather than a new side of his personality that I will have to adapt to. Regardless, if his crying was irritating, my apologies. I was glad that everyone did seem to get a chance to hold Josh, including Gi-Gi as you can see.

Another highlight for the weekend for Caleb was going to the Smallwoods Harvest fruit stand on Sunday afternoon. Fruit stand doesn't begin to describe this place. They have swings, tricycles, hay pyramids, a tee-pee village, a pumpkin patch, a farm with countless animals, and food of course. But Caleb really liked the tractor pulled "cow carts" and the animals the best. It was such a joy to have Caleb experience such a place, and even better to have shared it with Peter, Lynda and the Surface Family. Caleb and Tessa chased a bunny quite efficiently, I thought. Caleb had such a good time, he didn't want to go. Pictures really do say more than I can....

Well, that was our weekend. As I remember, I'll write more stories.

Dahl, Dahl, Dahl, Ochoa, Surface, Gribble, and Small Family Portrait



More stories and pictures to come!

And for those who haven't seen my email yet...check out the following website for a possible December/Christmas family activity.
www.warmbeach.com/lights/general.htm

Great news for Caleb..

Mike took Caleb to the doctor today for a check up and x-ray of his arm to monitor the healing process. The good news is that we are in the clear as far as any concerns about nerve damage, he has good mobility, and good symmetry between the arms. The GREAT news is that he is healing 4 times faster than expected! He's doing so well that we don't have to go to any more follow up appointments. The doctor discussed with Caleb just one limitation... "no more jumping off couches", which Caleb repeats as he shakes his index finger at you.
A couple things that I have noticed about Caleb is that he has retained the skills and dexterity that he acquired in his left arm when his right arm was out of commission. And on his right hand, he has regain stregnth, skills, etc, but he has a habit now of fluttering/feathering his index and ring finger against his middle finger... I guess this was the only thing that that arm/those fingers could do while in a cast. He doesn't even know that he is doing it.

I'm working on getting Caleb to stop sucking his thumb. Although I probably should be worried about his habit because he's growing up and his teeth might grow in weird, I admit the reason why I'm trying to get him to stop is because he has practically sucked the thumbprint right off! He has also developed a little callous on the back of his knuckle too from his teeth gnawing on his thumb while he's sleeping. He thinks it's a game right now to stop sucking his thumb. It's got to be hard on him though to have his thumb and his shirt be taken away, or cut back on at the same time. Oh, and let's add potty training to that too. I've moved the potty down to the TV room. The best of both world. Now he can watch Pooh while pooing! Any gimmick that works, right!

Another sentence for the things I didn't expect to say:
"Don't drink your bath water."

Caleb now routinely poses in the "thinking man" pose and tells me he is thinking. I ask him what he is thinking about and it has developed into quite a list. Frequently it is about mommy, daddy, trucks, papa... and gets strange from there. So we have the "love list" for bed time and the "thinking list" for any time he is "thinking" which he still pronouces "finking".

Tomorrow we leave for the weekend to go camping at Leavenworth. We will be staying in our trailer at the St Park in Wenatchee and visiting the rest of the family at a lodge in Plain. This will be Josh's first camping trip ever, and our first trip with all four of us (plus dogs) in the trailer... we'll see how that goes.

Well, I'll update you all on Monday sometime about the weekend. I'd better go and use the time I've got right now for more constructive things because both boys are asleep... for the moment.

This is one of the best pictures of Joshua. Smiling and no drool. He bubbles at the mouth quite a bit. Another point of interest about Joshua is that he often sleeps with his eyes open. It is crazy. He has REM sleep with his eyes open. The eyeballs dart back and forth and up, the eye lashes flutter. It is sometimes creepy and mostly funny. But it does make it hard to know whether he is asleep or not if he isn't in REM sleep but his eyes are still open. I love my little guy. He keeps you guessing that's for sure.

He is bearing his own weight now. I can hold onto his fists and he stands. Not for very long, but he does it. And I haven't gotten a picture yet because I would need a third hand to snap the shot while I hold his fists. Maybe in the future.

And since I love both my little guys, but every one wants to know how their different, I've looked up a few facts. I looked up how much Caleb weighed at approximately the same age Josh is now (give or take a week). Caleb was 12 lbs and 12 ounces on 7/31/03, about 2 months old. Which puts him just 4 ounces behind. And surprisingly, they both measured 23 1/4 inches long, but it really seems like Josh is outgrowing clothes faster than Caleb ever did.

