It's a BOY!

Yup, you read it right!  Spring will bring a new baby boy into our family. We are totally excited.

I know some of you are thinking that I'm actually disappointed, because deep down I thought my baby was a girl.  Truthfully, I'm completely surprised.  When the ultrasound tech suddenly went from brain pictures to between his wide open legs, I was stunned.  The evidence was clear as day, so there's no doubt we have a little man on our hands.  I really was nearly speechless for the rest of the ultrasound, but it's sinking in now.  I was totally surprised.

However, I was never disappointed.  I love the idea of two boys close together, and would even be okay with all boys.  I feel a sense of relief that I don't need all new clothes and toys and stuff.  I can simply buy a new thing here or there when I love it, but only when I want - I'm covered.  I'm totally intimidated by hair bows and girl accessories, so that's a stress relief.  There are a few new baby items I'd like, but I would have wanted those with either gender.

Of course Tyler is excited as visions of sports dance through his merry head.  Most of all, we are very happy that he looks completely healthy at this point.  He is measuring about a week ahead of his due date, but Caleb did that too and came late, so I'm just taking it as a sign that he's healthy, but not an omen of an early departure from pregnancy.

We are so happy to have our little family grow.  We know there will be some stress and sleepless nights, but the joy is worth it.  We can't wait.

Here's another little picture of our thoughtful little boy angel.

18 Months of C-Love

Today our little man is 18 months old!!  Soon we will cease to commemorate his age in increments smaller than years, but not quite yet.  He's changing too fast.

He hasn't been to his check-up yet, so stats will be added later, but I have lots of anecdotal evidence of his growth. 

**Update** 33 inches tall - 75th percentile, 27lb 4 oz - 75th percentile, head circumference - 80th percentile.  I think this is the most proportionate he's ever been! 

First, his language development.  He's understanding so much more of what we say.  He can (and often even does!) follow simple commands.  He also says lots of words: cheese, juice, shoes, cars, Daddy, Mama, hi, yes, please (although he often signs it), dog, fish, bird, and we might have to add no to the list.  A couple of days ago I was trying to convince Caleb that he really wanted to read books with me rather than do something I didn't want him to do (can't remember what), and crinkled up his face all upset, looked at me and said, "No!" Then he got all cautious and tender wondering how I would respond to his defiant mood.  It was so cute.  The funniest language thing he does lately is call ANYTHING with a motor a car.  He points to planes in the sky and says, "Car!"  He points to stationary lawn mowers in Lowe's and says, "Cars!"  Trucks, fire engines, motorcycles, helicopters, buses, boats, etc.  They are all cars!  :)

He attempts to run now.  I don't know if it technically qualifies yet since I think running means one foot on the ground at a time, but it is an accelerated speed and involves lots of effort and excitement.  One of his favorite games is racing.  He'll race himself - yes, we just say, "Caleb!  Get ready to run!  Okay, ready, set, go!"  And he goes running across the room with the biggest smile on his face.  So cute!  But he likes to race other people too.  The best part is that it's not about the finish line.  He doesn't understand winning.  He just loves the running!

One of the happiest sounds in our house right now is a big yelling, "AHHH!!"  It comes with games like this:

Playing with Daddy is still Caleb's happiest, giggliest, and most active part of the day.

Another thing we're cherishing right now are Caleb's hugs and kisses.  He gives them willingly and are so nice.  We've finally cut the in-crib milk before bed and now he just likes to hug me tight, hold my hair and occasionally sing along while I sing him his lullabies.  It's the sweetest thing ever. 

He loves to mimic us and help us.  He actually vacuums.  Seriously.  Not in straight lines, and of course he never finishes a whole room, but he loves to vacuum with the "car."  He tries to do dishes, cook, use the toilet, drive the (real) car, rake the leaves, use the TV remotes, read chapter books, do laundry, play the piano and talk on the phone.

He's been going to nursery at church for several weeks now with one of us there the whole time, but this week we're just going to leave him!  Judging by his behavior so far, he won't mind a bit.  But we shall see!

We love our little boy and are so grateful for him!!

Little Buddies

Caleb has had a lot fun with little friends since the start of the fall, especially since we have regular babysitting swaps so I can teach my German class.  We are so grateful for good friends!  Here are some videos that are just hilarious.

This happened a few weeks ago.  You see Caleb and his little friend who's just a couple months older, and you hear a couple comments from the older brother.  Don't know how they discovered this game, but it was the hit of the day. :)

To set the scene for this one: I was at Kimi's watching our boys while she was shopping during our swap.  I look up from my snack (thanks Kimi :)) to see the two of them hugging.  In true little T fashion, he came to give me a hug next.  Caleb and I alternated hugs about 4 times before I got the camera started.  As you'll see, my camera scared him away from me and Caleb got all the affection after that.