10th Month

Wow, Caleb is a full time toddler these days. He is getting into everything and loves exploring his world around him. That comes with a whole lot more patience from us, but it is oh so fun! Here is what he has been up to this month:

• weight: still around 24 pounds
• diapers: size 3
• clothes: size mostly 18 months
• form of mobility: mostly crawling- and very fast
• walking: has taken a few steps but nothing too consistent
• Walker: hates that thing- would rather crawl
• babbling- all the time and he can get LOUD
• favorite "babbles" this month: still "dada", "blah-blah-blah", "ne-ne-ne" and if he is upset, hungry or tired "mama" he tries to say "buck", "bottle" and has started on "nigh-nigh"
• gestures: he loves to wave and give high fives. He waves to the TV and anyone and everyone that will look at him. One day my mom and I were eating lunch at a restaurant and he was waving away, we looked around and no was waving back to him. He was just having a blast trying to get everyone to wave.
• Daddy's boy- Caleb adores his daddy and if he is anywhere around he wants to be with him. I am happy he gets this precious time with Caleb since the early days were so consumed with me having him (due to nursing).
• Bottles: we are down to 2-3 bottles of milk a day
• sippy cup- he has finally mastered how to use it and loves to sit up tall and arch his back and drink from his sippy cup
• Lots of "no-no's", spatting his hand, and redirecting but he is slowly learning
• no more teeth- still 6 but he has started to drool and bite on toys again so I think he will get some more in the near future-- I was so sad this month because he figured out how to bite the edge of his crib :( So his crib has little beaver marks all along the front rail.
• Stair crawler- he has figured out how to go up our stairs all by himself rather quickly- the whole going down thing not so much
• Food: He is eating nearly everything off of our plates. He is such a good eater and I have been surprised by how many different things he has tried. Things he has liked so far: black olives, pickles, tomatoes, potatoes (we knew that), deer meat (with ketchup), and of course anything sweet. We joke that Caleb will tear up his first birthday cake because he really enjoys sweets!
• Health: Poor Caleb has had his first "virus" this month. He ran a fever a few days and now has a small head cold. He has taken it very well. In fact, he hasn't been fussier just "snugglier" and I am ok with that!
• Memory- Caleb cracks us up because when we go to specific places he remembers were certain things are. For example: when he gets in my car he always reaches for my school badge and starts playing with it and with Daniel he always finds his "head light" when he rides in the side by side.
• naps- one morning and one afternoon nap a day (1-1.5 hours each)
• dishwasher & fridge- these are magnets for Caleb, if the door of one of them is open- he will be there very shortly!
• Here are a few pictures from this month:

  

  Caleb checking out daddy's buck!

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  making his way in the dishwasher!

    
 

Caleb's first bonfire!

Granny's cheerleaders at her first 1/2 marathon

She did great!

Caleb was cheering on Granny in his sleep!

Kayla did awesome too!

Jean & Daveline :)

 

Caleb moves NON stop all day. He does not like to sit still. He doesn't want to be held sitting down he would rather be up moving around. I love this boy so much and I am so thankful he is mine! Daniel and I are really enjoying this age so much because his little personality is developing more and more each day.

9th Month

Ok... I am having a hard time believing that Caleb has been out of my womb almost longer than I carried him. I love the stage we are in right now. I wish I could just bottle up all the fun things Caleb is doing because I know I am going to miss this stage-- when he really becomes mobile. Here are a few things that he has been up to this month:

weight: I think almost 24 pounds, not sure on length we go to the doctor next week

diapers: size 3

clothes- size 12-18 mostly 18 months (they look so big- but fit tightly)

food- 5 (8oz) bottles a day, 1 bottle of juice a day, Caleb loves to try to eat what we do. He has always been very interested in food but now he does a great job gumming it and actually swallowing it. This month he has enjoyed vegetable soup (canned from this summer) and hash brown potato casserole (man after my own heart).

