Road Trip- Day 1- To Bakersfield

When we found out that my brother, Craig, would be getting married in Utah, we decided to take advantage of the trip and visit some places we've never been before!  We weren't sure how Caleb would do, but decided to risk it and take a road trip!  We have tons of pictures, so I'll try to pick just the best to share some of what we saw and experienced!  So here we go....

Our first stop half way to Bakersfield to feed Caleb.  Afterwards he had fun with Daddy in the drivers seat.

 Of course we had to get out and stretch.  It smelled like cows, but Caleb didn't mind.  This was our first glimpse into how much he enjoys the adventure of discovering new places and trying out new things.

 He loved climbing on the back of the car, up the window....

 ...and onto the top of the car!  SO much fun!

From day one he definitely added extra fun to the trip (for the most part).

When he was awake I would sit in the back with him.  Here's my view! 

 We stayed with the Greens for night #1.  It was so good to see them and to introduce Caleb for the first time.  Sadly, though, we didn't get to see Rachel's parents or her family.  Maybe next time.  Caleb found the bathroom sink and thought it was a great seat!

 ...until he slipped right in!  Our first night was prety rough with lots of waking up.  This was also a glimpse into what most nights would be like for the rest of the trip.  Most likely teething was the main culprit, but possibly new places as well.  Thankfully, the days were much better!

8 Months

 My original purpose of taking these monthly pictures was to show Caleb growing in the chair.  I'm still bummed that these are the ones that never turn out.  But I will still post at least one.  Oh well, I think they will still be fun to look at next to each other...blurry and all. :)

He's definitely growing!

Some cuteness...

 A picture of what he REALLY wants to be doing right now.

Showing off standing up!  

It was also hard to get a decent picture of this, but at least we got one that is half way descent.

 And the winning, cheesy, teethy grin picture!  Happy 8 month buddy!

Snot and Steps Toward Crawling

 This is NOT a picture of snot OR steps toward crawling...just a picture of my man cuz HE is still my love...even though there are tons more pictures of Caleb now. :)  I love you babe!

 Caleb absolutely despises getting the snot sucked out of his nose, so I told him it would be okay to wait a while longer this time. :)  He didn't seem to mind.  Of course I do after he wipes it all over his face and head.   Oh well. Kinda funny in the meantime.

 Here are some of his moves lately as he's working toward getting around on his own, which he's quite determined to do even though he's been sick all week and low on energy.

 I've been wondering if he'll try walking around like this.

Proud, slimy face!

 Trying again, until...

Okay, he's tired, time to stop. And just to make sure you know i'm not a cruel mom, I took this right when he started to cry and then put it down to hold him. poor little baby.  yes, mommy loves him and isn't mocking his pain.  I must say, though, that this face has been more common this week.  He had to go to the doctor Wednesday, and now has an inhaler to use for a few days to help his breathing.  Snot, snot everywhere...coughing all night...lack of sleep...hopefully he'll get to feeling better soon.

Teeth!

This last week has been a bit rough since Caleb's first two teeth decided to make their appearance! 

 Today they are both showing quite well, so it was time for a picture!  

 This one is for you, Rachel, since we realized that in the first picture he is only partially dressed, we finished the job just for you :)  (Yes, he does, in fact, wear clothes quite often.  He just really likes being free of them, so I often give him time between changes to have "freedom" time! :) I guess this is often when I take pictures as well.)

Poor baby.  Teething just isn't any fun...for any of us.  Please pray for Caleb (and me with lack of sleep and still working) since last night it seems Croup showed up as well.  He's happy today and slept okay, but the poor guy just can't seem to stay well for very long, plus teething pain...just no fun at all.  Thanks.

Sunday with DadO/Opa Chuck

It's become our Sunday routine to go to church and then spend the afternoon with Matt's Dad.

 We've recently discovered Panera Bread!  Yum!  Good for place to have lunch!

 Something about these pictures....I think Caleb looks so much bigger and older.  Is it the shirt?  

The Sunday I these were taken was one of the best days so far with Caleb!  He seemed happier than ever all day long!  He talked, laughed, took naps easily, and seemed to fall asleep that night very content!  He's generally pretty happy, but there are more ups and downs with tiredness and pains.  So this day stands as quite a good memory for me.

caleb faces

The other morning after getting Caleb up, I was pretty tired still so was just laying on the couch watching Caleb talk and interact.  I grabbed the camera.....so here are a few faces of Caleb...

 The "focused-pushing-gotta-poo" face.  Just imagine some grunting to go along with it and it's complete.

 The "what's that over there" distracted face.

 The "Zoned-Out" face.

My favorite! :)

 I'll stop there....gotta go to bed and not feeling too creative. Just liking looking at the many faces of my baby.  Hope you enjoy it too.

Weekend Relaxing with Daddy

After running an errand, I came home to Caleb enjoying the afternoon with Daddy. 

 Just to show that he isn't ALWAYS smiling and happy....just a bit upset here. 

More happiness...so much fun learning to crawl.