tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79278562514274216162024-03-21T03:09:47.977-04:00Our JourneyRead about the exciting adventures of David, Sarah and Caleb!Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-12938716921590050132012-11-01T12:37:00.000-04:002012-11-01T12:37:32.779-04:00September 2012Fall is family season here. As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to turn, we find our Florida family members migrate north to escape the heat for a while and visit. This month was no different. We were blessed to be visited by both David's brother Brian, his wife Amy and their son Zachary and my Mom. There were way too many photos from each trip to do them justice here, but these two are my favorites from each visit:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb giving his cousin a ride on the train.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granny kisses!</td></tr>
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Fall also brings extra yard work to prepare for winter.
Over Labor day weekend, we weeded a large flower bed that had gotten out
of control. Caleb filled up his big sandbox bucket and took load after
load to our yard debris pile for us. I think he may be ready for his own
small garden patch next year! <br />
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Caleb's language has really been developing hand in hand with his play times. It's inspiring to see first hand why play is such an important part of child development. One day, Caleb said "green
block" as he chose one to "cut" my hair with. He likes to make the "Bzzz" sound of clippers. Then, later when
I was swinging him in the tree he wanted to swing high enough to touch
the leaves. He kept trying and asking "touch, touch". When I said I
couldn't push him high enough he kept asking for "daddy, daddy". So
precious.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curls!</td></tr>
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He also began "reading" books to himself this month. He did an especially great job reading the Pat the Bunny book! The minibook inside was the most amazing part. He
opened it up said "tock, tock, tock" on the clock page, "BIG" (for the
soooo big part), "nummy" for the food, and "shhh" for the sleep. I can't
believe we're already at an age where we can both sit on the couch and be reading different books.<br />
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Caleb has been learning to share mommy this month with an adorable little boy, also named Caleb who I'm watching 2 days per week. It's definitely been an adjustment for him.We've seen a few new-sibling-on-the-scene type regressions like wanting to chew on everything or be fed with a spoon. Still, I think he also secretly likes having a baby to take care of. He loves to bring Baby Caleb puzzles and toys to play with. After a few days of having little Caleb over, my Caleb looked at him, pointed, and said, "Buddy!" It was priceless. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't actually him acting like a baby. That's a "banana" he's eating as he sits around the lego table he asked mommy to build. He's using the single duplos as "people". I love his imagination!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Calebs. Buds.</td></tr>
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For my part, I have really enjoyed having two little ones to snuggle with. I was definitely intimidated by watching two, but for the most part, it's been easier than expected. It's amazing how much confidence two years of parenting experience has given me and Baby Caleb is one very happy, chilled out little guy. It's made me even more excited for the day we add a second Gainey, either via birth or adoption.<br />
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Caleb said his first prayer this month. He always asks the two of us to pray at each meal and at night before bed, but one day, he wanted to pray too. So, in repeat-after-me style we helped him pray, "Jesus. Thank you. Amen." Simple and from the heart.<br />
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Like any house with a toddler in it, we have our ups and downs. Like most toddlers, Caleb thrives on routine. He loooves to know what's coming and know what is expected of him. He tends to stick to routines very rigidly, which is typically nice for us as parents. For instance, we recently started putting him to sleep with a blanket. We told him he needed to stay under it to keep warm. He loooves his blanket, and once he's under you'd think it was a lead-weight immobilization device. He doesn't stand up again until we come and get him. He falls asleep faster and we're going to save on the heat bill this year! Score for Mom and Dad.<br />
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On the other hand, that same rigidity can create some challenges. Not all the routines he sticks to are ones we create. For instance, he got into a night time routine of running away when David said it was time to get undressed for bath time. Being the first time rookie parents we are, we thought it was cute at first. A little game of chase before tub time (all the seasoned parents are snickering). Now, it's a full blown battle to make the transition from dressed to naked. Our usually compliant guy got in the routine of disobeying and now he's having trouble breaking out, even though it's clear he doesn't like how things are going either. We've been working on it and it's slowly getting better, thankfully for us all!<br />
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At the very end of September we celebrated David's birthday with funfetti, wonderful friends and minigolf. I still want to pinch myself every time I really stop and think about the wonderful man God has blessed me with. It's easy to take each other forgranted. I'm so thankful for birthdays, anniversaries, and all the other times that make us stop and really think about the joy the other person brings to our lives.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Buds</td></tr>
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<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-3877591859969877592012-10-03T13:48:00.002-04:002012-10-03T13:49:08.012-04:00Just One Letter About two weeks ago, we got some sad news in the mail. Remember my friend <a href="http://joyonthejourney.blogspot.com/2012/05/best-letter-ive-ever-received.html">Mugendi</a>? His family decided to leave the Compassion International program unexpectedly last month. After 3 years of practically perfect attendence at the Child Development Center and even more letters than usual exchanged this past year from both of us, Mugendi suddenly stopped attending. I could have never imagined how sad I'd be to receive this news. There really is a Mugendi shaped hole in my heart.<br />
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Compassion gave us all the answers they could. The staff isn't really sure why Mugendi's family is leaving the program. It could be that they need Mugendi's help around the home or in the marketplace or simply that as he's gotten older, he's chosen to no longer participate. Typically, at least 2 home visits take place to attempt to remediate the situation before a child is removed from the program roster so we feel confident that every appeal has been made that can be.<br />
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On our end, there's only one thing left to do. We get to write a "final letter". Assuming his family hasn't moved by the time it arrives, it will be the last piece of mail delivered to him from us. From what we hear, he'll likely keep it for at least the rest of his childhood, along with our other letters. That's weighty. There are so many things I wanted to write more about when he got older, and now...I have one letter.<br />
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One letter to tell him what a special young man he is. One letter to remind him that he is made in the image of God, that poverty is not what defines him. One letter to share scriptures I hope he never forgets. I wrote that letter this afternoon, tomorrow I'll put it in the mail, and in all likelyhood that will close Mugendi's chapter in our life.<br />
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Compassion offered to match us up with another young man Mugendi's age in Tanzania, but we aren't ready. Both of us fervently hope that Mugendi will be one of the 10% or so who return to the program after a brief hiatus. I am however, slowly accepting the fact that this may not be the case and, if not, would love to sponsor another child again. I know we'll probably choose our new child the same way we chose Mugendi.<br />
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We sorted by "longest waiting child" and looked at photographs until one spoke to us. Today, just to see how many children are "longest waiting" (waiting for sponsorship for more than 6 months) I did a quick search. I was astonished to see that 29 children have been waiting <i>over a year</i> for sponsorship. They are mostly from Indonesia and Honduras.<br />
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Likely, these children are in the same situation Mugendi was in when we became his sponsors. They've signed up to be part of a newly opened Child Development Center and are just waiting to be sponsored. They may already be receiving services like food, education and spiritual formation or they may still be waiting. I don't know. What they are definitely not receiving are letters of encouragement and caring.<br />
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If you'd like to consider sponsoring one of these children, just follow this link: <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/child-search-results.htm?cboLongestWaiting=Yes">http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/child-search-results.htm?cboLongestWaiting=Yes</a><br />
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If you want to read more about why I'm a big fan of the work Compassion does click here: <a href="http://joyonthejourney.blogspot.com/2012/05/best-letter-ive-ever-received.html">http://joyonthejourney.blogspot.com/2012/05/best-letter-ive-ever-received.html</a><br />
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It takes 2-3 months for mail to travel to Mugendi's village in Tanzania and 2-3 months for reply to make it back here again, so don't expect any rapid updates! While I mourn our loss of connection to Mugendi, I know God's plans in his life are much bigger than one American family. I have complete confidence that "he who began a good work in [him] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."<br />
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<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-81982127560813857522012-09-19T13:42:00.002-04:002012-09-19T13:48:13.039-04:00August 2012Parenthood makes you say and do a lot of things you never could have imagined saying or doing. Here are a few from my month:<br />
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-Explaining to my toddler that <i>daddy</i> (his hero) eats broken muffins (and watching him devour the previously tragically, inedible muffin)<br />
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-Eating after my toddler. The thing I said I would never. ever. do. Yes, I have joined the ranks of moms who think, "I can't waste that entire muffin! It's only got 3 slobbery bites missing!" I've even lowered myself to unscrewing the lid to his water sippy and taking a swig or two on really hot days at the park. What has happened to me?<br />
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-Coming up the basement stairs to find my toddler holding two pieces of something, crying "broke! broooooke!" and suddenly realizing he's holding the two halves of the "child proof" door handle that is supposed to protect him from opening the basement door and hurtling down the stairs onto a slate floor. Nice.<br />
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<b>Other random acts of adorableness:</b><br />
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Caleb has starting calling his stuffie Grover "buddy". It's sooo precious to watch him take him into the high chair or read to him saying "buh-dee!, buh-dee!"<br />
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In fact, this has been the month of two syllable words. They've included: "yeh-woah" (yellow), "double" (as in him trying to repeat me saying "double trouble" so funny!), and "muh-nee" (money).<br />
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He's become mommy's official kitchen helper on Saturday mornings. When I compare it to these precious moments, sleeping in seems over-rated : ) <br />
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Caleb loves to practice "writing".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMkSXYjix2rhFyNXoMRdOSDfarIR9V4O5aPYYe1vkGtMBE-AEnPKQmxhxVuImtxE8Y0uZzIqlnb_AiTHhBM3iYrPJgZYv02QEJQbBalrvM-nFe84i5lNPCgzd710Dtnfeh53j8peeyBW-/s1600/IMG_8309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMkSXYjix2rhFyNXoMRdOSDfarIR9V4O5aPYYe1vkGtMBE-AEnPKQmxhxVuImtxE8Y0uZzIqlnb_AiTHhBM3iYrPJgZYv02QEJQbBalrvM-nFe84i5lNPCgzd710Dtnfeh53j8peeyBW-/s400/IMG_8309.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wrote the one that actually looks like a letter, but the other marks are his.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing correct pencil posture.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As much as I love seeing Caleb interested in "academic" things like writing, I treasure even more getting to watch his imaginative play develop. He spent almost 30 minutes playing with boxes of pasta one day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYdmEpm9Cmju_5RE0ipFMcYx3T1XQeBIBXyoKpyhUbY1w59lmmltgTJeGK7KreVlaY_boAHAw8n1Dsk25gcov9e_IE8zFvL1cGRYiAA0HinQt5-Vn14UQDbPnRqXe52QI4DwwfYOAeT13/s1600/IMG_8320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYdmEpm9Cmju_5RE0ipFMcYx3T1XQeBIBXyoKpyhUbY1w59lmmltgTJeGK7KreVlaY_boAHAw8n1Dsk25gcov9e_IE8zFvL1cGRYiAA0HinQt5-Vn14UQDbPnRqXe52QI4DwwfYOAeT13/s400/IMG_8320.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up his "house"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qOBEA8bvfla_wU89C1dTOfV8e5TCFH7HOBzZeInMpuKWMrIhreQmTV8-Nx9l_nW4Q8VaGDaD6eqPtOpvJ5dhTc3BHRerttptM8B92o_68AW2LLi26zcRcz9zCqgrbLFvnVUN6F3KbZ_Q/s1600/IMG_8315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qOBEA8bvfla_wU89C1dTOfV8e5TCFH7HOBzZeInMpuKWMrIhreQmTV8-Nx9l_nW4Q8VaGDaD6eqPtOpvJ5dhTc3BHRerttptM8B92o_68AW2LLi26zcRcz9zCqgrbLFvnVUN6F3KbZ_Q/s400/IMG_8315.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing inside it</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELn0Lwbg_YxzQx_1fmNjHqm1Hx6m_Lm_xb7-AprKT7Rz-zfTpT69XPw22j3RKSCdMCwAAe6aAz7fjAB_KErCqh_LcXrj_A0wMxwtPPBMtdm7SMHxt-FiRHYmAeMAtQaUrIPpsD4mSWiq-/s1600/IMG_8322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELn0Lwbg_YxzQx_1fmNjHqm1Hx6m_Lm_xb7-AprKT7Rz-zfTpT69XPw22j3RKSCdMCwAAe6aAz7fjAB_KErCqh_LcXrj_A0wMxwtPPBMtdm7SMHxt-FiRHYmAeMAtQaUrIPpsD4mSWiq-/s400/IMG_8322.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lining them all up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2llA8LLB8kv-7S93sahw-Pf-T68K4Kkw5GXU4ph5dmNSOryP86tLQLOUlIbXHLYFwQLZRnlMwxLWqS8xZueCa7zGsPyCs4SFzCZEyWk-skxtwJhfpwVebXs01zN6ZHPnQabCeGebkDURg/s1600/IMG_8324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2llA8LLB8kv-7S93sahw-Pf-T68K4Kkw5GXU4ph5dmNSOryP86tLQLOUlIbXHLYFwQLZRnlMwxLWqS8xZueCa7zGsPyCs4SFzCZEyWk-skxtwJhfpwVebXs01zN6ZHPnQabCeGebkDURg/s400/IMG_8324.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I've got them right where I want them..."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVoKwjhMyYgPKjI0HRzwY5mY318-IvnUtWwXSgCccwsSbwNLtUvdTlBnGuh_V4xR-XF1MnY3ZGlCrl_kec1EHMUBjT54nuiT-1ilE111Zq-pJ1YCJ_CT_VCmTDk_A2G51iJbANUM2BGv8/s1600/IMG_8325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVoKwjhMyYgPKjI0HRzwY5mY318-IvnUtWwXSgCccwsSbwNLtUvdTlBnGuh_V4xR-XF1MnY3ZGlCrl_kec1EHMUBjT54nuiT-1ilE111Zq-pJ1YCJ_CT_VCmTDk_A2G51iJbANUM2BGv8/s400/IMG_8325.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ah-BOOM-Ba!" (as Caleb would say)</td></tr>
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Caleb is also starting to enjoy dress up. My parents kept a well stocked dress up bin for me, which I loved, but he seems to be doing just fine with things around the house for now : ) Something to think about in the near future though!<br />
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First brain freeze! David and I were giving him sips of a smoothie at Panera. Just as I was about to warn David I thought Caleb needed a break, Caleb turned bright red, grabbed his head and let out a big yell. He recovered quickly and of course, had no idea the smoothie was the culprit and began demanding more. It was sad, but also a little funny too ; )<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU9qvtYE10SmNhyphenhyphenvrvyklrw9A1HtD764qaWRLwBANkc9G1tYcFws0SIhQFczBVLM8eIG_R5RSZL5Duux0LnxNpadss2VMm1O-9TawbAOuVNImz0UVv7u9Y-hPQcTuwKplc7POtbTvDHZU/s1600/IMG_8290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU9qvtYE10SmNhyphenhyphenvrvyklrw9A1HtD764qaWRLwBANkc9G1tYcFws0SIhQFczBVLM8eIG_R5RSZL5Duux0LnxNpadss2VMm1O-9TawbAOuVNImz0UVv7u9Y-hPQcTuwKplc7POtbTvDHZU/s400/IMG_8290.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another food first: Sloppy Joe! Shout out to Papa on this one : )</td></tr>
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Recently, when I give him a choice between "time out" or "obey" he's been replying, "Bay! Bay!". He still only obeys about 70% of the time he claims he's going to, but it's a big improvement over immediately saying "GUNG!" (his word for "yes"...don't ask me why, because I don't know!) to the time out.<br />
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Colors clicked this month! It started with blue and yellow and, once he understood those concepts, he mapped on several more rapidly! He can recognize and say the words (in a toddler, but understandable fashion) for the colors: blue, yellow, green, black, brown, orange and purple. White and pink are recognized but not spoken. He won't even attempt to say red. Why? Again, no idea! <br />
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As Caleb's comprehension has continued to increase, we've begun reinforcing his Sunday school lesson throughout the week. So far we've read/sung/talked about the Parable of the Lost Sheep, The Parable of the Lost Son and the Lord's Prayer. He's beginning to understand that the Bible is a book about Jesus (not about sheep, despite his love of making the "baaaaa" noise : ) <br />
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Last night, after David finished praying, Caleb was talking about our prayer time ("Mommy! *folds hands* Daddy! *folds hands* = Mommy and Daddy prayed). It seemed like the perfect moment to help expand his comprehension of what prayer is. So I said, "Yes Caleb, Mommy and Daddy prayed. Who did we pray to?" I didn't expect him to answer, but after a long minute of obvious deep thought Caleb yelled out "Jee-Juh!" Yes, son, that's right, we pray to Jesus.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxk6IBmXZMX8kqm1aqQfQC7nJ6hRxsrCAuSs88huLnjMV_vAzkrabSpt2GYyPcPZfmbI2a_KdEp0j6lE68dfQdppsvWBdOXpATnA5AYU-ASrjJSDagnN5TiSgqyR5zBSBnWfJ6Vwb7eEB/s1600/IMG_8169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxk6IBmXZMX8kqm1aqQfQC7nJ6hRxsrCAuSs88huLnjMV_vAzkrabSpt2GYyPcPZfmbI2a_KdEp0j6lE68dfQdppsvWBdOXpATnA5AYU-ASrjJSDagnN5TiSgqyR5zBSBnWfJ6Vwb7eEB/s400/IMG_8169.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing a morning devotional with Daddy</td></tr>
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On the last weekend in August, we headed to the small town just north of us for the annual Corn Festival. It was huge! We only walked half of it and I was ready for a nap afterwards. We did the usual festival things- found some crafty gifts for friends and family, ate fair food and topped it off with homemade vanilla iced cream topped with peaches. The later was Caleb's favorite part. He has no shame screaming "Ice! Ice!" for ice cream : ) I love getting to make these special memories with my guys!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoD9-ImZHpGWdjroOGn4k-gSPgicXtdVnX78Vi1Bn9UrD1SC4lf_vny-dp1vTqqD0NzyH3-PGSU3m9h-ePLeUxTqZKUPID8B7wIaxG9KiUk12IlQvkbYoIvPXSwEihPjN9TMz-mMtAj1-/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoD9-ImZHpGWdjroOGn4k-gSPgicXtdVnX78Vi1Bn9UrD1SC4lf_vny-dp1vTqqD0NzyH3-PGSU3m9h-ePLeUxTqZKUPID8B7wIaxG9KiUk12IlQvkbYoIvPXSwEihPjN9TMz-mMtAj1-/s400/IMG_8405.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were just a few people...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiOHtgjmuqik7S8I1QkVrixUgKYofxuA3bBmwbbvQnZrXhzH4yqfsosEACAzCsHZ7TQ8-D5PKxnLmgpzDyaeRElvIkpwCaAmulE8g4BVWEES7Wv-USFhlGtU2uhHDw2k7oX6KIJnMZ6cQ/s1600/IMG_8406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiOHtgjmuqik7S8I1QkVrixUgKYofxuA3bBmwbbvQnZrXhzH4yqfsosEACAzCsHZ7TQ8-D5PKxnLmgpzDyaeRElvIkpwCaAmulE8g4BVWEES7Wv-USFhlGtU2uhHDw2k7oX6KIJnMZ6cQ/s400/IMG_8406.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old fashioned icecream churns!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAT9TR3yuLa-ODu2MBaSN7yKyj9Mo_Ilpi7aIt6x9CCPkWMUr5Z8B4FEd7RLhefq-aFndtVQ2ys7HD96hIvL7HdBUpHS52OmlEcqybib4B1jl2Uj961gWKe0_yAwWGOEN-5D66w0eaHgJ/s1600/IMG_8412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAT9TR3yuLa-ODu2MBaSN7yKyj9Mo_Ilpi7aIt6x9CCPkWMUr5Z8B4FEd7RLhefq-aFndtVQ2ys7HD96hIvL7HdBUpHS52OmlEcqybib4B1jl2Uj961gWKe0_yAwWGOEN-5D66w0eaHgJ/s400/IMG_8412.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I want some of that you guys!!!"</td></tr>
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Right after this, David had a 3 day trip that we expected to be no big deal because it was so short. It was however, the first trip that Caleb was able to realize, in advance, that daddy would be gone for a few days. We've always explained it to him, but this time he understood and made it clear he was <i>not </i>happy. After much reassurance, and a wonderful library book called "When Daddy Travels", we got through it. A month later, he still asks if daddy went to work in his car or got on a plane (using the noises for each...you kinda have to speak toddler to understand him...).<br />
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All-in-all it was a great month, but there's no doubt about it, our little guy is growing up fast!Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-26249350148799459422012-08-29T13:38:00.002-04:002012-08-29T17:58:10.616-04:00Writing with Rose Colored GlassesThere seems to be a new trend for articles to criticize moms for using
blogs and social networks to create a false, overly positive, inflated picture of
their family life (if you need evidence, just google "Moms use Facebook to brag"). While I have certainly been on the "I wish I had it all together like she seems to" end of things, I've noticed that I also emphasize the
positive moments from our month in my writing. <br />
<br />
Things are not sunshine and rainbows all the time
here. There are days I hand Caleb over to David the minute he gets
home and go lay down for half an hour because I'm so exhausted,
touched-out and ready for a break. Sometimes I yell. Sometimes I'm selfish. Sometimes I'm lazy.<br />
<br />
So why don't I write about that? Sometimes I do. But, for me, those times are not a
defining moment in our week, month or even the day. I feel like those
difficulties should be assumed in motherhood, and that it's not
necessary to use ink to dwell on them in every single post. The people I see on a day-to-day basis are certainly
well-versed in stories of me falling down and getting back up again in
this parenting journey. <br />
<br />
It makes me sad to think that by choosing not to write detailed descriptions of those hard moments, I might make another mom feel less-than. I try to only write about what I want to remember 20 years from
now; about things that build up my joy in motherhood. Not surprisingly, this doesn't include the time I yelled at my toddler to JUST. WALK. UP. THE. STAIRS.<br />
<br />
So please, can I make an appeal? Give the mom friends in your life the benefit of the doubt.