teeth- no new ones this month- still has 6 and the top ones are getting HUGE- I love his big toothy grin

FAT feet- if I find shoes that fit his thick instep they are WAY TOO LONG- I bought some nike's the other day, but they just aren't working

toys- Caleb loves his music table --his favorite thing to do is stand up next to it and open and close his book; most of the time he would rather play with household items such as the DISHWASHER, Cabinets, and Fridge

Climbing- we have caught Caleb trying to climb multiple times (one time he climbed up the bottom two stairs by himself, next time it was my quilt wrack, and lastly the coffee table)

Understands NO- we have had to give fewer "spankings" on his hands this month. Now when we say no he spins around and curls out his bottom lip. We still have some trouble with cords and of course when we go new places he will test his boundaries. We have a lot more work ahead of us, but we feel better knowing Caleb understands the words "NO".

Walking- not yet, but getting VERY close. Caleb pulls up to things and lets go and stays standing for anywhere close to a minute. He has accidentally taken a few steps a time or two.

Music- Caleb loves when music is on and he will instantly start bopping up and down- so CUTE

walker- doesn't really like it that much unless I am cooking and I give him treats while he walks around in it (who doesn't like treats?)

Naps- still taking 2-3 naps a day. He normally takes 1-1.5 hour morning and afternoon nap

Sleep- now that the days are getting shorter and Caleb is playing harder he normally goes to bed around 8 and he actually sleeps till 7 or 7:30 since it's still dark out

Daily walks- Caleb enjoys ridding in the stroller and looking at the cows and horses down the road

Laugh- still doesn't quite know how but tries so hard and it cracks us up

Words- FINALLY mama- in context :) Dada, Mimi, lots of b- sounds (we think he tries to say bottle and D is trying really hard to teach him buck)

Lots of babbling and it sounds more like words instead of repeat sounds

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from his 9 month shoot

 


This boy loves putting sticks, dirt, leaves, or anything dirty in his mouth

 

 

 

This is his "cheesy" grin

 

Every day I look into Caleb's eyes and wonder how my heart could be any more full. I am so thankful that God gave me the opportunity to be his mama. My life is so far from perfect and I have a hard time balancing things, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

8th Month

Wow I cannot believe that I just typed the word EIGHTH--- I do not have a baby anymore.. Caleb is turning into a TODDLER more and more each day! He has so much personality these days and does not meet a stranger. Here are a few things that he has been up to this month:

• weighing in at 21 pounds and 8 ounces
• diapers: size 3 (I was wrong last month- he will be in 3's for a few more pounds)
  
• clothing size: 12-18 months
• strong thick muscular thighs- I learned this month that he cannot wear "straight fit" pants-- he has very strong rounded thighs and butt just like his daddy ;) 
• thin blondish/brownish hair; eyes are a darker grey most of the time now
• thick feet- size 4 shoes would normally fit but since his instep is so thick most shoes don't work :( since he really isn't walking I haven't worried to much about shoes
• crawling EVERYWHERE--- he is getting very efficient at following us around the hosue
• pulling up on EVERYTHING- he loves to follow behind me and pull up on the cabinets and he really likes to help me load the dishwasher
• standing up on his own- I think he will be crawling pretty soon as soon as he figures out how to move those feet (we will be in big trouble)
• eats: 5-6 times a day 
• favorite foods this month: mac & cheese veggies (ha gets that from me), sweet potatoes & corn, any fruit, and of course he loves his strawberry yogurt bites
• self-feeds: Caleb is a very independent eater and prefers to feed himself
• new teeth: cut 4 teeth on top all at one time (6 teeth total)
• full of drool 
• babbles alot- still saying "da-da" all the time, and "ma-ma" only if he is mad and wants some help
• sleeping in his OWN ROOM-- this is the best news from this month :) I finally took the plunge and put Caleb in his room upstairs (he transitioned just fine- much better than I  thought)
• Bedtime: around 8 PM and wakes up between 6-7 AM
• Naps-  2-3 a day--- Caleb doesn't nap well for Granny so he gets lots of good loving (rocking) at her house 
• Bath: has a blast, splashes around, and pulls up on the edge- makes me a nervous wreck
• Lots of "No-No's" this month-- Daniel and I have had to be firm and consistent on spanking Caleb's hand and telling him no-no when we see him playing with something unsafe. We do not want to go overboard on "baby-proofing" our house (yes we have used common sense and removed dangerous items in his way- such as Daniel's deer horns). We want Caleb to understand the word no so that when we are in a new place, we are not walking around on pins and needles hoping he doesn't try to play with something he shouldn't. Instead we want him to understand what no means so that we can say it and he will stop. He has made lots of progress so far. The biggest obstacles so far have been the computer tower and plug ins. Now all we do when he crawls close to them is say "no- no" and he stops what he is doing and looks at us and rolls his bottom lip over. Small progress, but I will take it. 
• Loves: household items, noisy toys that light up, Bonnie (our dog), other babies, EATING, waving good bye
• Going out to eat with Caleb has become so much easier now that he can eat more real food. We just break off pieces of our veggies and he feels included too.

