Baby Blog

Best Intentions

2010-09-10T15:25:00.002-05:00

I actually do think about updating the blog.
But then again I also think about abdominoplasty and if eating only ice cream would constitute a a liquid diet, not to mention practical things like taking a shower AND shaving my legs, or worldly things like eating Thai food. See. I'm a dreamer.
But occasionally I do put thoughts into action. Here is proof. A blog I started in June. Amazingly, even reading it now seems like it was written a hundred years ago. Callan's vocabulary has changed so much even in those three short months. Further proof that every second counts.

My Left Foot
What comes after ambidextrous? Is there a superdextrious? Callan and I were reading one of his favorite books a few weeks ago. It’s a Richard Scary book that has page after page of cars and trucks and planes…pickle trucks, cars shaped like hot dogs, all driven by cats and dogs. It’s a feast for the imagination. Even better that the content is the fact that it was a gift from Nini. So we “read” the book by talking about what is on each page and we ask him where’s the cherry picker? Where’s the dump truck? So the other evening while we were enjoying our book and I began to ask him where is the ice cream truck? He started pointing. With his feet. Cause that’s how we roll.

What name is?
Our boy is curious!!! He loves to know who people are and what they are doing. He loves to ask What Girl name is? When we go to the store, What guys name is? When we see a truck like Uncle GaGa’s “what gaga doing? Or the question he can ask a million times a day and never seems to get tired of hearing the answer to, What Moxie doing? Crazy Moxie dog is a hit at our house We love to know where he is and what he’s doing. If his activities are even one tenth as elaborate as the stories we tell, he’s a heck of a luck dog!

Go Outside!
Usually the second phrase out of Callan’s mouth every morning is ----“Nice day ! Go outside!” He cant’t seem to get enough of being outside. He will refuse breakfast in favor of getting out there and checking out his golf clubs or riding his bike or darn near anything just let him outside! And if you think going outside is important, staying outside is even MORE important. Coming inside is a punishment worse than death…there is lots of crying or bribing --- and sometimes I do both. : )

Callan--2 years!

2010-09-09T15:35:00.005-05:00

Callan's second birthday was fabulous! We celebrated with our family and Callan was absolutely thrilled to see everyone and in love with every generous gift he received...he was quite the charmer.

Of course,

above all else...

he loved the CAKE!

(evidence attached.)

Other 2-year milestones that we achieved that week:

Using "I" instead of Callan. Callan wants to golfing became I WANT to go golfing. What a big guy!

Biting. Ugh. I think (fingers crossed) that we have since outgrown this...but Callan went through a bit of a biting spell. Thankfully (for me) a close eye and repeated time outs helped squelch it....I was fearing the pound of flesh approach. (if any of Callan's victims are reading this--we really are so, so sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And also, if you are a victim and are reading this---congrats on being a two year old who is literate.)

Repeating/memory. This guy's got a memory like an elephant! Don't make up any details to answer a why question if you aren't going to be able to remember what you made up. And don't tell him some one's name if you aren't going to recall it yourself. Seriously. One of our biggest issues of confusion is which Bob we are talking about...Fireman Bob, Bed Salesman Bob, or Appliance repair Bob. All people we have met and Callan has a curiosity about.

Our guy is just growing and growing and growing. I can't believe what an amazing two years it has been. Eric and I feel so lucky to have Callan in our family, and unbelievably fortunate that we get to see him discover so many new things every day. He is kind and compassionate, sweet and funny. And, of course, he even has a bit of an arnery streak in him. He is a little bit daring and incredibly brave. I just love him to pieces. Every day I think how incredible it is to see those big eyes look back at me when I say I love you, not to mention the fabulous feeling of having those slightly chubby little fingers pat your back as they wrap around your back in a much needed hug. AH, love!

Hiatus.

2010-09-09T15:32:00.002-05:00

Ok.
I've been a little busy.
You may ask "Too busy to record the precious memories of your children, Joslynn???"
Well...
not that busy I guess. But let us hope that in the absence of immediate recording, there is richness of story. Or something. Let's hope I remember 50% of what happened 50% correctly...and that will be a start!
So.
You might have heard....
since our last update we have a TWO YEAR old! and a new baby girl. So see--we have been busy!

Best Mother's Day Gift EVER!

2010-05-09T14:57:00.002-05:00

Ok. First, I know I have a lot to catch up on! I will! I will! I will!
But first, can I just tell you about the amazing thing that happened on Friday???? Callan and I were in the kitchen working on our waffle dinner and he put his little hand on my back, gave me a pat and said "love you mama." I cried on the spot. Tears in the waffle batter. That was the first time he has ever told me he loves me w/out being prompted (or begged.:) I proceeded to reward him by allowing him to eat whipped cream on his waffles. Sweets for my little sweetie. Aw.
Luckiest girl alive=me! :)

Driving the fire truck

2010-04-24T13:48:00.000-05:00

Golf Fever

2010-04-14T22:17:00.003-05:00

Callan will be the first to tell you ----he's got the golf fever! It's an epidemic.

NoMoKing!

2010-04-14T22:06:00.005-05:00

We had a great weekend, Ethan came to visit us! Callan enjoyed getting to see Ethan. Although he had some important advice to impart: NOMOKING Uncle Ethan! (No smoking Uncle Ethan!)

We also got to see Grant and Jo and spend time with NiNi and Papa! We capped off the weekend with a barbecue at Kimmy's house. Phew! Just typing it makes me tired!

*$#)@ DOG.

2010-04-14T21:35:00.003-05:00

Grrr. There has been a lot of growling going on lately. It is not the dog growling at me, but me growling at the DOG.

Vegas has been trying my patience lately. It seems as though every time I turn around he has a new little shenanigan waiting for me.

Two nights ago I awoke in the middle of the night to a very strong smell. I was convinced (my imagination is super active at 3:30 a.m.) that I smelled an electrical fire. I sprang out of bed and was setting about to sniff out the problem and feel every cord in the house to make sure none of them were hot. Luckily, I was distracted by a pillow that had fallen on the floor. A pillow with a large mysterious spot on it. A wet spot. A freakin' dog pee spot. Grrrr. I think Vegas was lucky the Humane Society isn't open at 3:30. I put him in his kennel and went back to our room. Where I could then hear him trying to dig through the plastic bottom to China. So then I got up and put his kennel in the garage. Eric let him out in the morning or he may still be in there if it were up to me.

I know that might not seem like enough to set a person off. Even a person with swollen ankles and extra hormones. But perhaps this next story will help you see where I am coming from.

So last week, Eric had to go to work early in the morning. This left Callan and I to our routine...or a variation thereof. Callan hopped in the shower with me. After our shower Callan asked for a diaper reprieve. It feels like a small thing to give. A few minutes with out a diaper. I can handle it. Well, most of the time I can handle it. This particular morning in the blink of an eye we had a giant disgaster. (Disgusting Disaster) I will spare you the details. Just know it had lots to do with not having a diaper on and a dog who is undiscriminating about what he eats. Thank god my morning sickness is over or that would have set me about having a whole new problem on top of what I already had to deal with.

So see what I mean?

Vegas started it.

Today is Brought to you by the Letter "B"

2010-04-06T12:35:00.002-05:00

Sometimes things that Callan says just get stuck in my head. This week he has been pronouncing all his B words with "BE" instead of bu for the sound...resulting in cute quips such as

BE nockles (binoculars)
and
BE nanas

It makes me smile just thinking about it.

Something Old,Something New, Something Borrowed, and something Bunnied.

2010-04-05T15:17:00.004-05:00

What a fun and busy weekend we had! Eric's niece Stephanie got married on Saturday. Not only did she manage to find herself a super wonderful husband, she also scored an extremely handsome ring bearer. Although not an inactive one. Fortunately---Callan was the only one running. Tuxedos are the new workout wear. Sweatpants are so last year. My pictures turned out kind of horribly but not for lack of trying. I am hoping Beth can bail me out as I am sure her trained eye got lots of good ones! (HAPPY Birthday Beth!!!!!)

We had so much fun getting to see everyone. Callan loves all his cousins! Christine was back in town to be the MOH, it was great to see her! And Callan has been talking about Ryan, Luke and Rachael since last time we saw them--counting the days until we would see them again. Usually once he sees them he prefers to just kind of watch them instead of actually play with them, he gets a little shy but he warms up quickly and was eating chocolate out of their hands in no time! ; ) Callan had lots of fun and was provided with endless candy, cookies, chips and pop in order to help smooth the bumps of a weekend that doesn't exactly follow his normal schedule. He was a trooper! I think he would probably tell you the highlight of the weekend was that he learned to use a pop machine (not to mention, was allowed to drink pop). He did lots of funny things...two of which were launch the RB pillow across the alter during the rehearsal and yell "THROW IT!" and then when we were at the reception waiting in line for some roast beef, he put his hand squarely on the shoulder of the lady in front of us, gave her a small shove and yelled "GO!" I guess he really, really wanted some beef. Luckily she was a good sport and found the humor in this!

As for Easter, it was definitely our second tier event. We still managed to find time for some serious egg hunting. Luckily The Bunny (TB) came to Nini and Papa's house early so we could have a practice run on Saturday morning. Callan found a garden shovel and a rake immediately and couldn't be bothered to put them down--no matter what was inside the eggs. The only way he would pick up the eggs was if he could scoop them onto his shovel with his rake. He did allow my dad to feed him the occasional M&M or gummy---but only if he could keep digging! One track mind, that guy! By the time TB got to our place on Sunday morning Callan was mildly amused by some of the offerings but in large part 'over it' I think we had too much excitement already---TB couldn't compete. Although I did find out that the practice hunt helped us hone our skills as our Sunday evening egg hunt with the neighbors went much better---Callan was running around scooping them up like a pro.

So that was our weekend. Looking forward to a little slower pace next weekend when we get a visit from Uncle Ethan!

More One Peas.

2010-04-05T15:14:00.003-05:00

This is Callan's new way of asking for more...of anything (if you are into ironic phonics, anything but peas...he never asks for more of those). Instead of more of that please, more one peas. His other slightly backwards phrase of the moment is 'mama hold you' instead of 'mama hold me'. It would figure world's sweetest boy has world's sweetest phrasing. What a guy!

Remiss

2010-03-30T21:26:00.005-05:00

I have been brewing lately. A fine mix of guilt made with equal parts shame, laziness and craziness. The shame comes from knowing I should be doing more: more documenting of Callan’s milestones, more time savoring my pregnancy, more time trying to remember the wife/daughter/sister/friend part of the equation that is somehow supposed to factor into a ‘balance.’ The laziness is exasperated my tiredness and that spirals into the craziness where I begin to beat myself up about all of the above. I need to whip myself into shape—if not physically (let’s face it that is totally out of the question for the time being) mentally. I need to make myself do some more! More anything at this point (besides laziness and craziness) would probably be acceptable. I think my fear will help me do better…I am so afraid of losing/forgetting all the amazing things that Callan has been doing that I am making myself promise to do a better job of recording. If not here, then somewhere!!! Also on this list is doing a better job of backing up all our pictures. Taking videos. See lots to do. So enough wallowing already. I resolve to do better. Not perfect, just better. Better? I am once again having this talk with myself while on an airplane back to Omaha. Which is great, because I can do something about it. Goodbye Phoenix, hello productivity! Speaking of my trip--this is the first time that Callan said "uv ooo mama" (love you mama!) to me on the phone. Heart-melting!!!!!!

Tools
Callan has never met a tool he didn’t like. Kitchen tools, vacuum attachments, screwdrivers, nail clippers---if it is a tool of any type that guy is into it. My parents came over a few weeks ago to help fix the rocker they are letting us borrow. My dad brought a saw horse, a work table, a bucket of tools and handful of clamps. You would have thought he was unloading Disneyland out of his truck. Callan was THRILLED! He stayed outside for three hours going from tool to tool to tool. Clamping things, examining things, digging things, dropping things, hammering things. I think the only person happier than Callan was Papa Mike!

Construction Zone
Eric and I took Callan to a new exhibit at the Children’s museum: Construction Zone. He was so excited to discover an area that had a rope maze (he loves ropes) but not nearly as excited as he was to discover a small play screwdriver in the ‘gravel pit.’ Of all the things we saw and did none were more fascinating that Callan seeing a kid who had his face painted like Spiderman. He was mesmerized! Callan was following him around trying to get in front of him to look at (and I imagine touch if given a chance) his face.

Sweet Trophies
Q: What’s better than a trophy?
A: A trophy filled with CANDY!
Callan completed another session of swimming lessons. They give all the kids a small trophy filled with gold. I mean M&Ms. Pools, candy and trophies…life is good!

Noanks
Ah manners. We started with the easy, please. Now onto the harder, thanks. We’ve been practicing and practicing our ‘magic’ words and Callan has definitely gotten the hang of it.
Me: OK Callan, let’s go change your diapers!
Callan: Noanks. (no thanks)
Me: Callan, would you like some vegetables?
Callan: Noanks.
Me: Ok, time to go night-night/take a bath/inside/home.
Callan: NOANKS mama.
I find myself saying “what nice manners! BUT…” a lot. I mean a lot.

Sensitivity Training
It may be time to invoke some HR type regulations around our house. I may conduct an at home power point presentation about sensitivity in the home. The men in my life have a way with words. And while one of them is too little to know any better…the other one should!!!!! And similarly, only one story is worth repeating!
Last week I perched myself on the edge of our tub to put on my socks. Perching a wobbly over weight pregnant butt on the narrow edge of a ledge is no easy task. I got my socks on but I turned on the water in the process. Callan was watching me and in my usual narrating way I said “Oh no! Mama turned on the water with her big bottom!” You see the mistake, right? If not, I’ve been doing a LOT of things in the last week to the melodious sound of “BIG bottom!” “Mama’s big BOTTOM!” Hmm. I think for my future sanity and vanity I will start to narrate self affirmations. Soon Callan Smalley will be saying: Mama is good enough, smart enough and dog gone it, people like her.