Assume their job is hard, that they do fail, and give them the freedom to rejoice over
the beautiful moments without accusing them of deliberately trying to present a false impression of themselves or their children. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYMgNo4gsIRXKiPpGlXWJ-C-yE20HDsBJ-QuDRaqIIb1eqHXUbHxbdlWKvxiBWzQJYu7g8E6Ku7LnGEXwYMKfSbfsrZ6HowK4c2XrczyHhdS9mroY6JfUgVV7-0e7WmElUFD8sfMpd0_Q/s1600/IMG_8375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYMgNo4gsIRXKiPpGlXWJ-C-yE20HDsBJ-QuDRaqIIb1eqHXUbHxbdlWKvxiBWzQJYu7g8E6Ku7LnGEXwYMKfSbfsrZ6HowK4c2XrczyHhdS9mroY6JfUgVV7-0e7WmElUFD8sfMpd0_Q/s400/IMG_8375.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sad boy woke up too early from his nap. I want him to watch TV so I can keep resting. He is not impressed with my suggestion.</td></tr>
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<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-35288900510289127162012-08-18T15:11:00.001-04:002012-08-29T17:58:38.007-04:00July 2012What's in a name? Now that Caleb is officially 2 years old, I began wondering how to title these monthly updates. Would I just keep counting months and eventually be writing the post <u><b>Caleb: 72 Months Old</b></u>? What if, by God's grace, we have more children? Would I then be writing blogs entitled <b><u>Caleb and Child X: 72 and 31 Months Old</u></b>? So, I decided that this month, I'd switch to writing a monthly update about our entire family, titled with the month and year.<br />
<br />
This is the same system I used to update the family back in the Pre-Caleb Days. Times have changed however, and we know who the real celebrity of this blog is. So fear not, despite the name change, we will keep the details of our boring adult lives to a minimum : ) So, without further ado, here is the scoop on what life is like as a 2.1 year old...<br />
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Just after Caleb's 2nd birthday, my college room mate Corali came up for a visit.Caleb loved having a new reading buddy and showing her around Gettysburg. I loved getting to "talk teacher" and catch each other up on all the news in our lives. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGNmOX5cig2zn_kN8GcC2l-u4mYxEA2NQrE6W0SGOtmR-Tpcq5gJvf_leZyP-cgPzU-aUb_9dfuaglKIqxwmz5_gcV4rCe_0FCZBqRDcguapYHgKQbRkYNCJN7v_3Z2KYDyOhug_eaopr/s1600/IMG_7405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGNmOX5cig2zn_kN8GcC2l-u4mYxEA2NQrE6W0SGOtmR-Tpcq5gJvf_leZyP-cgPzU-aUb_9dfuaglKIqxwmz5_gcV4rCe_0FCZBqRDcguapYHgKQbRkYNCJN7v_3Z2KYDyOhug_eaopr/s400/IMG_7405.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at Dobbin House (circa 1776) in Gettysburg</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQVrmS4VSDCM6X3M9DZY0WopH3zhoBNJXbYh82DLTT1YECTRdGnVKYJzN3cQ3x-MxhvkPsVmAuhyphenhyphenfEP97Y_d0nrSS4If0g0VzjP0O2loQzWdRp2sO_YbOLHOs3AIydVaLqSpcuJxfgKRQ/s1600/IMG_7436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQVrmS4VSDCM6X3M9DZY0WopH3zhoBNJXbYh82DLTT1YECTRdGnVKYJzN3cQ3x-MxhvkPsVmAuhyphenhyphenfEP97Y_d0nrSS4If0g0VzjP0O2loQzWdRp2sO_YbOLHOs3AIydVaLqSpcuJxfgKRQ/s400/IMG_7436.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb is loving his new pal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSzXVf0Tv588TVxIARjvreJzc_6dizCmw28KXuGyeo9VpeZhsYfuK6qqXEHPcMkNclstVmudRMohbiC5Vk2dmpyfrmT0NC_GkSQes7kBQ3M2tRd915yibhbYUkVCd3UAmwSicVdHNFRqJ/s1600/IMG_7422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSzXVf0Tv588TVxIARjvreJzc_6dizCmw28KXuGyeo9VpeZhsYfuK6qqXEHPcMkNclstVmudRMohbiC5Vk2dmpyfrmT0NC_GkSQes7kBQ3M2tRd915yibhbYUkVCd3UAmwSicVdHNFRqJ/s400/IMG_7422.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bubble pops on his nose</td></tr>
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Caleb's speech continues to develop at it's "slowly but surely" pace. This month he added the words "dip" (aka ketchup!) and "gun" (as in a water gun) to his vocabulary. Of all the 40 words child decides to pick up easily, one of them is "gun". He is <i>such </i>a boy!<br />
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This month he also picked up the word and concept of "both". He loves to inform David and I that we are <i>both </i>brushing our teeth or <i>both</i> using a fork. Best of all is when Caleb and Daddy are <i>both </i>doing the same thing : ) His face lights up like the sun as he shows how he can vacuum or sweep just like daddy.<br />
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Another popular word this month was "hide". We've had lots of storms and Caleb calls thunder "hide" since he can't see the source of the sound. This led to what I think is the coolest story (and new word) of the month:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
One night, we were putting Caleb to bed during a bad
thunderstorm. He's not afraid of lighting per say, but he does need to
talk about it...alot. He says, "hide!?" "hide!?" and "BIG!"as he points to the window. We nod and reassure him that this is all normal. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This particular evening, he was talking to us about the thunder and I was
reminding him that God controls the thunder and lightning and that God
loves him very much. Then, David prayed over him as he does each night. He finished his prayer by saying, "In Jesus name, Amen. Caleb then looked up and said "Je-Juh!" with so much joy. It was beautiful to hear those little lips say that name for the first time.</blockquote>
I should have probably put that story at the end, because everything else pales in comparison! Here are some more mini-highlights from our month:<br />
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Caleb knows the difference between "big" and "little". During play-doh time he had a blast putting big and little "eggs" in the "nest".<br />
<br />
He's learned that Target gives out a sticker to tots in the checkout line and points to his chest to remind me each visit. He also says a great "thank you" that makes mama so proud : )<br />
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At the end of Moo, Baa, Lalala the author asks, What does baby say? Caleb now answers, "No!" Yup, that about sums it up : )<br />
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We made a special trip to the library because Caleb asked for the same book (Blue Hat, Green Hat) 3 days in a row by pointing to it's picture and exclaiming "BryBry". How can I refuse that kind of request?<br />
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Caleb "read" his first page from a story this month from Blue Hat, Green Hat. On the page with the shoes, he said "Two, two, two, OOP!" Adorable!<br />
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Mr. Big Boy had two major "growing up" milestones. He got his first trim and ate his first PBJ.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdAmTS3tsUIS2JGUJ-Z4UQpS9VTQnMP9PGpgBktQiqeYZbu4IZikbknJ-o78-SqJ4shgVOoykEBlZ5gukQUDX2GjosbY-9YaSIUaNvNg9392P5Fp_mf7XUw9Ut8O6TR4WRcHMpmO4pBg-/s1600/IMG_7863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdAmTS3tsUIS2JGUJ-Z4UQpS9VTQnMP9PGpgBktQiqeYZbu4IZikbknJ-o78-SqJ4shgVOoykEBlZ5gukQUDX2GjosbY-9YaSIUaNvNg9392P5Fp_mf7XUw9Ut8O6TR4WRcHMpmO4pBg-/s400/IMG_7863.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hair before. I trimmed a little off the back earlier in the month, but the top and sides had never been cut!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCPvVWKDKYYURwHYUBnsoLT1WnfzPahKCedJ5lctJJHTbD1rtDBQUZZgCVVe94IT8Cx-oi4KwKN39h0t1AtDMYz_xmqpnEX-1QE4iNLOsB4u0iekMitx0GHqPOhJmkJUPV8xgGHbashX3/s1600/IMG_7869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCPvVWKDKYYURwHYUBnsoLT1WnfzPahKCedJ5lctJJHTbD1rtDBQUZZgCVVe94IT8Cx-oi4KwKN39h0t1AtDMYz_xmqpnEX-1QE4iNLOsB4u0iekMitx0GHqPOhJmkJUPV8xgGHbashX3/s400/IMG_7869.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb is helping out, of course.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaDdCmhP0MbHU1NJhbz89LbcPhgKLHcv2H88wEEyjHIYMYUJdItzyIbHw2bNp_-y64SXr2Nkm_42CB0PmDl_AP0hw5-Vid2IIzIuTbzrW0qOP1Uvgv4PeYAWB2v_EzSFBIUDeu9oj1dfe/s1600/IMG_7892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaDdCmhP0MbHU1NJhbz89LbcPhgKLHcv2H88wEEyjHIYMYUJdItzyIbHw2bNp_-y64SXr2Nkm_42CB0PmDl_AP0hw5-Vid2IIzIuTbzrW0qOP1Uvgv4PeYAWB2v_EzSFBIUDeu9oj1dfe/s400/IMG_7892.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hair after. Still plenty of curls, but short enough to stay out of his face.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7dmDryhcAhFXhfALp0EROhM0KZdQASLUp-sdjJiaB-Xui79FGEwDYwu7A1BMBSO6u-5A-tQ_rVbx-U-YTIqeJZni6vEQOiQFtGdByFCyAWnXSEeYAqzPUE7D7ff9lAR6bBcHRxfw85mI/s1600/IMG_7632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7dmDryhcAhFXhfALp0EROhM0KZdQASLUp-sdjJiaB-Xui79FGEwDYwu7A1BMBSO6u-5A-tQ_rVbx-U-YTIqeJZni6vEQOiQFtGdByFCyAWnXSEeYAqzPUE7D7ff9lAR6bBcHRxfw85mI/s400/IMG_7632.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What was left of his first PBJ. He ate the entire jelly side : )</td></tr>
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As most of you saw on facebook, this month was also the first time Caleb crawled out of his crib. In case you missed it, here is the verbatim status update I posted 10 minutes afterwards <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Well,
it finally happened. Caleb released himself from crib-captivity after
nap. I always imagined it would happen with a loud thud, followed by
tears and a gentle, but firm reminder not to climb from myself or <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=5256989" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=5256989">David</a>.
Instead, it was silent, my only warning was the click of a door knob
turning seconds before Caleb flew into the room and wrapped himself
around my legs, joyously, apparently unaware anything unusual had taken
place.</span></span></span></i></h6>
</blockquote>
Two year olds are learning machines! While it certainly has it's challenges, I find the teacher inside of me coming alive as Caleb begins to remember and assimilate more and more information each day. I'm amazed at all the mini-lessons that fit into one brief morning.<br />
<br />
After breakfast, Caleb might work on his gross motor skills in the sandbox as he scoops and dumps dirt. He'll hone fine motor skills while coloring or in his play kitchen as he "cuts" food. Later he'll practice identifying his new favorite number (TWO!) as we read a book (two shoes! two cats! two, two, two!), and receive a brief road safety lesson as we walk to the mail box. It's incredible how much he soaks up each day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOtVax7kqDKlyKXEZmOvvf0zVg3-Evlwzv-nd2ftU8gTlL8M2gqdDEroqKZwzf6hywpLqEOsqFKHRLCPhzMqYwbtczwAnCLr-pFeCI2pSQ5jrOKhA6HSwQ0cw16dJ3WrhfFr46eHV7rl0/s1600/IMG_7614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOtVax7kqDKlyKXEZmOvvf0zVg3-Evlwzv-nd2ftU8gTlL8M2gqdDEroqKZwzf6hywpLqEOsqFKHRLCPhzMqYwbtczwAnCLr-pFeCI2pSQ5jrOKhA6HSwQ0cw16dJ3WrhfFr46eHV7rl0/s400/IMG_7614.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why yes, that is yogurt he is finger painting with. Notice the lovely wall decoration as well? : )</td></tr>
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He's also sharpening his skills in the "entertaining his parents" category : )<br />
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I know I tend to sum up all these monthly updates by saying how blessed I feel, but it's true! I don't think I will ever cease being thankful for each day we're given with him and the joy we have in being his parents.<br />
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Oh...and since I said these were going to become family updates from now on...I guess I should mention I turned 26 this month : ) My boys made sure I had a special day, starting with Caleb (and thus me!) sleeping in and David cooking me breakfast. Thanks guys!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb helping me ready my card.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearly enjoying mommy's birthday breakfast!</td></tr>
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<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-45059997818181330412012-08-01T15:05:00.000-04:002012-08-29T17:59:19.256-04:00Visiting the M Family: June EditionWe just spent a wonderful weekend visiting with the M family at our house, so I thought it was about time I finally finished the draft on our trip to <i>their </i>house earlier this summer. Not only did we have a blast hanging out with them, but Dave and Christine made sure to plan in some special adventures that made it feel like a real summer get-away. <br />
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We arrived the Friday before Caleb's 2nd birthday party. It was Caleb's first long distance ride alone in the back seat. He was a champ all 3 hours and didn't need mommy to go back even once! Dave and Christine welcomed us with an amazing grilled salmon and shrimp dinner. Yum!<br />
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Saturday morning, Caleb decided to wake at 5:15am. It was every bit as painful as it sounds. It made me thankful that we're all old parents now and had gone to bed around 10p the night before. Despite the early wake up call, we still didn't get everyone ready to leave for strawberry picking until around 8:45. That's toddler time for you : )<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb wants Elias to open his belated birthday present, but decides he needs a little help. Elias does not amused by this intrusion.</td></tr>
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The farm where we went picking grew several different types of strawberries. After taste-testing, the "Early Glow" variety were the clear winners. Their season was almost over so we did a lot of picking through rotted ones to find the ripe ones, but it was worth it. Caleb was even able to help!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Grown. Up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's helper</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elias getting a taste of a very fresh strawberry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our final adventure at the farm, bee extraction. Great teamwork guys!</td></tr>
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We brought the boys back for naps and they were both snoozing by 11. After they awoke, Dave and Christine took us to an Italian deli/grocery to pick up subs (which were incredible!). We ate picnic-style at a nearby park and the boys wore themselves out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's a family photo without a dinosaur in the mix?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elias looking too cool in his shades.</td></tr>
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We came back to the boarding school where Dave and Christine live (yes, they live in a school, how awesome is that???) and let the boys cool off in the pool. Needless to say, they went to bed early, completely exhausted. We didn't waste those evening hours of course. David and Dave bonded by beating Super Mario Brothers together and Christine taught me how to do a perl stitch in knitting. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splashing in the pool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another great way too cool down. Some of the strawberries we picked may have ended up in Dave and Christine's ice cream maker.</td></tr>
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Sunday morning, Caleb slept in slightly more, and woke at 5:45. David got up, while I finished sleeping. I woke up around 7:30 and remembered it was Father's Day (face palm moment...). I gave David his card and promised I'd make it up to him next weekend (which I did). Being the amazing husband and father he is, he wasn't upset at all and told me he was only "doing what you do everyday". *Swoon*<br />
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We all headed to protestant service a little bit later. Afterward, David, Caleb and I explored some neat looking shops in the area. We took Caleb into one of those hands-on kids' places. Apparently little ones under 2 get in free! Caleb had a blast playing in a firetruck, riding in a toy helicopter (which he wanted to go "up, up!") and splashing his hands in a rubber-ducky lazy river. On the way back to the car, we found a neat coffee shop and bought a bag of beans as a souvenir. <br />
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After Dave and Christine got home from Mass, we put the boys down for naps and ate lunch (which involved Sonny's Sweet Sauce, so you know it was amazing). Our little guys didn't sleep long so we took them over to a pond on the school's campus and let them throw rocks in the water, which they were infinitely amused by. <br />
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After a little more visiting time, we packed up the car and headed home. Caleb was so worn out from his fun weekend, he slept most of the way. We made a lot of wonderful summer memories. Thanks Dave and Christine!<br />
<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-3142238118304904222012-07-07T12:19:00.001-04:002012-08-29T18:00:09.288-04:00Summer SatudaysI love Saturday mornings. Who doesn't?<br />
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This morning began with Caleb sleeping in until about 7:30. For once, I actually had enough energy to slide out of bed first and allow David to be the one to try and catch some extra sleep. As I snuggled up to Caleb and read Clifford, Llama, Llama and Madeline to him, David came and joined us on the couch. After he took over reading. I sauteed up a big batch of spinich from our garden with onions and butter for mini quiches.<br />
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Fifteen minutes later, we were enjoying blueberry oatmeal bake, quiches and iced coffee. Caleb decided to turn up his nose at the blueberry bake (unusual), but ended up devouring two of the mini-quiches (also unusual, but in a good way!). Oh toddler...<br />
