Thursday, May 30, 2013

Growing Up

Both my kids are growing up so fast. Which, I guess is obvious, but I've been reminded of it a lot lately.  
Hannah lost her first tooth. This was both traumatic and exciting for her. We were at lunch when it happened. She took a bite of her cheeseburger and out it came. She held it up and showed us, and immediately broke in to tears. Chris and I were trying trying very hard to reassure her and not laugh at the same time.
That night when she wanted to put the tooth under her pillow, she asked me to do it because she didn't want to see the tooth. The tooth fairy brought her a dollar. We weren't sure of the going rates for tooth fairies. The next morning I realized the whole losing teeth process will be expensive for us.
For those with kids losing teeth, how much does the tooth fairy bring your kids?

It may have been traumatic to lose the tooth, but now she will happily tell anyone she lost a tooth, even strangers, and show them the new one coming in.

The other reminder of the kids growing up was celebrating Caleb's first birthday. I only had about two weeks to prepare since I had put everything on hold until after taking my last licensing exam on April 29.
I went with a bear and camo theme, since we call Caleb our little bear because of all his grunting and growls. 
I searched the kids rooms and gathered all our teddy bears and bear books. Each table had a boquet of flowers and a bear book. This one also got my left over camo fabric as a runner. By using things I had in the house it made the decorating super cheap, always a plus!
This is the banner I made with bias tape and fabric. Super easy to do!

This guy sat on the food table. I found the paw print paper underneath at the Dollar Tree. I also found camo print napkins at the party store
I hung a string of twine on the back fence and attached a photo of Caleb from each month with clothespins.  Again, cheap decorations
This is the cake I made for Caleb to smash in to. The camo underneath is a blanket we have
The cake for the rest of us, banana with cream cheese frosting. Bananas are Caleb's favorite fruit
Hannah was very excited to help Caleb open his gifts. I had to keep reminding her to keep the package in front of him and show him what each gift was.
Wearing his new hat. I made his shirt too with the same fabric I used for the banner and table runner. No sewing, just heat bond
Getting ready to dive in to his cake
Once he got into the cake he loved it and started laughing. That boy loves to eat
The end result, I think he ate most of it.
Happy birthday Caleb Samuel! I love your smiles, your giggles, how much you love to play peek-a-boo, wrestle with Dad, and play chase with your sister. You are a talker, and will babble all day long (sometimes loudly). You just learned the sign for "more" and use it when you are hungry, saying "moh." Sometimes I can't feed you fast enough. You are such a joy to have in our family and I am honored to be your mama. 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

One

Tomorrow my baby boy turns ONE. I can't believe it. This time last year I was in labor, debating whether or not we should go to the hospital yet. Now I am on the couch reminiscing, almost tearfully, as he sleeps right above me. Caleb's first year went by so much faster than Hannah's, I sort of feel like I missed it. And I am already seeing my baby disappear and a very energetic toddler emerging. It's exciting and it's sad at the same time. I miss my snuggly, cuddly infant who would fall asleep on me. Now he squirms to be let down so he can crawl (fast!) and explore. He has the best giggle. He loves to eat, I mean really loves it. He loves his sister, and already likes to wrestle with Chris.
I love you deeply Caleb Samuel, our miracle baby. I can't wait to see what God has in store for your life.


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Springtime (Fun With my Camera)

First, as a follow-up to my last post, I passed my test! I'm so excited to be finished taking tests after six years of them (post college). I have already started working on my to-do list, reading my Bible more, planning Caleb's party, and doing some work in the garden. I also cleaned one set of blinds today too, so I'm on my way. That has to be one of my least favorite house chores. 


Enough of that, here are some photos I've been wanting to post for awhile. I took them back at the end of March, right after Easter, so this is long overdue.





A girl and her dog