FORE!
According to the calendar, spring is here. That is all the news Eric needs to take to the golf course. After a long winter of longing looks out the back door, he is back on the course. And he is not alone! Eric’s latest golf companion is Callan! He took him out for his first nine holes and made it through seven. I was skeptical of this idea---thinking Callan was too young, that it is too dangerous—all of my normal dream crushing safety mother concerns. Eric was convinced and took him out. From the sounds of it the experience was similar to what I expected would be best case scenario, and apparently was no where near the range of possibilities that Eric had considered. Callan happily rode along in the cart, but wanted to ‘de plane’ every time Eric did, and wanted to do so with a club in hand. I think Eric envisioned Callan sitting happily in the cart waiting while Eric took his shot. (sometimes I think he takes psychotropics.) Eric was thrilled it lasted as long as it did and was beaming a little bit when he reported all the attention that Callan received from the other golfers or “golf guys” as Callan calls them. Unfortunately the round ended on a sour note when Callan had a small melt down when the guys from the clubhouse took Eric’s clubs to storage. He did NOT want them to take away his dad’s clubs. Luckily, he has since recovered. Eric thinks the next outing would be better if it were mother supervised (read: restrained). Time will tell!!!

Baby Sister

Callan was right! In fact; Callan, Eric and the Chinese Birth Chart were right. We are expecting a new baby girl in late July. Which means we have some prep work to do! It will be an adjustment for all of us, but very exciting. I think Eric is starting to get his arms around the idea. Although the first time I brought home a little pink outfit he said “that is weird.” When I asked what, he said it seemed weird to have baby girl clothes in the house instead of boy clothes. Better get used to it, and fast!!!

Cirque de suck

I feel it necessary to preface this post with the disclamer that I had never been to a circus. In my mind it was a glorious softly lit place full of sequined acrobats, clowns with seltzer bottles, non-stop cotton candy and the wafting and delicous scent of hotdogs. This is a sign I have seen too much TV in my life. The circus, or at least the Shriner's circus is none of those things. Callan and I went with my friend Michaella and her daughter to have a fun little circus time. Wow wow wow. The great news is the company was good---we had fun with Michaella and Ellie! The bad news is give me a flash light, a disco ball, a hula hoop and Vegas and I could put on a better show in our basement. You know it is bad when Callan keeps alternating between asking to go home and asking to go night-night. Whoops. Lesson learned. No more circus!

here are the posts I wrote on February 16, 2010 but never got around to actually posting.

Time Out!
Well, it appears as though Callan has a healthy sense of adventure and perhaps a blatant disregard for authority. I wonder who he gets that from? (Since we all know it clearly isn’t me!) Callan started getting ‘time outs’ several months ago—perhaps shortly before Christmas (what a present, eh?) or so. Anyway, I’m not sure Eric nor I realized how consistent we’d been (yay us) nor how regular (boo) until last week. I was working in the kitchen and Eric was watching TV in the other room. I looked over to see Callan reaching up on his tip toes to touch the television. I reminded him that we don’t touch the TV. He lowered himself and glanced over his shoulder at me. I assume now that it was to gauge my position and distance. He promptly turned back around, raised up on his tip toes and craned those little arms overhead to try again. This time Eric intervened, warning him with a time out. Callan looked over his shoulder, smiled, and reached right on back up. Just as Eric was getting of the couch to talk to Callan and take him to time out, Callan turned around, walked over to the fireplace (the timeout spot) and sat down himself. Eric and I were stunned! Eric told him he needed to sit there until he told him he could get up. About 90 seconds into this self administered time out, Callan blurts out “Sorry!” The magic word that releases him from the time out prison. Does this kid have it down, or what? He obviously calculated his odds on this and decided a little handful of TV would be worth a few minutes on the fp. Oh what a wonder to watch that little mind work!

Lollipop.
Last weekend’s swimming lesson brought us a few new things—one a delectable new treat for Callan, two his first use of a three syllable word, and three the need for cleaning wipes moist enough to remove shellac from toddler fingers. I imagine you can string this together yourself, but indulge me. So last weekend was probably like our 20th swimming lesson. Every Saturday we walk by the same green frog bucket on the entry desk twice—once on our way in, and once on our way out. Callan has never seen anyone take anything out of it, nor has he shown any real interest in it. Until this week. On our way out the door Callan reached up to the counter, grabbed the bucket, peered inside and declared “candy!” It was a bucket full of SafeT pops. How he knew those were candy I have no idea…I guess instinct is a strong thing! Anyway, we decided that he could have one, and as soon as we got him strapped in his car seat and handed him the all powerful pop, he immediately tried to bite into it. Which didn’t work out very well. Eric told him not to bite it, it would hurt his teeth. Less than five seconds later I turn around and he has his tongue hanging out of his mouth, licking the lolli like crazy. I guess some things you just don’t need instructions for. He heard us call it a lollipop and the whole way home (between licks) he was repeating LoLLY pop. lollyPOP. Lowwy Pop. I guess some things are just worth working on! When we got home I realized the other consequence of a lowwipop, besides tooth decay and poor nutrition….shellac. Toddler slobber + grape Safety pop= Strongest adhesive in the universe. Take note 3M.

Storytime.
I am currently sitting on an airplane returning to Omaha from Phoenix. I hate being without my boys, but if I must be lonely, I do prefer to be lonely and warm. Although after calling home my second night away I would have traded all the sun in the universe to be able to blink my eyes and be home. There is just something about hearing that sweet little voice on the other end of the phone that makes you realize you really don’t care about having a car or a house or clothes or health insurance, all you want is to be there right at that moment, kissing that downy blonde head and tickling that little belly. However, Eric is a fan of cars, houses, insurance and clothing. So here we are. Anyway, when I called home Eric had Callan on speaker phone so I got to hear him ‘reading’ his truck book to me. Army Truck. Pickle Truck. Painter Guy. Ladder. Up up up, down down down. Blower. Daddy. Hi. It may not have been “I love you and I miss you mommy” but it sure did have the same effect.

Sisser!

2010-01-28T13:42:00.000-06:00

OK, so as you just read…there is a new baby on their way to our cozy little home! We were surprised and excited! I personally was relieved to learn that my symptoms of headache, nausea and exhaustion were not a brain tumor but instead the result of my once- again –proven- atrocious -math skills. As my Dr. told me, “blessed be those who practice natural family planning as they shall be called parents.” Touche, Dr. N. touché.
Anywho. As the shock became excitement and the nausea became vomiting, we were so pleased to find out that there is one (yes, only one!!!!) new little baby on their way to our house. We have shown Callan the picture of the ultrasound and told him he is going to have a brother or a sister. On every occasion that we discuss this, he responds with “Sisser.” So we shall see. If he is right, I think we may have family casino day and take that kid to the roulette table. He might not know his numbers from 1-36, but he sure does know his colors---let it ride on red!
But I digress. Another part of the experience we are sharing with Callan is letting him know where the baby is. As soon as I told him that the baby was in my tummy. He turned around, looked at me, put his hand on my tummy and said “OPEN.” When I laughed, he said, “Please.” Is that too sweet or what? So I had to explain to him that the baby was very very tiny (even though mommy is already very very big) and that he or she had to grow big, bigger, biggest before they were able to come out and meet him. Since Callan knows all about doors and knocking to gain entry/exit, I told him the baby would start knocking when they were ready. I have a feeling that explanation could backfire on me. Time will tell.
Callan should be a big brother on or around July 22. We will find out brother or sisser status in March I think. Stay tuned!

Catch up!

2010-01-28T13:41:00.000-06:00

OK. The list of excuses is long. Too long. My usual blog time is in the evening after I put Callan to bed. But trouble is, I’ve been putting myself to bed at the same time as Callan! I have been VERY tired as of late---first trimester tired. But we’ll be on to greener pastures soon, I know it!
ANYWHO. I know you didn’t come---if anyone is still checking on us---to read about me and my tiredness. How about instead, a few fun Callan stories? That I can deliver!
So as you can imagine, our little genius is talking and learning at warp speed. He is very much into showing off his smarts by ID’ing everything in sight! GUY! GIRL! KID! HAT! DOGGIE! CAR! TRUCK! APPLE! This happens at home, in the car, in the store—he’s trying out those newfound communication skills and loving people’s responses. So he and I were at our bi annual Whole Foods luncheon a few weeks ago and he was yelling out all his words as we waited for our lunch. Pizza! Guy! Well….it was a pizza girl. But in Callan’s defense an honest mistake if you know what I mean. So that evening Eric and I thought we would work on our Guy/Girl differences by conducting a short quiz.
E/J: What’s Daddy?
C: GUY!
E/J: What is Calissa?
C: GIRL!
E/J: What is NiNI?
C: GIRL
E/J: What is Mommy?
C: GIRL!
E/J: What is Callan?
C: MONKEY!
Ooooo we laughed! Mr. Vocabulary has also taken very quickly to people’s names---he’s moved from MaMa Dada to Mommy and Daddy, and knows that Grandma and Nini are the same person. He is also particularly fond of calling my dad “Mike” which is also pretty hilarious. He is big on commands---ie. COME! Gaga—COME! Which means, please call my Uncle Grant and tell him to come over. That or please tell me a story about the last time Uncle Grant came to visit. He is really quite entertaining these days.
In fact, he has even learned the power of communication for negotiation. We are really trying hard to work towards potty training. I know in some ways the effort might be futile as we will expect some “regression” when the new baby arrives---but it can’t hurt to try. However, it can be messy. So the other night I told Callan about his potty reward---M&Ms! He said “Candy?!” to which I replied, “Yes! If you go PP on the potty, you can have TWO M&Ms!” Callan looked at me, tilted his head and said, “Three.” I don’t even know if he is sure what that means---but it worked. I caved in---even though the closest we got to the potty was the carpet in front of the bathroom. Baby steps, right?
He is also using communication as imitation. After hearing Eric tell me to drive carefully when I leave in the morning---which is really Eric’s way of saying “FTLOG Joslynn, could you please not run over the ice bank/curb/mailbox today. Please.” But when Callan repeats “Careful!” as he waves to me---it sounds so much sweeter than Eric’s admonishment I can’t help but smile. In fact it makes me so happy I even save my glare/eye roll/finger for Eric until I am safely in the garage. Ah love!

IMG00040.jpg

2010-01-06T16:09:00.001-06:00

A Good Day

2009-11-21T21:14:00.001-06:00

Phew! I, for one, am very tired after a busy but fun day! Callan and I had swimming lessons this morning-the instructor says my kicking form is perfect! Kidding- but she did say that Callan was a little fish! We had lots of fun and Callan took full advantage of the situation to splash me repeatedly. We had some post class difficulties as I had to reeducate mayself on how exactly one shimmies out of a wet swim suit and into a dry bra, etc. While concealing the important bits behind a towel and trying to keep a hand and both eyes on Callan...acrobatic. Then we came home and got ready for our bi weekly Whole Foods lunch. Followed by a nap and then a dinner with our neighbors. Lots of fun and lots of action! Hopefully "we" get a few good hours of sleep tonight!

Blahg

2009-11-19T22:18:00.001-06:00

Tired baby in bed. Tired husband in bed. Well rested dog in bed. I guess I should take the hint and head there myself! This might count as a cheating nablopomo post since it is officially about nothing but I don't think a senseless post is the equivalent of performance enhancing drugs...hopefully the /erman judge agrees.

Pig Pen

2009-11-18T21:36:00.000-06:00

We braved the latest swine flu clinic today. It was quite a workout! Callan was NOT a fan of waiting in line. He cried and screamed for 30 minutes he wanted to get down and run around but instead he was restrained by the jail of mom. My arms are killing me--not from a shot but because I was schlepping a 10 pound purse a 20 pound diaper bag and a 30 pound baby. Here is a picture of Callan and I when I was trying anything I could think of to settle him down so thatwe weren't mauled by our neighboring line waiters. Food didn't work as a distraction, books were a no go, tractor rides were of no interest. The good news is that the line was the most painful part. And now I don't feel quite as compelled to make Callan a shut in knowing that he has had his first dose. Phew.

Tuesday is brought to you by the letter S

2009-11-17T21:29:00.001-06:00

"SHhhhhhhhh!" Callan turned the tables on Eric this afternoon. When Eric tried to wake Callan up from his nap Callan shushed him! This is particularly funny as Eric has been shushing Callan everynight when he wakes up. The optimist in me thinks he is just trying to comfort Callan. The pessimist in me thinks he is telling both of us to be quiet so he can continue sleeping...which may or may not annoy me to the point of convulsion and rude gestures. So the pessimist in me really REALLY liked that Callan was serving up some just desserts!
Our second S word of the day is SNAKE!!! Which is what I found in the basement this evening. You may have seen it on the news 20 Ft Python Found in Basement Mother Saves Family from Iminent Doom. Fine it was a 6 inch garter snake that was trapped on one of our many glue traps set out for that exact purpose. But it did make me scream our third S word of the day.
SHIT!!!

Backdown Breakdown?

2009-11-16T16:42:00.002-06:00

After spending the day in a bit of a haze, I am at odds about what to do tonight.
Let Callan cry in his room and not go get him, or try the same old things again. I just don't know. I really can't help but feel I am scarring him for life. I mean like so much so that I can no longer afford to go to Target because I need to start saving for therapy. It is heartbreaking to hear that little cry! I have a physiological reaction to it!!!! I feel like my insides are curdling like my nerves are misfiring --the set that listens to my brain repeat stay in bed stay in bed stay in bed and the set that listens to my heart and my instinct and says run to him RUN TO HIM! This tough love stuff is rotten.
It also occurred to me that last night was probably Callan's worst night of his whole life! He's probably never felt so mad or so hurt. I hate inflicting this!
But then again, I have no one to blame about this situation except for myself. So I guess I better hit the books. Research will make me feel better. I know it will.
Someone needs to invent a cry it out hot line. An all night 800 number you can call for moral support while enduring the "Ferver" method.
OY yoi yoi....
Don't judge me if I come to work tomorrow and have already had wine.

A million pieces

2009-11-16T13:02:00.001-06:00

Right now it is 5 am. I am listening to Callan scream alternately between angry gasps of "MAMA" "Ooout" "gogogo" "nighnigh" MaaaMAa!"
I was just interupted by the sound of pajama'ed feet on the floor. Safety note to self: when you finally decide to woman up and have Callan cry it out try making sure he can't climb out of his crib first. It isn't flipping cars over but the climb out I think was an adrenaline result.
This has been coming for a few weeks now--or a year depending on who is counting I guess. Callan seems to never have fully adjusted to the time change. He either wakes up for the day at 5:30 or he wakes at about 3 a.m. Like it is 3 p.m. tonight it started like that again but he just wouldn't go back to sleep his bed our bed rinse repeat. So after an hour and a half of climbing, rocking, shushing and praying my exhaustion and 2ric got the best of me and I agreed to put him in his crib and leave him there....TORTURE! He is asleep again, I imagine he is exhausted! I have decided to roll the dice on staying up instead of going back to bed. I think a one hour nap will do me more harm than good at this point but I may feel differently come 3 this afternoon. I don't know what we will do or try tomorrow night but please wish us luck! And by luck I mean sleep. Yawn!