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Still, it was a tranquil start to a soon-to-be 101 degree day. We got Caleb dressed quickly, and headed outside to take advantage of the mid-eighties morning weather. I was almost immediately rewarded for our diligence in getting out early by seeing a hummingbird sipping nectar from our honeysuckle bush.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First stop- the garden, to bask in the joy of having thriving tomato plants</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb thinks those plants are taking too much of mommy's attention at that moment!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPsdCMB-t56m4doEFpAk6-rws2e85Os65WcbGm7V-BoNeoc0N_f-3kBLLS895BUzJobQNM3EKRMsOh3-LlJREuz0OhBtfwe2luESJ5RDknNuxE06XfUzHoNI1DPb4GWYYF9xLkiIsH611/s1600/IMG_7547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPsdCMB-t56m4doEFpAk6-rws2e85Os65WcbGm7V-BoNeoc0N_f-3kBLLS895BUzJobQNM3EKRMsOh3-LlJREuz0OhBtfwe2luESJ5RDknNuxE06XfUzHoNI1DPb4GWYYF9xLkiIsH611/s400/IMG_7547.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the zucchini that is rapidly taking over the right side of one garden bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We turned on the hose and let Caleb mist the garden. When he tired of that, David and I took turns giving the plants the long drink they really need to get through this heat. During Daddy's watering turn, Caleb started playing in the water. We ended up with a very wet, very happy toddler!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64CEy3iO4dMhSlSU9oUpTIToIwPi_4QLV40w1U5aprQwyd4BCw9uGVnqXanV8FNBEhmvjh4UAPlMh29txtFmhtXU9bpLy1J3zN0PiOHebc_KDrXB86xaK-c74Mz5Kv_xYVN2gYvqmiMQm/s1600/IMG_7511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64CEy3iO4dMhSlSU9oUpTIToIwPi_4QLV40w1U5aprQwyd4BCw9uGVnqXanV8FNBEhmvjh4UAPlMh29txtFmhtXU9bpLy1J3zN0PiOHebc_KDrXB86xaK-c74Mz5Kv_xYVN2gYvqmiMQm/s400/IMG_7511.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Squirt me! Squirt me!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishqQEITmgmLn6JHL2jL_ZXfLruPSlVCr-9zn0hGxWexR-3Scz-ssmpLLBB7bJeK8vY7yLj3YZ0CjOTGVy6dQzpZ8mVeywNettbpKz-BQ8EFi5FMwjUZE_t48sYTckfFPiVXdds8X72S0g/s1600/IMG_7517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishqQEITmgmLn6JHL2jL_ZXfLruPSlVCr-9zn0hGxWexR-3Scz-ssmpLLBB7bJeK8vY7yLj3YZ0CjOTGVy6dQzpZ8mVeywNettbpKz-BQ8EFi5FMwjUZE_t48sYTckfFPiVXdds8X72S0g/s400/IMG_7517.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting his hand wet was good for a while</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuc5V2YbdFd7ZMFLDQgc7aKi9eLweiVr-WDHwLtFkDSdpMM0LBJUSJgvKJGtOuGSzZOtUrtClrhYqmM-Bj5kpGVZwglwIwfeW0AXMFx3TsPWia7roS6bxDo4WdqJy0Vo7jM_APiLxAsPr/s1600/IMG_7519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuc5V2YbdFd7ZMFLDQgc7aKi9eLweiVr-WDHwLtFkDSdpMM0LBJUSJgvKJGtOuGSzZOtUrtClrhYqmM-Bj5kpGVZwglwIwfeW0AXMFx3TsPWia7roS6bxDo4WdqJy0Vo7jM_APiLxAsPr/s400/IMG_7519.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then he stuck his head in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQjLWaQX5fwknlz6ynK950waMk5e7crH6UBv1ZfoEoKjVNchz8m3_ZN8piS9hFe8m9fAwayVVZHt1HCWZCJnmXGu2GkXEutOw3IWhoOE95KtiWMkIy15Kb9fCuoVXAXQMRTj_CFFUlsZK/s1600/IMG_7523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQjLWaQX5fwknlz6ynK950waMk5e7crH6UBv1ZfoEoKjVNchz8m3_ZN8piS9hFe8m9fAwayVVZHt1HCWZCJnmXGu2GkXEutOw3IWhoOE95KtiWMkIy15Kb9fCuoVXAXQMRTj_CFFUlsZK/s400/IMG_7523.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, he got the full-mist assault he had been hoping for!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AWXjgggp20mjJfUoCx_ncgDknPB4RGNNaQ6U4kwMLdIrt6EkpL4G4KCqkLh68DfkGHsPuiygMW4MQRdj1cJmNkP9ODUNT97yuOw9H2pJUiGIWB9TkWFXOjzoZAaGKnX-7mO9GqU6nVTR/s1600/IMG_7530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AWXjgggp20mjJfUoCx_ncgDknPB4RGNNaQ6U4kwMLdIrt6EkpL4G4KCqkLh68DfkGHsPuiygMW4MQRdj1cJmNkP9ODUNT97yuOw9H2pJUiGIWB9TkWFXOjzoZAaGKnX-7mO9GqU6nVTR/s400/IMG_7530.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaked and satisfied</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCJ_uhT15Sp_bLaQLq2RqGV8No1WkeVpfxRbB9goH6hzeVPBNI24RW3KjKeTVlD5avvB6jFoE2ZEH3kdvrRdBr5GioVk_Fim6jkZK0D_muQX52WzvSYq0Ohqd6RHQcudgBVM5aueyORGO/s1600/IMG_7532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCJ_uhT15Sp_bLaQLq2RqGV8No1WkeVpfxRbB9goH6hzeVPBNI24RW3KjKeTVlD5avvB6jFoE2ZEH3kdvrRdBr5GioVk_Fim6jkZK0D_muQX52WzvSYq0Ohqd6RHQcudgBVM5aueyORGO/s400/IMG_7532.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking matters into his own hands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Having worn baby out, and sensing the thermometer was already reading above 90 at 10:30am, we decided to wrap up our time outdoors with baby's first hair cut. Just a trim really, to take off some of his longer curls in the back. I'll need to watch a few youtube tutorials before I'm feeling brave enough to tackle the curls in the front. Caleb was a champ, playing with play-doh and only occasionally craning his neck to see what on earth mommy was doing back there with those scissors.<br />
<br />
We took video, rather than photos, but here are some "after" shots. Caleb just got his first piggy bank this week and has been delighting in filling it up with coins various grandparents have left behind for him during their visits. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyY244iDtnmIv1PAnbIywn5pyWUb8hH_m2Oez5hqmJEVHAd5A2gTy_UqKUgv9kHLjVQ5FpUJn7REyE4GtmnKuOxNmySTw0wyyfPDy-BNkUPReVZra_bxCym6AMl8tW9cqJmO5l9yB1cAl/s1600/IMG_7565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyY244iDtnmIv1PAnbIywn5pyWUb8hH_m2Oez5hqmJEVHAd5A2gTy_UqKUgv9kHLjVQ5FpUJn7REyE4GtmnKuOxNmySTw0wyyfPDy-BNkUPReVZra_bxCym6AMl8tW9cqJmO5l9yB1cAl/s400/IMG_7565.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to "feed" dinosaur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_9d0Uvww9GYxoYG-PIDJx_w_aD6Jvy6D34C38oDMw5PnrNnM7wnnz-7mkR_aVLerppfCJAczoClrIXr-E-H7DEEUx5L3pyQFKWYIz1jmo4X3n3NYVt4mTR27BJbwcu2ex2JjQPPNXLEL/s1600/IMG_7559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_9d0Uvww9GYxoYG-PIDJx_w_aD6Jvy6D34C38oDMw5PnrNnM7wnnz-7mkR_aVLerppfCJAczoClrIXr-E-H7DEEUx5L3pyQFKWYIz1jmo4X3n3NYVt4mTR27BJbwcu2ex2JjQPPNXLEL/s400/IMG_7559.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hair from the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR65Z6Kas0YSsBDCXy1xq8lyxgzMo_e5bdqVN1itUJK5GQHqN2zXgR76GCEA-n_wkAE1_IAUAzaHoNc4vZMhDI6oSP-KYg85hzkfHB4vru6XJNCAJkvGmbxavhC2f2NMqejmpeePo1vkn7/s1600/IMG_7572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR65Z6Kas0YSsBDCXy1xq8lyxgzMo_e5bdqVN1itUJK5GQHqN2zXgR76GCEA-n_wkAE1_IAUAzaHoNc4vZMhDI6oSP-KYg85hzkfHB4vru6XJNCAJkvGmbxavhC2f2NMqejmpeePo1vkn7/s400/IMG_7572.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I see you, mom!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbp7RQEsalY_0OzWDC83ywLxsNhaqNGN-rk5qj-fJcEf5VmI4z2Hu3oBYW3sRzmMZOi_3eCGj5OrruLICBxQ7FtWn204pxcx4m3t883eCkWAih-cz58pCB_47B_KhICQIxGU7PNzdKfK6/s1600/IMG_7581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbp7RQEsalY_0OzWDC83ywLxsNhaqNGN-rk5qj-fJcEf5VmI4z2Hu3oBYW3sRzmMZOi_3eCGj5OrruLICBxQ7FtWn204pxcx4m3t883eCkWAih-cz58pCB_47B_KhICQIxGU7PNzdKfK6/s400/IMG_7581.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He looked so grown up to me putting the coins in like this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-49547739852189708522012-06-26T16:42:00.000-04:002012-07-31T14:18:32.108-04:00Caleb: 24 Months<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is month has brought many changes. Caleb is more independent, more rebellious and gives better hugs and kisses than ever. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GqA7R6t4sw_liWm0tDhBL8oLtXkqam2ZpOL7X2YjiyJy-BVybQE9eQpA9tTrIg6Ey2EOAhq_aaCOoNvUksU5sBpHWBtSTZzsUfMSZLcDhDDvceGslfSgQdp346ZK6mwQ-mrNLo2IXB8B/s1600/IMG_6883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GqA7R6t4sw_liWm0tDhBL8oLtXkqam2ZpOL7X2YjiyJy-BVybQE9eQpA9tTrIg6Ey2EOAhq_aaCOoNvUksU5sBpHWBtSTZzsUfMSZLcDhDDvceGslfSgQdp346ZK6mwQ-mrNLo2IXB8B/s400/IMG_6883.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, look at this amazing hug!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi024Kh3hn2tZ0uAG0NQMziuq3ujyGIS5F2lAf4BNHaJnv34sPUfRSAhX4RhChTnrsxUdqZcAQ6xQ3PpugrxvGBeTsKifmN53-2e64cuuyOcJ3rlqlup5Zt4_w0t3mXF9EkjvIRT5seRqY4/s1600/IMG_6887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi024Kh3hn2tZ0uAG0NQMziuq3ujyGIS5F2lAf4BNHaJnv34sPUfRSAhX4RhChTnrsxUdqZcAQ6xQ3PpugrxvGBeTsKifmN53-2e64cuuyOcJ3rlqlup5Zt4_w0t3mXF9EkjvIRT5seRqY4/s400/IMG_6887.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who needs pay and benefits?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_mMvy68RAAVbn-PPy4rz2EYRuACeZWlWbAOenepwFvkc6oV7yfgwOZVxiOAYjjvhTh3LJBUGvTLIllcBuqVD4_YYjD8_kYc9oIcgPCCjj99w3rAGw-4wxzSRgdN3_2Rouo6KJEZEny8t/s1600/IMG_6889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_mMvy68RAAVbn-PPy4rz2EYRuACeZWlWbAOenepwFvkc6oV7yfgwOZVxiOAYjjvhTh3LJBUGvTLIllcBuqVD4_YYjD8_kYc9oIcgPCCjj99w3rAGw-4wxzSRgdN3_2Rouo6KJEZEny8t/s400/IMG_6889.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh how I love this little man!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The biggest change by far however, is that this is the first month he
has primarily used words to communicate with us. He's been using signs
and gestures pretty efficiently until this point, but his favorite word
was still "ba" which could mean just about anything. Suddenly though, he
is saying at least a new word every day! It's really been an incredible
change and we are thrilled to be able to communicate so much more
clearly with him. <br />
<br />
Here's a sample from this month (because I doubt I can remember them all): "bug", "fye" (fly), "dow-wah" (door), "teet"(teeth), "bed", "Ad" (his
friend's name is Adi and he loooves her), "Doool!" (stool), "Up!",
"Poop", "hang-guh" (hanger), "hide", "hum" (home), "bwoom" (broom), "two", "eyes", "hole", "both", and "ice".<br />
<br />
Another development in the language department has been his attempts to "read". Caleb has never done much babbling, but recently he's
started pointing to letters and naming them! (Usually incorrectly,
although he does know the letters "O", "B", "M" and "C"). It's so cute
watching him point to each letter in a word saying, "T", "A", "B", "O",
"E" and so clearly too! He definitely marches to the beat of his own
drum when it comes to language development!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zmSqUglEYIleaC3Xnru3v_LzCHDHjpXxaRMSqsKC1DGu3xzJlKAU2OkeCKBQ2vYZ8PaXbWEoXoN6RY84MouT40SOC25EoJTCseyyaHsVkof8cj7PGDLy5TpmkBEM_T11xLiCaZ7a1ytD/s1600/IMG_6864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zmSqUglEYIleaC3Xnru3v_LzCHDHjpXxaRMSqsKC1DGu3xzJlKAU2OkeCKBQ2vYZ8PaXbWEoXoN6RY84MouT40SOC25EoJTCseyyaHsVkof8cj7PGDLy5TpmkBEM_T11xLiCaZ7a1ytD/s400/IMG_6864.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making alphabet soup...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He also loves to make sound effects! Everything has a sound effect now. He makes them as he goes down each stair, puts food into his mouth or pushes one of his stuffed animal friends down the slide. I know I'm biased, but it's completely adorable : )<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>A Few Other Adorable Moments from this Month</u></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sJqHVaYjgiKmUQaQLNzL8RK6HATOZH2ME1Ws_GALeWDqVrySwwRksLp4vJJgTQSPriv7huktAUt6gOoGWG5oojq43jQusaAkpRJaNPKoAlaua1yJbpMnegpIZt5pRnlvYanojSOfHTR5/s1600/IMG_6788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sJqHVaYjgiKmUQaQLNzL8RK6HATOZH2ME1Ws_GALeWDqVrySwwRksLp4vJJgTQSPriv7huktAUt6gOoGWG5oojq43jQusaAkpRJaNPKoAlaua1yJbpMnegpIZt5pRnlvYanojSOfHTR5/s400/IMG_6788.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something about this made me feel like he is growing up SO fast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQekqviNjQsGA4Ik06W8W6r4HyNg8QoUOh0AQO_yR41F2D71JAhe1aslu9AFv8nbzlwYFoq_Epz8T68k3NEOsgSfP8qn4gDz89otgThO7mOn0B1JfGPdBGiDB87A5QWBs1kn6cyFCoO5M/s1600/IMG_6792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQekqviNjQsGA4Ik06W8W6r4HyNg8QoUOh0AQO_yR41F2D71JAhe1aslu9AFv8nbzlwYFoq_Epz8T68k3NEOsgSfP8qn4gDz89otgThO7mOn0B1JfGPdBGiDB87A5QWBs1kn6cyFCoO5M/s400/IMG_6792.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb and his buddies in their baseball caps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wCW5Tf1NXR_EQTauco8px8frPerAh_sTtbugGmw_mhaa2xgIAqb81G4fj9rVETTFnmIsKPotCiuVBXydD1oCwmTEmHqrPvylp35y1JAfeCnK3jnqXGlWCbc4AR9dnGTOCfCK618F9Gh1/s1600/IMG_6812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wCW5Tf1NXR_EQTauco8px8frPerAh_sTtbugGmw_mhaa2xgIAqb81G4fj9rVETTFnmIsKPotCiuVBXydD1oCwmTEmHqrPvylp35y1JAfeCnK3jnqXGlWCbc4AR9dnGTOCfCK618F9Gh1/s400/IMG_6812.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching out for a daddy-hug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjameKjtTkyUnS7fPATiJecfJTwckSiMqv1r0bISlQPOXb3hpc3tZWqhLYYWmfQaq4WCUY6AT0SN2N1uRZWQkVauppjpCMKOMJT1jEkHtdtwjPZhdvHEDPE37RlliN2MbzyzOWA4t7uU6Lr/s1600/IMG_6819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjameKjtTkyUnS7fPATiJecfJTwckSiMqv1r0bISlQPOXb3hpc3tZWqhLYYWmfQaq4WCUY6AT0SN2N1uRZWQkVauppjpCMKOMJT1jEkHtdtwjPZhdvHEDPE37RlliN2MbzyzOWA4t7uU6Lr/s400/IMG_6819.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wading in a creek for the first time with his friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb4MEI_aNsz210xRU7-FuNKSAJ2RRz83U2rH5_yLDON2Q5jV3npkFa9bLanTSVjVJzpbsFPgziE-idXxJqFibR6_fluYZ3gKQbmMAfjDSADti_vxVVAjMxN0raNWg1ZfF30IkkyI83euM/s1600/IMG_6834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb4MEI_aNsz210xRU7-FuNKSAJ2RRz83U2rH5_yLDON2Q5jV3npkFa9bLanTSVjVJzpbsFPgziE-idXxJqFibR6_fluYZ3gKQbmMAfjDSADti_vxVVAjMxN0raNWg1ZfF30IkkyI83euM/s400/IMG_6834.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water was frigid, but he loved it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNHh2hXY7DISbFY76vXdofJSKcr8v3-aK7SNyKCYK_eD1a8rzf4XMTllo3C9ztTAalnZHkXcBuq3P1rLpAtu-yvMuDI257GLoA06PWff1QyeLntd4tB8YrctVp4NJAMc-zIBNo4Pf2s32/s1600/IMG_6849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNHh2hXY7DISbFY76vXdofJSKcr8v3-aK7SNyKCYK_eD1a8rzf4XMTllo3C9ztTAalnZHkXcBuq3P1rLpAtu-yvMuDI257GLoA06PWff1QyeLntd4tB8YrctVp4NJAMc-zIBNo4Pf2s32/s400/IMG_6849.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking wet and enjoying examining all the rocks at the bottom with his friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVus9u92NQvGY8C9kN3Natf2KgZZqo4FIQ7f-7OokzO6XuI0gUp3aQh7jLXvYW_747C3oq5FQC-s2_4SY8v2heb8JD22suA8DwudTLffZ27qOm08osMqha2hHA7HJhFLV__rHFSb5hqfTe/s1600/IMG_6951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVus9u92NQvGY8C9kN3Natf2KgZZqo4FIQ7f-7OokzO6XuI0gUp3aQh7jLXvYW_747C3oq5FQC-s2_4SY8v2heb8JD22suA8DwudTLffZ27qOm08osMqha2hHA7HJhFLV__rHFSb5hqfTe/s400/IMG_6951.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooo silly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I honestly can't believe I'm the proud mommy of a two-year old! </div>
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<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-60723560443769123212012-06-20T15:55:00.000-04:002012-07-31T14:18:18.717-04:00Caleb's 2nd Birthday PartyThe wrapping paper is picked up, the left over food is put away and the exhausted birthday boy is napping in his crib; it must be time for mommy to write about his special day!<br />
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I think I'll pass on sharing the play-by-play of squeezing 95% of the party preparations into 2 days. Lets just say, we were not in bed before midnight Monday or Tuesday night. Watching his face light up time after time today made all that work worth it though!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp3qfQlM4TdE4i7zY7zwfhzZNZzpWzRLr7cx05i80gjZjR0Lc6bEMdxvM4_mU9so9DRMhNUhWfAi9ecuP-iqKPqcub9HEOj2nIS0Y5E-sG9OUGoWlKApMvPi7A-s6nOyJPKoWebkkuc_w/s1600/IMG_7074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp3qfQlM4TdE4i7zY7zwfhzZNZzpWzRLr7cx05i80gjZjR0Lc6bEMdxvM4_mU9so9DRMhNUhWfAi9ecuP-iqKPqcub9HEOj2nIS0Y5E-sG9OUGoWlKApMvPi7A-s6nOyJPKoWebkkuc_w/s400/IMG_7074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our diningroom around 11pm last night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYi8WrjPC5O_exbxJh5VD9VO0c8jfs4YJQ_aOBdBH3mx3-9gb66YmWrljZN2EmB7Gm0mEUQ-EFzT9hxWtKqN9Gii7ntQl73oq6WJjrDE9FsjUetjLvmKWn_pAyrxznhVFKUTHUts-EZuG/s1600/IMG_7077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYi8WrjPC5O_exbxJh5VD9VO0c8jfs4YJQ_aOBdBH3mx3-9gb66YmWrljZN2EmB7Gm0mEUQ-EFzT9hxWtKqN9Gii7ntQl73oq6WJjrDE9FsjUetjLvmKWn_pAyrxznhVFKUTHUts-EZuG/s400/IMG_7077.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High chair and walls decorated, outfit picked out, food prepared and goody bags made...definitely time for bed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruTY6YN3CkeAJfeqdyHm1ozTyvGnOBCnzzCzHznRBSnKmmlnbQmUkj0Qk8BH49q9W7mQLrxwzrBJtYMzMWaPuodahCtYFnAucRJeV6stbUld5hQrsHMyGHyOgxMBkbKzRP102UcCB23IJ/s1600/IMG_7089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruTY6YN3CkeAJfeqdyHm1ozTyvGnOBCnzzCzHznRBSnKmmlnbQmUkj0Qk8BH49q9W7mQLrxwzrBJtYMzMWaPuodahCtYFnAucRJeV6stbUld5hQrsHMyGHyOgxMBkbKzRP102UcCB23IJ/s400/IMG_7089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb had a blast running through this over and over laughing! We got it on video : )</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our invitations said we'd be having a splishy-splashy kiddy pool party,
so that translated into an under-the-sea theme (at least in my mind!). A pool party had
been our plan last year as well, but with an overcast day the barely
eeked into the 70's, it became an indoor "make paint foot prints" party
instead. Today's weather was in the 90's and sunny so it couldn't have
been more perfect.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVJgLzErVI7w-0uQ24Yb-oW_PLU-H9FwNbN0Fb5kkHDhzzAHeG0_uaoBBYiPQ-a5XGu_-he28iyFuxO9bEjUH1t7UzSSmvlerkBR3mr-pxz1eobt_Kg9CpjnEdEU-1w5HVYTwBl_gZZgk/s1600/IMG_7153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVJgLzErVI7w-0uQ24Yb-oW_PLU-H9FwNbN0Fb5kkHDhzzAHeG0_uaoBBYiPQ-a5XGu_-he28iyFuxO9bEjUH1t7UzSSmvlerkBR3mr-pxz1eobt_Kg9CpjnEdEU-1w5HVYTwBl_gZZgk/s400/IMG_7153.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb and his buddy Christopher get the splashing started!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCyRiqNgIWw9kqX_coBAkcEoW_AWvVVosu_UTEtW5lt1sP5dRz0KnVpIqt_ni_D-rOrUTG-4OME99QLLuFRPbd-3_9haO1p_s_DZjZdvi5aT_DP3Fd6xNtB-W2VuiNx8dymTlui3C94wH/s1600/IMG_7119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCyRiqNgIWw9kqX_coBAkcEoW_AWvVVosu_UTEtW5lt1sP5dRz0KnVpIqt_ni_D-rOrUTG-4OME99QLLuFRPbd-3_9haO1p_s_DZjZdvi5aT_DP3Fd6xNtB-W2VuiNx8dymTlui3C94wH/s400/IMG_7119.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Adi arrives, fresh from her 9 month check up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEm0ky35WbgnYELvFibo1HPY8_Ead3AEDAtTwiZY5MOTc-SP-QGVCEXyERqs1UWeqAzpcz0W_JoYbg_TBh7C69mwvLalOHhdaHeLLzI-j_1V4Bbxgq18TznsSGeJezIhNlK5Fn4d0ljeE/s1600/IMG_7135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEm0ky35WbgnYELvFibo1HPY8_Ead3AEDAtTwiZY5MOTc-SP-QGVCEXyERqs1UWeqAzpcz0W_JoYbg_TBh7C69mwvLalOHhdaHeLLzI-j_1V4Bbxgq18TznsSGeJezIhNlK5Fn4d0ljeE/s400/IMG_7135.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the splashing continues</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJh9P2fzOns-lE_ElAQ0kfCvvhEuojqwYa40rAKN0vt6M_uCsmg0cDK27JvPeVWx3bzI8RwTnl90I7cjWx4NNAxFuY0BnJmgHU7RAIpJ0SvLvX4p5fTOjmt0Ik_XkaeboAdsq7G_zIbLQ5/s1600/IMG_7136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJh9P2fzOns-lE_ElAQ0kfCvvhEuojqwYa40rAKN0vt6M_uCsmg0cDK27JvPeVWx3bzI8RwTnl90I7cjWx4NNAxFuY0BnJmgHU7RAIpJ0SvLvX4p5fTOjmt0Ik_XkaeboAdsq7G_zIbLQ5/s400/IMG_7136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you tell he's having fun?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwYHf2mPoHejvx6suk2arK1RLTIQ2VFjmLb2eRuU1c3t9RD6DYoFvA1ytivPFmBu06Xrk-xO1WiSk8vTBO3fzct_tEeBr0Ik92Fox8aHUoOEEsrFE5VgidVqhvGhpfXibemdi7ZEijFbJ/s1600/IMG_7149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwYHf2mPoHejvx6suk2arK1RLTIQ2VFjmLb2eRuU1c3t9RD6DYoFvA1ytivPFmBu06Xrk-xO1WiSk8vTBO3fzct_tEeBr0Ik92Fox8aHUoOEEsrFE5VgidVqhvGhpfXibemdi7ZEijFbJ/s400/IMG_7149.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally running out of steam</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After we wore the boys out in the pool, we all headed into the house. Braydon arrived from New Jersy, as his family recently moved, but were back in town for the day. The boys started tearing down the streamers and had a blast playing with them. I was amazed they survived as long as they did!<br />