I am so in love with my life right now. Yes I work and do not get to spend as much time with Caleb as I'd like, but I have a great job and have the best caretakers for Caleb. I feel so blessed and have a new outlook on life. I have slowly learned that my boys take top priority and it's ok if  everything else (housework and school work) are not perfect. The moments with my family are going by fast and I want to cherish all the time we have together. Here are a few pictures of this month :)

7th Month

This month seems to have flown. It probably didn't help that it was the  homestretch of my summer break. I enjoyed being off all summer with Caleb more than I ever imagined. This month he has really changed. He seems to be losing all his "baby-isms" and is starting to look more like a toddler. I looked back at his baby pictures the other day and cried the whole time. God is so good. Caleb is the missing puzzle piece that our family needed. Here is what he has been up to:

• Diapers: size 3 (this is the last box before we move up to 4's)
• weight: 21 pounds 5 ounces
• Clothes: 12-18 months (yes he is a hoss)
• Teeth: 2 on the bottom and cutting his top 2
• favorite game: peek-a-boo (He laughs so hard when you say boo!!!)
• babysitters: Granny (Daniel's mom) and Mimi (my mom)--- he is one blessed little booger!
• favorite foods: anything sweet (ugh-oh, must get that from Dada and Momma)
• words: dada and attempts to say mama while screaming for what he wants
• he is army crawling EVERYWHERE and loves to scoot on his back (it's hilarious)
• he is trying really hard to pull up, but hasn't quite mastered it yet
• super strong thighs-- He gets these from his dada too
• mastered sitting up this month and smiles when he does it-- he gets so proud of himself
• naps- 2-3 naps a day
• food: 5-6 meals a day (3 which include baby food)
• self feeding- he is very good at reaching for something and putting it in his mouth- the other day he stole my burrito and put it straight in his mouth. He did the same with Tate's PBJ sandwich
•  bedtime: around 8:30
• wakes up VERY EARLY between 5:30-6:30 every morning
• bathtime: he loves it more than ever now that he can sit up and play with his toys
• new discoveries: sitting up, crawling, scooting, waving goodbye, feeding himself puffs
• toys: he would rather play with paper or a house hold item than a kid toy
• mischievous:  he loves to play with cords on the ground and I have had to start swatting his hand to teach him that they are not safe. He is very strong willed.
• hair color: still blondish brown with a little ginger tint
• eye color: muddy gray- sometimes look blue
• Favorite evening activity: going on ride around the farm in the Big Red (our new farm toy)

I love this boy more than I ever thought I could love anything. He is such a blast and makes everyone smile. He seems to like the ladies too! He is quite the flirt. At church he has learned how to pull himself up on the back of the pew and he just stands and babbles at all the women behind us. He is a very happy baby and is constantly babbling. He has his fussy moments and evenings are not his best time of day. He does not sit still much and doesn't want to be held when you are sitting. He is very active. I enjoy watching Daniel and him play. I am totally fine with being outnumbered by two boys in the house. I am very busy these days but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Here are a few pictures for his 7 month shoot (very informal). He is ready for some Razorback Football!