Overpromise, Underdeliver!

2009-11-15T22:54:00.002-06:00

Good news, my blackberry post worked earlier today! hurray!
Bad news, we were so busy I didn't have time to take any new pictures or come up with an idea for my past due post.
Dang it.
I'll do better tomorrow!
I think I can! I think I can!

You are never too young for Starbucks!

2009-11-15T08:07:00.000-06:00

Trying two new things: one probably a bad idea introducing Callan to smoothies from Starbucks, two trying a blog posting and photo from my phone. I know I owe two of them today since I was a slacker yest

Sounds Like

2009-11-13T21:39:00.002-06:00

You know, as we add words to our vocabulary, and we work on our annunciation and pronunciation....sometimes what we mean and what we say aren't exactly the same.
I only hope that we don't have the need to say sit, duck, or caulk in a public setting in the near future.

Lucky

2009-11-12T21:29:00.003-06:00

I was sitting here trying to think about what to post---Callan saying "Jimmy James," or him calling his blankey "so soft."
But instead how about what I was thinking about today, how lucky I am.
In a world full of things that are sometimes awful and a little rotten. I am as lucky as they come. I have a beautiful, healthy, brilliant little boy. A helpful partner. A mom who continues to help me create my whole universe through her generosity. A dad who finds being a grandparent to be the most thrilling thing in the universe. A family that is more loving and supportive than anyone has a right to. Friends that make me laugh.
I am so lucky.
And even more thankful.
I hope I can pass along some of this good fortune to Callan.
If his life so far is any indication, and the love he receives any measure, he might be the luckiest boy ever born.

Number Two, Take Two

2009-11-11T20:55:00.003-06:00

Well hell. Things have gone to crap around here! ; )
Poop is our new favorite topic of conversation.
This morning I was persuaded by Callan to let him take a shower (he said Peese when he signed--heartbreakingly sweet!) and when we got out he was spending a few minutes sans diaper. The first thing he saw when he started exploring the closet was a small piece of brown fuzz. He pointed to it and declared--POOP.
I explained to him, no, not poop--fuzz. We need to take it to the trash. He insisted.
POOP!
No, look---Mommy will take it to the trash see?
POOP!
No, just trash.
POOOOP!
Oh shit. Poop.
There it was. Laid out on the closet carpet, a nice fresh poop. Aurgh. Nothing like starting the morning out with a little carpet cleaning.
I need to learn my toddler inflection so I can better determine the difference between, declaration, inquisition and warning.
Something tells me I'll get plenty of practice!

UFO

2009-11-10T21:30:00.003-06:00

We had to have a take two on our bath yesterday...we were interrupted by an unidentified floating object.
Some how, a poop magically appeared in our bath. It was FASCINATING stuff! Callan had to run right out and alert Eric. Eric asked him what happened--Callan told him "poop!" He then proceeded to squat down and show him how such a thing might have occurred. Luckily, it was just a reenactment, not a repeat performance.
I thought we'd be recovered from the excitement but when we went to take our bath tonight, it was accompanied by a chorus of "POOOP, poop, PooP, pooooop, POOP MAMA! Poop!" So we had to talk about it and discuss why there are lots better things to find, or to make, in the bath.
The only things we had in there tonight were bubbles and toys.
Thank goodness!!!

Chef? Infomercial host?

2009-11-09T21:02:00.002-06:00

Only time will tell. But Callan is showing promise in both areas! This morning I was getting a few things ready for the crockpot...which sounds easy enough but is a little more challenging with a 30 pound toddler on your hip. So you make some adaptations. You let him dump in things here and there...and you might teach him to use a handy kitchen appliance. One that is "As seen on tv," or at least similar to the ones on TV...the SLAP CHOP! You know--the Slap Chop/ShamWow guy has been having some personal issues anyways, so if those products are looking for a new razzle dazzle sales fella...I think I have their man! He says Chop Chop Chop while he pushes the button...it's catchy, it's go a beat, and you can dance to it. Winner.
Plus, the stew was good too.

Lawn Mower with Envy

2009-11-08T21:13:00.002-06:00

Doesn't have quite the same ring to it---but the meaning is the same! We've been working on learning our colors---we have BLUE down pat, and we sure know what green looks like...the only trouble is we think it is called Lawn Mower instead of green....I guess that's because we have---for soooo many months now said, green lawn mower...that the two are synonymous. So if you ask Callan what color the grass is: lawn mower. What color is the tree? Lawn mower. Is that sweet or what?
He has been working on lots of words--and will try like crazy to repeat any of them. This weekend we learned zoo, Lizzie (the neighbors dog) sunset and couple. Couple is a weird word to teach you think? Well...actually, we were trying for pickle...but it comes out coupkul. So maybe we should count that as two---pickle and couple? There's enough effort, I think it sounds fair.

Tie it up

2009-11-07T21:07:00.003-06:00

We had an exciting first today---our first tie!!!! We went to Nate & Sarah's wedding tonight, and sorry Nate---but Callan was the handsomest fella there! Check him out!!!!

And YES, for anyone keeping track, I did dress Callan in four things that Eric refuses to wear...argyle, plaid, sweater vests and corduroys. All in one outfit! See---there are a few things I CAN control--people not so much--but occasionally things. Check!!! (Speaking of checks, that's another one to shoot for...Eric won't wear checks either.)

Our love to Sarah and Nate!

Men Who Stare at Goats

2009-11-06T21:50:00.006-06:00

Almost. Instead we have a little man who looks away from goats. Close enough. Look out Clooney. We decided to take advantage of the great weather today and check out the zoo.

Here's Eric and Callan looking at the Gorillas...

Callan 'listening' to the birds

A lift up for a birds eye view of the birds...

ooooooooooooo what's in there?!?!

Dang those silly monkeys!!!

OOOOOooooo SIT!

2009-11-06T11:04:00.002-06:00

Ok. Missed a day. Making up for it now!
Had a looooooooong meeting yesterday which interfered with my blogability...dang that work!
So here's a new and funny thing Callan has been doing--he's learned a command. SIT!
He plops down on the floor/street/sidewalk/driveway/store floor and pats the floor next to him and says "sit." SOOO cute. Now if he says "good mommy" afterwards, we are going to have issues.

Pretenders

2009-11-04T21:13:00.003-06:00

Who was crawling around on all fours panting this evening?
If you guessed Vegas, guess again!
If you guessed Eric, please stop!!!!
It was Callan! He has learned to pretend! He was crawling around panting and headed straight over to Vegas' food bowl. I had to intercept him at that point....we'll not leap ahead into method acting just yet.

Num nums and Dum Dums

2009-11-03T21:08:00.008-06:00

Trick or treat! Callan had a fabulous Halloween season! I don't know what to call it other than a season---it certainly is more than one measly day!!!

FIRST we started out modeling our monkey costume, which was paired with our very sought after banana costume (which I was only able to secure after a bidding war on Ebay. Damn it.) Here's a picture of our models. Callan was considerably more cooperative than Vegas---but then again that's every day! ; )

Up next? Pumpkin carving! I'm glad we chose the small pumpkins to work on, because lets just say that other than the initial exploration, I was pretty much the only interested party. Callan wanted to get everyone involved and worked very hard on selling Vegas on the idea of eating the pumpkin guts. Fortunately, pumpkin seeds can be added to the list of things Vegas actually won't eat....so lets see...that is officially two things: onions and pumpkin guts. Here are some pictures of Callan showing me his big smile just like the pumpkin!

And we weren't done yet! Then we got to take a test run of our Dragon costume at our very first Halloween party! We went to the QLI party with PaPa. Callan had so much fun! There was dancing, balloons, bubbles and num nums---what could be better?

Where can we go from here? You guessed it---more num nums! Time for trick or treat practice at NiNi & PaPa's! I think NiNi wanted to give the whole bowl to Callan, but luckily the dragon paws interfere with dexterity a bit---so handling one piece at a time was about as good as we could do. Phew!

And then, we were ready for the BIG time!!!! The Trick or Treating! Callan was totally excited---mostly because the night involved ringing doorbells and seeing LOTS of DoDos (dogs). It was however, a little confusing, because for the first time we rang the doorbell but did NOT go inside. Although not for lack of inviting ourselves...there was lots of leaning, pointing and GO GOs! But no tears when we had to turn around and do it all over again--the candy really does help soften the blow. The other thing that was a little difficult to understand is that we've worked hard on the idea that when we eat, we sit. So every time Callan got a treat---he wanted to eat it, and he wanted to sit down to do so. Even in the street. So next time we'll have to bring a chair I guess.

All in all, a very Happy Halloween!!! Thanksgiving---here we come!

NaBloPoMo

2009-11-02T22:28:00.004-06:00

My guilt has gotten the best of me and I thought perhaps peer pressure would help push me towards the goal of being a better blogger. So I joined NaBloPoMo...National Blog Posting Month. I am supposed to post a blog EVERY DAY! Every SINGLE day!!!! We'll see...it can't hurt to try, right??? I had to sneak two in today, since I missed the first day. And I am hoarding my Halloween stories until tomorrow--something tells me I am going to need a stock pile of stories and pics.
Wish me luck!

An Unfortunate First

2009-10-28T22:08:00.004-05:00

Dang IT! 16.5 months of Purell, antibacterial soap, limited outside contact with the real world, and spending every night in a degerming chamber....and it happened anyway. Our first Dr. confirmed illness...a sinus infection.

Boo hoo hoo! Callan is feeling MUCH better now, and good news for me he likes amoxicillin. Bad news for me, his father is an overzealous amoxicillin administrator and has splattered me, the innocent bystander/Callan-holder, not once but twice! Accident? Suspicious.

These pictures have pretty much nothing to do with Callan's sinus infection, except he was still healing while these were taken. Other than that. Nothing at all. But they sure are cute!!! Roger and Elaine brought in a 'spare' Tickle Me Elmo they happened to have lying around their house. Callan loved it!!!

P-P-P-Pump It Up!

2009-10-13T21:31:00.006-05:00

SDJ (Sleep Deprived Joslynn): Please. You can't figure out HTML coding. GIVE up on the slide show already. GO TO BED.
OCJ (Obsessive Compulsive Joslynn) : Ooooooooooo no. I can't give up! I am going to make this work!
SDJ: NO you really aren't. You can barely spell HTML let alone figure it out. Wikihow can't help you---you can't help yourself. GO TO BED.
OCJ: But I think I can get it! If I just keep trying. Ok. Maybe I won't figure it out tonight. But I'll at least post something.
something. or I'll be even farther behind!
SDJ: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

These are my private conversations. With myself. Think I might need to get out more? Perhaps? Think I make a good point, I am BEHIND!??! Definitely. So let's go with that one. Solution. A quick post.
Just a little one.
Just a catch up.
SOOOo two weekends ago we had so much fun! We went camping! Yes---you are reading that correctly. I Joslynn Ann Hon had fun camping. Granted we were in cabins..but the refrigerators were small, so therefore roughing it. We went to Mahoney State Park with Eric's whole family. We had a great time! OCJ was able to set aside the germaphobia and allow Callan to play in his first ball pit. He loved it! He loved it even more that his cousins were showing him the ropes...jumping, throwing, climbing---all the good stuff! We were also able to squeeze in a visit to the SAC Museum and top off the day with a trip to Vala's Pumpkin Patch for our first ever hot dog roast. Good times were had by all. Any day that ends with a s'more is a good day by me. Callan loved having so much company and being able to watch Ryan, Luke and Rachael was a very special treat for him! Vala's was super great--especially compared to our last Pumpkin Patch visit! And bonus---no injuries or calls to PETA. Win win.
Here are some of the pics...or you are welcome to see the slide show in all its glory (even if I can't get the damn HTML coding to work. I can make a freakin' link people. A link.) http://picasaweb.google.com/joslynnhon/MahoneyWeekend#slideshow/5389307221251829938

C is for CAT

2009-09-27T14:47:00.003-05:00

but Callan hasn't tried to say cat yet. I guess there is no need--we don't see a lot of cats around here (I think I just heard Vegas say 'Thank GOD!'). So he doesn't hear us say it, therefore he doesn't try to repeat it.
However.
He does try to repeat other words.
Other words that start with C.
Like Crap.
Whoops.
I guess it is officially time to start self censoring.

Take THAT Bell Curve!

2009-09-27T14:29:00.004-05:00

Average shmaverage, that's what we say! We are off the charts people! Off the chart growth--and off the chart SMARTS! (I guess that's not genetic or the previous sentence would have been complete and grammatically correct. Anywho...)

We had our 15 month check up last week. Can you even believe it? One year, one quarter---one great Callan! So here's how we measure up to the rest of the 1.25 year olds.

height: 35 inches

+

weight: 29 pounds

+

brain case: 19 cm

HANDSOME

According to the Dr., 1.25yr old boys are supposed to know three words? Only three??? PUH lease---here's some of his latest and greatest/and the old standbys:

lawn mower

helmet

umbrella

papa

mama

dada

nini

dodo (dog)

num nums (ice cream)

go

bye bye

bottle

ketchup

moo

downstairs

open

yogurt

pull

up

football

ball

bubble

pop

GG

vroom vroom

UHoh!

uh huh

Take that bell curve, we don't even need a curve on our chart!!! Just a straight line up up up!

Staycation

2009-09-01T23:19:00.005-05:00

That's the newest term for vacations where you don't work but stay close to home, right? Well Mr. Callan had a staycation of the best kind. He got to stay at home but have vacation from his parents! Nini and Papa spent all weekend with Callan while Eric and I headed to the Lake of the Ozarks.

Here are my thoughts on what was happening at our house.

Callan's weekend:

PLAY!

breakfast in bed

mid morning snack: ice cream

play

lunch: pizza, to drink: malts

nap

afternoon activity: eat ice cream

dinner: pizza

evening activity: blind taste test: ice cream vs custard

play

night night

repeat.

