Caleb's First Prayer

Before his nap today, Caleb asked Scott if he could pray. Of course, Scott said yes and then led him through a prayer. Then Caleb said, "Now I pray all by myself, Daddy." He buried his head in his little pillow and started to pray. We couldn't make out all of it, but we heard him mumble, "Thank you for Meme and Papa" and "in Jesus' name, Amen."

PRECIOUS!! We just about cried.

Caleb's Third Birthday Party

Caleb is 3 years old now! Amazing.


We had a great little family party for him Saturday. I made him a Blue's Clues "paw print" cake (from scratch--it took forever, but turned out yummy).



Isaac also turned 10 months old yesterday (it's so great that they were both born on the 29th--easy to keep track of). And just when we were getting ready to open presents, Isaac took his first independent steps! Little brother is already trying to steal the spolight....


Here are Matthew and Sara helping Caleb play with his new presents.

Rich and Angela

Meme and Papa

Friday

Caleb was so exhausted on Friday afternoon. He wouldn't wake up, no matter how many times I nudged him or called his name. So, I decided it was a good time to get a picture.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was very fun. The family all gathered at Mom and Dad's house for the feast. Usually I look forward to playing board games when the kids take naps, but we got so caught up in just talking, we didn't even break out the games. It was good to see everyone again. Mimme Scott (my grandmother) was even there. She moved to Rowlett about a month ago, so now she can join in the festivities.

My goofy husband and child (this is what happens when Scott is responsible for taking pictures)

New Neighbors

I think we have new neighbors. The "for sale" sign is down, and lights are on in the house.

So, what's the modern-day etiquette for welcoming people to the neighborhood? When I saw the lights on, I had an image of me wearing an apron, carrying over a freshly baked apple pie with steam still rising from it, knocking on the door and introducing myself.

How 1950's. This is the new millenium. We don't care who our neighbors are, as long as they leave us alone to live in our own little bubbles.

Baby Monkeys

Today I learned something interesting about baby monkeys who are raised without mothers. If they are given the choice between a "mother" made out of wire who gives milk and a "mother" who is covered in a soft, warm material but has no milk, they will choose the soft and warm one every time. That speaks volumes about babies' needs to feel loved and comforted.

Baby Food

Isaac is so different from Caleb. He likes just about every food we give him. Caleb at this age had already developed dislikes for several foods. I blame myself--when I was pregnant with Caleb, all I wanted to eat was McDonald's cheeseburgers and turkey bacon sandwiches! I was a much healthier eater with Isaac.

So, Isaac is starting out his adventures in food very differently. We started him on all organic foods, with added probiotics and/or DHA when available. Caleb never had any of that stuff.

I started making my own baby food last month. It's saving a ton of money! I don't buy all organic, but I try to when I can. I only buy premade baby food occassionally, and when I do I like the organic Happy Baby frozen foods. (There are BOGO coupons for Happy Baby on the Happy Bellies cereal cans, so it's affordable.) I have made my own squash and sweet potatoes supply, and today I made applesauce and blueberry puree. I buy fresh bananas and avocados--it doesn't get any easier than that, since all you have to do is mush them up with a fork or stick them in the food processor. I have some peas and green beans I need to cook and puree.

It is oddly satisfying to make your own baby food.

For my own benefit, here's a list of foods that Isaac eats and enjoys:

• Brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa cereals
• Bananas
• Avocados
• Applesauce (regular and cinammon; he likes it mixed with other food better than by itself)
• Squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Cheerios
• Strawberry/apple puffs
• Shredded cheese (mild or sharp cheddar)
• Green beans
• Peas
• Spinach
• Pears
• Carrots
• Mango
• Black beans
• Egg yolks--he didn't like this in chunks, but will try it pureed

I need to try these over the next couple of weeks:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Ground beef
• Yogurt
• Grapes (can freeze them and put them in a mesh baby feeder, or peel and cut into quarters)

I am going to buy one of those 2-tier steamers. Today I used the little collapsible steamer for the first time, and it worked okay, but not great.

Things I learned today to remember next time:

• For blueberries, bring the water to a boil, add blueberries, and immediately turn down the heat. Let the blueberries simmer in the hot water for 15 minutes. I kept the water boiling when I made them today, and the blueberries broke apart and drained into the water.
• For apples, dice them very small so they'll cook faster. I think it took about 45 minutes to steam my 6 apples today! I thought it would only take about 20 minutes. Also, make more for myself! The apples were SO good and smelled wonderful while they were cooking. I kept "testing" them. ;)

Pics from Tuesday

Caleb playing with his breakfast. His bites of oatmeal become "cars" waiting at a traffic light. A great imagination on that kid!

Isaac playing this morning in his cute little pj's.

I SO wish this picture wasn't blurry! Isaac does this cute little Hiro-ish squint that is precious.

What do you do with a blog, anyway?

Ok, I'm going to finally get with the program and start a blog. I guess people just talk about randomness on their blogs, so here's mine for today...

Caleb will turn 3 on Saturday. Hard to believe that just 3 years ago I was kidless. A former life.

Poor Caleb was up almost all night on Sunday with an ear infection. He's been very healthy since about 18 months (just chronic hayfever/allergies), but he's had 2 ear infections now in one month. He probably didn't heal properly after the first round of antibiotics, and infection set in again. He's back on a stronger dose of Augmentin.

He's pathetically cute when he's sick. He gets really clingy and cuddly. Normally, he isn't still long enough to really want to cuddle anymore, but when he's sick all he wants to do is be held. So I got to hold him through Sunday night when he came to our room and kicked Scott to the couch. ;)

Isaac is absolutely precious at this stage. He stood for about 30 seconds yesterday, then took 2 steps to me. Not even 10 months old.