Sixth month

Eek!! Caleb is 1/2 a year old!!! Where has time gone??? He is quite the handful these days. His little personality is really starting to develop and he keeps us on our toes!! Here are a few things he has been up to:

•  weight: a whopping 20 lbs
• clothes size 12 months 
• diapers size 3
• rolling everywhere
• prefers to sit up- can't get to the position on his own, but trying hard
• lays on his side with his legs elevated in the air- I call it his Pilates move- trying hard to pull himself up
• drools, blows bubbles, and says "ba" ALL THE TIME
• less spit up this month- more DROOL
• cutting his 2 bottom teeth- can we say MOODY??
• Does not like to be held while you sit- wants to be up moving around at all times
• eats baby food 3 times a day
• drinks 6-7 five ounce bottles a day
• drinks only formula now :( I stropped nursing a week ago
• not crazy about formula
• very hard to take out to eat- he wants EVERYTHING we have
• enjoys eating apples, bananas, yogart, and avacado
• tried puffs several times- gags each time
• rode in the car seat for 12 hours straight with only one small meltdown- praise GOD
• enjoyed his first trip to the beach: loved the water, did not like the sand
• enjoys listening to music
• would rather play with household items (diapers, wipes, anything plastic, boxes) than his own toys
• just started crying when you change his clothes- must want to stay in just a diaper
• suddenly very interested in his paci- takes it in and out often
• enjoys going to walmart-- he looks around at everything and flirts with all the pretty women 
• still enjoys bath time and chews on his rubber duckies the whole time
• said first words "dada"
• babbles alot
• smiles has gotten even bigger and brighter this month- melts my heart
• lights up and smiles really big when dada comes home- just precious
• makes a very funny screechy laugh when we say "boo"
• loves playing peek-a-boo
• just started acting scared when the hair dryer, blender, or vacuum is first turned on
• still sleeps in the pack-n-play
• takes 2-3 naps a day (1.5 -2 hrs. each )
• morning baby- goes to bed around 8 and sleeps till 6 (7 is pushing it)
• hair color- dirty blonde with one brown section in the back
• eyes are a dark grey/blue- Daniel's family calls them the "Muddy Warren Eyes"

I had so much fun taking his 6 month bubble bath pictures. I could not pick a favorite so I posted several.  He has really become Mr. Personality lately, I just love it!

Happy 5th!

So.....Daniel and I will not forget our 5th anniversary because it ended up being quite eventful. Not the fun romantic events one might think of when they hear "5th wedding anniversary". Let me explain. 

Thursday night, Daniel agreed to watch Caleb so I could go to girls night. I went and loved every minute of visiting with my precious co workers- I am truly blessed to work with the best ladies. I enjoyed the menu too- breakfast for dinner (my fav-- doesn't happen much at my house bc D thinks breakfast is just for the AM) anyways when I returned home all was well. The boys were having fun swinging outside and I was refreshed from a short break.

Daniel and I got in some alone time outside after Caleb feel asleep then off to bed we went. The next day was our 5th anniversary and even though Daniel had to work all day I had planned on taking him dinner and spending some time with him at the station. 

Well my plans soon changed when I woke up around midnight with the strangest pains. I had heartburn that reminded me of my third trimester and I'm pretty certain the neighbors could hear my stomach churning. Well, I laid in bed wondering what was about to happen.

