Of A Different Spirit

You can’t come away from a doctor’s office with a better diagnosis than, “he’s perfect.” She also could have meant that he is a perfect flirt, which he what he does when he’s there, but I think she was talking more about where he is physically and cognitively. However, Caleb would probably say that we could have left a little better. He left with a red, tear stained face. He had to get some shots, which is never fun, but he didn’t do so well this time. This is never easy for either of us, but I know that it is important so that part of it makes me feel better. Of course, Caleb couldn’t care less about that part, so I gave him a snack to munch on and it seemed to distract him from his sore legs. The other results from 1 year visit were all good. He is now up to 25 pounds, 11 ounces and is 32 inches long. Our grocery bill also received good news because he is now on whole milk. A whole new world of food has now opened for him too. He has now had his first taste of eggs. He likes them and I don’t have to feed them to him, so it’s a win-win. He can also eat what we eat now as long as it is easy to chew and in small pieces. So, for the next while Caleb will get to discover lots of tastes and textures. It is going to be fun…and messy, which is okay.

Of course, to me he is perfect in many other ways. We have certainly been blessed with a very compliant, sweet child. I am always being told how good he is. He goes with the flow of things very well. Of course, that isn’t to say that he doesn’t give us clues if he is tired or bored. I think God has given us an “easy one” so that we can get used to being parents, which I think is very thoughtful.

Caleb is extremely observant and is a people watcher. There isn’t much that gets by him, which is both good and bad. No matter what his environment is, he tries to take everything in. This makes it difficult to get him to eat well when we are at a restaurant, but if it is late, it distracts him from being tired. So, I’ll take the good with the bad. I hope this continues to develop in him. Being an observant person certainly has its benefits. Although, I have found that because of this I have to be careful of my reactions to things, because he really pays attention and will react accordingly.

Even though Caleb is compliant, he is determined and goal driven. My brother Shaun and my Nana found this out the hard way not long ago. If he wants to get a better look at something he can be very determined in his efforts. I can appreciate this in him, but can see how if this sticks with him will need some guidance.

Caleb is certainly on the move. I have been told several times how busy he is. He is all boy! He crawls very well and would crawl all over the apartment exploring if I let him. I do sometimes, but only when I am not involved in something else and can keep a close eye on him. He is moving toward walking and will probably be running around here soon, but isn’t quite there yet. We bought him a toy that he can push around and he really enjoys it. He is very disappointed when he runs into something and can’t go any further. I think the only challenge left for him in this is balance and maybe a little courage which I am sure will come before I am ready for it. I am looking forward to seeing him walk because I know that it will open up more opportunities for growth, discovery, and independence.

His love for music is very evident. He prefers toys that play songs or make musical sounds to others that do not. He likes to hear music on the TV and will stop what he is doing at the time in order to listen and dance. He really enjoys playing on his xylophone. He pounds away on it and smiles at the “music” that results from his “playing.” I will be happy to see a passionate love for music continue in him.

Caleb is still a great eater and will eat anything I put in front of him. From spinach to cake, he eats it all. I couldn’t be more thrilled about this. I am not much for pickiness in the area of nutrition, so I really hope this sticks with him. If his taste continues this way, I might have a sushi partner eventually! Even if that doesn’t happen, I will still be happy if he just finishes his vegetables at dinner.

He continues to be very vocal and is still attempting words. He says something like “get” for cat and has said ball, dada, mama, and hey. He doesn’t do these on a regular basis, but every once in a while an actual word will make an appearance. He still prefers to just babble, which is cute. Right now, I think I prefer it. It is so cute to hear all the sounds he makes in order to communicate. His favorite conversation partners are still Churchill and Pippin, who seem to tolerate all of his antics very well.

1st Birthday – Part 1

A while back…and I mean a while back, I had the great idea of having a special birthday party for Caleb and his cousin Avery (who is the same age). I thought it would be fun for them to experience this together. A couple of weeks ago this became a reality, which was a lot of fun. We had a great time with all of them down here, including my grandparents who really enjoyed the visit as well.

We had a wonderful weekend of cake, presents, pictures, and mini-golf (thanks Mindie for all the great pictures). It couldn’t have gone better. My brother Shaun, was so sweet to make the cake, which was great. He also made little cakes for the boys and my niece, Laycie who was celebrating her 14th birthday that weekend.

The boys had a lot of fun with their cakes. We just put a plastic tablecloth under them and let them go. It was fun seeing them interact with cake and icing all over them. As you can see, Caleb even tried to “share” some of his with Avery.

It is always fun to see the two of them together. They are still too young to really know what to do with one another, but I know that eventually they will be getting into all sorts of things together. I can’t wait!

For the day of his birthday, I took him to a park here in town. He really enjoyed it. So far, he likes the swings the best. It was nice to get him out and let him play a little.

Next weekend we will be having another party for him with his Grandaddy and Grandma Kelso and many others. We are looking forward to celebrating the occasion with them and I will be sure to post about his second birthday party.

We have truly been blessed this year. Now, for year two! Let the learning, growing, challenges (in all of us) – and FUN begin!