But here is a good visual comparison. Caleb on the right is 2 1/2 months old Joshua is nearly 9 weeks old. Same outfit, and thanks to the surface family for it by having a Tessa rather than a Benjamin.

Aren't they cute; so similar, but very different, too.

Mike and I were having a conversation just a few days ago that makes me say again: Thank you Lord for giving me boys, I really am a better boy-mommy than I ever would be a girl-mommy. I'm sure that I would have risen to the challenge, but I really am better suited to boys. I built forts, I don't mind a little mess as long as it's contained, I know what to do with a truck or a train far more than a doll... etc. So thank the Lord for knowing me best and giving me what I need. And also, after going to play group and seeing one child with deformed ankles and another with a growth on it's head, I have to praise the Lord for the blessing of Healthy, Physically formed perfect and Cute boys! Again, something He knew what I could and couldn't handle. The Lord is great and deserving of all recognition and praise for how wonderful the little Dahl boys are and turn out in the future!

Have a great day!

Caleb's new adventure...

Last night, for a special treat I offered to let Caleb sleep in his "Fort". His fort is a couple of the pop up, Play-hut cubes with a tunnel attached. I put them side by side in the closet with the tunnel out the front (which means the closet door is perpetually open... but it was a small compromise to make my little guy happy). He slept in there all night. He was telling me what he thought about the fort and he said "cold" and stiffened up is arms and neck like he was chilled and shivering to express "cold". I asked him if he was cold and he said "fort cool, neat, yeah". I learned that "cold" is the same as "Cool" to him. It was funny. Of course he was having so much fun that he wanted me to sleep in there with him. But in the end he was content to have Buzz and his shirt. He was very proud and talkative about sleeping his is fort this morning. I might let him sleep in there more often if he is having so much fun; because hey, if he sleeps fine, the fort is IN his room, and if he stays in it all night... I call that fun success.


A couple other funny stories, and I'll be as vague as possible.

Caleb is in a phase of self-discovery. Well, he has now tried to find out of other persons are built like him. He's grabbed at Mike a few times. Well, yesterday, he tried to grab my male parts...with little success. I don't blame him, everyone he sees looks like him (except me). Just another phases for a little boy.

Caleb decided/demanded to be a helpful boy yesterday also. While I was pumping to rid myself of a painful, clogged milk duct, Caleb very insistently climbed into my lap and pushed my hands off the pump. He said "My turn" and then pumped. I tried to fight him because this was on the side of feeling weird. But he was pushing my hands off and away and demanding that it was his turn. And I was laughing so hard at his insistence. Finally, I realized that if I said "mommy's turn" he would stop, which he did. Strange, but funny. I guess this would explain the first funny story of exploring his environment including the people around him.

Moms are the true multi-taskers, mostly by necessity, and thank God that He designed us for it. I didn't ever think that I'd have to sit on the toilet lid, nursing an infant, while my feet were propped up on the training potty, as I shielded myself with the shower curtian as I supervised a splashing, batheing toddler.

Last night, I added something new to the repretoire of things I didn't think that I'd say; and I also am chalking up the mental note of not to leave a toddler in the bath while I answer a phone call. When I came back to Caleb, my first thought was "my, that is murky dirty water" which was followed very closely with... "hey, that's not a crayon...eeewwww". I actually said the Caleb "You don't poo in the bath tub, you get out and use the potty next time".

Caleb is also being so helpful. Any time that Joshua cries he either comes and gets us, or he says "coming Jockey" and goes to Joshua's side. What a caring big brother.

And as if those stories are enough... One more.
After a grocery shopping errand, I decided that I would go to 7-11 for a slurpee. I asked Caleb if he wanted to go to get "mommy's juice, a slurpee" and he said Yeah. Then of all the funny things he said "own". He wanted his own! Which was cute that he learned a new word and used it properly... but the kicker was when he said "mommy, buying"! I laughed so hard and said "yes, mommy's buying".

Well that's all. I hope that the stories have been more funny than disgusting, but as most of you know...motherhood isn't all cooing, laughing and mess free.

This is CALEB'S week! Let me tell you...

Caleb went to Playgroup on Monday. He shared toys with other kids without having to be asked or told. He did REALLY well at playing basketball. I am hoping to continue to take him once if not twice a week.