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Then it was time to eat. Getting the boys settled into their high chairs with party hats turned into a hysterical photo shoot. We were definitely earning the title "mamarazzi".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadRAk0S08Tks1l2CjA3xyxIindfvqG1s1I2g2OSQeqEVcdYxMqZrSuAPqpbvc6c6WXpp92dRC2B8bcgPMRotGNkEGR7Ar3phPkE2CeZf8U7oSk0OksqHNX2bR9Gjdla6zBAUAc5SUNG9Q/s1600/IMG_7228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadRAk0S08Tks1l2CjA3xyxIindfvqG1s1I2g2OSQeqEVcdYxMqZrSuAPqpbvc6c6WXpp92dRC2B8bcgPMRotGNkEGR7Ar3phPkE2CeZf8U7oSk0OksqHNX2bR9Gjdla6zBAUAc5SUNG9Q/s400/IMG_7228.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braydon is showing Caleb how to put a hat on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDb37_5K6KtOiD2irHz5O2Yt0OK2mQ-XlaAZ4zfRCncO4PxgNTtDnv_yUKXEPpAYfBawF6_v7yitzGsa-J8gE83fVe4t9Y9A0YPPiCwyaFSO1cUdcCVDPe9cZlvExkE693wniUt6DteL7D/s1600/IMG_7229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDb37_5K6KtOiD2irHz5O2Yt0OK2mQ-XlaAZ4zfRCncO4PxgNTtDnv_yUKXEPpAYfBawF6_v7yitzGsa-J8gE83fVe4t9Y9A0YPPiCwyaFSO1cUdcCVDPe9cZlvExkE693wniUt6DteL7D/s400/IMG_7229.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher is not impressed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braydon is happy to see Caleb get with the program</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCmKBpwO3CEL1fP5rlzJLfHBdoEEcmFwLaGxoJA3l1eydo1eKTpIpM7iP369br21Csdg_qGFSk8BZnKebjjr70nmQOb5RAAFehYTNHOb2hjnTWT-KcoVV_mfwWT30MtQpi4zrlNTqFEMq/s1600/IMG_7237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCmKBpwO3CEL1fP5rlzJLfHBdoEEcmFwLaGxoJA3l1eydo1eKTpIpM7iP369br21Csdg_qGFSk8BZnKebjjr70nmQOb5RAAFehYTNHOb2hjnTWT-KcoVV_mfwWT30MtQpi4zrlNTqFEMq/s400/IMG_7237.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb is still squirming over it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UV8YBDRrfVM7wcNNgj3iEvzAvZs0erldgWUw7q54IS-zMdC-Ryg_NZlcjobhyphenhyphenewaPO_-706NYAkRlodAbcecl-zkUTJkjEpovZLt2Z_xCMRA1HB_WKtAH3qXFGpowc7ZZSxQECyS_Y-M/s1600/IMG_7240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UV8YBDRrfVM7wcNNgj3iEvzAvZs0erldgWUw7q54IS-zMdC-Ryg_NZlcjobhyphenhyphenewaPO_-706NYAkRlodAbcecl-zkUTJkjEpovZLt2Z_xCMRA1HB_WKtAH3qXFGpowc7ZZSxQECyS_Y-M/s400/IMG_7240.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone is happy once the adults back away and let babies be babies : )</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding more uses for the hats</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure what Mr. Drew is doing off to the left here, but the boys are fascinated!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYH-qjZgTBBQN7TE2jAcdfnxlCSV8B5B5tjCLsjARHRk-3mC1H-j7hiL1_VnDFOwrdEU7zqTxrY4DpUrxxMQ7ZHu9hqJIPCWzZdiaBPEVsUPBOia8SVeBor0tbP6wLrP3NGdD6bI89OOO/s1600/IMG_7261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYH-qjZgTBBQN7TE2jAcdfnxlCSV8B5B5tjCLsjARHRk-3mC1H-j7hiL1_VnDFOwrdEU7zqTxrY4DpUrxxMQ7ZHu9hqJIPCWzZdiaBPEVsUPBOia8SVeBor0tbP6wLrP3NGdD6bI89OOO/s400/IMG_7261.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to eat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtAP5MJ8DDpTxNzF96DFDiXEdQ7TqvVLI1YgLSd6aHXqI1mPYYyzBxTwQTazhy-MRDxt1XNCGP7AWCwcV92mfJnmjMi8snQv2WvfiyatqDawL5vpVo6t8bUm2b-1HAh4YqwJyJm_UI9cj/s1600/IMG_7223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtAP5MJ8DDpTxNzF96DFDiXEdQ7TqvVLI1YgLSd6aHXqI1mPYYyzBxTwQTazhy-MRDxt1XNCGP7AWCwcV92mfJnmjMi8snQv2WvfiyatqDawL5vpVo6t8bUm2b-1HAh4YqwJyJm_UI9cj/s400/IMG_7223.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch was "fish and bubbles" (Grilled cheese and grapes)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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But really, who cares about lunch when there are cupcakes to be eatten?<br />
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After mopping the boys up (I seem to remember Christopher practically taking a bath in our kitchen sink....hehehe) we moved to the livingroom to open presents.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglw1lo92vXK_YWxCKvCgT82ctZYl72dfL4tCWy5GMHFqAg3eh2mNdvEhJxyXYK5WicWo4mNjJudaKlAIv_3OLrLK2NH0UwR09DflsVMsN6U2NCX3OxCfz2yT9R59YObquUNv6-PT7v6IRu/s1600/IMG_7194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglw1lo92vXK_YWxCKvCgT82ctZYl72dfL4tCWy5GMHFqAg3eh2mNdvEhJxyXYK5WicWo4mNjJudaKlAIv_3OLrLK2NH0UwR09DflsVMsN6U2NCX3OxCfz2yT9R59YObquUNv6-PT7v6IRu/s400/IMG_7194.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys digging into Caleb's present from Miss Adi</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1qFqZlj7wniVqSR2KJs2cqWuT7QebBE8J2HtQiCDbBKNAi7oAB2dZ9QHXij3bXXsW_-8jldPYXsxALVjsiVwTtbbK_RBL0te90joIfGNeIPFx60wOyeF4wPXWv_g2Rw7x5UEJR6NUpIZ/s1600/IMG_7205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1qFqZlj7wniVqSR2KJs2cqWuT7QebBE8J2HtQiCDbBKNAi7oAB2dZ9QHXij3bXXsW_-8jldPYXsxALVjsiVwTtbbK_RBL0te90joIfGNeIPFx60wOyeF4wPXWv_g2Rw7x5UEJR6NUpIZ/s320/IMG_7205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7J8sUKOj4fIWS-AuQmFfOfDfIZA9nNQGLWUO7t0R_wU0GNN1LRqaVhMtM9qRLT878z819nB-B3iUT5jmY7h6fCeZF-F6Xxsbb8lZuE-tT5jFjQe0v7P3Umue2Gi4zh_Uw55ExLOsE09tX/s1600/IMG_7217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7J8sUKOj4fIWS-AuQmFfOfDfIZA9nNQGLWUO7t0R_wU0GNN1LRqaVhMtM9qRLT878z819nB-B3iUT5jmY7h6fCeZF-F6Xxsbb8lZuE-tT5jFjQe0v7P3Umue2Gi4zh_Uw55ExLOsE09tX/s400/IMG_7217.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving her a big thank-you hug</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjolV8UHtmax3AXteiYnayhDnKiCc0zcKGNHZSSD5wzYEy9pBC2VS1vaDVXH2bs7WJ0ukPf-T5VX48-vuULo0z8xYPaAPO0v7Vla6TPxIZQTcx3u63mFUq77YxGxyS9MhXiRgaLGGK3ov/s1600/IMG_7336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjolV8UHtmax3AXteiYnayhDnKiCc0zcKGNHZSSD5wzYEy9pBC2VS1vaDVXH2bs7WJ0ukPf-T5VX48-vuULo0z8xYPaAPO0v7Vla6TPxIZQTcx3u63mFUq77YxGxyS9MhXiRgaLGGK3ov/s400/IMG_7336.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unwrapping a gift from his buddy Owen who couldn't make it to the party today</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loves touch-and-feel cards! This one asks them to match mommy to baby. So adorable!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4q4zkTbotA_l5Cq6OcDvg4UE0tErMNWXzyU_3ffMGR6nYhFPuh7pfiRziauK60cjV5QmZkrNuDb3Jx8f09dkKOFCbSsA0BEt9w9vG5mEXp-_rdODf3BYkVcFb9THGC9PwcqhhbnCoKV7/s1600/IMG_7347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4q4zkTbotA_l5Cq6OcDvg4UE0tErMNWXzyU_3ffMGR6nYhFPuh7pfiRziauK60cjV5QmZkrNuDb3Jx8f09dkKOFCbSsA0BEt9w9vG5mEXp-_rdODf3BYkVcFb9THGC9PwcqhhbnCoKV7/s400/IMG_7347.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playdough! Please ignore the fact that I'm even more excited than my son about this gift...it's our favorite rainy day activity : )</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOa2EY_7frWDFSkX3w8WBknfcuy-EOafWdkNC6tmyo3w6PN9XKjbdPkO9xM0evCLlCbvz6DaeSAEcKP4NQbyVABXjl-nTM4UXyB5m_tBGCnQAj5DGTzBE6mi6KtyZBgOa0LiOFqVxSUnH/s1600/IMG_7350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOa2EY_7frWDFSkX3w8WBknfcuy-EOafWdkNC6tmyo3w6PN9XKjbdPkO9xM0evCLlCbvz6DaeSAEcKP4NQbyVABXjl-nTM4UXyB5m_tBGCnQAj5DGTzBE6mi6KtyZBgOa0LiOFqVxSUnH/s400/IMG_7350.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the boys came over to help open the gift from Christopher</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0ie8ZCqD8OzO-1Hjg5KsoKaR5pk0CM7NDUEmZPGOjDlv4inZvaksvJwLTVLeZfH-PKGE-a8LAjvM1wjkQp3a-AFwrXP2DVzJGu_krDtxWOohT79BoI8l4m_NPbp_ZnLpFLXE4VoT9vZa/s1600/IMG_7351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0ie8ZCqD8OzO-1Hjg5KsoKaR5pk0CM7NDUEmZPGOjDlv4inZvaksvJwLTVLeZfH-PKGE-a8LAjvM1wjkQp3a-AFwrXP2DVzJGu_krDtxWOohT79BoI8l4m_NPbp_ZnLpFLXE4VoT9vZa/s400/IMG_7351.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that smile! It seems to say, "Yeah, I wrapped it myself" : D</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0whyphenhyphenVgX7rWtsXpzA8sBinNwkngE-wmVt7KGCvQf9C8B_jF5QRVAjzUR3VjLwYCS59lPtXoBAnvLumPh1E_rtSYsEVMHcV5-dOBWfz-0luw5jBzpe4U8FKwLCW1yPogNbqQ3EIFY-aHGgQ/s1600/IMG_7359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0whyphenhyphenVgX7rWtsXpzA8sBinNwkngE-wmVt7KGCvQf9C8B_jF5QRVAjzUR3VjLwYCS59lPtXoBAnvLumPh1E_rtSYsEVMHcV5-dOBWfz-0luw5jBzpe4U8FKwLCW1yPogNbqQ3EIFY-aHGgQ/s400/IMG_7359.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playfood for Caleb's kitchen! It was a big hit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKRKBrGlUUOEigRqZWK2EVwFVI22_563DsQCCh7VRQPXMpD7EbeXEHm8u-tkzNEZpQTKr1vpECOt8xlM3cQh3H9472VDTcbGe8D0rdKIaqMF0FDLkqUIK4TsXwRD2yBRHN-q6D8TOHV6H/s1600/IMG_7370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKRKBrGlUUOEigRqZWK2EVwFVI22_563DsQCCh7VRQPXMpD7EbeXEHm8u-tkzNEZpQTKr1vpECOt8xlM3cQh3H9472VDTcbGe8D0rdKIaqMF0FDLkqUIK4TsXwRD2yBRHN-q6D8TOHV6H/s400/IMG_7370.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and Dad got him pizza for his oven. He is ready for professional chef school now ; )</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Our little guys were beginning to rub their eyes, ask for milk and get a little teary at this point so everyone picked up and said their goodbyes. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends, whether they live near or far. Thanks for being part of Caleb's special day!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbNv76etQcCM2TSoTMfnBbHZFf8my3fEHBtfd-mH0aAkcWZJKO-8hjtShcq_J9BwYeDlXc41ig40h7zhy3OFWXtwWulXN0N_hGPJA_DkI5da71RB56Z1zXfG1AgLghl2n7tZ8gzgcsFoq/s1600/IMG_7374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbNv76etQcCM2TSoTMfnBbHZFf8my3fEHBtfd-mH0aAkcWZJKO-8hjtShcq_J9BwYeDlXc41ig40h7zhy3OFWXtwWulXN0N_hGPJA_DkI5da71RB56Z1zXfG1AgLghl2n7tZ8gzgcsFoq/s400/IMG_7374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-46343186931986304472012-06-09T22:51:00.003-04:002012-06-14T08:27:38.423-04:00Faucets and Other Victories<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>For those of you who've been following David's epic battle to install a new faucet</u></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zmRKm3xieVWwrWHfxZ-eHChxc4gpm9xUNURQ4XBHVcnnJ_OcYyNT5L8aSOy0-Iybl8-FMcWRiyZ_5Jd0scWNPveZ6EP6rI0Rn7Apcq75BF2YEjnIa5xbsGqY82mCWvbvd2P4PZchb2WU/s1600/IMG_6929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zmRKm3xieVWwrWHfxZ-eHChxc4gpm9xUNURQ4XBHVcnnJ_OcYyNT5L8aSOy0-Iybl8-FMcWRiyZ_5Jd0scWNPveZ6EP6rI0Rn7Apcq75BF2YEjnIa5xbsGqY82mCWvbvd2P4PZchb2WU/s400/IMG_6929.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sink Before</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LeRDZn_9bqq1zUkXVGIvgfFgAt0dm6_S_4dAjHUbcHYIfhyOf3lxv1ziteB3BwLQmLaTSiLE-Tfpw1IulVa5RWt787CSdbEwOU_dHNdKWuUu-vsxYlx0GbukS91bwVJnxygtwUgOEIXo/s1600/IMG_6933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LeRDZn_9bqq1zUkXVGIvgfFgAt0dm6_S_4dAjHUbcHYIfhyOf3lxv1ziteB3BwLQmLaTSiLE-Tfpw1IulVa5RWt787CSdbEwOU_dHNdKWuUu-vsxYlx0GbukS91bwVJnxygtwUgOEIXo/s400/IMG_6933.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipes Before</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lrMyuawGgvWwB7aPn7aHLOsl3hXMhcVsblkeC97hO72rvg0vDMBURfzr7yjquTEkZldsU8D0rBOsdLQBcgv6VyHEHbl2YAL2AcKnVf0vp3iy1EaJE0O5D3HnVBoq5wl1zm9N3vSAymu0/s1600/IMG_6941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lrMyuawGgvWwB7aPn7aHLOsl3hXMhcVsblkeC97hO72rvg0vDMBURfzr7yjquTEkZldsU8D0rBOsdLQBcgv6VyHEHbl2YAL2AcKnVf0vp3iy1EaJE0O5D3HnVBoq5wl1zm9N3vSAymu0/s400/IMG_6941.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sink After</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQuiMTd-luLRmZGjClcSbbptIEAGGylM_bqOvY-r0_12Ir3BOnFR-4_XD1K6P3jMVr-z5jPKL7Yf_Pk9nQRfmtnVfkDRGzec5NXMzDXlY08rwniyTCWbn6jAtV6aCUT1ejrkyj6E8DVwS/s1600/IMG_6947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQuiMTd-luLRmZGjClcSbbptIEAGGylM_bqOvY-r0_12Ir3BOnFR-4_XD1K6P3jMVr-z5jPKL7Yf_Pk9nQRfmtnVfkDRGzec5NXMzDXlY08rwniyTCWbn6jAtV6aCUT1ejrkyj6E8DVwS/s400/IMG_6947.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipes After</td></tr>
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<u>Finishing our first 2000 piece puzzle</u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRvTmcMOCgl2APdjJ6VtMrXeRVCZYiblNC4Grm_7IQiAm_ix9vp4Ge74JXL_9u7NFe99cdnYg7W2QvBJl2fj28xliR4K2UBPlfkETPPXa2ZS7ZlEbJrUFURAY8fLhnxkGz5onFfftLDi6/s1600/IMG_5230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRvTmcMOCgl2APdjJ6VtMrXeRVCZYiblNC4Grm_7IQiAm_ix9vp4Ge74JXL_9u7NFe99cdnYg7W2QvBJl2fj28xliR4K2UBPlfkETPPXa2ZS7ZlEbJrUFURAY8fLhnxkGz5onFfftLDi6/s400/IMG_5230.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David's Valentine's gift this year</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtCgWOxuEbZJYIujcsEfFfSjDO3SSGp9jiMvx-Pw1OJ_cB02BDwfmufv5fkacXyfu5GpeGLbu_Y0I_Iaqok14Cvo6d3PkTeuV0B8q9udLABxTVD1MhopeaRF5KjQ18O30smfJvFRkz7s8/s1600/IMG_6938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtCgWOxuEbZJYIujcsEfFfSjDO3SSGp9jiMvx-Pw1OJ_cB02BDwfmufv5fkacXyfu5GpeGLbu_Y0I_Iaqok14Cvo6d3PkTeuV0B8q9udLABxTVD1MhopeaRF5KjQ18O30smfJvFRkz7s8/s400/IMG_6938.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He did 85%, I chipped in 15% (Obsession vs. Hobby)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Man Vs. Rabbit 2012</u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJFUgO-tuWL2ZEeRyRS5EGmvH21FYKZiCFPg-SZQO2gErR5Y6w8Vjkn2PTRszebrFKBVQY4WkP3zx6GQxxYDuTRlHgRhoeSmnDIlpeINpPZ-Lu2KMg-I1Rf0It84lzW8ag4Z3w13RNucj/s1600/P5310034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJFUgO-tuWL2ZEeRyRS5EGmvH21FYKZiCFPg-SZQO2gErR5Y6w8Vjkn2PTRszebrFKBVQY4WkP3zx6GQxxYDuTRlHgRhoeSmnDIlpeINpPZ-Lu2KMg-I1Rf0It84lzW8ag4Z3w13RNucj/s400/P5310034.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is approximately how big our lettuce got last year before bunny devastation (they're about 3" high)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkML2yoYmn89dAOm0NpcuCQN1TfFfDpPEYPXf7XY_JllCxcP3fUbDuy5gm-G60I07nZDvfA1hsW_5RXHm_yQBRcImvEiO4dRR_HeYYIIpztkBr_GOSvFiIJC0100TtaXN3gJWBsRuRc9E2/s1600/IMG_6924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkML2yoYmn89dAOm0NpcuCQN1TfFfDpPEYPXf7XY_JllCxcP3fUbDuy5gm-G60I07nZDvfA1hsW_5RXHm_yQBRcImvEiO4dRR_HeYYIIpztkBr_GOSvFiIJC0100TtaXN3gJWBsRuRc9E2/s400/IMG_6924.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our garden this year! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYguVsKWJ8KgThFBcQWvNjL9IjmNdzx-NBEgNJXjMkDGn4-CAj9ot6x0bTUznqSirEIsbPwnoDFOoRJD8bhmdBr_8kw4AUNpKDqBHUmr8LJKJJ_7qLWI8ofqvkNggDOG17yVY9794oMes8/s1600/IMG_6925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYguVsKWJ8KgThFBcQWvNjL9IjmNdzx-NBEgNJXjMkDGn4-CAj9ot6x0bTUznqSirEIsbPwnoDFOoRJD8bhmdBr_8kw4AUNpKDqBHUmr8LJKJJ_7qLWI8ofqvkNggDOG17yVY9794oMes8/s400/IMG_6925.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The (fenced in) lettuce patch. We've already gotten to eat lots of our own greens!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Victories are great, but we wouldn't have gotten here without our defeats : )</div>
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<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-21972776599791381152012-06-04T21:14:00.000-04:002012-06-14T08:28:25.848-04:00Goodbyes and HellosThis past month brought two big events as we said "Goodbye" to David for his first two week trip since Caleb was 7 weeks old and "Hello" to my parents for a two week visit (woo-hoo!).We were blessed to have one week all together, which was when David and I squished in some important appointments and our lovely anniversary celebration in DC. We were able to make a few memories, but it was a rushed and busy time preparing for David's trip.<br />
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Finally the dreaded day arrived. After church on mother's day, David ate a rushed lunch, gave hugs and kisses, and left for the airport. I had no idea how Caleb was going to react to his most adored playmate being gone for an extended period of time, but I was thankful my parents would be with us the first week to ease the transition.<br />
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The first 2-3 days were definitely the hardest on him, especially in the mornings and evenings. He'd often ask me, "Daddy? Daddy?" tearfully. It broke my heart. Then, David and I got into a rhythm of skyping each morning before he went to work. Due to a time difference, this required David waking up at an insanely early time to pull off, but it made all the difference to our little guy.<br />
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Instead of asking "Daddy? Daddy?" in distress, he'd simply say, "Daddy?" calmly. I'd reply, "Daddy's at work." to which he'd always reply, "Mama?" and I'd say, "Mama's right here." and then he'd smile, giggle a little and move on. This ritual seemed to comfort him and continued both weeks.<br />
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As the first week progressed, I became a pro at finding ways to make him feel connected to daddy. I'd give him kisses from daddy, look at daddy in the photo album, build a model of daddy out of playdough (don't laugh, the kid loves it!). Caleb learned to blow kisses to daddy through skype and one night, he was even able to stay up late enough for daddy to read him his bedtime story!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3y-o7kpAdHgFSn80y4WKnksY2XPtYdIOEWPdiW0MTSrRyrxs6Iv9mX6NF6svCE_d2DdctYlKeWy1J4MnelUsXQSXsziKnh7yKJpKu3XShYqjQhDH168AvFG50U4otq8MvGjU61ud1vOR6/s1600/IMG_5209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3y-o7kpAdHgFSn80y4WKnksY2XPtYdIOEWPdiW0MTSrRyrxs6Iv9mX6NF6svCE_d2DdctYlKeWy1J4MnelUsXQSXsziKnh7yKJpKu3XShYqjQhDH168AvFG50U4otq8MvGjU61ud1vOR6/s400/IMG_5209.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the photo in his album Caleb chose to fixate on most often during the week. One night he didn't take his eyes off of it during his entire
bedtime story.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCKBwIydWZz9VIyBbUhiEcXD3bd2aZQTS86vt85tHN8i09HqMel1hAxikt-dEGZjKMhRGqxjQ_uoKbZaNzjK-zg6GymbcwL92YL4x9GiMWfwZLsd1lHMCFaNcI5W3EBR0uxdtzLMaBFV-/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCKBwIydWZz9VIyBbUhiEcXD3bd2aZQTS86vt85tHN8i09HqMel1hAxikt-dEGZjKMhRGqxjQ_uoKbZaNzjK-zg6GymbcwL92YL4x9GiMWfwZLsd1lHMCFaNcI5W3EBR0uxdtzLMaBFV-/s400/IMG_6698.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressing up as daddy was a big hit!</td></tr>
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Despite the challenges of David being gone, my parents and I were finally able to slow down and savor a wonderful week playing outside, visiting a local greenhouse, going to the park, and just spending time together.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Fun Times with Grandpa and Granny </u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6efWzlNaluAKZRv0Led1a_rYQdBcMUEPoMVoAVEU_p52spE9QcZ8V7gbgWIS1m-XHpdSF1bUoKOd89mXXHzbTk_Y764S0imacBtzZoUkyg7NlUSfiVMNp_8ntRuHXPvXjAzoraSEX3Dpt/s1600/IMG_6101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6efWzlNaluAKZRv0Led1a_rYQdBcMUEPoMVoAVEU_p52spE9QcZ8V7gbgWIS1m-XHpdSF1bUoKOd89mXXHzbTk_Y764S0imacBtzZoUkyg7NlUSfiVMNp_8ntRuHXPvXjAzoraSEX3Dpt/s400/IMG_6101.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's so excited to be hanging out with Granny and Grandpa!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9KA9R17qzV-5JjQ8mEd9ibuTUZ0tIpw0MgnpeJlolK_eLEHXsJ0QbljvUb_9kxnQFEEAHufgmMleoAHvYoTHlAiIX5KCFMMMRteXYsl7SPbTbX7a2Z9EK2PSWAwCnAU1iMOdVpy69SYn/s1600/IMG_6126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9KA9R17qzV-5JjQ8mEd9ibuTUZ0tIpw0MgnpeJlolK_eLEHXsJ0QbljvUb_9kxnQFEEAHufgmMleoAHvYoTHlAiIX5KCFMMMRteXYsl7SPbTbX7a2Z9EK2PSWAwCnAU1iMOdVpy69SYn/s400/IMG_6126.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa was his special buddy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ00GpSFyH_u93SfpJ9wwaWCXA7YZzGE1OQwRotLCitAxLmV_lvnzUaJvVszpCLNbzpsXf7npCXhp-pjcJo2ZJ-50RJ8iLvNDA_VDccbDYNcG7zp13npk_PMa87Bi9XbBBKgUPLHdtuGP/s1600/IMG_6672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ00GpSFyH_u93SfpJ9wwaWCXA7YZzGE1OQwRotLCitAxLmV_lvnzUaJvVszpCLNbzpsXf7npCXhp-pjcJo2ZJ-50RJ8iLvNDA_VDccbDYNcG7zp13npk_PMa87Bi9XbBBKgUPLHdtuGP/s400/IMG_6672.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing in the backyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWD7DhGCrY0RYCY4C10pgI4HkrfEExwWz7oV5wbxKrLfi6UUgFd1TXcCCKRyDEgAVRvJ21eavt5lhqdEFbOhyphenhyphenT-KKmGxBkrBRYgAgldmuyLBusW4ww93jn3ik-dU91KcNV-zDJtKSYO9K/s1600/IMG_6615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWD7DhGCrY0RYCY4C10pgI4HkrfEExwWz7oV5wbxKrLfi6UUgFd1TXcCCKRyDEgAVRvJ21eavt5lhqdEFbOhyphenhyphenT-KKmGxBkrBRYgAgldmuyLBusW4ww93jn3ik-dU91KcNV-zDJtKSYO9K/s400/IMG_6615.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field trip to the greenhouse. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP0ImxmlO4mwN3ngXv1uKYnwymcW-yob379iGK0Q5r6W_25ojcwcMbQ65vcHUnjcU2BjC2l4nXCTA2DDdclRtpStaSvydn1aLFvcIZV2nH_zZuEBD1OlhO0N5XaLQHMLgP_jdbu46RrsM/s1600/IMG_6620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP0ImxmlO4mwN3ngXv1uKYnwymcW-yob379iGK0Q5r6W_25ojcwcMbQ65vcHUnjcU2BjC2l4nXCTA2DDdclRtpStaSvydn1aLFvcIZV2nH_zZuEBD1OlhO0N5XaLQHMLgP_jdbu46RrsM/s400/IMG_6620.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They take gardening seriously up here. Those beautiful baskets line downtown from spring to early fall and I love it!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-qC8_HzUQJfDu4RSl6J8PECH4PQayMN1E07CHT7XB6vLGC3fSgSOXxPAxGQVEOk69HvQuKTumLxh9apCgLGfUcnjS__1unmzQo_hVoLwI4DgSNHoEaLP-XFyWtnH1X1_uRvs4gx80o6R/s1600/IMG_6638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-qC8_HzUQJfDu4RSl6J8PECH4PQayMN1E07CHT7XB6vLGC3fSgSOXxPAxGQVEOk69HvQuKTumLxh9apCgLGfUcnjS__1unmzQo_hVoLwI4DgSNHoEaLP-XFyWtnH1X1_uRvs4gx80o6R/s400/IMG_6638.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the tadpoles and fish. Caleb's favorite part!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAaj6mkaigVJEAemPFWDWXZaWQ3iIoKdupPENKL2XFeQ9gXlc15a7TSt5nGDhelWedLiLc-i4UyWdZjLtTZrV_slWrJFiPB1VHOj_Fa_wsKZuDev_rETIAsM_gkw7lRBeJ_78tS7mfZfH/s1600/IMG_6594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAaj6mkaigVJEAemPFWDWXZaWQ3iIoKdupPENKL2XFeQ9gXlc15a7TSt5nGDhelWedLiLc-i4UyWdZjLtTZrV_slWrJFiPB1VHOj_Fa_wsKZuDev_rETIAsM_gkw7lRBeJ_78tS7mfZfH/s400/IMG_6594.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun at the park!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5IL5b3Lm-VIyfuWbG97zBiK4gx4Ut2YC2h3VKAtwyQP9jJH2qitp6aITi-ZD9qr0GiGfcNjp2KrDpP30ELLb8WCsPOojRNJSTtPdBYz6P8_BxtnJtV183v-2N8NcOw0VYe4iYqylMgqC/s1600/IMG_6507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5IL5b3Lm-VIyfuWbG97zBiK4gx4Ut2YC2h3VKAtwyQP9jJH2qitp6aITi-ZD9qr0GiGfcNjp2KrDpP30ELLb8WCsPOojRNJSTtPdBYz6P8_BxtnJtV183v-2N8NcOw0VYe4iYqylMgqC/s400/IMG_6507.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a free ride from Granny during toddler time at the roller rink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNLh7i15eW7lWHCuIJ34uhhMWSJh8SuSDY95ueLgdTyTGWtt4iZ_C5PdVWI-EvAueKeDAKVN9N5yXU4Jw-iaWLul47HrLK_1fQmP29E6GY83onuEC9wvBAcMpWr-hzu7kvsgS7-wVvrVp/s1600/IMG_6597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNLh7i15eW7lWHCuIJ34uhhMWSJh8SuSDY95ueLgdTyTGWtt4iZ_C5PdVWI-EvAueKeDAKVN9N5yXU4Jw-iaWLul47HrLK_1fQmP29E6GY83onuEC9wvBAcMpWr-hzu7kvsgS7-wVvrVp/s400/IMG_6597.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and I even got a girls night out thanks to Dad babysitting!</td></tr>