Meanwhile, here's what we GOT to do:

DAY one:

6 HOUR car drive to Missouri.

Check into world's most HORRIBLE motel. Officially marks new worst place I've ever stayed...worse than a leaking tent. Seriously. This place was horrific. I thought it would be bad, but it was way worse than bad. The good news is there was electricity. Just enough---one outlet for the room with a power strip and one outlet in the bathroom. There was also carpet in the bathroom, 75 thread count sheets, one porthole/window that looked into the hallway, and since obviously you'd want to spend ALL your time relaxing in your resort like accommodations, all the HBO you can watch on your 9inch TV. It should have occurred to me when one of their property 'pluses' was FREE HBO. If that is the only good thing you can say about your place, times are tough. I knew I was in really bad shape when the 'amenities' included a trial size bottle of Breck Shampoo. Seriously. I've never in my life used Breck and I'm fairly certain it stopped being manufactured about three decades ago. Think this place could use some updating??!?!? UGH!

WHY was this happening to me? All in the name of J-O-B. No, not Jobe, Job. Eric's job. Let the back patting begin. Good and dutiful wife. Good and dutiful wife. Yay me.

Day 2:

14 hours on a houseboat.

good news, beautiful scenery.

bad news, no CALLAN!

Day 3:

speed all the way home.

Phew.

We were both so glad to be home and see our baby! Here are some pictures I took at the park on the evening of our reunion...who would choose to be away from this guy???

Fair Well

2009-09-01T22:56:00.007-05:00

Last week Callan got to partake in a Hupf family tradition. The Nebraska State Fair!

What's that you say?

Another excuse to eat ice cream?

YES. Any excuse to eat ice cream!

side note. I discovered that the question that most often follows my declaration of "FAIR day!" is, "Did you buy a pool?" Answer. No. People, that was a one time thing. If you think Eric would fall for that again, you are sorely mistaken. Sheesh. One time you make an impulse purchase of an above ground pool at the fair and no one lets you forget about it.

Callan had a great time getting to spend the day with his Ni Ni and GG! Not to mention getting to meet horses, pigs, chicks, lambs and a funnel cake! (kidding. we just smelled them, I didn't let him indulge. He was still eating his breakfast round of ice cream at the time. one thing at a time!)

I had forgotten all there is to see at the fair, and then there are the exhibits, too! ; ) There is something about being at the fair that makes me seriously consider vegetarianism. Prize winning tomatoes don't stare back at you making you feel sorry for every capresi salad you've ever eaten. However, a sweet little baby piglet makes me reconsider my past breakfast meat indiscretions. In fact, I was totally relating to the pigs this fair. This scene alone had me totally thinking---"oh girl, I know how you feel!" But I don't think this sow was into telepathy, or perhaps relating. But then again, you are busy when you've got 10 little ones on your hands, so I'll try not to take it personally.

Callan did an awesome job of staying in his stroller, provided we kept up our end of the bargain and were actually strolling. When we slowed down some place where there were no animals, or marching bands or food Callan would point to the EXIT sign ( I swear he can read!) and shake his head so vigorously you'd swear it was going to roll right off his little neck.

When he finally did get out of his stroller, he was a man on a mission! He ran through the fair grounds whooping and hollering. He was a streak from the orange cones to the garbage can to the dirt to the wood chips. A lap over to the smoker shaped like a pig and back to the the chainsaw sculptor. Had I mapped him I imagine it would have looked something like one of those old Family Circus cartoons of Billy going to get something (remember those?)

I suppose this might just be my last trip to the fair...next year it moves to Grand Island, and I think driving 2 hours to explore the stick food group is a little over the top. Even for me. I have so many great memories of the fair growing up. Heck, the fair introduced me to a few great life experiences. 1. Monster cookies. 2. NKOTB! (first concert ever!) and 3. the joy of purchasing with my hard won allowance a beautiful feathered roach clip (SHEESH!) that I would try to clip on my ear for a sweet earring and then when I couldn't take the pain anymore transfer to my hair for a make shift rat tail. (The 80s were full of great ideas, I totally see why we're reliving them.) It was really special to share something that I have such great memories of with Callan, my mom and grandma. And even more special to get to share things like Pineapple Whip (mmm!) that my Grandpa shared with me. But Grandpa, if your listening---I draw the line at pop!!! So, fare well Fair. Thanks for everything!

Cous(in) I said so

2009-09-01T22:30:00.003-05:00

So in my newly (ha!) belated fashion, a past due post.

A few weeks ago we were lucky enough to host Eric's family for a pizza dinner. Callan was LOVING getting to see his cousins in action. He watched Ryan and Luke show him what his golf clubs can do---besides be toted around and banged on the floor. And he got to spend some time with Rachael, who he seems to just adore. Proof below.

In other cousin related news, last week Callan was treated to a first ever baby sit by Uncle Grant! What a lucky guy (Callan)! Grant cleared his schedule to watch Callan for us while I had a work dinner and Eric a golf tournament. Grant shrugged off my 15 paragraph email with instructions on the two hours he'd be spending with Callan--what we usually do when, etc. (Fine. Yes I can appreciate that it might be a bit controlling to send detailed notes on what to feed a 1 year old to a Chef. Perhaps even ironic, but Grant's been the subject of my neurosis for years, he's accustomed.) Callan was happy to see Grant and got so excited showing off for him that he needed a nap. So Grant let him take a little nap...but when Callan woke up Grant was no longer in the company of a happy go lucky little boy, but instead a crying sad little guy. Apparently, it was a fairly trying two hours for them both. So much so that when I asked Grant how it went, he relayed this story to me:

Johanna called to see if she should come over and heard Callan crying. She said "Oh, great, I suppose now you don't want to have kids?!!" and I said was "you wouldn't either if you were here right now!"

So I guess I'll have to wait a while before I ask for that favor again? And I suppose we don't have to wonder if Callan will be having any new cousins in the immediate future.

Controlling the population, one family at a time. Who's next?

Ice Cream for Breakfast

2009-08-18T23:26:00.009-05:00

It sounds like a magical thing, doesn't it? A land where you can have ice cream for breakfast. Well, I'm sure the guilty parties would say that technically it was ice cream immediately following breakfast, which makes it more like a breakfast dessert. And where, might you ask, does such a magical land exist?

Where else but NiNi and Papa's house!!!!

Unfortunately, my Dad had to have a little surgery last week. Fortunately he is recovering fabulously and it was a reason for Ang and Eth to come back and visit us. Since there was so much healing and hosting going on, Callan went on the road for a week. He got to go to Nini and Papa's every day where he was spoiled by lots of extra attention, affection and confection as it turns out. So my poor dad was convalescing. As we are all aware, the healing power of malts is second only to Aloe Vera. So my mom went to get my dad a malt and returned with a malt for Dad and a cup of ice cream of Callan. And so the story goes, every day, after the completion of every meal, Callan would go to the freezer, open it and get the Culver's cup out and try to lick the inside of it until someone would get a spoon and give him a little taste. (doesn't this story just reek of adults trying to pin the blame on the baby!??!?!) Callan got SOOO good at this little game that after dinner at home one night, he got out of his high chair, went directly to our freezer, pulled out a quart of ice cream and began to try and pry or bite the lid off to gain access. SHEESH! Here's what was captured on the Ninicam.

There was lots more fun to be had. At this time I do not believe them to have been soda or candy fueled, but based on previous paragraph may discover that to be the truth.

And, for the sake of balance, here are two pics of Callan enjoying healthier fare. Yogurt and corn on the cob. Mmmmmm! You'll notice these are at my house.

And look at this. Callan enjoying chocolate frosting at the Gingerbread House. I mean Nini and Papa's. Look out Disneyland, this might be the new happiest place on earth!

See? Pee!

2009-08-18T23:15:00.002-05:00

As I have confessed to many times, part of our nightly ritual is naked baby time, preceeded by bath time. A few nights ago I left Callan enjoying his activity table...playing a few tunes with some very uninhibited dancing. Shedding the diaper really frees you I suppose! I only stepped a few feet away to put his laundry basket in the hallway. While doing so my super soMOMnar hearing picked up a very distinct sound.

A sound that I knew immediately was one of two things. 1. The gentle and rhythmic roll of a delicate maraca, or 2. Urine hitting the carpet. When I walked back into the room in search of a finely crafted Mexican gourd instrument, I instead discovered the puddle. Option number 2 (a number one, but option number 2.) I pointed to the spot and said, "Oh no! What happened Callan?" He looked up at me, down and the spot and back at me. Then he grabbed himself, aimed at the floor and said "SHHHHHHKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK" trying to imitate the sound his pee made.

I laughed until I cried. What a funny and clever boy he is. I was totally expecting the ol' "the dog did it!" excuse! ; )

Kiss Off

2009-08-18T23:05:00.004-05:00

A few nights ago during our evening stroll(er) we stopped by one of Eric's fellow Wahooligan's house. Someone Eric went to elementary school with. They have a little boy Callan's size. Of course, he is two and a half...but none the less. So Eric and Sam were playing tractor and lawn mower and bubbles and all of those great fun things. While we are trying to coax Callan back into the stroller, he drops his bubble wand and leans into Sam with his mouth wide open---hoping to give Sam a kiss. Is that the cutest thing ever? Well, I intercepted since Sam was not exactly keen on this development, but I glance over at Eric to see if he has the seat belt ready to strap Callan back into the stroller against his will and notice that Eric's eyes are the size of plates.

After saying our good-byes, when we were safely out of ear shot (save Callan's protests) he said... "HOLY Cow. We've got to put the kibosh on that. He can't be kissing people. No more kissing. Couldn't you have said he was going to bite him instead of kiss him?" This makes me laugh every time I think about it. Better for your 14 month old to be a biter than a kisser. OOOOOOOOOOh what we all have to learn!!!!

It's All Natural

2009-08-18T23:00:00.003-05:00

It occurred to me while setting up for one of the classic baby poses (shampoo styled mohawk) that because of Callan's hair's tendency to stick up instead of lay down, a more humorous pose would perhaps be of him with a news-caster do. Parted on the side and neatly combed over. The mohawk isn't particularly shocking or unimaginable. I mean, he rocks it, obviously. I'm just saying?

Centiblog!

2009-08-16T13:45:00.004-05:00

Woo hoo! This is my 100th blog post. Wow.

I feel like there should be fireworks or something. I think TV shows get cakes for their milestone eps? Hey, any occasion is a cake occasion, peeps.

In honor of my 100th blog, here are a hundred things I love about Callan/mommyhood after #1, no particular order!

1.Callan!

2. Development of Ma-Claw (lightening quick hand reflexes and you can carry approx 500 pounds in one hand)

3. Callan learning to say UH OH!

4. Ma Ma Ma ma. Sweetest sound ever!

5. Love pats from my baby.

6. Blowing raspberries.

7. Smelling feet makes Callan laugh.

(this is the "stinkers!" face for smelly feet or poopy pants)

8. seeing how communication develops even w/out words

9. watching him sleep

10. bathtime!

11. Jammies.

12. Callan asks for "crabby pincers" by pointing to a picture in a book of a crab and imitating the pincers...which means, tickle me!!!!

13. The way new words come out...with so much effort and meaning.

14. Seeing my parents as grandparents.

15. What a wonderful Dad Eric is.

16. Realizing it is time to be a role model. Do as I say not as I do probably won't cut it.

17. Chocolate or poop moment from Baby Mama. Totally plausible.

18. vrrrrrrrrm. Callan's truck sound.

19. DAw! (Dog)

20. I'm gonna getchyou! followed by squeals of delight

21. Chasing a shrieking streaking baby

22. Practicing waving

23. with enough determination, i can be climbed.

24. sharing a laugh!

25. seeing Callan's memory develop. he's a sharp one!

26. watching Callan get SO excited to see NiNi!

27. Callan learning to say PaPa

28. Vegas learning to love Callan

29. Callan learning to feed Vegas (perhaps 28 is related?)

30. when a cuddle stops the tears

31. finally learning how to stock a diaper bag!

32. never giving Callan formula

33. surviving extreme sleep deprivation

34. imitation

35. learning to make more realistic animal noises

36. watching Callan enjoy meeting other kids

37. Callan getting puppy kisses

38. Callan giving kisses

39. seeing those little tiny baby teeth

40. the bleary eyed first smile of the morning

41. holding a sleeping baby

42. seeing Callan learn what foods he likes and dislikes.

43. discovering that ketchup makes anything edible (see 42)

44. seeing our siblings as aunts and uncles

45. how much our families love Callan!!

46. loving someone truly more than anything else or one on the planet

47. dancing to any song

48. if you are happy and you know it....CLAP your hands!

49. little feet stomping.

50. baby sign language

51. bre. bre. (umbrella)

52. learning something new every day

53. becoming immune to spit up

54. the value and importance of Tide-To-Go (see 53)

55. GG loving Callan!

56. Ang sending Chicago sports outfits to her favorite nephew. (whoops. cat out of bag.)

57. Watching my brothers try to trick Callan/play pesky Uncle.

58. My Dad's smile when he watches Callan

59. seeing the wheels turn!

60. trying to imagine tomorrow's wonders let alone next week, next month, next year

61. hearing little running footsteps when you come in the door from work

62. eating crayons

63. trying to stomach yogurt because Callan fed it to me. yuck. I will have to draw the line at mayo.

64. Callan waves and waves and waves at everyone, even when they don't wave back. Persistence!

65. pots and pans are magical

66. there is no sitting. no sitting.

67. reading books to Callan

68. seeing a little bit of nature vs nurture. boys are boys are boys!

69. Callan learning to take his shoes off and on

70. Callan trying on Eric's shoes

71. Seeing him reach up to open doors

72. the waddle of a full diaper

73. Callan's first Halloween costume. Awww!

74. Unbelievable how much Callan has changed in a month. And year ago is hardly recognizable!

75. How important being Callan's mom makes me feel!

76. learning that EVERYTHING goes in the mouth

77. seeing how many restrictions we put on people that are against our natural instincts. like taking what we want and sharing.

78. Callan learning to pet Veggie GENTLY.

79. His obsession with lawn mowers.

80. Ha Ha ha. Callan's imitation of The Count

81. Not realizing how much Callan has grown until his pajamas won't fit any more

82. Buying size 7 shoes for a 14 month old.

83. Coming to terms with the idea that no one will EVER say...he's gonna be tall and thin like his mom. DNA.

84. Seeing a little bit of a curl in those wild blonde locks

85. Blue eyes!

86. remembering how interesting rocks are.

87. Callan calling a beer "DaDa"

88. A baby laugh after a burp

89. a deliberate head nod. yes. yes. yes

90. that it takes a few times to remember that eating sand is not a great plan

91. that i have the ability to carry snacks in my purse without actually consuming them.

92. pictures are always worth waiting for!

