Your friend Thomas, August 3, 2009

Hi Caleb,

As you probably know, Mommy has a friend named Sheri. She has a son named Thomas. He is a few years older than you, but is your friend nonetheless! He is a cute, sweet, smart boy- everything Mommy hopes your friends will always be!

This summer, Mommy has been teaching Thomas swimming lessons, so you have spent a lot of time with him. Even though he is a "big boy," he really seems to like playing with you! Today, after swimming lessons we decided to go on a bit of an adventure, so we headed up to Big Blue. It was one of those days that didn't work out quite as Mommy planned. The plan was a quick hike up and down Big Blue, then some time at the museum. Well, Sheri and I got to talking on the way down and Mommy wasn't paying attention. I missed the turn and, once again, we ended up way off track. You were riding on Mommy's back so you didn't mind, but poor Thomas was walking and he got REALLY tired. We kept him going by promising him some time at the museum, but when we made it back, the museum was closed! Poor Thomas!!

Despite today's mishaps, it is always great to play with your friends! Hopefully, our next adventure will work out better!

Love you!

Cape Cod with your cousins, July 23-26, 2009

Hi Cal,

You are a lucky boy because you have lots of Aunts, Uncles and cousins! You see my side of the family a lot, but Daddy's not quite as much because they live a bit further away. Every summer, though, Auntie Susan and Uncle Mike rent a huge house in the Cape and invite everyone to join them some fun at the beach. We didn't make it down there last year because you were so small, but we did make it this year for a few days. It was a great time! We spent lots of time on the beach and at the ponds and your big cousins were so great playing with you! At one point, all of your cousins were there and that NEVER happens! There was lots of fun, lots of sun, lots of noise and lots of laughs!

Some of the things we did on this little mini vacation:

Played soccer on the beach in the rain with Sam and Jack

Visited a few different beaches and ponds

Explored P-town for a day with Marianne and Jake

Hung out at the house and got to know the cousins you don't get to see nearly often enough!

Next year, we will hopefully get down there for even more days!

Love you lots!! Mommy

A week in Maine, July 2009

Hi baby boy!

Vacation time! We just finished a week in Maine with Nana, Granky, Auntie Erin, Uncle Seany and the boys. Man, did we have a great time. Here is a list of a few of the things we did on this fun vacation:

Went to your first Sea Dogs game! We didn't make it the whole game, but still had fun!

Spent some time at our favorite Smiling Hill Farm. You loved the animals and the play yard.

Took a trip to Freeport to do a little shopping. Mommy always loves this part of the trip! Daddy, not so much!

Crescent Beach- you are becoming such a beach bum!

Lots and lots of time swimming in the pond and hanging around the house!

I love going to Maine with you. Lucky for us, we are going a second week later in the summer!

Country boys and girls getting down on the farm, July 9, 2009

Hey Cal,

Today was an absolutely fantastic day! We went on an awesome adventure with Nana, Auntie Erin, Dillan, Andrew, Auntie Nancy, Auntie Jeanie, Auntie Jackie, Cousin Kathy and Cousin Nick. We loaded up the cars early and made the long drive to Davis Family farm. This is a totally cool place with TONS of animals running around, a great wagon ride and a really awesome sprinkler park. You had so much fun and loved all the animals! You especially liked the goats, and there were lots of them all around for you to play with. It was VERY hot out, so we ended the day with lots of time at the sprinkler park. You were fascinated by the different streams of water shooting up all over the place. You and Dillan could have stayed there forever, but eventually we had to make the long drive home. You were pretty wiped out and slept the whole way.

Another great day with my little man! Love you!!

Fourth of July, 2009

Happy Fourth of July, Caleb!!

We had a great time celebrating the country's birthday these last few days. Our celebrations, as always, started on the 3rd. We headed down to Marsh-vegas to Uncle Eddie's house We missed the beach part of the day but made it to Eddie's just as everyone was getting home. You had a great time, you especially enjoyed kicking the soccer ball around with Uncle Tony!

On the fourth, we went as always to Auntie Jackie's. She's been having this cookout as long as Mommy can remember and it is always a good time. Abba joined us this year and it was great to have her there. You had a ton of fun playing in the pool with lots of cousins.

We kept the party going onto the fifth. Since Daddy had the day off, Mommy wanted to go for a hike. Daddy had other plans, however, and told us we were going on a surprise adventure. He took us in town to the Swan Boats! You loved riding on the boat and seeing all the ducks. We then went on a super long walk all through the Commons, the Public Garden and the surrounding area. We ended up at the Museum of Science. You seemed to like the museum a lot, your favorite thing was the giant globe of the Earth that you kept calling the "big ball." We explored the exhibits, had something to eat, then walked back to the car. On the way back, you fell sound asleep on Daddy's back, you were so worn out from your Boston adventure!

We had lots of fun with you this weekend! Love you lots!!

School's out for the summer! June, 2009

Hey Caleb, did you hear?? Summer vacation is here. That means ten whole weeks of getting to be home with you! I have lots of adventures planned for us! Can't wait to get started on the fun!!