After playgroup, we drove and got lunch and then headed to Grammy's house. He stayed there for his nap and then overnight until Tuesday when Mike got off work in the afternoon. He had and AMAZING time! He kept saying "Me, Papa Dahl...house" so that's house the idea came about. I asked him if he wanted to play with Grammy at Papa's house and I got an unusually enthusiatic "YEEEEAHH"! And of course he loves to go and play with Grammy and the toys she has, and of course Foster and Papa are there. This time he had and over the top good experience. He spent some focused time with Papa, including cuddling time. On Tuesday, he went to "school", which is the daycare at the club; he played and interacted with the kids there. He swam with Grammy and then sat in the hot tub with Dad.
THEN, the biggest thing of all. When he woke up from a nap, Grammy had a surprise for him. A new Flying BUZZ Lightyear toy! Dad asked him if he wanted to see something new from Grammy, and he groggily said yes, but when he saw it he got VERY excited and kept saying Open, open! Wise Daddy made him say thank you to Grammy before it was opened... Which Caleb Ran downstairs and thank her and then Ran back upstairs and said Open, Open. He has been excited every since. He now has this new "big Buzz" that attaches to the ceiling with fishing line and flies around the room. "Big Buzz" isn't allowed to sleep in the bed with him, but he also has the original "little Buzz" from McDonalds... this one is allowed in the bed AND in the shower. So he is on cloud 9! When he got home, I asked him who gave him Buzz, and for the first time I have heard him say Grammy, of course it came out Jammy, and again later it was Mammy, but still. The first time, and he talks about Grammy ever since! So this is a landmark for Caleb.

This is a picture of Flying Buzz!



But as if that wasn't enough....

Does this look fun or what?!

We took Caleb and met Tessa and Grammy at "Pump It Up" in Kirkland today. The kids had SOOOOO much FUN! Caleb was running, laughing, sliding, giggling, jumping, bouncing, etc for the entire hour and 15 minute session. He hasn't been this nonstop active since his last gym class (thanks to his broken arm). But today, he made up for it! He was in constant motion with a huge smile on his face the entire time. I think Tessa had a good time too. They played well with each other too. I just wish I had remembered the camera. Of course, Mike and I were worn out, sweating, and panting by the time the session was over. We had to go on the slides, in the obstacle course and in the jumpy houses to introduce the kids to them, to make sure they didn't get stuck, and also because they kept asking us to come with them because they were having fun with us in there. Mike especially worked very hard to keep up, and did so quite admirably... and it showed, he had to take a second shower when we got home; he also had a big smile on his face most of the time too!!! It was worth every penny, Thank you Grammy for treating!!!!! It was a home run for Caleb! It is a definate repeatable activity... Although I know that I can't do it alone, Dad with have to go with!

So two slam dunk fabulous events and a playgroup for Caleb. He's had a good week, and I, as a parent, feel that I have done right by my little boy this week. I feel happy and proud of this week, especially after having so many down weeks in recovery, broken arm hiatus, and adjusting to two kiddos.

And Josh's contribution... He is just cute and well behaved. Here he is in is "going home" outfit, boy does it fit differently now. He is just cute and more smiling than ever!

Thanks for reading.

I just had to share this picture. Joshua is developing quite a personality. Now that he is getting a better quality of sleep (now that his parents figured out what he likes and the right combination needs met to make him happy) he is more awake during the day, more responsive to stimuli, happier in his facial expressions, and that heart melting cooing is happening... Just joy...

And this picture is of my little guys' foot prints. Caleb at 1 week on the left, and Josh at 6 weeks on the right! Caleb has more of an arch, and Josh is just a big guy! Of course at 13 pounds and 23 1/4 inches long what do you expect! 90th % for weight and 60th % for length!

Caleb is staying the night at Grammy and Papa Dahl's house. And I am blissful feeling free with just one child. It does feel like I am carrying just 13 pounds of responsiblity rather than the combined weight of 38.5 around trying to get errands done! Thank you Grammy and Papa Dahl!

Funny story: Caleb was put to bed last week at 9:20. He yelled about every 10-15 minutes for something, a book, juice, Buzz, TinkerBell (whom he calls either Ki-Ki-Bell or Kinky-bell), eat, etc. At 10:25, he calls again, after I had met every other excuse he had to stay awake, I come into his room he is sitting up in bed and he tells me that he is "finking". When I finally realize what he is saying, he is "THINKING"! And he says that he is thinking about Trucks (thank you daddy) and Papa. So I told him, "Why don't you think about going to SLEEP, is 10:30pm!!!

Ok, diaper time. Bye.