93. short hair

94. learning that I sometimes need to wear flats. and may someday even prefer them.

95. being able to exchange knowing looks with Eric about exactly how wonderful and amazing we both find Callan to be.

96. being in the mom club. you can talk to perfect strangers about their boobs, clothing stains, advice, diaper preferences, anything you want and they get it.

97. pride

98. realizing that Callan wont' remember the memories we are making, but will remember the stories we tell him about the memories.

99. seeing that baby face as my desktop on my computer makes me smile every single day.

100. being a mom. best kept secret ever.

Bottlestar Galactica

2009-08-01T22:41:00.010-05:00

Callan said "Bottle" tonight! Another new word! Next: Supercalifragilisticexpialidicious.

Well. Maybe not yet. But soon I'm sure!

Also, before I get into this may I say that Callan, and his actions and sometimes his toys throw me into Jack Handy Land (remember from Saturday Night Live--and now,Deep Thoughts with Jack Handy...) well we were playing with his letter blocks the other day and I was totally caught up trying to figure out the longest word you could spell with the blocks. So, the longest word without repeating any letters. Sadly, my atrophied brain could come up with max 7 letters..uniform. Jeopardy champ I am not. But it was seriously getting on my nerves...I knew there had to be longer, better words..but what?! Thank God for Google! Google says it is: ambidextrously. Phew.

Anyway! Our little man is a whirl these days! He loves to go, go, go! Don't try and bother him with clothes or diapers or shoes. Those slow him down! (not enough!) He doesn't seem to have time to eat these days. Our meals have gone from 30 minute events to a 5 minute wrestling match. Usually ending with him partially dressed and using a food as a hairstyling product. He is learning so much! He can easily follow two step directions: Callan, put down Vegie's leash and come help me with the laundry. Callan, take this beer to your dad and change the channel back to golf. Kidding.

We've just been having too dang much fun lately! Which leaves me with no time to post! I'm sorry!!!! Here are some pictures, courtesy of my new fabulous birthday present!!!

Callan got Eric's shirt from his laundry basket and put it on himself. Guess who he got his fashion sense from?

Callan picking his first tomato!

Callan squashing his first tomato on the door.

Hide and go seek!

We had a super fun day at the zoo with Papa! Saw gorillas, polar bears, goats, children on leashes, chased a peahen, and had our first carousel and train ride.

That can really wear a guy out!

Baby You Ought To Be In Pictures

2009-07-13T23:18:00.002-05:00

Handsomest boy in the world meets uber talented photographer. Good things are bound to happen! Sneak peak of Callan's one-year pictures.

http://christinakahlerphotography.blogspot.com/2009/07/callan.html

MEMO!

2009-07-13T22:56:00.004-05:00

Guess what we did this weekend????

We had breakfast with Elmo, or Memo as Callan calls him. My little brave boy was thrilled! He was so excited to see Elmo walk in the door! He started waving to him, and when it was his turn for a little boy-on-monster time, he ran over to him, gave him a hug, laid his head in his hands, honked his nose and then pulled his 'beard.' Memo is still recovering, but we had so much fun!It was a very busy 60 seconds, but just as sweet as could be! Callan was running around, looking and touching everything and just absolutely loving every second. Luckily we were at the Children's Museum where looking and touching are encouraged! It was a blast! Yay MEMO!

NiNi is teaching Callan his letters---he's off to a good start!

I took this picture because I think it might be the only pay phone receiver Callan will probably ever use in his life! Viva la cell.

Guy Smiley's Game Show exhibit had BUTTONS! It was a favorite!

And more of Callan's favorite--WATER! All right with in reach. Luckily, this was a little too high to try out our new drinking skills where we drink whatever water we find ourselves in...the pool, the bath, etc. We did work up a thirst, but we stuck to our sippy instead of the Big Gulp.

Indepence Day

2009-07-13T22:46:00.005-05:00

OK. Belated 4th of July Post. We had lots of fun! On the 3rd we took a trip to our friends Jeff & Joanie's cabin where Eric was DELIGHTED to discover the closest thing I will ever allow him to have to a 'safety harness' (read: child's leash): an infant life jacket. Doesn't Callan look thrilled????

We also got to go to a 'picnic' at NiNi and Papa's! Lots of fun and a little more freedom! Only Moxie was on a leash here!

Intercom

2009-07-13T22:34:00.002-05:00

A loosely based transcript.

As you might imagine, Eric and I aren't always in the same room. And sometimes, to be heard, we must yell at one another. Only in the most loving of ways, of course. And sometimes the things we yell are a little peculiar. Pretty much the only thing we should ever yell is "HELP!" Meaning come here now I want to: show you; ask you; tell you; hurt you. This occurred to me this weekend while Eric yelled the following things to me:

Setting: Our house, me in closet, Eric in Callan's room w/Callan.

Eric: DOES THE FACE GO IN THE FRONT OR THE BACK?
me: WHAT?
Eric: DOES THIS GUY'S FACE GO IN THE FRONT OR THE BACK?
me: OF WHAT?!
Eric: (pissed) DOES HIS FACE GO ON HIS BUTT OR NOT?!

This was concerning to me for many reasons. However, I was relieved to learn that The Guy was not Callan, but Elmo. And the face was Elmo's face but the butt was Callan's. He was trying to figure out which way his swim diaper went on.

Phew.

Bare Back

2009-06-29T23:01:00.002-05:00

Giddy up!!!!

A Gold Watch

2009-06-29T22:36:00.003-05:00

Warning. Maybe don't read this if you are my father/brother/boss/squeamish/don't want to read about my boobs. Otherwise, continue....(at your own risk).

Dear Girls.

What a year it has been.

Until last June you were caged, shrouded, enclosed. Indoor boobs. You were form, not function. We had our times, oh we had our times. You filled out and over too many things to remember. Lets face it, you may have, on occasion even earned me a complimentary drink. And I thank you for it. You were esteemed. You were there for me always---being smashed into a sports bra, or pouring over the top of a dress. Making me wish there were zipper down shirts instead of button down shirts. Making me feel a little better about a big ass/big hair/big thighs/big stomach. After all, proportion is important and you set the stage.

You were you. And sometimes, you were me.

And now.

Well, things aren't as they were.

You've been freed. A year ago I swore that by damn, since my child rearing hips didn't actually pass a child through them my damn child rearing breasts were going to pull their weight. And you did. I made a promise to Callan while he was in the NICU that I would do everything I could to help him get as healthy a start as possible. You, with the aid of your devoted companion, the Medella best pump, have set him off on a healhty begining. You've seen more daylight (and nightlight, and storelight and office light) in the last year than ever in your history. You've embarrassed my brothers/dad/father in law/brother in laws. And you are better because if it. Are you a little less full of yourself? Yes. Are you a little worse for the wear? Yes. You endured brutality. Horrible bras. Ugly, ugly bras. BITING! Chafing! Swelling! SAGGING!

But come on! You fed a baby! It was an amazing experience.

You turned a little 10 pound baby into a 28 pound toddler!

And now, girls...it's time to hang up your flaps. No more nursing bras for you. You can slide into a more stable home. Something without easy access panels. Something that holds its shape with or without you. You can part with the pump and rest easy. Your work is done. You can go into retirement. You've earned your gold watch. I don't know how you'll wear it, but you have certainly earned it. Thank you for not letting us down. We love you. And we pray to God that you get some elasticity back. Engineering can only do so much for us.

Love and thanks,

Joslynn

Father Knows Best

2009-06-29T22:27:00.002-05:00

Belated blog. We celebrated Father's Day in three days for three fathers. Eric's dad came over to eat dinner with us, we celebrated with my dad by going out to breakfast and to the farmers market, and then we spent the day at home celebrating with Eric. I kept thinking it was Eric's first Father's Day, but it wasn't! Callan was born the Thursday before Fathers Day 08, but we spent the day in the NICU. What a great and wonderful contrast this was! Callan and I made breakfast, lunch and dinner for Eric. He thought a guy might be able to get used to that kind of thing....and then Monday came. Ah, poor Eric!

Mow, Mow, Mow Your Boat

2009-06-29T22:18:00.003-05:00

Eric decided that since Callan turned one, it was time to get started on his chores. If he can master the grass, Eric thinks he'll be able to teach him the snow blower routine just in time for winter.

Callan loved the bubble mower that Aunt Angie got him! To make the bubbles go you have to get going pretty fast---which we had no problem with. However, to make the bubbles keep going, you must keep moving. And darn it if those bubbles aren't just so distracting! Callan will get the mower going just enough to get a few bubbles and then he chases the bubbles and has to start over. He doesn't seem to mind a bit!

We're Number One!!!!!

2009-06-17T22:57:00.005-05:00

I can still hardly believe as I type this that I am the mother of a one year old little boy! In so many ways the year seems to have speed by and it seems like yesterday that I was holding a newborn in my arms praying that he would get out of the NICU. And in other ways that seems like with all that has changed, it must have been ten years ago. Callan has grown into a wonderful little fellow. I realize I may not be exactly 'objective' but seriously, is this not the cutest guy you've seen---EVER???!!!!

He had an absolutely wonderful birthday! Eric and I spent the day with him Friday and then we went to NiNi and PaPa's to see all the out of towners. Lots of fun! And on Saturday we got ready for the big party! Callan had a great time. I don't know what he thought of so many people admiring him, but since it was an occasion to have coolers out filled with ice, he was all for it. I had no idea how fascinating those things would be to him. (side note: he has started to call beer bottles Dad. "Relax" much, Eric???) He did not disappoint and enjoyed every spreadable inch of his little birthday cake. Uncle Grant made the cutest cake ever, and it was every bit as delicious as it looked! Callan agrees!

We were so lucky to have nearly all of our family here, we were only missing Eric's niece who decided on a rotation in Belize instead of a first birthday party. Some people, eh? ; ). All of Callan's great grandparents were able to come, including my grandparents from Albuquerque who were able to meet Callan for the first time. (They were charmed, of course!) We had a wonderful day and were truly, truly blessed to be able to celebrate such a special occasion with so many people who love our little man! Thank you to our friends and family for an unforgettable day! (yes, I know---Callan wont' remember! But I'll never forget!)

As you can imagine, after such a shin dig--we had some serious cleaning up to do. And wouldn't you know it, not only is Callan handsome, he is smart as whip! I was packing us up for a trip to NiNi and PaPas on Sunday and as I turned around he was grabbing the table cloth off the dining room table, he took it into the laundry room and tried to open the washing machine to load it up. Is that the sweetest or what? I can't wait until he learns to fold!!!!

What an amazing year it has been. I couldn't have prepared for it, I couldn't have planned for it, and I couldn't have asked for anything more. YAY Callan!

Gettin' Jiggy With It

2009-06-09T22:47:00.004-05:00

Cuz we got skills. Apparently Callan inherited a trademark dance move from each Eric and I. The "knee bend" and the "butt-to-floor." I'll let you guess what belongs to whom...

Big things this week---Callan turns one on Friday. I absolutely cannot believe how fast this year has gone. Faster than a dog can eat your dinner.

My little sweetie loves to share! And Vegas is soooo happy to be the recipient. A baby feeding a dog food. What could go wrong?(!)

Can't wait to post about Callan's birthday! Yay!

Love,

Jos

A Cult Like Following

2009-06-02T23:43:00.003-05:00

Hey people! What the heck? Thank GOD I started a blog instead of a cult.

TWO followers?!?!!? I stayed up late one night to add this google gadget to my blog and all I got were TWO followers? Albeit super awesome followers...the fabulous Kim and Jill!!!

See, you'll be in good company.
Come on!
LOVE us, PLEASE!

Following the blog is much easier than actually following us. What will I tell Callan if he only has two followers? He'll be able to count that high soon!

Do it.
You know you want to.

Hugs with pleading eyes,
Joslynn

Meet the Fockers

2009-06-01T22:38:00.003-05:00

Just like in the movie, our brilliant baby knows sign language! He has become so interested in communicating. He's got the baby-sign for milk down, hands open and close. And he has created his own sign language for poopy pants. The bunny sniff. It is very, very funny! I mean, that is all you really need---to tell someone when you are hungry or thirsty and to let them know that one of you stinks. That about covers it!

He is also building his vocabulary! About two weeks ago I swear he said UP to me, and last week BALL. This week, ENVIRONMENT. Kidding. But it is amazing how many new sounds he is making and how frustrated he gets when you don't listen to what he is trying to tell you! I'm not sure it counts as a word, but if you show him a truck or tractor he'll make the "brmmmmm" sound.

He is also perpetually exploring. Touching, grabbing, clapping, banging, licking, ripping...he wants to get everything figured out. Here he is trying to figure out the strap that holds the outdoor umbrella closed.

He has started mimicking and will try something after you demonstrate. He has also started to initiate game play...like peek-a-boo. When we were cleaning this weekend he went over to the bed and put his head under the comforter to start playing. So sweet!!!! He walks every where and has little time or patience for being carried or carted. If you have him strapped into his car seat/stroller/highchair you had better mean business because his patience is NOT going to last long!

Speaking of his high chair, he is trying very hard to be able to use a spoon! It is a messy, messy learning experience but one that Vegas is very much enjoying.

Callan never ceases to amaze me with all that he learns and all that he is capable of. Even with out many words he his funny, smart and kind. I can see that for everything he learns, I have a few hundred lessons I should take from him.

Puppy Love

2009-06-01T22:18:00.005-05:00

AW! Callan got to meet his newest canine cousin, Moxie! Callan loves dogs, because of all their curious waggling and licking and dogs love Callan on account of all the misc. bits of food stuck to his fingers/face/hair/leg/elbow/ear. A mutually beneficial relationship!

Yesterday was Uncle Grant's birthday, so we got more practice with the birthday song and some ice cream practice. SHEESH! It's like I have no control! OH, wait, I don't. Get used to it, eh?

Callan also got to try out a new rocking chair! Or at least new to him. This is my dad's from when he was a baby. As our favorite yellow haired bear befriender might say, "it was just right." All he needed was some porridge. You know, to go with his ice cream.

FORE!

2009-05-27T23:40:00.003-05:00

or

Skin in the Game.

I swear, I do still have Callan wear clothes! I promise. But he loves to streak. And I can't fight it. So I figure I have a few years before it becomes a problem for us. Answering the door nude at 12 is inappropriate. But I think I can get it under control before then. I think. In the meantime, here's some naked golf pictures.

Three Daze

2009-05-27T23:12:00.004-05:00

Phew! What a great and busy long weekend!