Love the summer and love you more! Mommy

Going to the Chapel! June, 2009

Dear Caleb,

Although you haven't been aware of it, our family has had a few major events in the last few months. First, Uncle Pat and Auntie Fallon got married in May. You stayed with Abba while Daddy and I went to the wedding. Next, Auntie Lauren and Uncle Bill got married in June. This time, you stayed with Nana and Granky. Both weddings were fun times, but the best part of it all was, even though you weren't there, you got a new aunt and a new uncle!

Love, Mommy

Fun with Dillan Michael! May 26, 2009

Hey Little Man,

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone (Mommy's favorite weekend of the year!) That means a few things... the school year is almost over and the summer is right around the corner. Those are mostly good things- the only bad thing is that, after this school year, Mommy will be going back to work full time. I have been part time this year, home by 11:30 everyday. That has been awesome because of the extra time it has given me with you, but also because of the extra time it has given us with Dillan. You see, Mommy has been picking Dillan up at school a few days a week this year and then we get to spend the whole afternoon hanging with him (and Nana and Andrew too!) We have had some great adventures- trips to the Trailside Museum and the South Shore Science Center. Even a picnic at Castle Island. Other days, Dillan has come to play at our house and, man, you guys can make a mess! Whatever we have done, the best part of it has been watching you and Dillan become such great friends. You have so much fun playing together and I hope you will always enjoy each other as much as you do now!

Here's to lots more fun times with your cousin!

Love you! Mommy

Two roads diverged in a yellow woods... May 24, 2009

Hi Caleb,

You know how much Mommy loves to go hiking. This isn't the first post about that... In your short life, Daddy and I have already taken you on several hikes. Since today is Memorial Day, Daddy doesn't have to work. It is a beautiful day, so we decided to head off to the Blue Hills for a little hike. We planned to try out a new trail and estimated it would take us about an hour. Man, were we in for a surprise... Somewhere along the way, we took a wrong turn and ended up REALLY far from where we started. One hour turned into about three. You were not happy to be trapped in the carrier on Daddy's back all that time! Eventually,we had to let you out and you were pretty excited to run around the woods. I was a little worried as to where we would end up, but Daddy was pretty smart about getting us back to where we started. We came across a trail map and Daddy took a picture of it- that way, we could look at it from time to time to make sure we were on the right track. Thanks to Daddy, we finally found our way back. Mommy is going to make sure we get a map before we head off on our next adventure!

Thanks for being such a good boy on a long day! Love you!

Moving Day! May 2, 2009

Pack your bags, Cal. We are moving!

Yup, we decided little condo is too small, and the building a bit too shady, so Nana and Granky have generously agreed to let us live with them for a while.

I have been working hard to transform my old room into your new room. You will have a lot more space for all your toys and, best of all, get to spend lots of time with Nana and Granky!

We are all nervous as to how this is going to work out, but excited too. How long we'll be there before moving again, only time (and the real estate market) will tell.

Time to say good bye to your first home. The moving truck is coming!

Love you! Mommy

Your first hospital trip. April 20, 2009

Dear Caleb,

Mommy is very tired right now. It was been along few days and an especially long night. We just got home from a few hours at South Shore Hospital. It was not fun, to say the least!

A few days ago, you came down with a belly bug. Not your first, and it didn't seem to bad in the beginning. The thing was, it didn't get better. For the last 3 days, you haven't kept anything down. We have tried juice, water, pedialyte. It all comes right back up. Finally, earlier today, I called the doctor and they said to give you one more thing of pedialyte, and call back if you didn't keep it down. You didn't, so I called back and they told me to take you right to the hospital. Unfortunately, Daddy is in Wisconsin, so it was just you and I. I bundled you all up and off we went.

When we got there, we waited and waited in the first waiting room. Then we waited and waited in the second waiting room. This one had toys and a HUGE fish tank, so you were pretty happy, even though it was way past your bedtime. After forever, we were moved into a room and we waited and waited there. Finally, a doctor came into see you. He looked at you for about a minute and then gave you a popsicle. He said if you kept that down for 1/2 hour, we could leave. You didn't love the cold popsicle, but you finally ate it and, thankfully, you kept it down. Hours and hours of waiting and the miracle cure was a popsicle. I bundled you back up and we headed back home. Now you are in your crib sleeping like an angel! I hope you feel better tomorrow. And sleep late!

Feel better, good boy! I love you!!

One Year Old! March 15, 2009

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, dear Caleb. Happy Birthday to you.

I can't believe it is your birthday. I can't believe you are one year old. I can't believe its been a year since you changed our world. I can't believe it has only been a year. I can't believe how much you have changed and grown. I can't believe how amazing you are.

In case you haven't figured it out, today is your first birthday. We had your party yesterday at Nana and Granky's house (even though they are still in Florida.) It was a great day. You were surrounded by friends and family and they all spoiled you rotten! You got lots of new toys and clothes and "ate" your "first" piece of cake. "Ate" meaning you smashed it and smushed it and generally just made a mess. "First" because people have been slipping you bits of cake for a while now, despite Mommy's protests!