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On Saturday the 19th, I drove Mom and Dad to a nearby town to catch a shuttle to the airport. It was hard to see them go. I don't think Caleb really understood they were leaving until I put him back in the carseat and Granny and Grandpa didn't reappear. He had a few minutes of hard crying, but luckily my sweet friend Julie who lives nearby (and was many days overdue for welcoming her newest addition) had toys waiting to distract him. We had a great play date and she got to meet her adorable little man the next afternoon!<br />
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After that hurdle, the week flowed pretty smoothly. We had three rainy days in a row so we went to the library and the skating rink to burn energy and avoid cabin fever. Friends met up with us and came over for dinner. One friend slept with her phone beside her bed as our "on-call" person all week should an emergency arise. Other friends reminded me to call if we need anything, and I knew they meant it. Our neighbor let me hang out in their back yard while my son mooched animal crackers ; ) I don't think I will ever get over how incredibly blessed I feel to have so many supportive people in our lives.<br />
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On Thursday we got a very special piece of mail- Daddy sent us a post card! I told Caleb it was from his daddy and he ran all around with it and cried when I hung in on the fridge so I gave him a piece of tape and let him hang it on <i>his </i>fridge. He seemed satisfied with that solution.<br />
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Finally Saturday arrived. I wish I could have somehow captured the joy at that reunion, but photos will have to do!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsFdI_3-FQLGv6dGjwZohtCnjg58b7lFZ4i6VlzwQYqczSyiDBpXbznxxk1c-1sF8LXvxaVelnfnn50-lBOtxdMoekkhzv5pjGpw1mFIKArio0uweon7ohHUd4b8b-MqEiOa28wCCML7F/s1600/IMG_6738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsFdI_3-FQLGv6dGjwZohtCnjg58b7lFZ4i6VlzwQYqczSyiDBpXbznxxk1c-1sF8LXvxaVelnfnn50-lBOtxdMoekkhzv5pjGpw1mFIKArio0uweon7ohHUd4b8b-MqEiOa28wCCML7F/s400/IMG_6738.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He hears someone on the stairs and somehow he seems to know who it is...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur4RmE_Km4a90uBfnmVswbkPY5HU-wou2cOd_bbkGYsfHMnc0qqtCkLI38pv-XHbYFpTK9q3J2XLMCE9gOQgpDRM-DMOUI-9SnRhJvIwmlupraJ4BBKPFeZZElxfNXx_S-rTj1htge97Z/s1600/IMG_6739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur4RmE_Km4a90uBfnmVswbkPY5HU-wou2cOd_bbkGYsfHMnc0qqtCkLI38pv-XHbYFpTK9q3J2XLMCE9gOQgpDRM-DMOUI-9SnRhJvIwmlupraJ4BBKPFeZZElxfNXx_S-rTj1htge97Z/s400/IMG_6739.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First sighting of Daddy!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11fzuytRsPfGrIovhPD9y8Xo958Zxv3MVl6LPqx8G6BDGn9Kdgcd29vhgrBiYRzA20W7XqoqzXaK7EBmF27rjIZ-FkPcFim6EJYEgtAXUwTlxNV4La-yH5xCdV2vjvd0bQJcrvCG2Mkpy/s1600/IMG_6741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11fzuytRsPfGrIovhPD9y8Xo958Zxv3MVl6LPqx8G6BDGn9Kdgcd29vhgrBiYRzA20W7XqoqzXaK7EBmF27rjIZ-FkPcFim6EJYEgtAXUwTlxNV4La-yH5xCdV2vjvd0bQJcrvCG2Mkpy/s400/IMG_6741.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Telling him all about it...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5r0mincStbY3yqQY_OzAXKTBa6fC7b5HBzWFo6wyrXJt34vz0hhyphenhyphenBx2or63Yz7xr88AG4UkX9P1sH6YC3wH_sJgHONXQb0tUHVoUpmHBrhjGcxW-y-5m3vJ56XkwR8Xa5dSA4460mpzdt/s1600/IMG_6745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5r0mincStbY3yqQY_OzAXKTBa6fC7b5HBzWFo6wyrXJt34vz0hhyphenhyphenBx2or63Yz7xr88AG4UkX9P1sH6YC3wH_sJgHONXQb0tUHVoUpmHBrhjGcxW-y-5m3vJ56XkwR8Xa5dSA4460mpzdt/s400/IMG_6745.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He instantly wanted David to play with him</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3CnlmJzF5DdTHB2hCl6jG420CtfezZgqvHxSiL9wqvOvH2RprRZ0xMBOsy5xU7geqryeKWCEfEI72azMU9VvLOM1ZXi7HX-9R35R0Z4Izr4mez61pZwCFfKw6vOuS3-tnPEg7cOMA_Q9/s1600/IMG_6748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3CnlmJzF5DdTHB2hCl6jG420CtfezZgqvHxSiL9wqvOvH2RprRZ0xMBOsy5xU7geqryeKWCEfEI72azMU9VvLOM1ZXi7HX-9R35R0Z4Izr4mez61pZwCFfKw6vOuS3-tnPEg7cOMA_Q9/s400/IMG_6748.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy kisses...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPAFARZD5HZHp9jYdb4S_haTq0IEjvzngdVCdlI2RuL6-CRiMEwQ6U1I6RjsyjAKWEEn4t8fyK5d5ZeH32Rw7tCIU0J2bwXQlVu2t_sdCGTYT44xOR14EFe-Wl80y7hz71IJH7qx_L3VD/s1600/IMG_6756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPAFARZD5HZHp9jYdb4S_haTq0IEjvzngdVCdlI2RuL6-CRiMEwQ6U1I6RjsyjAKWEEn4t8fyK5d5ZeH32Rw7tCIU0J2bwXQlVu2t_sdCGTYT44xOR14EFe-Wl80y7hz71IJH7qx_L3VD/s400/IMG_6756.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lead to long Caleb hugs. He latched on and didn't let go for several minutes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMfBYEQj26mzaFlzbDK68_tw61Sn_JtzGoZ0LBZEzcYAFs3it-ldOwjZsHHTh7JKehj_Web-I-Wv-O_t0_AGxjjap43TUu9SZL8QRa7AKWMXx8gJpmjls-JpL7bRVbLTDJH370Me4gndh/s1600/IMG_6761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMfBYEQj26mzaFlzbDK68_tw61Sn_JtzGoZ0LBZEzcYAFs3it-ldOwjZsHHTh7JKehj_Web-I-Wv-O_t0_AGxjjap43TUu9SZL8QRa7AKWMXx8gJpmjls-JpL7bRVbLTDJH370Me4gndh/s400/IMG_6761.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb hugging the special surprise Daddy brought home just for him. We both have fond memories of our dad's bringing us special momentos from a trip and David continued the tradition. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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There were more precious moments, but I didn't capture them on film because it was my turn to get a big hug!<br />
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<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-83186744818221765692012-05-25T21:00:00.000-04:002012-05-25T22:35:09.578-04:00Caleb: 23 Months In one month we'll be the parents of a two-year old! Every time I think I'm finding my rhythm with this whole "parenting a toddler" thing, something else changes. It's a challenge I love though. It may not be all sunshine and roses, but I love, love, love getting to know Caleb more each day. God is using him to teach me so much!<br />
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What update would be complete with out a list of his new words? "Mine", "Boo-Boo", "Mow", "Yum Yum!" (for food he wants), "Nyn, Nyn" (onion), "Cheese" (He says it for photos and for the food haha), "tea" (nope, he hasn't had any yet, but Daddy likes it so it must be good!), and of course his very favorite..."Nyo, Nyo" (aka: No! No!).<br />
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This last phrase has been a bit of a challenge, especially over the last week of the month. Caleb is learning that words have power (a good thing, since it's making him want to say more of them!), but he has really been testing out his ability to control others and be defiant. I definitely think his need for control was exacerbated by David being gone for two weeks. We'll have to see if it levels out again when daddy returns or if it's just another sign of being almost two years old!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Other News and Cute Stories from the Month</u></div>
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Picked some spinach from the garden, served in chicken wraps for dinner. Caleb kept signing "spin". We're not sure if it's because I put it in the salad "spin"ner or because it was "spin"ach, but either way, it was adorable!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LAQHynEWf_R7OUwX-dqr-Pj_csdXKpIMpWiPjyE1CZ8KRlbyJrOxVmaiIQp2b-Lv9-SEyiGPFd94zfgRcEwRX_5ENuyhr8z-Li-8IwznRSanBqw2PshAQiChgjXyQ4QJWApg1Jpa-d3s/s1600/IMG_6361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LAQHynEWf_R7OUwX-dqr-Pj_csdXKpIMpWiPjyE1CZ8KRlbyJrOxVmaiIQp2b-Lv9-SEyiGPFd94zfgRcEwRX_5ENuyhr8z-Li-8IwznRSanBqw2PshAQiChgjXyQ4QJWApg1Jpa-d3s/s400/IMG_6361.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's very interested in the garden</td></tr>
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Apparently, if you dip it in ketchup, he will eat it. At Red Robin he'd eat steak if David let him rub it in ketchup. Don't tell the chef...<br />
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After noticing a piece of broccoli wedged in his teeth, I realize we need to make an attempt at flossing. I've always said, "I think I'd rather try to floss a grizzly bear's teeth.", but was pleasantly surprised. I flossed daddy's teeth first, and then Caleb couldn't wait to try it too! Mission accomplished : )<br />
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Caleb's new thing is running around the yard popping bubble with his tongue. He waits until they land on the damp grass, hikes his tush into the air and gives them a big lick. Kind of disgusting, but hilarious to watch! He comes up with all sorts of interesting games these days. Running from his toy train to tag the door and running back, running back and forth between the clothes line poles tagging each end, hiding behind the hanging laundry and running out to tackle his unsuspecting mom, pretending the hose is a balance beam. I'm amazed how many games he comes up with, especially in the yard!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqzj7N_HdF_L5MypZWoPrvifi961s26q1wSmwwjAvyj1xrtdAx2PzIeMiwWr8GF5iZhZhDCkEaT9QGRLkXqUd6MxIHGAvbpFDsy-Bd_aSBP4gCDi1iT2_R0bHMoJFraFX0wVfcawGxaqn/s1600/IMG_6422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqzj7N_HdF_L5MypZWoPrvifi961s26q1wSmwwjAvyj1xrtdAx2PzIeMiwWr8GF5iZhZhDCkEaT9QGRLkXqUd6MxIHGAvbpFDsy-Bd_aSBP4gCDi1iT2_R0bHMoJFraFX0wVfcawGxaqn/s400/IMG_6422.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Popping bubbles the more conventional way</td></tr>
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He's getting better at playing games and taking turns in general. One of his favorites is what I call "The Sidewalk Game". I draw shapes, letters, animals, etc. on the side walk and say, "I spy a..." and he goes and stands on the picture I name. I will definitely give this game the credit for helping him learn his colors. I drew 4 different colored cats and he loved standing on the right color cat! It might be time to get some more sidewalk chalk so he can learn the rest of his colors, lol.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDurcJMWSZzJZZqOAULH4ty59ZfdDyufBIHVNiC4pLto6Q_6mYdQMHZPJ0Em1YH2wx94JHqa2pBWKk7doaY4b-AZPrBGXdbKCnF9ChX4s2DP5ZVWyNTuxnZX8T3ASHaz7reCm2z8C1CdUE/s1600/IMG_6406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDurcJMWSZzJZZqOAULH4ty59ZfdDyufBIHVNiC4pLto6Q_6mYdQMHZPJ0Em1YH2wx94JHqa2pBWKk7doaY4b-AZPrBGXdbKCnF9ChX4s2DP5ZVWyNTuxnZX8T3ASHaz7reCm2z8C1CdUE/s400/IMG_6406.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Sidewalk Game" in action</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>How 23 Month Olds Have Fun!</u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AkhzrxVtDMo2SaVJ5sakvv_5oBxMCHU0hKGJLBGHHMBG-nGL1X0e2_SjR-Jk6Vib0JcKnVwkgshoG3ym34M0IUvCg-50WhEVrmDVPBwgtRg9SG3LYjCU7YvczzWyGbdldi9OdkLCEz52/s1600/IMG_6074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AkhzrxVtDMo2SaVJ5sakvv_5oBxMCHU0hKGJLBGHHMBG-nGL1X0e2_SjR-Jk6Vib0JcKnVwkgshoG3ym34M0IUvCg-50WhEVrmDVPBwgtRg9SG3LYjCU7YvczzWyGbdldi9OdkLCEz52/s400/IMG_6074.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that <i>my </i>child climbing that high with no assitance? Eeep!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOirKwGEkfj5YNlfbbYJxgl2Ua-HmgC32Uwes5rHuxitG2BZ4V9GKNqWDUpVL93cl8e4uelJ3aqtvYJ0dgFFaOl5x24WKKDtkr6xRe5IjukRUbQCHUL6JP8larBOaMxkjlQECtb7CfNue/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOirKwGEkfj5YNlfbbYJxgl2Ua-HmgC32Uwes5rHuxitG2BZ4V9GKNqWDUpVL93cl8e4uelJ3aqtvYJ0dgFFaOl5x24WKKDtkr6xRe5IjukRUbQCHUL6JP8larBOaMxkjlQECtb7CfNue/s400/IMG_6037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He still thinks laundry baskets are fun though</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBbv7VKKarSqSiL9RDtrn-ngVxhkq7MgxgOAyHBeqeeGOipygXXr1_2B-R5syjBQQ-QPKTkdZeTwbIMIIIlm23gENEBszQsuvgVKmaemywZhfjZ8KwRs0Z_BBVggb88NEJmvVLikugO6B/s1600/IMG_6022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBbv7VKKarSqSiL9RDtrn-ngVxhkq7MgxgOAyHBeqeeGOipygXXr1_2B-R5syjBQQ-QPKTkdZeTwbIMIIIlm23gENEBszQsuvgVKmaemywZhfjZ8KwRs0Z_BBVggb88NEJmvVLikugO6B/s400/IMG_6022.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play-doh. My rainy day BFF...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKgffBNld-SJBsKfNdASCn7RCiOmuAABx6y20jkR1qem3wPBN9BQZY3BbMKtGwVpfBrEt4kK-QXlmYH4gMJs6OIVCJ1WBNUPvlUyv_nfDTP3n67QFxemiZWWzIOW6_ZK3vhfIj_kZYXRI/s1600/IMG_6724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKgffBNld-SJBsKfNdASCn7RCiOmuAABx6y20jkR1qem3wPBN9BQZY3BbMKtGwVpfBrEt4kK-QXlmYH4gMJs6OIVCJ1WBNUPvlUyv_nfDTP3n67QFxemiZWWzIOW6_ZK3vhfIj_kZYXRI/s400/IMG_6724.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does this even need a caption? "Attack!!!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Qo6BRTH0eO4GQpu9RvvXTm0N2CcPqiZ_LGuhGJ69gkyuv-XJ4teISvkfcM9O9s2a1uxLmD-T-bDyQEYVvq8dLOW_ePbx_IuP8WH476Y8MHiQr04Ch1XZeLPP7l5QiPT9g1J-Kes7XBW8/s1600/IMG_6155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Qo6BRTH0eO4GQpu9RvvXTm0N2CcPqiZ_LGuhGJ69gkyuv-XJ4teISvkfcM9O9s2a1uxLmD-T-bDyQEYVvq8dLOW_ePbx_IuP8WH476Y8MHiQr04Ch1XZeLPP7l5QiPT9g1J-Kes7XBW8/s400/IMG_6155.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb with the Lilacs</td></tr>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> How 23 Month Olds Grow Up Too Fast!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrjA9J3izUU5xXg7NIRm8DrGf2cAwR58OXEgJDTaE9_5TLPcViD3IziVWbFJYwPV1dQvrd67cZpzbopK5QwDlybHSNLgjPFZnN65Pr78ptlrC68WKA17BFi12TKgXXGBBIfKQ6V9bSmbZ/s1600/IMG_6050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrjA9J3izUU5xXg7NIRm8DrGf2cAwR58OXEgJDTaE9_5TLPcViD3IziVWbFJYwPV1dQvrd67cZpzbopK5QwDlybHSNLgjPFZnN65Pr78ptlrC68WKA17BFi12TKgXXGBBIfKQ6V9bSmbZ/s400/IMG_6050.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out those curls! Can you believe this kid was practically bald a year ago?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirh4qPHlWFKlFrUrxQ_l7Ll5vbeIuuICQXOF2grthH3U4tSovh-k_WiN6Fc_q4nDiVzFrQjGxtmUH40qBG2Jt07CuRh5oy2YGfTu67Zx9Vb57GfUuzHUyxfWd7Q6wOKnSccRGJWQ2A6ziZ/s1600/IMG_6732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirh4qPHlWFKlFrUrxQ_l7Ll5vbeIuuICQXOF2grthH3U4tSovh-k_WiN6Fc_q4nDiVzFrQjGxtmUH40qBG2Jt07CuRh5oy2YGfTu67Zx9Vb57GfUuzHUyxfWd7Q6wOKnSccRGJWQ2A6ziZ/s400/IMG_6732.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the back</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBkR7dzq4txOuPFb1eUSy2WMwist04RFOQfHImIU-rxL81I93fHrupYd0O0Er7h3xj-7q6PiLRdnvQU398d-dd_npFCN6pB0U6g4xCwbY0M0UiDm4YQN6qLrh_hTm2GfPKR7k4nhihuFJ/s1600/IMG_6175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBkR7dzq4txOuPFb1eUSy2WMwist04RFOQfHImIU-rxL81I93fHrupYd0O0Er7h3xj-7q6PiLRdnvQU398d-dd_npFCN6pB0U6g4xCwbY0M0UiDm4YQN6qLrh_hTm2GfPKR7k4nhihuFJ/s400/IMG_6175.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb finally got his chicken pox vaccine this month. He was one of the 1 in 25 that get the rash, of course : ) Most of it was lower down, but this one crept up to his tummy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgGH-7wQrJK-8kqFZRKTNCpfWoB8eBiRoalPTc3cYgJ1O67l2ORfTVj5WS9I0J_e-vpLaL4240NkykSwIiy0pVdi0CnraV0YtFa-R0-ZoyLtNfZIQAYFWEezkE1ECF2fDyN8Z8gP7SApI/s1600/IMG_6702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgGH-7wQrJK-8kqFZRKTNCpfWoB8eBiRoalPTc3cYgJ1O67l2ORfTVj5WS9I0J_e-vpLaL4240NkykSwIiy0pVdi0CnraV0YtFa-R0-ZoyLtNfZIQAYFWEezkE1ECF2fDyN8Z8gP7SApI/s400/IMG_6702.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day in his size 6 shoes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGKnSlq_XN8kyHt-vajBuNuxmQseUhXsXd2v8kKN7FjiwfkKa7WQuQ9EWtNP_rqsLXpgEIH6pJiFMunHjgLKDbacsGByv3D3qjltreQNV1-pIam0a3kakKn1cPwjlKaUod1WX6edAU0fl/s1600/IMG_6711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGKnSlq_XN8kyHt-vajBuNuxmQseUhXsXd2v8kKN7FjiwfkKa7WQuQ9EWtNP_rqsLXpgEIH6pJiFMunHjgLKDbacsGByv3D3qjltreQNV1-pIam0a3kakKn1cPwjlKaUod1WX6edAU0fl/s400/IMG_6711.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my little banana eater!</td></tr>
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<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-37426265693482778992012-05-16T17:10:00.000-04:002012-05-25T22:35:28.606-04:00Happy Anniversary to Us!<div style="text-align: center;">
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As always, David and I spent some time this anniversary reflecting on the past year- how we've grown, how we want to grow more, all the things we're thankful for about the other person. It feels like we just got married yesterday in some ways, but I realized I was already beginning to forget how we celebrated each anniversary. Here's a quick photo recap:</div>
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<u>May 16, 2009</u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1pQi72lMJLMm_yUKfmrBR5mlYCY_ze8ochlBWUl11W9iUd5d8uiFZb3frjdOBC28_VtZ9tFpt4nZ-_qLKV1cDvR8zhEUmZYE0zMCtNM0bPJJUd2cROSeEuo1lFP-jTH9f2fkKmYyRAaR/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1pQi72lMJLMm_yUKfmrBR5mlYCY_ze8ochlBWUl11W9iUd5d8uiFZb3frjdOBC28_VtZ9tFpt4nZ-_qLKV1cDvR8zhEUmZYE0zMCtNM0bPJJUd2cROSeEuo1lFP-jTH9f2fkKmYyRAaR/s400/DSC_0236.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day that started it all</td></tr>
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<u>May 2010 </u><br />
We picked up lunch and Panera and took it to a nearby state park. We walked by a stream, I rested on our picnic blanket to ease my back pain and we imagined what it would be like to be parents. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJRhcWx3GEZVlARY1QgusWc2BUlMjL1kxeYc1AqH7-U0zgv4CwePfELq4ewOlEbBTXfnUvGb1jDlzLbd1C_31OepMyfNvLHHUNv2I7XahtVaHohSt64iWmnVgT7it0URRrCamFCrTz200/s1600/P5150304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJRhcWx3GEZVlARY1QgusWc2BUlMjL1kxeYc1AqH7-U0zgv4CwePfELq4ewOlEbBTXfnUvGb1jDlzLbd1C_31OepMyfNvLHHUNv2I7XahtVaHohSt64iWmnVgT7it0URRrCamFCrTz200/s400/P5150304.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David sneaking in a kiss to my chubby-bunny cheeks</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEqMDsjuk57ugx6ja-xreDLbIo6A8SdNvcA67AB8KaZ-5nThVLbKJ9KoxexQTF2slviFglaCuyQ-En3h_nM_DK4CbGDdb8YfY0uLhb668rnFzLsw6NGQIYZr1Ra1aqMYhm3PYbS08ARau/s1600/P5150308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEqMDsjuk57ugx6ja-xreDLbIo6A8SdNvcA67AB8KaZ-5nThVLbKJ9KoxexQTF2slviFglaCuyQ-En3h_nM_DK4CbGDdb8YfY0uLhb668rnFzLsw6NGQIYZr1Ra1aqMYhm3PYbS08ARau/s400/P5150308.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the weight was worth it. I'm about 5 weeks away from meeting Caleb in this photo.</td></tr>
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<u>May 2011</u></div>