A few minutes later I rushed to the bathroom and for the next 4 hours Straight I went every 10 minutes. It was the worst stomach bug ever!! Why sure I've had my share of "stomach bugs"but this one was killer. Needless to say, Daniel was up all night worrying about me. To top things off he didn't want me to get Caleb sick so he very nicely decided to feed him at his 5am feeding. Caleb's little world was thrown for a loop because he has never been fed from anyone but me at his early morning feed because I have always nursed him. Well he cried and even screamed "ma ma". Broke my heart!!

Anyways Daniel went back to sleep for a few minutes until it was time to get ready for work. Caleb woke up screaming-- but I was not supposed to help. I felt like the worst mom. Daniel threw Caleb's things together and took him to his moms on his way to work. I was soooo thankful she was able to take care of him because I was soooo weak. I laid in bed all day because I could not find the energy to get up. 

Side note this was also the week that I started cutting out breastfeeding!!! Bad timing?? 

Anyways around 4 I decided that I needed to get Caleb back and I just laid on the floor with him till bedtime! I had no energy whatsoever. Around the time I was putting Caleb to bed, I got a call from Daniel and he said he was coming home because he was sick as a dog. 

Well the next morning we were both weaklings due to the lack of nourishment. Therefore, Daniel's precious cousin arrived at 7 am to take little man to a germ free residence. 

Daniel and I had the day to ourselves and All we could do was muster up the strength to get off the couch to eat crackers and drink sprite. Marriage at its finest!!

On a lighter note: I weigh the same I did on our wedding day thanks to this awesome "diet". 

No really, I've learned there is no man I'd rather be with than Daniel Davis. He always keeps me laughing and even when I'm down and out he makes me feel better. Cheers to 5 blessed years!!! 

Gotta eat!!

When Daniel and I found out we were pregnant we discussed how we wanted to feed our little one!! Yes we might be strange, but we wanted to teach Caleb early on how to have a healthy lifestyle. We discussed breastfeeding and I was determined to give it all I had! Well now that we have done that successfully for almost 6 months, it's time to talk about FOOD. We decided that fresh veggies would come in season about the time that he would start solids so we set a goal to make our own baby food. 

Our pediatrician encouraged us to start feeding Caleb rice cereal with breast milk at 4 months old. We started and he quickly began to master the spoon concept. For those of you that have been around lil man you already know he looooves to eat! If we eat he wants to join in. Therefore we decided at 5 months to get serious about baby food. My mother in law had purchased us a baby bullet and we had already decided we wanted to make all of Caleb's baby food. 

Daniel and his mom spent hours preparing a garden and it was starting to produce veggies around the time we decided to start food. Therefore I got out my baby bullet recipe book and started reading. 

When you are new at something it seems like it takes a while to get in the "groove". My first efforts were tiring. I followed the recipe book and prepared one veggie at a time and then filled up my Ice cube trays---stole this idea from my dear friend. And it seemed to be taking forever! I started thinking there must be a faster way to prepare a large quantity of baby food.

That's when it occurred to me that we had a large two tiered steamer in our cabinets that was covered in 4 years of dust--- yes Daniel and I used to be super heathy and would prepare completely steamed meals(chicken or fish and veggies). Well obviously we have gotten away from that and our steamer was just collecting dust. 

The day I pulled it out we had several pieces of zucchini and squash from the garden and I had purchased 5 sweet potatoes. I cleaned the veggies and cut them up and threw them all in the steamer. 20 minutes later the veggies were ready to blend. Then I made anotherdevision to use our full sized blender instead of the very miniature "bullet". This saved sooo much time and I feel like my veggies were smoother in the blender. 

*** I think the bullet is great for preparing small quantities of baby food but I was ready to make a lot and fill the freezer. ***

After all the food was prepared I filled ice cube trays and put them in the freezer.

A few hours later I popped the food out and put each type of food in galloon size baggies. 

Now when it's time to eat all I have to do is get out 2 cubes of baby food and thaw them out. It's just as easy as store bought food and I have the luxury of knowing what is inside each meal he eats!

So far Caleb has eaten zucchini, squash, green beans, sweet potatoes, bananas, avocado, and apples.