These Days: May 6, 2011

I have been meaning to sit down and update you all, and most importantly overwhelm you with pictures of Mr. Caleb, but the problem is that the little guy simply distracts me with his cuteness. Perhaps it is an infatuation that will fade overtime, maybe once he starts to eat food and learns to fling it across the room - when he's not feeding it to the dog - perhaps then I won't think he is so cute. But, nowadays, even though he is a drooling disaster, I still find him and his toothless grin immensely charming. So, I do apologize for not updating you all sooner, but I don't apologize as to why it has taken me this long to do so.

I don't really know how another month has come and gone, but yet it has, though not without leaving it's mark. Caleb turned 3 months, I turned 29 (so next year we start counting down...wahoo!...28 here I come;)), Neal was sick for a total of about 3 weeks (baby+sick husband = fun), we had a wonderfully endless stream of visitors, oh and Sadie finally got a bath (perhaps the greatest accomplishment this month!) And of course we can't close out this months events without mentioning the historic news that made headlines this past week....that's right, he finally got what came to him! Way to go America and all those brave, brave men and women, past, present and future who fought for this cause and continue to do so. I fly our flag with unwavering pride, but more importantly with immense gratitude for all those who lost their lives in this 10 year battle. It is unfortunate that after all they (and their families) worked for, believed in, and sacrificed, that they were never able to see this day - so again, I say a simple thank you to those men/women and their families.

As I mentioned, Caleb is now 3 months old. Every day he seems to be doing something new or different. He is happy little guy and is such a calm, well natured baby - I really don't know where he came from since neither Neal or I can sit still for longer than 5 minutes. At first he hated "tummy time", and now he loves it. He gets his daily work out of mini push-ups in a few times a day, which many times tires him out. One minute he will be doing a little push-up, and the next thing you know he is sucking on his thumb, falling asleep. Judge me if you want, but if his thumb puts him to sleep, and if he happens to nap on his stomach, so be it. At least he is napping and my arms are free...a major victory in this house! He is also starting to reach for things...it takes awhile and he can't always grasp things, but he is at least trying, and the look of determination on his face is nothing short of amazing (and a little hysterical). Let's see, what else...he loves his baths; anything he gets a hold of goes in his mouth - which just happens to be convenient when he spits up and you need to wipe his face; he LOVES to stare in the mirror - he thinks he is utterly hysterical; his favorite toy is, of course, a frog - he could stare at it for hours and gets mad when it's not in sight; he enjoys Dr. Suess books; and he is a champion sleeper - he sleeps from 10pm-7/8am - and yes, I know that I am extremely fortunate and I'm sure mothers everywhere are envious:).

This parenting thing is hard, but it is also very rewarding. One of my favorite times of the day with him is in the morning, when he wakes up all smily and chatty. Each day is new and exciting as he observes every little thing that surrounds him, without a care in the world. His only concern is that his mom is there and he is going to get fed. How amazingly pure, simple, and innocent; as a mom I can't help but want that innocence to stay with him, especially in today's day and age. And you know what? It's a nice break for me too, because while watching this amazing little baby which God created, my world stops. Everything becomes simple, the sun shines a little brighter, and he helps me to refocus on what really matters in this crazy life (forgive me if that sounds a little corny, but I can't help it...its true...you try being around him and not feeling that too). I guess in some way, we both sustain eachother, and I can't help but think....what was life like before Caleb? What an amazing gift he is!

Well, enough of my ramblings. This weekend is Mothers Day. So, for all of you mothers out there, have a wonderful day! For all of those who have just now been reminded that it's Mother's Day - yes, I know you are out there - there is still plenty of time to do something for that special lady in your life. And for all of those who are reading this after the weekend has come to a close - well, I can't help you there - I hope you remembered your mom/wife, but if not I'm sure she won't let you forget next time around;). Enjoy the pictures!

Until next time! xoxo