On a Monday

We beat the Monday blues today. It was a beautiful day after being rained out yesterday. We woke up to sunshine and birds. I got motivated to walk us to storytime and Caleb sat quietly (for most of the ride) in the stroller and enjoyed the fresh air as much as I did. We saw friends and Caleb got a certificate and book for going to storytime 30 times! Wow. I hadn't realized we've gone that much. This is only the second time we have gone since before Christmas. Finally getting back in the swing of things.
Caleb dozed on the way home. I guess all that reading and signing wore him out.
I managed to get 4 loads of laundry done AND put away. (that is a big accomplishment these days. Lately I have been leaving the basket sitting with folded clothes till I do the next load.)
Bathrooms were cleaned. Floors were swept. Caleb slept. And slept some more. 2.5 hours of napping. I squeezed in a little nap myself. Relaxed a bit. And enjoyed a happy boy who woke up (lately he's been a wee bit grumpy after his naps) And we played and weeded outside in the backyard while we waited for dad.
Considering it's a Monday. Not my most favorite day of the week. I'd say, Caleb and I, we had a pretty darn good day.
The best part for me was that through every tantrum and tear, every face flat on the floor moment and shriek in the high chair moment, I managed to keep my cool. I took some deep breathes. I waited patiently while Caleb screamed and 'almost' puncured my ear drum with those loud lungs and at the end of the day, I gladly handed him over, finished making dinner (it's been awhile since I have made dinner, Dave has been doing dinner duty since we got back from Oregon more than a month ago! wowzers I sure am married to an amazing guy), listened to a skype session with Caleb's grandma and grandpa and we all ate dinner together (while Caleb fussed through) And now Monday is done (for Caleb that is) and it's time to relax with my hubby :)

Reflections

I've been having a tough time lately. I've been emotional and not always handling Caleb's temper tantrums in the calm way that I always thought I would. They have worn me down big time. So much so that when Dave gets home I go into 'shut down' mode and on the weekend I'm pretty much done. I feel like lately I've been tip-toeing around waiting for the next Caleb melt-down to occur. Although I know ways to handle them and I can understand most of the time why they are happening the 'in the moment' experience paints a different picture. I've just been having a hard time dealing with this new phase and I don't know why really. I just have never been able to handle the screaming and crying all that well. Anyways I chanced upon this blog and it really struck a chord with me and reminded me that 'this too shall pass' and brought tears to my eyes because I know that I will miss this stage one day. That the great moments outweigh all the hard moments. It helps to be reminded though...
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http://looslifamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/heaven-is-shopping-for-groceries-by.html
Someday, I'll be a mom of grown up kids who are off on their own, living their own lives - and when I see these moms with little kids, I'll think back nostalgically on this whole phase of my life. Aloneness in the grocery store will become a norm at that point. Fielding 5 comments and requests at once will be a thing of the past. And I'll look at those moms towing their kids along in a whole different way - I'll think about how lucky they are to have those cute little kids and I'll miss my own. I'll probably get the urge to stop those hassled moms and tell them to love this small window in their lives when they are so needed and so wanted by such lovely little people. I'll want to tell them that time goes by quickly and that the melt downs and crying really only lasts a few minutes at a time (even though it can seem like an eternity when you're in the middle of it). I bet I'll want to tell them that they'll even miss the hard stuff because without that, you don't appreciate the good as much.

The Good. The Bad. and The...

The Good. It is Friday and that pretty much makes everything good! Time to kick up our feet and relax all weekend long. The Bad. We've been enduring a whole lot of this...'awwwwwwwwwww' lately. Temper Tantrums in full force for a 15 month old? My mom claims I started this at the same age...but I don't know...seems a little young. My patience is once again reaching new bounds in this realm of motherhood. Although I dealt with this on a daily basis in college with the one year old tots who are trying so hard to communicate, can understand so much, yet can't make their needs understood but us 'oh so oblivious' adults, I was still able to go home at the end of the day and move on with life. It's another story when dealing with it 24/7 and with your own child. Yes. Lots of long showers and 'me' breaks. Lots of outside play. Lots of walking and deep breathing. This too shall pass....