First, we helped NiNi celebrate her birthday! Here's what happens when I make a cake and Chef Grant makes a dessert. The beautiful dessert which he threw together just that morning arrives at my house with hand torched meringue and a dressy little sauce. The cake that took me three days in the making (one to bake, one to frost, and one to serve) looks like it was constructed in a wood fired stove by a hobbit. I had to make extra frosting to try and cover my mistakes. And I had to buy wax letters because I was concerned the weight of any additional frosting my make an already collapsed cake implode. Sheesh GRANT! You can see that NiNi let Callan practice the birthday song and a candle blow-out in prep for his big day! Happy Birthday Mom! We love you LOTS!!!

On Sunday we went to the Zoo again and met my friend Monica and her four kids! Callan was thrilled with the company! The kids were glad to meet him and even more glad that he wasn't one of those kinds of babies (the kind that cries). There were very curious about his hair...how it stands up and what color it is under his hat. Best of all, they were allowed to push the stroller. Wild times I tell you! After a big nap (for Eric) we went to the pool.

Monday we went to visit Eric's family at the lake. For as much as Callan loves the pool, he was very uncertain about the boat. OK, it was just the life jacket he wasn't a fan of. But I was glad he didn't want to get in the water because I saw a (cover your eyes)

S-N-A-K-E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A swimming snake. An anaconda. Or maybe an amphibious garter snake but very scary either way. A life jacket won't help you with that, people!

Hand Rolled

2009-05-27T22:59:00.004-05:00

Hand rolled makes Cigars sound more exotic.
Hand dipped makes chocolates sound artisan.
However, apply either of those adjectives to toilet paper and they loose some of their cache. But we have both at our house! (Both kinds of TP, neither of the others!)

Callan is in to everything. EVERYTHING. He can walk. He can run. He crawls at the speed of light. He opens doors, cabinets, bottles. The man is figuring it all out. And I wish I could say we are staying a step ahead of him...but we aren't! Here's video of me trying to coax him back into his room for pajama time. (Listen to Eric encouraging me to hurry before he pees. Couch coaching is so helpful!)

The Naked Chef

2009-05-20T00:17:00.001-05:00

Our diaper optional policy extends to the kitchen. Anyone care for a beverage? Callan's pouring!

Just Zoo It

2009-05-19T23:58:00.000-05:00

Our first trip to the zoo! Of course, we picked a rather chilly morning to make our inagural visit. You'd think waiting until mid-May would ensure some balminess---but not so much. Good news, Callan didn't seem to mind! He seemed to really enjoy himself---he was pretty quite at first, just taking it all in. I think it is hard for him to know where to look. He wants to watch the kids, the animals, the golf carts, the leaves....I mean there is a lot going on! We were able to visit the petting zoo, the gorilla house, the cat house and the aquarium. All in all, I think Callan's favorite thing was that most of the ledges in the zoo are perfect Callan height. He can stand by himself and walk along using the ledge for balance. He thought the ledges in the aquarium were particularly delightful. By the time we visited there he was over the quite stage and was hooting and hollering. I had to keep reminding myself that it was our first visit---not our only. That we didn't have to see and do everything that day. Phew. Pressure. Luckily for me I had that mindset as we had to leave the zoo a little earlier than I had planned because someone was getting cranky and hungry. And I packed Callan a lunch. That's right deductive reasoners, it was Eric! 11:30 a.m. he was hungry and disappointed that the pizza they serve wasn't from Pizza Hut or other fine Pizza chain so we had to get out of there to feed that hungry baby. (Again, Eric.) I guess I need a bigger diaper bag!

Thong. Tha-Tha-Tha Thong.

2009-05-12T23:35:00.000-05:00

We reached a new diapering low today. Poor Callan. Crawling around post bath--trying to evade the diapering and pajamaing that was waiting for him, he got more intimate with the diaper than he might have cared to. Whoops. I was trying to diaper a moving target. It seems very reminiscent of the 'catching an oiled pig' contest I have seen at fairs. You lunge for a leg and hope for the best. Well, the diaper was a little askew. On both sides. Meeting in the middle.
I fixed it, but I did think it was funny. Tired of those pesky diaper lines? The no-diaper line diaper...the thongper. Yuck.

Mama Dia

2009-05-11T23:21:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!!! We got to see our GG and our NiNi...life is good!

GG and her friends Mildred and Ellie were in town on spring break! Great Grandmas Gone Wild! They went on a road trip and hit the SAC Museum and a couple of nurseries. Ellie was a "Rosie the Riveter" and she worked on the Inola Gay which is being restored at the SAC, so they even got a behind the scenes tour of the restoration. Pretty cool!!! We went to meet them at a little place over in Papillion (who cares where? keep reading). Needless to say that once Callan arrived, GG couldn't concentrate on the petunias. Callan loved getting to see GG, Mildred and Ellie. He was a big fan of all the flowers and would have loved to have been let loose to grab and eat at will. No such luck. As if to signal his disapproval of that choice, he cried the entire way home. Of course, being the ultimate planner that I am, I left at rush hour. SOOOOOOOOO it took me 50 minutes to get across town. I was alternating a contortionist move that involves twisting my right arm completely around up over the car seat to deliver cheerios/binki/bottle to Callan's mouth and loudly singing my sad, sad repertoire of songs (which oft includes classics like, On Top of Spaghetti. POOR baby!) Shockingly, neither of those things helped a bit, no matter how tried. I guess Callan is a better judge of singing talent than I give him credit for. In those many moments I went from being someone who doesn't want her child to watch much TV to believing I can't survive another minute w/out a DVD player in the car. If my singing doesn't help I'm sure insert name Barney/Elmo/Dora/Deigo could have. But, we survived and went on to a great Saturday!

We met NiNi and PaPa downtown for some breakfast and shopping. Callan LOVED the Farmer's market and watching all of the kids and dogs. And, as per usual, PaPa loved showing Callan all the new sites and sounds.

On Saturday we went out to dinner at Roja with our friend Kim, my parents and Uncle Grant & Aunt Johanna! We got some very exciting news...we have a new family member! Dog cousin Moxie!

On Sunday we spent the day at home trying to accomplish something. I can't remember what exactly, as it didn't get accomplished. OH well! We went to the park for a little while and just spent the day playing. We discovered dandelions. (Ironically, the same year that Eric has learned to make the lawn beautiful. Life is cruel.) We had a great time!

Callan is just getting SOOO brave! He can stand unassisted and today he stood up with out pulling himself up, and then took 5 steps! He is also experimenting with climbing. NiNi discovered that he can hoist himself up onto the bottom shelf of the changing table...and from then on anything that remotely resembles a step is fair game. Drawers, boxes, bowls, stacks of diapers. We just might have a monkey on our hands!

And today is Callan's 11 mo birthday! I had better get it in gear for the first bday celebration. I see a spreadsheet in my future...............

Blogiversary!

2009-05-11T22:56:00.000-05:00

Today is my one year blogiversary! My first post was last Mother's Day---May 11th. Obviously not much has changed. Right?

Last year: typed at the table in the middle of the afternoon with no interruptions. Took 5 minutes, max. I probably even did something crazy like take a nap afterward. Or read the paper.

This year: Thought of this post for 48 hours, started three times, and am now typing one handed, holding a sleeping baby with the other. Took 2.8 days! Don't have time to read what I wrote let alone read the paper!

Last year: 25 pound ankles
This year: 25 pound baby

Last year: I waddled
This year: Callan toddles

Last year: CLEAN house, clean bathrooms, clean floors.
This year: Clean dishes?

Just a few differences! What a masterful teacher young Callan has been! I knew things would be great--but this is just completely beyond my wildest expectations. OH what a wonder that little guy is!

This is How We Do It

2009-05-05T23:41:00.000-05:00

One of my friends recently asked me "What is Callan up to? Anything new?"

And the answer to that is that every minute of every day something is new with Callan. He is just changing SO much right now it is amazing. This was made painfully clear to me tonight when I started realizing that I could barely keep up with him. Meaning I was having a very hard time distracting him from what he wanted to do, he might be a little determined. I felt like I spent all night following him, intercepting him, telling him no and why not and then picking up after him. I have a feeling this is the new normal! Here we go!

Here is an outline of our evening...

Go for a walk.

Do a little playing.

Eat dinner.

Help Vegas eat his dinner. (by putting our hands in his food, and our feet in his water)

Make a grocery list. Take Kleenex Inventory.

Check the light bulbs.

Take bath.

Play naked Kitchen. Too much fun!

Oh! Look what we made!

OH man did this make me laugh. I guess that is the danger of diaperless play. Lesson learned.

Look Who We Ran Into

2009-05-05T23:14:00.000-05:00

Or, look who came to visit so they could actually, literally run. What I am about to write makes it seem like I should include a disclaimer. OK, just for the record, athleticism may run in my family, but it does not run in these veins. The owner of these veins does not run, unless it is to a great sale, or away from someone scary. I certainly don't do it for fun. NOT fun. Jiggly bits slamming up and down. Not for me. I would need sooooooooooo much help from engineers (spandex, protective padding, levers, straps, all kinds of stuff) that it is just not worth it. Walking is hard enough, I see no need to speed it up. But my little sister does. Aunt Ang ran in her first half marathon this past weekend. Here's what crazy looks like after the race...running through the pain of tendinitis in both knees. Man, it is hell to be fit, eh? But YAY for Angie! And if they didn't have enough crazy in their house, Joe ran the full marathon!!! They both did awesome and are looking forward to their next opportunity. For my part, I made a pie. Huh. I wonder why I am the fat sister!?!?! ; )

But that is not why you are here, are you my one reader? You want to know about Callan!

Well, I hope he wouldn't mind me saying, but he had a pretty great weekend. Lots of time with his NiNi and Papa (what we are trying out for my parents in lieu of Grandma and Grandpa) which is always so much fun!

A visit from Aunt Ang and Uncle Joe. Which means that Callan also got to see something he hasn't had to see in a while--a surgical mask! OK, momachondria caused me to force my sister to wear a mask around Callan for fear of the Swine Flu. I know, is she a great and patient sister or what??? She had a confirmed case at her school, so under the advice of my pediatrician we took 'prophylactic' precautions.

He also got to see the elusive Uncle Grant and Aunt Johanna. Those two are soooooooooo busy. Work, school, a new home and they dare to have a social life. They make me tired just hearing about it!

We had lots of fun, but it sure made us miss everyone who wasn't with us for 'family dinner' Eth, Liza and our GG!

International Man of Mystery

2009-04-27T22:08:00.001-05:00

"Hola Guapo!" was the official and most common greeting during our trip to Mexico. Apparently, Callan's appeal is international. I had no doubt.

We had a seriously wonderful trip! Callan is perfect, and he behaved perfectly---no airplane crying, no tantrums, just wonderful wonderfulness. Can you even stand it? He was awesome (and as noted in previous paragraph) practically too cute for words.

Every day with my little Mister feels like heaven, but it was a wonderful treat to also wake up in paradise! Yay Eric for winning a wonderful vacation for us! We could get used to this kind of thing!!! ; )

Callan just enjoyed everything! He loved the water and watching the other kids. He also was very pleased to learn that on vacation, there are on no food rules. You aren't forced to eat your vegetables and meat isn't snuck into your mouth sandwiched between banana slices. He was able to pretty much eat only fruit, yogurt, cheese and cheerios for five straight days. We have already begun the veggie revolt now that we are back home!

Our first trip taught us, or tried to teach us a lot of things:

1..You can't change yourself too much. The universe won't let you.

I have spent WEEKS preparing for this trip. I had spreadsheets of check lists, due dates---I mean I was seriously working against type to make sure we had everything we needed. I even shipped freakin' boxes to myself ahead of time full of all the things I knew we would need. Infant sunglasses that are 100% UVa & UVb, pool float w/shade, sunscreen, deet free bug spray, antibacterial wipes, creams, lotion, shampoo, canned organic fruit, cereal...I think I would have made Martha Stewart proud...I mean I was ready. Or so I thought. Apparently my research on international shipping was a little lacking. 2 of my 3 boxes were held (and are currently in captivity) in Mexican Customs in MexCity. BOOO. I was frantic last Monday trying to track the boxes and then giving up and working to replace everything that was in the boxes to pack and bring with us. Phew. Crisis averted. Lesson: I did twice the work to try and be something I'm not (organized) than I would have done if I would have just waited until the last minute in the first place. OH well!

2. Giving Birth is a Right of Package.
This being our first family trip since Callan was born, I discovered an ascribed role I was previously unaware of: Family Packer. I assumed I would be in charge of packing up Callan. I know Eric would have done it, but I just didn't want Callan to have one t shirt and one pair of sweatpants as his only clothes for the trip. So that one, I was ready for. What I was not ready for was that I also had to pack Eric (who was having a little what to wear in a tropical paradise while working clothing crisis) and pack Vegas up to go to the Kennel. In addition to packing myself. Luckily, we got everything in, and I didn't even have to sit on a single suitcase!

3. Haircuts before vacation = Bad idea!
Or maybe that should be, letting your mom cut your hair is a bad idea. Callan, are you reading this? Callan's hair is growing like crazy! And as you may have noticed, it has a mind of it's own. So we figured it was time for a trim. Well I got started and thought I had done a pretty fine job. Eric took one look at it and told me I hadn't taken enough off. I have been using the clippers so as to not cut Callan, but my greatest fear of cutting his hair (aside from actually cutting him) is to accidently give him a flat top. SOOOO against my better hair cutting judgement (despite the red hair incident of '03 I do have some better hair judgement sometimes) I took the clippers to the top of his little noggin. I almost started crying!!! IT WAS SOOOOOOOOOO short! Or it seemed like it. I had a moment of feeling like ok, maybe I could glue it back on. Or that Callan could wear a hat for the next month. Or I could just tell everyone he was terribly advanced and had cut his own hair. With pinking shears. But, luckily, the majority of the problem was just his bed-head. It wasn't nearly as bad as I had feared. And thank GOD it will not be the bad haircut that is forever memorialized in all of our vacation pictures. Seriously. I'm sure that will happen sometime....but not this time! Yay!

4. Eric is right. Sometimes. Or at least once.

But we were in a foreign country, so it could have just been the international waters throwing me off. Nothing interesting, just worth mentioning as I am sure I won't admit to it again and want to document this one occurrence.

5. Pina Coladas are the new water.

Seriously. Most delicious thing ever. They make the beach better and the beach makes them better. It is a ridiculously wonderful mutually beneficial relationship. Plus, they both make me happy. I believe Micheal Scott would call that a win-win-win.

