Proud to be an American!

Hi Cal,

 

Writing this looking back, I almost forgot one of the most important things that happened! Not just to you and our family, but to the whole country!

2008 was a Presidential Election year.  By the time you are old enough to read this yourself, you will know all about elections, because Mommy is kind of into those things, so I won't go into all the details now- I'll just tell you the important stuff! For the last 8 years, George Bush has been President. Because he couldn't run again, there were lots candidates who thought they should have the job! Mitt Romney and John McCain were two for the Republicans. Mitt Romney was once governor of Massachusetts! Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama were two for the Democrats.  Clinton is a woman and married to President Bill Clinton. Barack Obama is African American and a Senator from Illinois. If either of them won, it would be a huge deal because we had never had a woman or an African American as president!

As the election got closer, I was a huge Obama supporter. I thought he would do great things for the country and could think of nothing better than him winning your first election! Daddy was a bit more unsure, but he came around in the end! Eventually, McCain and Obama became the final two candidates, and they fought long and hard for every vote.  On election day, Obama seemed to be winning, but I was still nervous. I didn't think John McCain would be awful, but I REALLY wanted Obama to win. I even made you a special shirt to wear!

We watched the news all day and election returns all night.  You were long asleep when the results were in, but I almost cried I was so excited. When they announced Obama as the winner, I could hear people in the neighborhood cheering and cars beeping. Not everyone was happy he won, but I think most people knew how important it was.  In one day, we changed the history of our country. I'm so happy it's been changed for you and your friends. Its such a different world you will grow up in and I'm so excited to see what you do in it. Maybe you'll be president some day... wouldn't surprise me, my amazing little man!

Love To Eat Turkey!

Dear Caleb,

As I have said a few times before, you have always been a good eater! After starting cereal and fruits at four months, there was no holding you back.  By seven months, you were eating real fruits and veggies, from there yogurt, oatmeal soon followed and by 8 months, you were eating real meals! As I watched you eat and enjoy all the new foods we sent your way, I began to wonder how you would enjoy your first thanksgiving dinner.  No food from the jar for you, you were having turkey!

And turkey you did have! You sat at the table in your high chair and Nana and Granky's and ate EVERYTHING! Turkey, potatoes, squash, stuffing, cranberries and gravy.  You had a bit of it all. You made a HUGE mess, but seemed to enjoy each and every bite.  You mostly fed yourself and Daddy and I just sat next to you and watched the show.  You even finished it up with a bit of apple and pumpkin pie.  Your Aunts, Uncles and Cousins couldn't get over you eating such a big meal, but I knew you would love it. After all, it is Daddy and I's favorite meal! Then, like any good American, you followed it all up with a nice long nap!

Just writing this is making me hungry.  I can't wait until your next Thanksgiving!

What do you get when you cross a turkey, a lion and a pony?

Hi Caleb,

When Dad and I were in California, we received a picture message from Nana with the text "can I be a turkey for Halloween?" I wasn't quite sure what that meant, and couldn't see the picture too well, so I replied sure and didn't think much more of it.  In September, I started to think about what you should be for your first Halloween. Nana reminded me that you had a costume all ready, and got the Turkey out of the closet.  A little strange for Halloween, but I tried it on you and it was so cute, I couldn't resist. My little man was going to be my little turkey!

As the day got closer, however, others got into the action. My friend Sheri gave us a bag of clothes and in there was a lion costume her son had worn.  Then Abba showed up one day with a pony costume.  Lucky boy, you now had THREE Halloween costumes! And I had a decision to make.  Which should you wear?

We decided to go with the Turkey for Halloween itself, since we would be spending the night with Nana.  We all went to Auntie Erin's.  Dillan was dressed as Curious George and he loved his costume. As a matter of fact, he wore it for about a week after Halloween was over! Andrew was a pumpkin and cute as could be.  Quite the trio, you were! Auntie Erin, Nana and I stayed at Auntie's to hand out candy while Uncle Sean and Daddy took you and Dillan out trick or treating. They pulled you around the neighborhood in Dillan's wagon and I think you had a good time! Once you got back, we had some pizza and just enjoyed the nice night!

The next day, we headed to NH to Auntie Mazie's for their annual bonfire.  This is one of our favorite nights of the year and we were so happy to bring you with us. For this party, you wore the pony costume and you looked adorable! The weather was a little cold, so you spent most of the night inside playing with Jake and his cousin Cameron. You did spend some time sitting with Dad and Auntie Lauren by the fire late in the night and man, did you like that fire! You just stared at it, watched it, so content in Dad's lap!

No candy for you on your first Halloween, and you never did wear the lion costume, but plenty of fun for sure! I know they will just get more and more fun as you get bigger!