And the...hm...Random? Something that makes all the bad worth it. That cute little behind with the little chunk of fat rolling out of the diaper with a wedge. Yes. At the end of a long week where patience ran thin and tempers ran high, this was needed and appreciated. Smiles and laughs. I guess this is why we do it. Through all the pain and the heartache, the stretching beyond what we ever knew we could be stretched to, through the sadness, the madness, for every hard moment there are a thousand and one Good ones. Great ones. Special ones. Bottle it up. Never forget moments. Moments that take my breathe away. Many many moments that make you worth everything Caleb. We love you more than you will ever know.

Workout gear

Auntie J and her buddy C. Wearing their workout gear.

The Zoo

Caleb's Poppa wanted to take him to the zoo after hearing Caleb's 'animal' sounds. It was pretty cute. He wanted Caleb to see a real monkey. It was a fun day. I think we were more excited than Caleb was but he still got pretty into it. I used to go to the LA zoo as a little girl so it was fun to go back and remember all the animals. The coolest part was seeing the kangaroos (my favorite animal as a child) the joey was in it's mother's pouch sticking its little head out. It was so cute! I've always been kind of obsessed with kangaroos and how the babies stay inside the pouch for awhile after being born. Can you guess what Caleb's favorite was? The gorillas and chimps. Every time the chimps squeaked and squawked Caleb would make his monkey sound. He couldn't take his eyes off the Gorillas.

Let the adventure begin

They are in their 'zones'/have no idea I'm taking their picture either
aw. there we go. two out of four. pretty good.

i managed to get in a picture. me and my little guy!

Caleb and his Nana and Poppa. I managed to get one with my dad's least 'fake' smile and Caleb looking at the camera. It was tough... (Shall I even mention the hat...a Nani hat of course, monkey on the front, Caleb's fav animal)

Can't stop staring at those gorillas.

A plus side to having kids. We get to be kids ourselves and pretend we're doing things for our children when really, it's all for us. Going to the zoo 'for Caleb' and enjoying it for ourselves. It was a fun day :) Thanks Dad.

Buddies

As opposite as night and day both physically and personality wise. Caleb a gentle giant. Liam a little daredevil. Caleb an observer. Liam an explorer. Caleb cautious. Liam not afraid of anything. We know who will be protecting who as they get older and although Caleb may be the bigger one, it'll be Liam. Two completely different personalities. But both oh so cute and both have so much fun together! Friends balance each other out right? Best buds.

To our Caleb

Sweet, sweet Caleb. I hope you'll always know how much we love you. Your big blue eyes, and smile that stretches across your entire face with two very cute dimples. Your sweet nature with those who know and love you. You like to take in the scene first from a distance and observe before going headfirst. Tentative yet very watchful. We love watching your budding personality in the making. We love your goofy side. Especially when you entertain us at the dinner table with all your chatter. The past couple days you've given us a run for our money and we couldn't figure out what was causing some serious melt downs, probably the molars that are coming through, but it's hard to know for sure. You seem to be back to your cheerful self now. We love watching you explore your world as you toddle around laughing at yourself and reading through books and playing with toys. We love you always our sweet Caleb.

Sweet Kisses

For his Auntie

I just can't get enough of this little love bug of mine! Thanks for such a fun visit Jen!!!

Caleb's first Jamba Juice

in love with the ladies

We had a fun fun fun visit with three of my college friends who came down to visit us for a couple days :) Caleb couldn't help but ham it up. And I had so much fun just hanging out with the girls chatting about our college days and hearing about the amazing things the three of them are up to! Thanks for coming to visit Leah, Stacy, and Mandy!