We went to the pumpkin patch yesterday!

We met Kristina and Tessa so that the cousins could have fun together just like last year. Caleb retained all of last years lessons from Papa Dahl. He rolled pumpkins, patted them, tried to pick them up, and kicked them like he was testing used cars. The hay ride was fun. And the kids picked beans for a craft project. The cutest occurrence of all was when we were in the pumpkin patch and Caleb wanted Tessa to come with him. He reached over and took her hand and walked, pull, marched, and drug her through the patch over vines, weeds and pumpkins. It was soooo cute, Kristina and I could just look at each other and smile. Overall it was a good day, tiring but worth missing a nap over. Afterwards, we went to Grammy's for lunch. Caleb thought it a funny game to feed Grandpa about 20 little tomatoes! It was funny, because Caleb has such dirty little fingers!

Caleb likes frogs. He was introduced to them by daddy when they were on a walk and again when they find them in the yard. Just a couple days ago, Caleb found one in our backyard and asked Mike to put it on his arm, then his shoulder and it went on from there. I finally got pictures...

Although Joshua is quite small and there isn't always much to write about him, there are a few things to note. We have gone back to swaddling him, tightly I might add. He sleeps more securely and less restless. I still have to lay him on a pillow so that his head is inclined, but he sleeps much better.
The other thing to mention... I think that Josh has a tongue shaped like Grandpa Dahl. It's a little rectangular shaped in the front; Josh frequently sticks his tongue out which is why I'd even pay attention. Grandpa doesn't think that having his short tongue is such a blessing, so I guess Caleb having a longer one with more of a point like is mommy is better.
And lastly, I went to my doctor and happen to weigh Josh. My chubby buddy is 13!!!!! POUNDS!!!! No wonder he feels heavy. Here is a cute picture, him and his chubby cuteness.

Hope you've enjoyed the pictures... bye for now.

It's been a while since I've written. Things have been busy.


Sunday, Mike watched the boys in the morning. I slept in the office on the guest bed and it was the longest stretch of sleep I've had since I can't remember. Thank you Mike.

Caleb is up to alot of the same antics. His vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds. And I'm proud of him. I'm glad he is finally liking and demanding to read books at night.

Yesterday as we were out for a walk, I told him that he didn't need to suck his thumb. It turned into a game to try to keep his thumb out of his mouth, the funniest thing reminded me of the story of Grandpa Dahl trying to quit sucking his thumb as a child. Caleb decided that the best way to stop sucking his thumb would be to bury it behind his back; putting his arm behind his back and sleeping on his arm was Peter's method of stopping too. Just a funny irony.

On Monday, playgroup was cancelled for some reason. So we were blessed with the opportunity to drive up and see Barb. Caleb had a good time with all the boys' toys, one of the best houses for him to visit if you ask him. The funny thing there was when the boys came home. Caleb didn't know the boys names since it had been a while, so when Tyler gave him something to play with or helped him with something Caleb said "Thank you, Boy". It was hilarious to me. It was also cute to see Tyler pulling Caleb in the wagon like Caleb was the little brother/ new toy that he wanted to take with him every where.

We are off today to see the family at the club. Hopefully everyone is healthy.

As I typed the last update:

Caleb crept into the garage and carried the barrel of animal crackers into the family room and somehow figured out how to get the lid off. Then had helped himself to a few handfuls. And that was the scene that I found him in when I finished. The funny thing is that I had to go.. to get the pizza out of the oven for dinner... I guess he was hungry and was going to do something about it.

Things I have had to say to Caleb that I never imagined I'd have to say:

Don't put your shirt in the toilet.
Don't put food in your diaper.
I don't want your shirt in my pants.
Don't lay on the cat.
Don't eat the dog food.
Get out of the dryer.
Are you taking Buzz into the shower?
Buzz needs to go potty?
etc etc etc: I've forgotten some of them already.

The second one down was just yesterday with Taquitoes. And I'm not sure why, but it took me telling him 3 times to understand. The last time being, when I said "Caleb, eat your dinner" and he calmly walked over and stood right in front of me and curled down the front of his diaper to reveal what he had stuffed in there. Yuck, a snack for later kid?

Another story, Josh was upset and started to fuss. Caleb promptly said that he needed a mommy's shirt. It's important to note that Caleb did NOT offer Josh HIS mommy's shirt, but rather rifled through the dirty clothes and dragged out several specimens for Josh to choose from. Interesting that he associates the need for comfort to "the shirt". I think if I wasn't "mommy" I'd have been offered his shirt a few times.