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At this point, we were now veteran parents of an 11 month old, had moved to Florida and then back to Pennsylvania again for David's job. We'd almost gotten the boxes unpacked when David needed to travel for work again. This time, for just a week and I have to admit, just like our Florida trip, it ended up being pretty sweet : )</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6hpybZ4AXGo3qwK22DXwtMWBENqsy6r3_IqITFZhOwg8JHLlwj_v6vFM9sUsCR2Q5rqeN1KIntBnwVsA47ZlBiFe6Kzl8uv5VIgDuK2wofD2TLiAKHjArJJdBBXRqPOQzULDZwAu0yZL/s1600/P5160566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6hpybZ4AXGo3qwK22DXwtMWBENqsy6r3_IqITFZhOwg8JHLlwj_v6vFM9sUsCR2Q5rqeN1KIntBnwVsA47ZlBiFe6Kzl8uv5VIgDuK2wofD2TLiAKHjArJJdBBXRqPOQzULDZwAu0yZL/s320/P5160566.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our hotel on Baltimore's historic inner-harbor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kKdFbbxkhHQh3F_xEWNKrS0bKRJI6tak0ssOhyhb2XmNs7E1epgV2a2Acjpl7rUGZHeFw201SqGyNxFIVQkQvtcZg70dbb3-oxmMBWEO4pxxWD8PzM82b7mETB36s7hUQQF0qyXffAxV/s1600/P5180587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kKdFbbxkhHQh3F_xEWNKrS0bKRJI6tak0ssOhyhb2XmNs7E1epgV2a2Acjpl7rUGZHeFw201SqGyNxFIVQkQvtcZg70dbb3-oxmMBWEO4pxxWD8PzM82b7mETB36s7hUQQF0qyXffAxV/s320/P5180587.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't have to cook or clean (much) for a week</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxy93MMkFp65Lb6Bqjr2b8y4VDF2gMaVj4_6fnJwAXYu88UULP_9d44vgMB5sdxzJklMNjhjE0SjLO-k7IPQHavWstYzYFGS-dE-HqOIQSAah1RE1KSJV2aCF3sbDeVLqizVgPF_fUbhpg/s400/P5170582.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I met our amazing friends, Drew and Melissa for the first time. They offered to watch Caleb for us one night so we could go out to eat for our anniversary. Little did we know then we'd be using the swap system for date nights for the next year, or that Melissa would completely take over watching Caleb while I had pain clinic appointments because she's amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somehow, we managed to not get a photo together the entire month of May. This is from a date we took while still in Florida. </td></tr>
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<u>May 2012</u></div>
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I'd say this year was both the hardest and the easiest year of marriage yet. Hard dealing with my chronic pain issues, but easy because we've learned to love each other so much better! We celebrated the ups and downs with an overnight away in DC. We enjoyed the city, our (uninterrupted!) time with one another, ice cream and sleeping in...although not in that order ; ) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting off the Metro at Union Station</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First stop, the historic DC post office and museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Capitol Building</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Together on the National Lawn after spending some time in the American History museum. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I love milestones and traditions. I love reminiscing and looking back. I love planning for what is to come. I'm so so thankful for every year we've gotten to spend with one another. I'm thankful for a husband who challenges me, encourages me to grow, prays for me and loves me unconditionally. Thank you so much to all the friends and family who have celebrated, encouraged and been there along the way!Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-87095269756743391392012-05-13T21:40:00.000-04:002012-05-25T22:35:53.584-04:00On Not Getting What I Wanted for Mother's Day<br />
A couple weeks ago, one of the blogs I read asked moms to leave a comment about what they'd like for Mother's Day. As I read through the responses most wanted time with their family, a morning to sleep in, a clean house or a combination of all three. I'll admit, my first thought was, "To have clean drip pans on the stove." <br />
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The more responses I read though, the more I realized that everyday is like Mother's Day at our house. David knows there are a number of household chores that I find physically painful and is always careful to make sure they're done frequently. He mows our grass, takes out the trash, mops the floors, and scrubs the tubs. We share the responsibilities of loading the dishwasher and vacuuming about 50-50, mostly because he's awesome not because I find those 2 things physically difficult. He also completely takes over Caleb's care from the time he gets home until Caleb goes to bed at night.<br />
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Somehow, despite all the responsibility David takes on, he still calls me "the glue that holds our family together." Even though there is so much I can not do, he values me. He treasures the intangible contributions I make to our family and considers that tangible ones a bonus.<br />
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What I ended up realizing I really wanted for Mother's Day was to be physically able to be the Mom I want to be. I'd love to clean the house from top to bottom for once and let Caleb wrestle me to the ground and crawl all over me while David rests on the couch.<br />
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Instead, I was presented with three beautiful watercolor prints I had admired, told how beautiful David finds me and what a great mom I am, and got big snuggles from my two favorite boys this morning. My heart longs for more self-sufficiency and productivity, but instead I get to experience grace. Thank you, to my wonderful husband, for being the hands and feet of Jesus in my life. I love you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day 2012</td></tr>
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</div>Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-84839301167078671902012-05-09T16:55:00.002-04:002012-05-25T22:36:44.048-04:00How Many Years Does it Take to Grow Hope?As I've followed the blogs about Tanzania this week, I have to admit, a part of me has been disappointed. There has been much written about the great need there, but where are the <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2011/06/of-rubber-boots-self-pity-and-ladders.html#more-11171">Rosa</a> stories? Where are the stories about <a href="http://simplemom.net/conviction-not-guilt/">sponsored teenagers who want to sponsor children one day?</a> Where are the stories about teenagers like Hanna (our sponsored child in the Philippines) who feel certain they will be able to use the education they are receiving to send their younger siblings to school? In other words, where is the fruit of the hope that Christ brings in Tanzania?<br />
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As I thought about this, the answer became clear. It's still growing.<br />
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Compassion has been working in the Philippines for over 40 years. The 2011 bloggers went to one of the most established centers in the country. Many of the centers the Tanzania bloggers have been visiting are less than 2 years old. As this blogger so aptly pointed out: <a href="http://minivansarehot.com/2012/05/hope-is-slow/">Hope is Slow.</a><br />
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Although Compassion has been at work in Tanzania since 1999, most centers are located near Arusha. Centers near Mwanza, like Mugendi's (which opened in 2009) are young. They are quickly earning the love and trust of their local communities, but like any relationship, it is a process. Both groups of bloggers are sharing the same message- the great need Compassion addresses and the beautiful effect that giving hope has on a community, but in differing ratios.<br />
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Today the Compassion Bloggers head to Arusha, the more established area of Tanzania (though I'm not sure how long the Center they'll be visiting has been open) and I'm looking forward to reading more stories. I'm trying not to let myself go numb to the needs in these communities as I pray God would help us to live more simply so we can help others to simply live.<br />
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<a href="http://shaungroves.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Sponsor-Compassion-International-Tanzania-White-220-X-350.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-10841];player=img;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sponsor-Compassion-International-Tanzania-220x350" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10868" src="http://shaungroves.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Sponsor-Compassion-International-Tanzania-White-220-X-350.jpg" title="Sponsor-Compassion-International-Tanzania-220x350" /></a></div>Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-41443299019919659452012-05-05T18:20:00.000-04:002012-05-25T22:36:30.858-04:00The Best Letter I've Ever ReceivedThis is Mugendi.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lkwDwKNc34AtD-lM2T-rSRbCjHPb1fvg3k167p2Xrt645qdUlDPyhAHlsjxstHIFKoTzSCnzRfb_GPREuHfwodsQhnK7jelCud2BNxRBvLzmhenOxsM0bAOmhLTjGTCid0b01aV8-JCc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lkwDwKNc34AtD-lM2T-rSRbCjHPb1fvg3k167p2Xrt645qdUlDPyhAHlsjxstHIFKoTzSCnzRfb_GPREuHfwodsQhnK7jelCud2BNxRBvLzmhenOxsM0bAOmhLTjGTCid0b01aV8-JCc/s320/1.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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This is Mugendi's mom.<br />
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And this is the story of the best letter I've ever received.<br />
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First, a little background information. David and I started sponsoring Mugendi through a program called Compassion International almost 3 years ago. For those who aren't familiar with Compassion International, its a child sponsorship program that provides food, healthcare, education and spiritual formation to the children it serves. Compassion works through local churches in various countries who are interested in becoming child development centers.<br />
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Other than making sure our support arrived, responding to letters a few times each year, and trying to remember to pray for someone I'd never met, our sponsorship didn't impact my life much. Until this week last year.<br />
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Last year, several of my favorite bloggers wrote for <a href="http://compassionbloggers.com/trips/2011-philippines">Blog for Compassion's trip to the Philippines.</a> Even though the culture is very different from Mugendi's I was captivated by the stories they told. All of them were incredible, but I've added links to the 3 that impacted me most:<br />
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<i>Like this one about this woman whose kitchen is flooded 9 months of the year who still finds time to volunteer at her child's compassion center:</i> <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2011/06/of-rubber-boots-self-pity-and-ladders.html#more-11171">Rosa's Story</a><br />
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<i>Or this one about Compassion's incredible financial accountability: </i><a href="http://shaungroves.com/2011/05/a-magic-trick-for-kristen/">Ever wonder where your money goes?</a><br />
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<i>Or this one about how would my heart and actions be different if Mugendi was </i>literally <i>my neighbor</i>: <a href="http://shaungroves.com/2011/06/meeting-the-neighbors-next-door/">Imagine If...</a><br />
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Take the time to read just one.<br />
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God used these stories to help break David and I's hearts for the needs of our overseas neighbors. We decided to sponsor an additional child, commit to writing them both at least monthly, pray for them and send a family gift to Mugendi's family.<br />
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A family gift is an additional amount above the normal monthly sponsorship that benefits the entire family. Families might buy housing materials, livestock, seeds, or anything else that might be needed. When you send a family or birthday gift through Compassion, 100% of it goes to the child/family and nothing is taking out for administrative costs. The child development center staff works with the family to help determine what items are needed/wanted. We waited and waited to see what our family would choose to do.<br />
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Last week, a letter arrived, thanking us over and over again for our gift. Mugendi's family was able to buy fruit to sell at their stand in the market. Seeing the smiles on their faces (this is the first photo we've ever received of Mugendi smiling) was priceless.<br />
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I think sometimes, when we're faced with the reality and scale of poverty in the world, it paralyzes us. We wonder if our drop in the bucket can make a difference. God doesn't ask us to solve global poverty. He does ask us to recognize all we have is a gift from him and to be faithful with it. When I look at how comfortably we live, as others struggle to live at all, and I know our family isn't there yet.<br />
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If you're looking for a way to give of your time, love and finances and share Christ, I definitely recommend Compassion. Whether or not you feel called to that, I encourage you to follow the Compassion bloggers this year as they go to Tanzania, May 6th-11th. Mugendi lives just north of where the bloggers will be spending most of their time in another city that borders Lake Victoria. I can't wait to peek inside what his daily life is like.<br />
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The button on my sidebar will link you to all the writers, but if you can only follow one of them, I recommend <a href="http://shaungroves.com/">Shaun Groves.</a>. If you have any questions for me about sponsorship or Compassion, I'd love to tell you more.<br />
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<a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=125957"><img alt="Sponsor-Compassion-International-Tanzania-300x350" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10854" height="350" src="http://shaungroves.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Sponsor-Compassion-International-Tanzania-300x350-5.jpg" title="Sponsor-Compassion-International-Tanzania-300x350" width="300" /></a>Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-52120539666567358692012-04-28T20:47:00.000-04:002012-05-25T22:37:15.494-04:00Caleb: 22 MonthsTwo more months until age 2! This year has gone by so quickly. This month was full of funny stories and mini-milestones. I say it all the time, but I really do treasure everyday we spend with this little guy.<br />
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<b>New quirks.</b> Caleb is getting really good at using his teeth to bite "whole" food rather than me tearing it up into bites for him. I usually give him half a banana, a slice of cheese or a piece of bread and he does a reasonably good job of not choking himself : ) However,should I dare to try and break something apart in his presence...tears! <br />
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Just how important being able to take his own bites is to him came home to me just as we were about to leave the house for our family walk. I'd broken off half a banana to snack on and Caleb, of course, wanted some. When I broke off a piece to give him, he collapsed dramatically to the floor screaming and crying. I looked at David in bewilderment, who translated our toddler's cries: <i>"Doooon't break it mommy! You ruin it!!!"</i> Haha, poor guy. He got over it and we went for our walk, but wow, what a toddler moment!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb chowing down on his apple slices. No more bite-sized pieces for this big boy!</td></tr>
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Speaking of new quirks...Caleb has suddenly developed a major aversion to having his toenails clipped. Merely uttering the words "Mommy needs to trim your toe nails" turns him into a weepy, squirmy mess. Trying to actually accomplish the task was akin to wrestling a bear. After 3-4 weeks of this, I broke out my secret weapon for the first time...Finding Nemo. After 2 minutes, Caleb's gaze was fixed and his jaw was beginning to go slack so I scooped him into my lap and was able to complete the task in about 10 minutes. He still wasn't a fan, but it was much less traumatic for both of us. TV definitely has it's uses! Hopefully pairing it with something he likes will help him relax about it. He lets me clip his finger nails even without Elmo's help these days, so I'm hopeful!<br />
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<b>Special Outtings.</b> Even though Caleb slept through all the drama the weekend I went to the ER, we decided to celebrate family life being back to normal by taking him to PetSmart (aka: the free domesticated animal zoo). It was an extra special day because all 6 shelter cats were out of their cages getting some "free play" time with the volunteer. She welcomed us back and Caleb got to interact with all the kitties.<br />
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He had a blast petting them and throwing the little rubber ball for them to chase. We had to be careful he didn't get his hand in between a playful cat and their toy, but otherwise he did wonderfully. My mommy heart swelled with a little pride when the volunteer complimented us over and over on how gentle he was with the cats and how we were welcome back anytime to play with them. I felt bad not taking one home, but she assured us it's wonderful for them to be socialized with little ones so when an adoptive family <i>does</i> come, the cats are ready.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After David went back to work, Caleb got to spend quite a bit of time doing this while I recovered from the ER trip. Thanks Tews for our one-of-a-kind DVD. Caleb loves being read to and mommy loves the break!</td></tr>
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<b>More advanced language and comprehension skills</b> lead to conversations like this one:<br />
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David and I are trying to ease Caleb into the bedtime routine:<br />
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David: "Caleb would you like daddy to read you a book?"<br />
Caleb: "Uh-Uh."<br />
Sarah: "Would you like mommy to read you a book?"<br />
Caleb: "Uh-uh."<br />
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Parents exchange "oh, it's gonna be one of <i>those</i> nights" glances<br />
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Sarah (trying to break the tension): "Caleb, do you want a pony?"<br />
Caleb: "Yeah..." in his sweet toddler voice<br />
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There you have it.<br />
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<b>Mini Milestones</b><br />
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<i>Begins sleeping with a stuffie.</i> Mr. Turtle is not to be left out of the bedtime routine anymore.<br />
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<i>Draws his first circle!</i> Oh the excitement that comes from being able to draw your own "BALL!" "BAAAALLL!"<br />
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<i>Peed in the potty for the first time on Easter.</i> No repeat performances thus far : )<br />
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<i>Tried to sign "I love you" back to daddy at bed time.</i> Every bit as heart-melting as you imagine...<br />
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<i>Can climb the ladder to the slide.</i><br />
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<i>Can undress himself almost completely independently before bath.</i><br />