While we were planning for your party, Daddy came up with a pretty great idea. You are a very lucky boy in lots of ways and have tons of stuff, so there really was nothing you needed for presents. Instead, we asked your party guests to make a donation in your name to the Make A Wish Foundation to help other kids who need it. We are hoping this will be a tradition that will continue for all your birthdays and when you are big enough, you can pick where the donation goes. I can wait to see what you pick.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy. I hope you enjoyed your special day! I know I sure did. Love you lots!

We're leaving, on a jet plane... February, 2009

Hi Cal,

You have now officially earned your first set of wings. For February vacation, you and I took a trip to Fort Myers Beach to visit Nana and Granky. Unfortunately, Daddy had to stay behind to work, so you and I had this adventure to ourselves. Daddy took us to the airport bright and early and off we went.

Mommy REALLY doesn't like to fly, but having you to focus on made it not so bad at all. The way down was a pretty long trip since we had two stop overs, but you were a great traveling companion. On each flight, you fell asleep before take off and slept almost until landing. You did wake up a little bit on one flight, just long enough to dump Mommy's ginger ale on the lady next to us, but she didn't mind! Other than that, it was smooth sailing. I mean flying.

Once we landed, Nana, Granky and Auntie Jeane were at the gate to meet us. They couldn't believe how big you had gotten in a short time and were so surprised at what a great walker you had become. It was a long ride to the Red Coconut from the airport because of traffic, and you were starting to get a little unhappy, so we stopped and got you your first ice cream. It was actually frozen yogurt, it was strawberry and you loved it!

Once we got to Coconut, you had a blast exploring the house and the park, visiting the beach and making friends with all the neighbors. You ate tons of fresh fish and were pretty much an angel the whole trip! We took lots of long walks with Auntie Jeanie and overall just had a great time.

It was pretty sad when it came time to get back on the plane and head home. We only had one stop this time, and once again, you were a champ! Daddy met us at the airport and you were so happy to see him! We are looking forward to many, many more trips to FMB. Maybe next time we can bring Daddy with us.

Love you, my little beach bum!

New Year, New Milestone! 1/1/09

Happy New Year, Caleb!

You made it through your first New Year's Eve. We all went to Auntie Erin's and Uncle Sean's for Chinese food and fun. None of us expected, though, the big thing that would happen as we rang in 2009... Right in Auntie Erin's living room, you took your very first steps, about five of them to get from the coffee table to the couch! It was pretty amazing! Not quite ten months old and already on the move! Nothing can stop you now. Except all the baby gates we are now going to put up!

So proud of you, my walking boy!

Love, Mommy

Merry Christmas, Caleb! 12/25/08

Dear Cal,

Well, your first Christmas has come and gone. It was pretty awesome and I think you enjoyed it! As much as a 10 month old can, anyways. The preparations started with a long day of me, you and Daddy looking for a Christmas tree. Our condo is pretty small, and your growing collection of stuff makes it crowded, so we knew our tree was going to have to be on the small side. Since you are a crawling maniac and very curious, I was hoping we could find something that would sit on the table top, but after several stop and lots of looking, we couldn't find what I wanted, so we resigned ourself to no tree. When I mentioned to Nana we were going without, she thought it was very important that we have something for your first Christmas, so she bought us a small fake tree. With our very little collection of ornaments, it was a "Charlie Brown" tree for sure. But we loved it anyways.

We also took you to see Santa at the SSP, totally expecting to get one of those crying baby pictures. Not the case at all. While you weren't exactly thrilled to be handed off to a strange man in red, you did not shed a tear. As always, you were a brave boy.

That about covers the lead up to the big day... As far as Christmas itself, our celebration started on Christmas Eve. We went to church with Nana, Granky, Auntie Erin, Uncle Sean, Dillan, Andrew, Uncle Pat and Auntie Fallon. All the boys were good as gold. After church, it was back to Nana and Granky's for dinner and presents. You got lots of great stuff, but in true baby fashion, you much preferred the wrappings.

Next, it was home to wait for Santa to come. For the first time ever, you slept until 8 am on Christmas morning. Probably the best gift you could have given us! We did a few more presents at home, then started out on a long day. We went back to Nana and Granky's for breakfast, then to Auntie Nancy's for lunch, then Abba's for dinner, and finally Uncle Bill's for dessert. It was crazy, but you were great!

It was so awesome celebrating Christmas with you! Love you lots!

Back in the Saddle...

Hi Little Man,

It has been a long time since Mommy did any work on this blog. As I write this, you are approaching your third birthday. So much has happened in that time. I still have been keeping a running diary of your major life events and other day to day things on my computer, but I haven't put them here in a while. Daddy has subtly (and not so subtly) suggested I should get back at it, so here we go. I am going to add a bunch of posts right now to get caught up in what has happened. Disregard the posting dates, the post itself will say when each things occurred.

As we say to each other so often now "I love you all the stars, to infinity and beyond."

Love, Mommy