Praying Hands

I thought I would share something sweet Caleb has started doing. When we say grace before dinner Caleb has taken an interest in our hands and the act of 'praying hands' as I call them. Every night before bed we read from his prayer book given to him by his Godmother. I bless him with his colorful rosary his Aunt Katie gave to him and he thinks this is just about the greatest thing. A huge grin lights up his face. And now when I say 'Amen' he folds his hands together to make 'praying hands' Something so sweet at such a young age. He doesn't need my prompting anymore and does it on his own. He doesn't grasp the concept yet, but it melts my heart all the same.

He also has been so much better about playing on his own. I know it is because he can walk now and is relishing how far he can go on his own! Today he played by himself in the living room while I read a book. After awhile he wandered into his playroom and a smile spread on my face as I heard him strumming to his instruments and creating a little musical melody. He stayed in there for the longest time just creating little noises and babbling to himself. When I walked by later I saw a little pile of books and musical instruments. Two of his favorite activities.

It doesn't seem like much, but these are big steps for Caleb who is normally glued to my right leg. I am relishing the freedom and proud of this step toward independence. I'm also happy that at this point he still doesn't get into anything he shouldn't be (for the most part) and is still very content with his toys! I appreciate it because we watched his adorable little friend the other day who goes everywhere and is into everything (he shouldn't be into of course) And I have never been so exhausted! His mom is about to have baby #2 in a matter of weeks! Talk about a busy mama. Sometimes I get frustrated with how attached Caleb can be and wish he would wander off more on his own. But lately he has been doing just that and it comes as a relief and an appreciation that he doesn't wander too far yet!

We are also enjoying my sister who has been here all week. I know I enjoy it the most because not only is she constant entertainment for Caleb, she even changes pooopy diapers, actually offers to change them! Yep. Gotta love the aunties! I love being able to just hang out with my sister and enjoy good conversations and late night movie watching :) Sisters are the best. So I'll be posting up some good pictures soon.

Sharing a lolly

Monterey

We spent the day in Monterey and it was so beautiful outside! It felt so nice to just spend an entire day outside eating, playing at the park, walking, eating some more, and enjoying the bay and warm sunshine! I feel like we've been cooped up with all this cold weather. Caleb was a happy camper walking around and taking in the sights. It was funny because we ran into some friends there too. I was having a pizza craving and couldn't remember the place I had been to with one of my friends. I sent her a message asking her where it was and she told me and said they were already there! So Random! We ended up eating lunch with them and their two adorable little girls and spent the day hanging out. I love the weekends. Caleb and I get pretty excited to have our Daddy/Hubby all to ourselves!
This is Caleb. On a mission. To catch his favorite animal... That dog up ahead. Oh yes. He took off faster than I could blink in order to get that dog. Every time he sees one he starts waving and laughing. It is just too funny!

We were just hanging out people watching while Dave set up all the bike stuff

Caleb thinks it's funny to wear his helmet now. We got him all loaded up and then discovered my bike tire was flat! Ha. We were all excited to finally go bike riding in Monterey with Caleb. Oh well! Just glad Dave brought the stuff to convert the trailer to stroller mode.

My sweet happy baby boy. We love you Caleb Lincoln. Taking in the sights. And as a random. Awhile ago I wrote a post about Caleb's latest stroller screams. I couldn't figure out what was up with the hysterics every time I took him in the stroller and it was putting a damper on my peaceful daily strolls with him. Until, I discovered he's rather fond of his bike trailer. So, we take up the entire sidewalk with his bike trailer and he's happy as a clam and I'm able to once again enjoy our walks and get in some serenity for the day! (I'm pretty sure he's been so upset in the stroller because the straps are a little tight and they don't go much bigger!! You'd think they would right? He's not that big! Or maybe he just likes being in his own cocoon inside the trailer, who knows with this little guy?!)

What's a good day without a good nap? Beach + Sunshine= Happiness all around!
A great way to spend our Saturday ;)

Playing outside all day

in warm sunny weather is the best way to spend a friday and welcome in the weekend:)

Post Holiday Blues

I've been in a bit of a funk lately. It comes around every year when the Christmas music stops playing and the pretty porch lights of different colors are taken down one by one. It gets even worse in February. February lingers much longer than I would ever like with frost and cloudy skies. Come March when the birds start chirping a little more loudly outside my window and the sun shines more warmly upon my face I start to snap out of it.