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<i>First introduction to chocolate in the form of warm chocolate chip cookie.</i> Wish I had gotten photos of the gooey mess!<br />
<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-26347020504684652282012-04-21T16:22:00.000-04:002012-04-21T16:23:21.796-04:00Spring in Our BackyardGrowing up in Florida, I never truly appreciated how much fun spring could be. Even in North Florida, spring is just the two weeks where everything blooms beautifully before the heat of summer sets in and everything turns resolutely green again. Here, spring takes place at a more leisurely pace. A few steps forward, a few steps back, flowers and greenery unfold week after week. First came the daffodils and cherry blossoms, now come the tulips and apple blossoms, yet to come are my wisteria and lilac bushes. It's a joy to watch life unfold!<br />
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Caleb certainly agrees. He loooves watching all the activity going on in our front and back yards. Nothing is better than when the giant squirells tempt him by coming right up onto our back porch before dashing off up a tree. He runs over to the window anytime the birds start squabbling, which is often.<br />
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<b>One of our resident squirrels</b>
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For those who have been following the on-going bird drama this year...The little finches have reclaimed their nest as the big birds who were trying take over were apparently migratory and only needed it for temporary housing. They seem thrilled to be back and are happily restuffing every scrap of leaf and grass into their already full space. <br />
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Mrs. Robin has laid two eggs and spends most of her time sitting on the nest, especially on the few days when the temps have dipped back down into freezing. I'm spending more time with the curtains in the kitchen closed out of respect for the job she's doing. I can't wait to see the little chicks hatch! Mr. Robin has made peace with the window once again, though I'm not naive enough anymore to expect it to last : )<br />
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<b>Roosting just outside the kitchen window under the wisteria</b>
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Some of you may remember our dismal garden fail last year. Long story short, we dug up the grass, added furrows, dropped seeds on top of the completely unworked, unfertilized furrows, dropped a little top soil on them and hoped something would grow. Amazingly, adorable little lettuce plants and carrot heads sprouted and grew into tiny baby greens which I thinned out and enjoyed in a (very small) salad. <br />
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Things went down hill from there. First it was a hail storm. And then a second one. Nickle sized peices of hail pummeled our yard, not once, but twice. I was sure our garden was doomed. Amazingly it survived both onslaughts. What it did <i>not</i> survive was the great bunny attack of June 2011. After our resident bunny nibbled every single stalk of lettuce and carrot head, we decided that sometimes you just have to know when to give up. And give up we did.<br />
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This fall, David built me these beautiful raised beds in hopes of keeping the bunny out. We filled them with horse and chicken manure from a friends farm, along with several giant bags of our fall leaves and let it mature over winter. A couple weeks ago I planted, and a hail storm predictably followed. Fortunately my seeds are still safely underground and the hail pieces were pea-sized this time. We are looking at this year as a learning experience and look forward to seeing what grows!)<br />
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<b>Something was already growing in our compost pile! A giant green onion.</b>
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<b>David breaking up the manure before adding top soil.</b>
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<b>Caleb is fascinated.</b>
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<b>Planting. Caleb is sneakily trying to water the garden with his sippy cup.</b>
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<b>Helping Daddy clear out another garden area while mommy plants.</b>
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<b>Craft-stick and permanent marker labels. Sacrificial spinach planted to see if our bunny can reach.</b>
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<br />Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-82586679589204757252012-03-27T14:23:00.000-04:002012-03-27T14:23:18.507-04:00Caleb: 21 MonthsWhat an absolutely <i>amazing</i> month this has been. Our budding toddler has officially blossomed! <br />
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Watching Caleb's language develop has been like watching a pot come to a boil. You can see the bubbles forming below the surface of the water and hear the hum before anything actually makes it to the surface. All last month we saw those bubbles forming. His comprehension sky rocketed. He seemed to understand almost everything we asked him to do.<br />
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The first week of this month, the first bubbles of language exploded onto the surface. Suddenly, Caleb was calling us "Mama" and "Dada" most of the time, instead of only occasionally. He began saying "yeah", "Hi", and "Bye" with authority and meaning. As the month went on he added, "Bye-Buh" (Bible), "Mo-wah" (more), "dur-dle" (turdle), and "Again" to his list of words. He's also got a list of words only David and I can understand, like "Me-yah" for "milk" and "Tay-do" for "thank you". It's been incredible to watch. I've found myself tearing up with the same emotions I felt watching him take his first steps. So so proud...and a little sad about how fast this is all happening.<br />
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<b>Telling me the lion sculpture in the neighbors yard says "Roar!"</b><br />
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Caleb's special gift has always been shapes. He loves puzzles, shape sorters, nesting cups, snapping himself in the highchair, etc. Needless to say, we are big on outlet covers around here... This month, he took it a step further. He can now point to a circle, triangle, square, heart, star and oval when asked and sometimes recognizes other shapes like rectangle, half circle, diamond, etc. <br />
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Caleb's stuffed animal friends are playing a really big role in his life right now. He loves to nurture them by feeding them, putting them to sleep, etc. They tag along in the carseat, stroller, and shopping cart. They even help him with his chores around the house. Puppy especially likes to hand laundry to mommy. <br />
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<b>Eating.</b><br />
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<b>Drinking.</b><br />
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<b>Bear needs a bib.</b><br />
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<b>Feeding giraffe.</b><br />
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<b>Our compromise for messy food.</b><br />
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<b>Puppy plays ball!</b><br />
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This month also brought that dreaded milestone...the first public tantrum. We'd had a good morning and just arrived at the grocery store. I let Caleb walk in the parking lot and he did a great job holding my hand. I typically let him ride in the child-friendly grocery carts shaped like cars. Today, being no exception, he ran right over to them. I told him to hop in, and he pointed to the identical cart, further back, wedged between a pillar and the cart I wanted him to get into. <br />
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"This cart Caleb." I encouraged. <br />
More pointing, starting to fuss. <br />
"Caleb, mommy said this cart." I pick him up and start to put him in (I'm never sure if he is fully understanding me just yet).<br />
He understood alright. Back arching, screaming, limbs flailing.<br />
"Caleb, you have a choice. This cart (pointing) or a normal grocery cart (pointing).<br />
"UH-UH!" "UH-UH!"<br />
"Ok, you made your choice. Normal grocery cart."<br />
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At this point he actually chilled out quite a bit. I was ready to shrug it off, but as I started to place him in the cart...<br />
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Screaming, flailing, kicking, pointing back to the car carts. We are really attracting attention now.<br />
"No Caleb, you chose this cart." I offered him his milk and stuffed him in during the 2 seconds he took to process my question.<br />
Realizing he was strapped in, he let out one more dramatic scream for good measure and proceeded to enjoy the rest of the trip like nothing had happened. I was quite rattled and couldn't believe he settled down so quickly after all that fire!<br />
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He had two more tantrums that day, and one each day for several days afterwards, but they seem to be settling down again. I'm sure he'll continue to test his boundaries, that's part of what this age is about after all. I'm quickly realizing that there is no handbook for motherhood and that just as I get the hang of one thing, something else will come along to make me realize I have no idea what I'm doing. <br />
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Despite the difficulties that come with toddler territory, Caleb is still a really fun little guy to be around. At play date this weekend, his buddy Braydon was about to grab a toy Caleb had placed near him, but wasn't playing with at the moment. Caleb's first instinct was to snatch it out of Braydon's reach, but when David encouraged him to share, he gave it to his friend who said, "Thank you." in his sweet toddler voice. Braydon then played with it a few seconds and handed it back to Caleb who said, "Tay-do" also. Precious!!!<br />
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<b>He was even willing to share daddy's lap! A big step for our little guy : )</b><br />
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And of course, there are some just-plain silly moments...Last week, while folding laundry, I held up a sock and asked Caleb to find the match. To my surprise, he dug through the very full laundry basket and handed it to me! While I stood there, motherly pride welling up inside of me, my baby einstein promptly put a pair of my underwear on his head. Toddlers! : )<br />
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<b>Very proud of himself...</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGTRfx_RSA4BsFcE7rSA4BS3ke-M4b_2JU70rV9Mcu6lpcXBfP8Zc2Z0YhzTpsVEK-JHwqc5P4Ict46k2h9X0uIhNuJHbYUz81clfaCTpC3w4mkYv3nLIHLhC064lM4fgJgdo6JHGs09B/s1600/IMG_5400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGTRfx_RSA4BsFcE7rSA4BS3ke-M4b_2JU70rV9Mcu6lpcXBfP8Zc2Z0YhzTpsVEK-JHwqc5P4Ict46k2h9X0uIhNuJHbYUz81clfaCTpC3w4mkYv3nLIHLhC064lM4fgJgdo6JHGs09B/s320/IMG_5400.JPG" /></a></div>Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-80157491407213688322012-03-24T22:26:00.000-04:002012-03-24T22:26:21.947-04:00Project Simplify: Master BedroomIf my life was a movie and clutter was the villain, the master bedroom would be my arch nemesis (we won't discuss his henchmen, the guest room and basement in this post). I feel a sense of foreboding anytime I think about trying to tackle it. Like a magpie, my "nest" is where I tend to stuff all the little odds and ends that have meaning to me, but no designated spot in my home.<br />
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<b>Lest anyone still be worrying I spend too much time cleaning and not enough enjoying motherhood, let these "before" photos put your mind at ease ; )</b><br />
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<b>Check out those dressers. See that big stack of cards on the right? One is from our CPA, circa Christmas 2010. That's when you <i>know</i> it's time to get. a. grip.</b><br />
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<b>Ah the bookshelf. The third shelf down is almost completely filled with magazines I will never ever open again, but that might have something desperately important in them. *Sigh*</b><br />
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<b>Ironing board. Not just a place to heap clothes that need to be de-wrinkled, but also to hold very important sermon notes I convince myself I will read again, but never do. Please don't refer me to Hoarders.</b><br />
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Getting started was the hardest part (it always is). Not only was I in some additional pain from my physical therapy appointment on Monday, but it never ceases to amaze me how much debt and clutter relate to one another. Both make you feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. It seems like avoiding the mess all together would be easier, but deep down, you know the mess is what's draining your energy.<br />
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I decided to get my "clutter-debt" snow ball rolling by cleaning off the top of the lingerie dresser. I tossed the calendar that hadn't been turned since October into the goodwill box, removed every item, dusted, and replaced only 2 things. As expected, doing one small project and seeing quick success gave me the motivation I needed to tack "just one more" area.<br />
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<b>With the help of David, we "just one more" thinged our way to these after photos:</b><br />
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It involved a <i>lot</i> of asking myself these questions:<br />
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<b>"Is this beautiful?"</b> Then how will I display it?<br />
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<b>"Is this useful?"</b> Then how will I make it easily accessible?<br />
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<b>"Is this worth the space it's taking up in my home and the time it costs to care for it?"</b> If not, read it one last time or take a photo and then let. it. go.<br />
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Obviously, I still have a pretty big stack of papers and knick-knacks I still have to sort through, but I feel great about the progress we made on the flat-surface areas of this room. The dressers are clear, the cedar chest is accessible again and the ironing board is put away. I plan to tackle the closet and drawers during this upcoming weeks "choose your own adventure" in Project Simplify.Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-81986812310849147662012-03-16T21:59:00.000-04:002012-03-16T21:59:57.548-04:00Project Simplify: Kitchen EditionDuring our house hunting days, our Realtor would send us batches of a dozen or so listings, I'd peruse the photos, check out the neighborhoods and weed out the non-contenders before submitting the potentials to David. <br />
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Certain photos would get a listing kicked out immediately. Wet basement. Busy street. No Yard. Only one house got nixed because of the <i>ugliest</i> kitchen I'd ever seen. Ours. Yup, I discarded the listing for the home we currently live in because the kitchen cabinets were painted a hideous crayola green, the counter-tops and back-splashes were dated, and the oven was undersized. Kitchen renovations start at around 20K and are a huge hassle. It just wasn't something I wanted to get into. <br />
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Fortunately, David re-combed through the listings and questioned why I'd dismissed this house. After I explained my reasons, he agreed it could be a deal breaker, but sometimes the colors in photos lie. Everything else about the house seemed good and the price was right. I did a drive by and fell in love with the neighborhood. The mountains, the hills, the charm of the giant trees and streams lacing the area. I really really hoped the reality was better than the photo. <br />
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It was the first home we looked at. The cabinets <i>were</i> a rather dark and unflattering shade of green, but not as bad as the photo I'd seen. The counter tops and back-splash weren't my cup of tea, but they were in great condition. The rest of the house seemed perfect. After seeing the other homes the area offered in our price range, it became clear that dismissing an entire home because of the color of the kitchen cabinets was more than a bit rash. <br />
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Obviously, we decided to make an offer on the house. I've never regretted our choice. We have the best neighbors anyone could ask for, an affordable mortgage and a house that meets 95% of our wants and 100% of our needs. Really, what are ugly cabinets and slightly too-small bathrooms compared to that? <br />
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And that, my friends, is the somewhat interesting history of our kitchen. Now, onto the cleaning!<br />
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I usually plan our days so that we have an activity in the morning OR in the afternoon. This "before" photo is the result of two back-to-back days of being in and out of the house all day. In short, we spent enough time at home to eat meals and make a mess, but not enough time to clean it up. <br />
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<b>Before</b><br />
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After pondering the mess for a few minutes, I decide my goal is to deep clean the counter tops and island (we're talking toothbrushes and appliance moving). I also want to wash the front of the cupboards, something that basically never happens, aside from an occasional spot clean. Obviously, to do these things, I'm going to need to wash a lot of dishes and make some choices about what does and does not deserve to live on the counter to begin with. <br />
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<b>Close up of the crusty cabinet.</b><br />
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Two loads of dishes and some hand-washing later, I'm ready to begin clearing the counter tops. I start with the island. I wash the vegetable bowl, put kitchen items away, move other items to their homes in other rooms and take everything off while I give the counter a soak in some non-toxic homemade cleaner. My little helper already has his hands squishing around in it, delighted that mommy is spraying water. After a few minutes, Caleb and I scrub the counter top and I carefully consider each item I place back onto the island.<br />
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<b>Island soaking</b><br />
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<b>After. David surprised me with this beautiful bouquet when he came home from work today. The florist also sent him home with a helium balloon for Caleb. He is enchanted.</b><br />
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After cleaning the island, I decided the kitchen counter and cabinet deep clean will have to wait. Sometimes my chronic pain issues mean I can't do quite as much as I think I can and I'm learning to be ok with that. <br />
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<b>At least the counters are much less cluttered!</b><br />
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Next up: The Master Bedroom. I've been chipping away at the clutter in our room for several months now in the typical "2 steps forward, 1.75 steps back" dance that comes with having a toddler in the house. I'm looking forward to seeing our entire room clean all at once for a change!Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-91809449455598597242012-03-10T17:01:00.000-05:002012-03-10T17:01:40.489-05:00Project Simplify: Kid's StuffAfter spending Caleb's nap today writing a really moving post about why I decided not to do this week's project (something about having the flu, being kind to myself, blah blah blah) I got a burst of inspiration and energy and decided to tackle his closet.<br />
