Ice Cream for Breakfast

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

Giddy up!!!!

A Gold Watch

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

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

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!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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!

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.