Christmas decorations are still up and lingering in our house. Presents have yet to come out of their gift bags and packages. They are sitting and waiting to looked at in our closet. Our laundry basket has clothes nicely folded that have been there since Monday. I'm trying to work up the little big of energy it takes to put things away in boxes and bins, drawers and hangers, but the act of thinking of all that needs to actually be put away has taken more effort than it would to just put them away.

Normally I'm a much more productive person than I've become since Christmas has sung it's last Noelle. Sweeping isn't done nearly as often these days and mopping? I can't remember the last time. Caleb's Bink has become a dear friend these past couple weeks and sometimes on very fussy mornings for my little man, the TV is on, much as I hate to admit it, and more than I would like it to be. I'm feeling like a bad mama and not my usual self. Trying to get out of this funk I feel.

Yesterday the sun was a little brighter and the street a little warmer and Caleb and I took an outside escape as we strolled the streets and passed more than a few people geared up in jogging outfits and mamas pushing babies. And for that precious hour I got a glimmer of hope that spring is not far around the corner. I can almost taste warm strawberries and dare I hope for so much as a big bite of a juicy watermelon come summer...

For now I shall say that it is nice to have good friends that make winter feel like springtime for a funked out mama and a cranky toddler.

15 Months!

I'm about a week late on this post but Happy 15 Months Caleb! We can't believe all you are doing these days. It seems like everyday you are learning and showing us something new. Of course we oh and aw over it like it's the greatest thing cause it really is to us! You bring us so much joy and happiness and we love you so much.

Here is what you are up to this month:

Signing 'more' I've been signing this one since Caleb was about 6 months and he's finally started doing it. It pays to never give up. Instead of screetching and grabbing off our plate he polietly puts his little fingers in the proper signing position and Dave and I think it's just about the greatest thing ever!

Walking all over the place now. You've got the hang of those legs and aren't afraid to use

them

Can make the animal sound for dinosaur, monkey, and fish when we ask you to or when you see their picture in your farm animal book

Cooling off your food by blowing (bubbles) on it. Hey whatever works right?

following simple instructions such as opening or closing something or going to get something or find someone like mom or dad :)

words are: banana (ni ni) , all done (a da) , up (u) , more (mo) , dada, mama, signing all done and signing more and your newest word seems to be apple (aap) interesting that they all relate to food! why am i not surprised?

and lastly getting your molars, hence putting in a lot more binky time

(I haven't done my usual monthly photo shoot with my little man and all I had were these bedtime pics...)

As a side note, one of these days we'll be getting rid of the bink, the plan was after Christmas, as you can see...that hasn't happened yet!

we have a new dr. finally switched over to one in Hollister and I am so thankful for that and for having friends in hollister who know who the good drs. are! We love Caleb's new dr and are so happy that she's 3 minutes away instead of 30!

Caleb weighed in at 30 lbs (been that much since 6 months) and 33 in.

A day

in Caleb's world...

Caleb's grandma and grandpa got him this table that serves as an eating table (with the top on) and a playing table (with the top off) we were a little sad that there was snow down south and we missed out. So we made our own snow...


Caleb had a grand time, till he found the dirt, and then he had an even more grand time. Digging and prodding into the ground with his little mud caked hands. Exploring every inch of our backyard.

What's outside Caleb? Mom has a surprise for you...
Oh la la...Little hands love... anything that can create a mess!

An interesting texture



couldn't resist snapping a picture of that little tush all covered in rice

could you have picked a rock any bigger Caleb? I don't think so

leave it to Caleb to find the smallest hole in the ground full of dirt.

My sweet baby boy. Thanks for helping us to remember all the little things in life that make this world so grand. Through your eyes Caleb. The world is beautiful. As sweet and beautiful as you make our world.