Lastly, some of you may know, others may not, but each night when Caleb gets tucked into bed there is a list. What kind of a list you ask? The list of people who love Caleb. It's interesting to see who makes the cut.
I start with "Mommy loves you" and then he prompts me with "Daddy?" and I say "And Daddy loves you"... and then from there the list gets interesting. Well, Uncle Brian got added to the list about a month ago. And Auntie Brittany got added just two weeks ago. (She had been waiting for that for a long time.) But Caleb also asks about Papa? And now he asks about papa Bishop, and papa Dahl.... and the grandmas. And Ike and Zuma. And Jockey (his name for Joshua). I always end with "and Jesus loves you too". But if Caleb doesn't prompt the list, then I go down the list and he says "yeeeahhh" after each one.
It's just funny that every night we have to go down the list, and who's on the list is interesting.

The other funny thing that Caleb does: When asked if he has poo'd his pants, he says "NO, Ike." We asked "Ike poo'd in your pants?" He responds "yeah, yeah". He's also blamed Zu-ie (zuma), or Daddy, or whomever, Uncle Brian did once. I hope we aren't starting a pattern of denial.

Gotta go, bye for now.

Caleb slept in today, which I'm grateful for. However, it was because of a rough night for him, which I'm saddened by. But it all worked out in the end.

The morning for him started with potty training Buzz...Again. This time Caleb didn't take his turn. sigh. I tried.

I've stumbled upon another activity that Caleb really likes. The watercolor paintings that have the color on the page already, just add water with the brush... He really likes it, and I like the fact that the worst that he can do is dump the little water that I place in the dish. And of course, the picture went on the refrigerator.

Last night Caleb and I had our first activity with just the two of us. We went to the library and returned the Pooh's Heffalump movie, and picked out others. I figured that if Caleb returned the pooh movie then he would understand where it went and why it's not at home to watch any more. And he had a good time playing in the kid's section too.

Then we went to get a slurpee, which I admit that he calls "mom's juice" and I do share a bit with him when he is good. Also, I'll admit to using it as a bribe last night to get him to eat a hearty soup last night for dinner. The positive perspective would not be to look at it as bribery, but as finding the proper motivation to bring about positive dietary habits. Ironic that I would have to use a nutritional vice in life to get a healthy meal into a toddler.

Josh is sleeping a bit more today, and I hope that he is getting sufficient enough sleep that he will not be overtired and fight bedtime again this evening. Here's crossing my fingers.

I've started comparing the two boys birth/1 month old pictures. Here's a couple of my favorites.



josh on left, caleb at right

Caleb and potty training, we are still trying....

Today, Caleb had to make sure that Buzz (as in Lightyear from Toy story) used the potty first, THEN it was Caleb's turn. Which when it finally was Caleb's turn, it was successful. I guess I'll be training an action figure AND a little boy how to use the potty. Hey, whatever gimmick that will work is fine by me! Caleb also tried the pull ups, because as it turns out they have Buzz on them. Totally unplanned, but he asked for them this morning and was willing once he detailed who was on them to me. Of course, they were on for about 2 minutes because they are kind of stiff and Caleb immediately said "hurt" and pointed to them. Well, maybe next time.

For being the "Sleepy" baby, Joshua has now flipped to fighting sleep in the morning (8am-12pm) and he fights again from 4pm-12am. It makes for a challenging evening trying to get anything accomplished, dinner, laundry, putting Caleb to bed, etc, because he wants to be held all night and bounced and rocked.

Caleb learned a couple things today. He now says "mommy tired". And then he fake yawns. It's very funny.
The other thing that he is picking up is that he has two grandpas and they have different last names and they are in two different locations. Today he understood and repeated that "Papa Dahl" was at work with Daddy. And then just to clarify, he added "Papa Dahl, Daddy Dahl, work, yeah". Well, at least he knows his daddy's last name.

Caleb is now the proud owner of two "forts". We have some Playhut, nylon cubes with a couple tunnels. There is now a fort in his bedroom and the living room. He hides in them, but not before he collects his treasured objects to take with him. His shirt, ball, buzz, snacks, and today for some reason he was carrying around a roll of masking tape. He's really excited about them and had to show daddy when he got home.

We (the whole family) got out for a walk this evening before the sun disappeared for the day. It was nice to know that we got some exercise for the day.

Well, I'm going to drive and get a slurpee for a 15 minute break.