6. McGruff did not say take a bite out of your mom. He said crime. Crime.

I ate dinner over a swarm of mosquitoes our first night there. So I had about 40 bug bites from my knees to my ankles. Those were annoying. But my nastiest bites were from my hungry or thirsty or teething son!!! Since we haven't had teeth yet in tank top weather, more often than not Callan, lets me know when he would like to belly up to the bar by giving my t shirt, or sweater, or sweat shirt a little nip. Well, apparently the warning nip still happens even without the protective clothing. So I have about 15 baby bites from shoulder to shoulder. And they are hanging around longer than those of the mosquitoes. The good news is---you can't get west nile from baby bites!

7. Swim "diapers" is kind of a misnomer.

OK. Swim diapers may keep solid waste out of the water---but they do not repel, hold or absorb pee. Which after thinking about it, of course they don't. That totally makes sense. But, we know how I like my experiential learning! The first time Callan got out of the pool and sat on my lap I thought, hmm. That's weird the water feels so warm now. Right. Water. I learned and relearned this lesson a few times a day while on our trip. A high chair and a few pool lounge chairs also learned this lesson. Whoops.

Even though we had the best time ever, we are glad to be home! And if the universal greeting in Mexico was "Hola Guapo" our most common greeting upon returning is "How are you feeling?"...all feeling perfectly well--thank you for asking! But not to worry, the momachondriac has been taking regular temps just to be sure. (Thank GOD for digital ear thermometers! The old fashioned way I would really, really have to think about that. Yuck!)

I wasn't sure how Callan would feel about being home. He was glad to see Vegas, thrilled to see his room and toys, and absolutely beside himself to see his Grandma Char and Grandpa Mike! I guess there is no place like home!

Love to all!

P.S. I am seriously delayed in my posting, and consequently, seriously delayed in my blog bday wish to my sister! Glad you had a great birthday Ang! We are looking forward to seeing you this weekend and cheering you on to victory in your first ever half marathon! Can't wait!

Beat It.

2009-04-13T22:22:00.000-05:00

Callan's first Easter was so much fun! We spent Saturday with Eric's family in Wahoo. The weather was beautiful! Aunt Beth brought lots of eggs so Callan was able to enjoy his first egg hunt....he seemed to know just what to do! And when he lost interest his cousins were more than happy to pick up his slack. Callan loves to watch his cousins, especially Rachael! He was also especially thrilled that MoJo, Stephanie's teeny tiny Yorkie was there, he was lots of fun to watch run around. Lucky for MoJo Callan can't quite catch him just yet....

Now that Callan is eating 'table' food, these events present an interesting challenge for us. ME! I am learning that any special occasion that normally involves dessert or candy also involves people wanting to feed said dessert or candy to my baby. After spending the last ten months feeding Callan exclusively breast milk and making all of his baby food homemade so that it was completely organic with no pesticides or preservatives....you can understand that I might be a little resistant to this idea. This started early in the week when my dad sent me an email asking me if I would be letting Callan have Easter candy!?!?! (written "will you be letting Callan have a little candy on Easter?", meaning: "Do you intend to ruin one of the great pleasures of grandparenthood by refusing to allow me to give Callan one tiny little harmless piece of candy on a holiday that is all about candy?") ((ANSWER: NOOOOOOOOO CANDY! (sorry Dad!)) On Saturday I was diving between Callan and wrapped candy, blocking a well intentioned great grandmother trying to feed Callan pie, cake and, just for balance, a Hershey bar. I was succesful! But hours of being on sugar watch started to wear me down. By the time Sunday rolled around my resolve was weakening.

Sunday. Callan's first Easter basket was full of lots of fun stuff from The Bunny! An Elmo puppet, some bubbles, a new book and a little chicky. Callan loved the bubble container and Vegas loved and wanted to eat Elmo, the book and the little chicky, with a helping of Easter Basket for dessert. My parents, my grandma and Grant and Johanna came over to have Easter dinner with us. We had a great time! Callan was thrilled to see everyone and was almost immedeately tired from all of the attention! I too was starting to feel a little tired.

And by the time dessert was ready and I was whipping the cream for pies...I crumbled. I decided since it was just cream and an isty bit of sugar and vanilla, that it would be ok. Just a little taste. Well, of course, Callan was delighted. I had no idea the beater instinct was so strong. I think it is a Hon gene. But we are back on the bandwagon! If I keep this up, when we get to Mexico, Callan will arrive in a protective bubble and by the time we come home he'll be drinking a margarita at the airport. I have to get a hold of myself!!!! No more lines in the sand. No more sugar until the big birthday cake! I MEAN IT!

We were so glad to get to see Grandma Char and Grandpa Mike, GG, Uncle Grant and Aunt Jo, but we missed Angie, Joe, Ethan and Liza! Can't wait to see you all in June!!!!

P.S. We also missed wishing Aunt Beth a Happy Birthday! And an early Happy Birthday to Grandpa Roger!

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service

2009-04-13T22:08:00.000-05:00

As long as they don't require pants we should be in business!

The first of April brought April showers and Aunt Angie!!! Boo on the rain, YAY for the Auntie! Ang came to visit and volunteered to be the Grandma Char's Apprentice Sitter. Our union is pretty tough here, I don't know if she'll get her card soon, but the customer seemed pleased with her work. I think that she may have been slightly surprised to learn that for someone who is only a few weeks away from running a marathon---her endurance needs a little work! I think that she was shocked at how much energy Callan has and that 'watching' him is not nearly as passive an activity as it sounds! We got some great pictures while Ang was here---but of course they are not on my camera. Here's one that is... I can't remember for sure but I believe Ang was on diaper change duty immediately prior to this picture being taken. It is a testament to how great a communicator our little man is becoming...he was able to let her know, times up--we are getting up and getting moving now--pants or no pants!

We loved seeing Angie---but seems like it is never enough time!

Back That Thing Up

2009-04-13T21:48:00.000-05:00

OK! We are so far behind on posts. (When implying guilt I duly imply there is more than one person to blame. Are you fooled?) But you've heard this before. I have promised improvement and failed to deliver. I think we can all agree that forgiveness is more likely than change...but lets hold out hope!

One important thing to catch up on...pictures! Just before the U.I.F.A. (unfortunate incident featuring the appendix), we got Callan's 9 month pics taken. Below are a few of them---they turned out AH-MAAAAAAAAAAZING! Behold!

Now is that a sweet baby, or what????

Give That Guy A Hand!

2009-03-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

Or, let's hear it for the boy...

OK, I'm sure there is no actual correlation between Callan's motor skill development and my appendix, but let's just say that in the absence of the appendix, things around here are changing awfully quickly! And it seems like an awfully big coincidence!

Callan is no longer approaching, instead he has officially reached, the don't-turn-your-back-for-a-second stage. If you sit him down to play with his toys he will be inching, scooting, creeping, sliding and end up 40 feet from where you put him in approximately 1.2 seconds. It is amazing!

He has also learned to clap---which is timely so that he can clap for himself and all of his great new feats. Here's a video of the applause...

Callan has also started pointing to let you know what he wants, what direction he would like to go in and who he would like to see---NOW. (I think that those are all the skills you need to work in an office? He is so advanced!) That combined with a little 'eh-eh-eh' noise, and we catch on eventually. His pointing skills have also allowed him to be able to find new body parts---like nostrils. Both mine and his....and if I had to guess probably my mom's too. When he discovered I was trying to take a picture of him doing this, he decided to trick me a few hundred times. So here's our 'close enough, I'll remember what the picture was supposed to be of' picture.

It does seem as though there were some great things that came from my surgery (besides the obvious of not having an organ burst), Callan and I were spoiled to have my mom and dad come stay with us for a few nights while Eric was out of town. We had so much fun! (At least as much fun as is post operatively allowed and recommended.) Not ever leaving the fabulous big O I have been blessed to see my parents very regularly, but not typically for more than a few hours at a time. So it was fun to have a 'sleep over' and get to spend a lot of time with my Mom. To watch she and Callan together is truly a joy. I don't know who loves the other more---they are quite the pair! Here's some of the fun we had with Grandma Char! Of course Grandpa Mike was also in on the action---Callan even treated him to some vocalization that sounded remarkably like "Grandpa!" I don't think I am speaking out of turn to say that was the highlight of Dad's day!

The 'ol cardboard box race car---zoom zoom!

Callan's first flash light---out for the storm that gave us the hail pictured below. We had an impressive emergency kit gathered. Flash lights, radio, water, food for Callan and cookies for my mom and I, you know--just in case. Impressively, even after 30 minutes in the basement, all the cookies survived.

In other family excitement---congratulations to Eric! He has been studying for months for a certification---which he passed today! Hurray!!!! All of those Saturdays that Eric told me he was "studying" to get out of diaper duty really did pay off!

And, of course, we have a birthday wish for Uncle Ethan! Hope you have a great day tomorrow--we love and miss you and are looking forward to your visit in June!

Keep Me Hanging On...

2009-03-20T10:40:00.001-05:00

How sweet is this little face?

Looking at a picture of that beautiful boy is all I have been able to do since Tuesday night! I can not wait to get my hands on him! Hopefully I will get to go home tonight and do some cuddling!

Go home tonight? What does that mean you ask? Well I'll tell ya---we've had an adventurous few days. Apparently my body was in such a state of shock over not being able to celebrate St. Patrick's day in a style to which it had previously become accustomed, it was angered and took that frustration out on my appendix. Woo hoo. Long story short, Tuesday night I brought myself to the ER with the sole purpose of putting my hypochondria to rest. Instead, score 1 for the hypo! I had an appendectomy on Wednesday morning. So I haven't gotten to squeeze that baby for almost 72 hours! Painful!

Callan is enjoying himself at home with Grandma and Dad. In an interesting twist of fate, he is now eating mostly table food and I am on pureed food. De-lish!

So a little bit about my fabulous hospital stay....

1. WHY do they call a room semi-private? It is note even remotely private, let alone semi. When all that is separating you from another person's post-surgical noises and issues is a very thin curtain...there is no privacy what so ever. I am just so thankful to know that I am only here for a short while. And that soon I will be able to sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time. Who knew this little trip would make some of Callan's sleeping habits seem so desirable?

2. Gowned and fabulous! Hospital gowns are just wonder filled garments. I couldn't wait to get some personal items on under mine, so I asked Eric to please bring me a toothbrush, clean underwear and a sports bra. Obviously, the sports bra is for all of the jogging I've been doing while here. On Tuesday night, about 3 am I asked my nurse to grab my clean undergarments. She produced what looked to be a slightly frightening wad which I feared to be tights. Whew. Not tights, bra stuck to underwear with the hair tie I had asked for. Relief. Temporary relief. When I unfurled the combo pack I discovered that Eric had picked out the correct bra (good) and a pair of SPANX! (For those of you unfamiliar with the miracle that is SPANX, they are a fabulously hard working pair of spandex underwear that will smooth you into your fav little black dress, etc. Part physics, part physical (contortions are required to get into a proper fitting pair). What they are not, is post surgical wear. Perhaps it was the morphine cloud, but I found this to be particularly hilarious!

3. Having been fortunate enough to not have required hospitalization for anything other than the birth of Callan I have learned that sick folks come in all shapes and size. My new next door neighbor is a gal suffering from dementia that calls down the hallway for people. People she sounds angry at. Particularly last night, someone named Audrey Silverberg was really getting on her nerves as she yelled for her/at her several times. At about 1, 3 and 4 a.m. Very restful. Damn you Audrey.

Once again, a HUGE thank you to my parents. With out their help I am not sure how we would have survived this week! I am a 30 something who this week alone has had my mom doing my laundry, cooking my food, and if I had to put money on it, probably cleaning my house. And I also get the idea that while I am typing this she may be doing my grocery shopping. Not to mention caring for my baby! What a lucky girl I am! What would I do with out my mom?

Two, Four, Niner, Five, Six...

2009-03-17T21:34:00.000-05:00

Uh, did I catch a niner in there? Were you calling from a walkie-talkie?

Oh, thank you for the humor Tommy Boy!!!

And yes, we did catch a niner! Right in our house! I can't believe Callan is 9 months old already! The time has just gone by so, so fast!

Time flying by is also my lame excuse for lack of posts. So, in place of chatter, I give you pictures.

Callan and Rachael reading Callan's favorite Elmo book. Look at him with that pointer finger! A man who knows what he wants!

I was trying to take a funny picture of Callan with a coffee mug to make a coffee mug for my Grandma for her birthday. He looks like he could use a shot of joe in this pic. Needless to say, my efforts were fruitless---I started to worry about him waving the mug around and hurting himself. Sorry Grandma! Happy Birthday---hope it is the thought that counts!!! ; )

Callan showing Aunt Johanna how to eat a teething biscuit. This was his first one and it was more crumbly than sticky---so we are missing the follow up shots of cookie-plastered hair.

Love to all!

Jos

We Walk the Line

2009-02-23T22:27:00.000-06:00

Callan's latest and greatest is walking! He is not quite steady enough to go it alone, but if there are a willing pair of hands (and an able back) available, he is most happy to strut around. He can go to a place you tell him (like the laundry room) or sometimes it is pretty funny to see where he will choose to explore. This morning it was his bathroom to see what the tub looks like with no water. Here's a quick video of his practice with Grandma Char. Obviously, Vegas is quite proud of Callan's accomplishments and wanted to show his excitement at the 'finish line'!

And this weekend I think we got a little sneak peek at Callan's sense of humor....he had quite a giggle fest with Eric. Callan belched and Eric imitated him, and every time he did Callan would laugh harder and harder. He was just about beside himself. I am pretty sure that finding burping that funny is a mark in the "He is ALL boy" category. Look out--I see whoopee cushions in our future.

Eat Your Heart Out

2009-02-23T22:12:00.000-06:00

Callan's first Valentine's Day started out with breakfast. A light but hearty (pun intended) fare of the Hallmark variety. Everyone does love a Hallmark, and our boy is no exception! Cupid left Callan a book and a new picnic play set, but the card was definitely his favorite. Even though delicious, it was short lived and he did eventually give his picnic basket a whirl. He bypassed the stuffed sandwich, watermelon, and soda in favor of the stuffed ice cream cone. Seriously--is he his mother's son or what????

We also got to go to a belated Valentine's dinner at my parents. Callan had lots of fun getting to see Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Johanna and Uncle Grant! And Grandma Char was very pleased to learn that Callan could practice picnicing---her favorite!