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We started our move towards simple living shortly before Caleb was born, so there wasn't much other work to be done in the kid department. <br />
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<b>Caleb's Room. Not exactly going to be featured on Pinterest anytime soon, but we like it : )</b><br />
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His closet however, was a dumping ground for odds and ends before it became part of the nursery and never really recovered.<br />
<br />
<b>Before</b><br />
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A few of my more interesting finds:<br />
<br />
<i>An old shower curtain.</i><br />
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<i>Unused stool and urine sample bags (extras from illnesses in his first year of life)</i><br />
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<i>A dead stinkbug. Of course.</i><br />
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I removed all his outgrown clothes, cloth diapers, baby bibs and receiving blankets to be packed away. I also ruthlessly weeded out some "must have" baby items we never used. A pack of un-opened paci's (he was a thumb baby), waterproof mattress cover (crib mattresses <i>are</i> waterproof), and a few other odds and ends.<br />
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<b>After</b><br />
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Caleb loves to help with these projects. Look at all that space! <br />
<br />
On the floor we have blankets (lots and lots of blankets...maybe he'll learn to sleep under them one day), extra diapers (we use disposables at night and for travel), and a gift bag full of stroller accessories. <br />
<br />
On the bottom shelf are toys he'll grow into in the next year, extra childproofing materials (child proofing is never finished), extra diapers and wipes and items we still need to hang on his walls. On the top shelf are my baby keepsakes and clothes he'll grow into soon. <br />
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I dusted the window and the closet shelves. I also vacuumed the floor of the closet. I even used two different handy-dandy attachments! I've never cleaned a closet so thoroughly before. I guess that's what spring cleaning is all about though. Tackling those spaces that get neglected in the week to week cleaning routine.<br />
<br />
All in all, it took about an hour and a half and I couldn't have done it without David's willingness to chase Caleb around the house during that time. I still need to actually box up his clothes and sort through some keepsakes I found stashed in a basket, but that's for later tonight!<br />
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Coming this week: Kitchen and Pantry!Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-43563453311391059282012-03-05T14:42:00.000-05:002012-03-05T14:42:58.417-05:00When Mornings MatterOne of my goals in <a href="http://joyonthejourney.blogspot.com/2012/02/welcoming-2012.html">Welcoming 2012</a> was to make our marriage a high priority. Last week, as I read <a href="http://www.feelgoodaboutdinner.com/2012/03/are-you-early-riser.html">this encouraging article</a> about sticking with a bed time, God convicted me about how important my presence in the morning is to David.<br />
<br />
I know he cherishes the time we spend chatting over coffee, planning out our day and even just reading the comics together. It makes him feel loved when I make his lunch, even though it's usually just something boring like left overs or a sandwich. Not everyone feels this way, in fact some people prefer to be left alone in the morning, but knowing how precious that time is to him (and me), it was something I wanted to reclaim.<br />
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<b>One of the few times in our marriage I was awake before David. Definitely photo worthy : )</b><br />
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During our push in February to get the main rooms of our house under control, I found myself exhausted. David graciously encouraged me to sleep in and get the rest I needed. For a while, the extra hour of sleep was a necessity, but soon staying in bed lapsed into a habit. <br />
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After praying about it, I told David my intention to begin waking up with him this week. I hate making commitments like that because<br />
<br />
A. They require effort. <br />
B. I feel terrible if I fail to live up to them. <br />
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I wasn't sure how hard getting up at 5:30 again was going to be, but I certainly imagined the worst.<br />
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Last night before bed, I prayed God would enable me to keep my commitment. David is fantastic about putting aside his wants to serve the greater good of our family. In fact, he's so good at it, I often take it totally forgranted that it doesn't just flow naturally from him because he has such a kind and willing heart about his tasks. Me...not so much. I tend to be a grudging giver. <br />
<br />
To my joy, I woke up 9 minutes before David's alarm went off this morning feeling...refreshed. Really? After 6.5 hours of sleep? I knew who to give the praise to. How wonderful to be reminded that God cares about the little things and that his strength is sufficient for my weakness. What a great way to start the week. Tonight, though, I think we'll try for 8 hours of sleep : )Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-16110427903217755262012-03-03T15:54:00.001-05:002012-03-03T15:57:27.235-05:00Clothing PurgeEver since Caleb was born I've felt like I had a ton of clothes and not much to wear. It's a pretty common post-baby problem. I didn't even begin to resemble my pre-pregnancy weight until 9 months after Caleb was born and only in the past 4-5 months have I been at my college weight. I'd love to say it's because I took great care of myself, ate well and exercised, but I can thank 3 back-to-back stomach flus for shedding those last few pounds. It's not a weight loss program I recommend.<br />
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That said, I still feel like I have nothing to wear. Being a mom is hard on your clothes. Even though I'm back to my pre-baby weight, my body has totally changed. I've gained 2 cup sizes, so most of my shirts are too tight, the skin on my lower stomach still has a slight sag from carrying my precious babe (this took me a looong time to come to peace with, but I'm finally there!), and I lost numerous shirts to baby spit-up stains. Apparently, stomach acid works a bit like bleach. <br />
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Combine all that with the fact that, frankly, I haven't done much clothes shopping since before I started grad-school so most of my clothes are at least 5 years old. They are starting to fade, shrink, pill, and get weird squiggles and sags around the necklines. Since I'm not a fan of shopping, it's hard for me to motivate myself to go looking for new cloths until my wardrobe is in this sad state.<br />
<br />
<b>My overstuffed closet, filled with clothes that no longer fit and/or make me look like I'm in high school again, and not in a flattering way.</b><br />
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A few weekends ago, David and I decided to use our once-a-month date time to get some shopping done. I figured going through my closet and determining what I had, what I needed and what mistakes NOT to repeat would count as my warm up for <a href="http://simplemom.net/project-simplify-2012/">Project Simplify</a>. <br />
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Here are my lessons learned:<br />
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1. If it needs to be ironed, I am never going to wear it. <br />
2. If I don't absolutely love the fit and color in the store, it doesn't matter how great a deal it is, I won't buy it.<br />
3. If it shows my bra strap, cleavage, or is sheer I am not going to feel comfortable wearing it anywhere, ever.<br />
4. The item must flatter my new mom body and not make me look 15 or 85.<br />
5. I don't work outside the home anymore. Professional button down shirts are out, but some sassy looking jeans and pretty shirts are in. Patterns that hide stains well are a bonus.<br />
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<b>Clothes to be donated are in the back pile. Clothes to be tried on are in the front pile.</b><br />
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<b>Even with all this gone, I was left with a pretty full closet, which Caleb is making even fuller in this photo : ) A number of the clothes that are left are showing signs of wear, but are still passable for now.</b><br />
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Mistakes not-to-be-repeated fresh on my mind, it was time to make my shopping list. My wardrobe is another area of my life I'm trying to simplify. I have a dresser and a closet for clothing storage. I could probably fit all the items I <i>actually</i> wear into one or the other. The rest is just wasting space and adding to the things I need to clean and maintain.<br />
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That said, to make a small wardrobe really functional, each peice should be able to mix and match with several others and should reflect the stage of life I'm in (ie: no ironing, dry cleaning or handwashing required). <br />
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<b>Here was my personal shopping list for our day out:</b><br />
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<b>- 3-4 Basic long sleeve shirts.</b> Mine need to be replaced badly.<br />
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<b>-Nice looking fleece pullover.</b> I have one fleece, but in a color that isn't the best for my skin tone, not to mention shows every smear of baby food and piece of lint. It kills me to spend money to get something I already have, but this is such a staple of my wardrobe (as a layer in the winter and my go-to jacket in the fall and spring) that I think it's worth it to have one that really works for me. <br />
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<b>-Ivory peep toe shoes.</b>I'm a bridesmaid again!<br />
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<b>-Non-sneaker everyday shoes.</b> I'm thinking knock off Tom's.<br />
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<b>-New slippers.</b> Mine are falling apart.<br />
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<b>-1 pair of jeans that fit perfectly.</b> I currently have 3 pairs of pants (1 khaki, 1 corduroy, 1 pair of jeans) that fit me well and I find myself typically needing 1 more before laundry day.<br />
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<b>-Cute yoga pants.</b> Confession: I'm a huge fan of the elastic waist band. David is ok with that, as long as I still look cute in them. Meaning sweatpants are out, which is fine by me because they make me feel frumpy anyway! <br />
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I knew shopping at the mall (even an outlet mall) was going to be a challenge for me. I tend to be <del>a bit of a tid-wad</del> very frugal when it comes to clothing. Going through my closet, I had to own up that my frugality has actually contributed to the clutter. How many shirts were in my donate pile that I bought just because they were a good deal and looked "ok"? If I hardly ever wore that item, it wasn't a good deal.<br />
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In an ideal world, I would buy everything from thrift stores. Not only do they save money, but I like the fact that I become one more step removed from a clothing industry that tends to pay it's CEO's well and it's factory workers less than a living wage. However, since moving to a small town, I've had difficulty find clothing in thrift stores that isn't already looking pretty worn out. Baby clothes are the exception, although even those racks require quite a bit of picking through. <br />
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As it turned out, our outlet mall was having an awesome President's Day sale and I was able to find 1 long sleeve shirt, 1 short sleeve shirt, cute yoga pants, and the <i>perfect</i> pair of jeans for about 50% of their usual <i>outlet</i> price. We also found 2 pairs of much needed shoes for David and Caleb's last set of onesies ever *sniffle sniffle* (they don't make them in sizes larger than 24 months. I guess I'm supposed to start potty training or something by then ; ) <br />
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Here are two articles that inspired me to have a "less is more" clothing philosophy and to be willing to pay a little bit more for clothing that is quality and really works with my body type and lifestyle:<br />
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<a href="http://smallnotebook.org/2011/10/17/the-shopping-guide-comfortably-dressy-style/">How to Choose a Shirt</a><br />
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<a href="http://simplemom.net/creating-a-wardrobe-that-works-for-you/">Creating a Wardrobe that Works for You</a><br />
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<i>In case you're wondering if I have such severe "mess blindness" that I missed the clutter filling the rest of the closet, I'm happy to say my condition is not so severe. I'm looking forward to tackling that on week 3 of project simplify. I'm so excited to be making progress, one bite at a time!</i>Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927856251427421616.post-52089030738428845152012-02-29T16:10:00.000-05:002012-02-29T16:10:34.250-05:00Caleb: 20 MonthsWhere did my baby go? This month is the first month Caleb has had more "toddler" days than "baby" days. One big clue that babyhood is fading fast: My big boy no longer needs a morning nap. Not that he's never skipped it before now, but we always knew he'd be a nicer person if he got one. Then, as if a switch flipped, he stopped needing one a few days before Valentine's Day. He still rubs his eyes a bit around 10/10:30, but that's it. No other obvious signs of tired crankiness. He just doesn't need it anymore. <br />
<b><br />
<i>No morning nap means more time to play!</i></b><br />
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<b>Enjoying our neighbors swing on a sunny, spring-like day (read: high of 55! I have totally acclimated...)</b><br />
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<b>Why won't this sled work?</b><br />
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<b>Giving his friend a ride.</b><br />
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This month also brought one of my favorite "milestones". Caleb loooves snuggling up next to me while I read book after book! I love it because my little ball of energy rarely snuggles. I'm also thrilled that his attention span has grown enough to allow him to enjoy an entire story (or 3!). His current favorites are any book with a cookie illustration (really, we are never living the Christmas cookies we gave him down!) or any book where I make a sound effect (like sneezing or animal noises). He is also obsessed with a Little Critter book called "That's not my Frog". David and I will probably still have it memorized when Caleb is 30. Still, there is something really fun about seeing what he <i>likes</i>. He's no longer just a little baby along for the ride of life!<br />
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<b>Special Caleb and Daddy reading time after work.</b><br />
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Caleb added a few words to his vocabulary this month:<br />
He likes to say "baaah" (bath) any time he sees a tub<br />
"Bye"<br />
"Baaaa" (Back- as in, you must go to the <i>back</i> of the slide to go up again)<br />
"Buuuh" (Butt- as in, you sit on your butt to slide)<br />
"day da" (thank you)<br />
"Dah-Dee!" (Daddy!!!)<br />
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Although he isn't saying much yet, Caleb is great at following directions. I can tell him we're going downstairs and he's waiting by the door to the basement. I can trust him to hold my hand instead of being carried as we walk to and from the car. He knows the names of all the rooms in our house and most objects. He has a pretty good grasp on the concepts of "up", "down", "in" and "out". Even more complex ideas like "wait" and "gentle" are starting to take root. <br />
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<b>Just because he <i>knows</i> the word "gentle" doesn't mean we don't still see some shoving during play dates. I'd actually say that's the #1 thing we are working on right now.</b><br />
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I know I wrote about this last month too, but I am still amazed by how much my little helper really is <i>helping</i>. I feel like my life as a mom has gotten so much easier. From having someone to help put the tupperware in the cabinet as I dry it to moving clothes from the basket to the couch for me to fold, it really saves me some bending! I also really appreciate that when he's helping, he isn't busy making a new mess just as I'm cleaning one up : ) Of course, my directions have to be very specific and often it makes a task take a little longer, but I could have never predicted this level of helpfulness 3 months ago!<br />
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<b>Sometimes he can't help me yet, like when I'm loading dirty dishes. His kitchen busy box has been our solution. He loves putting his own pots and pans "away". And yes, I know my cabinet is a disorganized jumble even before the baby toys were added and I'm ok with that : )</b><br />
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This is the first month we have seen lots of conflicting emotions and frustration (aka: normal toddler behavior). He cries for help, but when we come to offer it he pushes us away. Sometimes he just pauses and starts screaming for no apparent reason. Those meltdowns are normally my cue to invite him to the couch for some reading and snuggles.<br />
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Sometimes though, experience really is the best teacher. Case in point: Caleb decided he, and only he, could snap himself into his high chair. He practiced and practiced until he was able to do so and didn't even cry when his finger got pinched during one of his attempts. As much as it hurt me to see him hurt, I decided I'd follow his lead on this one. Eventually, he decided he really does need mommy and daddy to help sometimes. Recently, he started holding his hand and signing for us to help buckle him in. Apparently there was one pinch too many. Some days he still likes to try, but he's much more receptive to help now, thankfully!<br />
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As much as I love chronicling his milestones and marveling at how quickly he's growing up, my favorite moments are those times we are all together being silly as a family. Here are some photos from a recent photo shoot : )<br />
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<b>Family Photo Booth</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd7NJkCy8twes8ELXLVyZw2xcD7rISEab5wGp8MDXCLXiH_kwMHJ_4ogw8HGtCsrmGKyKQjpv8zLbTEfEUnNcBN7dLZQee76kz0zjnEeAGIt_luH2hmWlDj5AnMYLzj9V0frBehyz8b2h/s1600/IMG_5268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd7NJkCy8twes8ELXLVyZw2xcD7rISEab5wGp8MDXCLXiH_kwMHJ_4ogw8HGtCsrmGKyKQjpv8zLbTEfEUnNcBN7dLZQee76kz0zjnEeAGIt_luH2hmWlDj5AnMYLzj9V0frBehyz8b2h/s320/IMG_5268.JPG" /></a></div>Sarah_Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487919626825836823noreply@blogger.com1