A Moment in the Sun

2009-02-23T21:53:00.000-06:00

First, the Wahoo Weporter (OK, I have no idea what it is called, but I thought that had a nice ring to it) and now, the Sandoval Sun. We are just making our way around the Newspaper Circuit. Callan got a 'shout out' in the Family newsletter. Hopefully all this publicity won't go to his head! But with a face like this, it is hard to keep the cameras away.

Crazy Eights

2009-02-12T22:33:00.000-06:00

Today is Callan's 8 month birthday! I am hoping he'll celebrate with 8 hours of sleep! So far, I believe he has other plans....

He celebrated today by getting up EXTRA early and taking a nice long morning nap for Grandma Char. Then tonight we had a little giggle party--lots and lots of tickles! And we wore our new pajamas to bed---I got them out thinking they would still be too big. NOT so much! The bad news is I only have one 18 month sleeper, and now I feel like the 12mo are like a fleece unitard! I think there is a shopping excursion in our future!

Speaking of birthdays---we have a few to celebrate this week! Happy Birthday to Uncle Ron, Cousin Rachael and little Miss Hannah Grace!

Three and a half down, sixteen and a half to go..

2009-02-12T22:26:00.000-06:00

Even though I thought that Callan had been teething for the last 4 months (since he got his first two teeth!) he's just really gotten down to business in the last week or so. My Mom called to report the appearance of his third tooth, and the fourth one isn't far behind! Instead of his top middle teeth, he is getting his 'fangs!' We might have a little jack o'latern smile on our hands in a few days!

Shaking Hands and Kissing Babies

2009-02-12T22:06:00.000-06:00

Well, we are a bit from shaking hands yet--we've got a version of a 'five' down--'patty.' And now we can officially add 'kiss!' Callan loves to kiss the baby! And since the only baby around these parts is Callan, this is terrific news for anyone who owns stock in Windex. I think 'kiss' was an easy one for Callan to learn, as he gets a few million every day! Who could resist this guy?

Running in Circles

2009-01-30T21:56:00.000-06:00

Why crawl if you could walk? Why walk if you could run? I have a feeling there is some serious independent movement awaiting us. While Callan has stuck to his decision not to crawl thus far, he is giving serious thought to the idea of running. Check out his activity station warm up. LOOK out!

You may also notice, that the table looks like it is airborne...or soon to be. Our sweet little baby is outgrowing EVERYTHING! Including his beloved jumperoo and swing---he has about two more pounds to go before he's reached their weight limit.

In other exciting news---we're expanding our food horizons! This week Callan tried a few delicious 'Cheerios!' He wasn't sure what to make of them at first, but after getting the hang of "chewing" them, he liked them so much he decided he couldn't get them in his mouth fast enough and that a better method would be to put his face on the tray of his highchair and pick them up with his mouth--avoiding the pesky tray to hand, hand to mouth transfer. What a little smarty. Then he decided to prove me wrong (I can hear you all thinking--won't be the last time, Jos) and enjoy some banana with his Grandma Char. I guess as long as it isn't mashed or pureed, he likes it just fine. How about that?

For all this forward momentum--we do have some 'slippage.' Poor Callan is NOT sleeping! We are back to an every two hour wake up pattern. I hope, hope, hope it is just a passing phase. Every night I lay him down thinking please, please, please, please.....tonight let's sleep for three hours. Or four hours. I don't get crazy. I don't wish for overnight, or six hours or anything nutty like that. But a few more than two consecutive would really be outstanding. It might even make me productive. Something I vaguely remember being at some point.

Granimals, We Need You!

2009-01-30T21:40:00.000-06:00

OK. I try. I really, really try not to micro-momage Eric. (Which is like micro managing but much naggier.) He does so many wonderful things with and for Callan, that I know he can handle just about anything on his own. (Although upon writing this I am wondering why I get called to the scene whenever there is a poopy diaper?) And as with many things, Eric and I have our own ways of doing things. So I try not to nag and prod...do this, I do it like this, he likes this...etc. I try to take a deep breath and let things be.

But then Eric got Callan dressed the other morning..........

And I started to think it's OK to provide a little more direction. For the record, Eric is not color blind. Even though this outfit may look like evidence to the contrary. While my camera doesn't capture the true essence--this is black and red pants, paired with some high contrast white socks, and a navy blue, grey & orange shirt. For the record, even though it made me twitch, I did leave him in it...

Greener Pastures, Bigger Ponds

2009-01-11T22:58:00.000-06:00

We have officially graduated to the big boy tub. Trying to bathe Callan in the infant tub was resulting in wet clothes, wet floors, and a mostly dry baby. Callan seems to love the bigger bath---lots of room for splashing and extra bonus--tub toys!

P.S. Nice work from the photography assistant on the duck placement. Teenage Callan will thank you.

Shave and a Haircut

2009-01-11T22:47:00.000-06:00

or at least a haircut. Eric has pretty much been begging me to cut Callan's hair since Callan was 6 weeks old. I held off as long as possible....a few more weeks and I feared we'd be mimicking The Donald's comb over/around. Here are our before pics.....

and an after. I definitely need to get some hair scissors...poor Callan's first hair cut was with my trusty Fiskars (fabric scissors) but I maintain that they were a more appropriate choice than the clippers Eric wanted to use!!!!

Baby Bogan

2009-01-08T21:10:00.000-06:00

One of Callan's favorite Christmas presents is his new sled! Of course, we haven't had an ounce of snow since our inaugural voyage----but I'm sure it won't be long! Vegas is going to try and pull Callan next time--we'll see if he has a future in the Ididarod.

Christmas Catch Up

2009-01-08T15:55:00.000-06:00

OK! BAD BLOGGER! I guess I took a little blog-cation....but we're back in action now!
We had wonderful holidays! Eric and I were both able to take a few days off of work and enjoy lots of time with Callan, which was a treat! I think Callan missed seeing his Grandma Char everyday, and I think Grandma Char may have missed him a bit too!Callan was thrilled with Christmas! And by Christmas I mean the wrapping paper and all the new boxes there were to chew on! Eric and Callan worked out a system for gift opening which seemed to work well for them both.
Here are a few pictures from Christmas eve and Christmas Day.
Hope you all enjoyed wonderful holidays full of all the things that matter most!

Put A Sock In It!!!

2008-12-23T21:49:00.000-06:00

Callan is working very hard on coaxing his top two teeth in. It's all he wants for Christmas.

So in what I believe is an effort to gnaw them on through...he puts EVERYTHING in his mouth. Anything he can reach. A special favorite is socks. We go through a few pairs a day as they seem to wind up soaking wet....

DA BEARS!

2008-12-23T21:45:00.000-06:00

Is it a mere coincidence that the Chicago Bears pulled off a close game and secured a win the day after Callan wore his team gear for the first time? Alas, the world may never know. One thing I do know---this guy is handsome!!!!

Tastes Like Chicken

2008-12-23T21:35:00.001-06:00

Well, it is chicken. Or it was. Until it was boiled and pureed....and then it becomes something else entirely. And they say chickens can't fly.....this one did!!!!!!!!!!

At our Dr.'s visit last week we learned that we could introduce meat to Callan. (I guess that would be meet meat?) Let's just say it wasn't love at first bite...but we keep trying!

Also, update on the Dr.'s visit---I do not have a future as a carnival/sideshow weight/age guesser. (So my affinity for fair food will have to remain a passing fancy and not become a diet staple. My arteries just breathed a sigh of relief. ) Callan weighs 20 lbs and is 29.5 inches tall! Even though it doesn't appear that he is eating well---we must be getting some in!

Yule Blog

2008-12-23T21:18:00.000-06:00

OK! I have had several blogs rambling around in my head for the past few weeks. So in a perfect world, I would now go on to post several paragraphs detailing all the fun we have been having. But instead, in this world, on this day, I think I can manage some pictures---those are supposed to be worth a thousand words anyway, right?

Here are some pictures of our dear Callan meeting Santa. We did some prep work at home, he was unfazed by the big man. Just wanted to get a taste of that beard!!!!

Bottoms Up!

2008-12-14T16:36:00.000-06:00

OMG! We have a six month old baby!!!!!!!!!!! Callan celebrated his six month birthday on Friday! I can not believe how fast the time has gone! Our little man is getting so big---height and weight to be confirmed on Monday during our Dr. appt---but I am going on record to enter my guess at 23 lbs and 30 inches. (If I am right, obviously, I have found my calling and can begin my new career as a carny.)

Callan got to spend his half-birthday with Grandma Char! He was able to raise a little toast to himself with his new sippy cup! He likes to bang it on his high chair and chew on it. Drink from it? Not so much!!!

Actually, I had a pair of birthday boys on my hands this week! Monday was Eric's birthday! My parents came over to watch Callan so we could go out to dinner. We had a great time---and so did Callan! I am certain the Indiana Jones hat is not indicative of the adventures that Callan had while we were gone, but it sure is cute!

I Left My Heart for San Francisco

2008-12-05T21:34:00.000-06:00

Boo hoo hoo. This week I suffered through my first trip away from home. What misery!!!! Two years ago at this time I would have spent the weekend prior visit San Fran since I have never been, maybe venturing up to Napa...this week I was counting the hours I would be away from home and trying anything I could to shave a minute or two off my trip. What heartbreak to leave that little boy! It sure does give me a great appreciation for parents who have to go on trips that last longer than 68 hours.

Also, I am a bit of a high maintenance traveler. While gone are my days of multiple outfits for each day (unless they are for Callan) replacing that space in my luggage was my breast pump. OH, pumping in the airport is a special joy of its own. I think airports are filthy places when I am fully clothed...let alone selectively clothed and preparing a future meal for my baby. When I first arrived for my layover, I had a grand plan of how I could discretely manage pumping. These hopes were dashed when I learned the only bathroom outlets were in the mirrors above the sinks! I was dying thinking about that. Greetings ladies, Welcome to Las Vegas! I doubt that was the kind of Las Vegas style topless revue people had in mind!!! Luckily I discovered a hidden airport gem---the companion bathroom!!!! A single stall private bathroom! It felt like a spa compared to staring down that row of 30 sinks! So, one more badge to add to my new mom sash--Express Milk.

Of course, Callan and Eric got along just fine with out me. Eric even performed a daring feat of solo-baby-bathing. Impressive, no? One of the only things that made being away from Callan even remotely bearable was that I had these great pictures to look at! Auntie Angie got some great pictures of Callan smiling last weekend...and I must have looked at them about 400 times a day.

There is no place like home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gobble Gobble Goo and Gobble Gobble Gickel

2008-11-30T11:21:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Callan's first Thanksgiving in our usual style! A costumed reenactment of the Pilgrim's first harvest meal after their journey on the Mayflower. Or maybe we just went to my

parent's house for a delicious meal and a legitimate seeming reason to have a glass of wine before noon. Either way---lots of fun!

Angie and Joe were able to come home from Chicago, and GG came down from Hastings to spend the day with us before traveling to greatgrandchildpalooza in MN...where she got to see the rest of her great grand kids. Grant and Johanna came over after lunch at her folks'. We missed Ethan and Liza but will look forward to getting to see them at Christmas!

This Thanksgiving, maybe more than ever, I feel so thankful. The kind of thankful that wells your eyes and makes it hard to swallow. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be Callan's mom. Watching him in his carseat as we drove to my parents house I was reflecting on how much had happened in the last year---how 12 months can seem so amazingly long and short at the same time. At this time last year, Eric and I had just moved into our house...and I was spending every spare moment either sleeping or bemoaning my never ending morning sickness. And now, a year later we have this amazing little man, who absolutely lights up my entire life and has made me look at everything and everyone differently. I am truly so thankful, so amazed at what I get to learn and what Callan teaches me every day. And my gratitude is so deep for our wonderful families, who love us and help us in countless ways. We love and are loved--we are rich beyond measure.

I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgivings! Thank you for reading this and keeping up on our little man. We are very glad to have you to share with.

Much love,

Callan, Eric, Vegas & Joslynn

Suck On It

2008-11-21T22:21:00.000-06:00

Callan hasn't ever been much for a binki. Sure, there have been times here and there where he has enjoyed the occasional paci, but not a regular thing by any means. So when my Mom discovered that he might enjoy using the binki as his teether--it was pretty amusing. He kind of gnaws on it and it squeaks. He also is getting very good at hand-mouth coordination--he can even put his own binki in his mouth! And he also tried to give Vegas a go at it, but there was parental intervention.

It's not easy eatin' green...

2008-11-21T22:01:00.000-06:00

Last weekend while Eric was out cheering the Huskers on to victory, my parents and Grant and Johanna came over to eat dinner with us. Callan was thrilled with the audience...and was particularly happy when Grant and Johanna arrived in time to distract me from 'helping' him try a new food---green beans. As you might imagine, they didn't go over well. I didn't expect that they would, but I had a game plan. I figured if I tried the green beans with bananas, it might make the bananas seem better tasting. Let's just say I underestimated my son. Not only did he hate the green beans and continued hating the bananas, he developed a new skill, which is the side-spoon-sip. He now buttons up his little lips and sucks in just a little taste from the spoon. If it is something he likes...say applesauce and sweet potatoes, well then he just opens that little mouth as wide as can be and life is good. If it is something not on our 'approved' list--that little mouth stays zipped shut.

After recovering from his near poisoning, Callan requested a new dinner and I obliged---going the pear and squash route---much to his delight. We had a great night with my folks and Grant and Jo. It's so fun to see Callan watch everyone, he is definitely a little observer. It is especially wonderful to see him recognize people. He knows my mom by her name now--when you tell him 'Grandma' is coming--he seems to know just what that means; lots of love and cuddles and good times await!

Sittin' Pretty

2008-11-21T21:43:00.000-06:00

Guess who's trying out their sitting skills? Preparing for all of those hours spent in school desks and on the couch and in the car---a lifetime of future sitting all built on a foundation formed in the next few weeks. Oh, what mountains to climb! Well, if practice makes perfect, we are on the road to the sitting hall of fame. Callan is trying to sit up all the time--when he is supposed to be getting buckled into his car seat, or his bouncer, or his swing... and then of course while playing or sitting in some one's lap. He is just so dang strong! Here's a little time lapse photography of one of our sessions this week. The good news is we have definitely improved since our days at the pumpkin patch---we probably had a good 15-20 seconds during this photo shoot as opposed to the 1.5 seconds in the pumpkin patch debacle!