Around the House

Wow, looking through these pictures just makes me realize that we have a toddler and not a baby anymore.  I guess it takes a while to sink in. :)  These are just some random pictures of things Caleb has been up to lately.

 We bought him a step stool since he likes to climb and see on the counters....and of course he decided to find his own use for it. :)  He DOES use it correctly too and also likes sitting on it.

 One morning he asked me to put my shirt on him, and then he wore it around all morning.

 He so often tries to do many different things that he sees us doing.  I realized how attentive he is when he found a Q-tip on the floor and immediately tried to put it in his ear.  We don't even use them all that often.  He also takes great pride in helping to put laundry in the wash machine.  He picks one or two socks up at a time, asks me to lift him up, drops them in, and then the process continues- up-down-up-down. :)

 We were playing with cars the other day and I couldn't figure out what he was doing, so I asked him.  He stood up and pointed to the little car and said "on."  OH, he's trying to RIDE it! LOL!  :)

 Joshua came over to play for a couple hours the other day.  Caleb enjoys the time but whenever he's with kids he's having to learn so many things....sharing, asking nicely, taking turns, and no hitting.  I'm looking forward to joining a play group with a friend from church soon so that he can get more time with kids.

 And he finally realized he can open the toilet lid.  I came in the other day to this! :)  He's never seen my kick-board used for what it's made for, but he somehow seemed to know that it belongs in water.  No more leaving our phones around until he learns that he doesn't get to open the toilet lid.

Still trying to get into everything possible.  He tried very hard to get into a tissue box holder at church today.   It didn't work out too well. 

I finally bought some markers, crayons and finger paints!  We tried them out the other day!  He was very hesitant to get his fingers messy until I showed him that it was fun and okay!  Then he was quite serious and concentrating for quite a while as he got messier and messier!

A few smiles! 

 He also enjoyed the markers and we now have his first official drawing on our fridge! :)  Crayons aren't much of a hit yet.

 This is my bear, Fuzzy, whom Caleb is borrowing for the time being....and he really loves him!

He carries him around the house, sits him on stools, hugs him, gives him high-fives, and the other day decided to share his high chair and milk with him!  

 He finally gave up and took it back.  I love that it looks like the bear is glaring at him for taking it. :) No worries, they are still friends.

 Caleb has been quite determined lately to figure out how to use silverware.  He often asks for ours, so I bought him a metal fork and spoon.  He does a pretty good job when he puts his mind to it.

 It still takes lots of concentration to get it into his mouth and the food off  at the right time.

 Sometimes it's easier to put the food onto the fork....

....and more often to just use fingers! :)  Step at a time. :)

Gifts and Beads

Just one more Christmas post! :)  

Caleb wants to thank Oma Judy for sending some super fun gifts!

  He's continuing to enjoy all of the things you sent to him! 

 They timing of them getting here was perfect!  It provided some new things to play with on our LONG road trip!

And once we got back Caleb enjoyed taking down the decorations...especially the beads!  "Hmm, what can I do with these..."

I think he just sat playing with them for 15 minutes (which I learned my lesson never to give him more than one strand at a time again because it took me longer than that to untangle them.)

 Once he decided he was finished playing he headed out of the room, seeming to have somewhere in mind to put them.

 I followed after him a few minutes later! :)  Hmm, I'm not sure of his logic, but he was pretty sure that they belonged by the toilet.  I took them back out to put them away and they were soon back by the toilet again. :)  A place for everything!

Headed Home

The trip home was smooth sailing and quick!  We were very thankful after the crazy drive just a week prior. 

 Caleb knows how to relax.  Snack and a remote!  He's the king. 

 We stopped for a rest and took a couple pictures.  Caleb kept asking for "no" (snow) but we left if far behind.  The air was still cold but the look was California once again!

 I love my boys! 

We had a great vacation and look forward to the next one.....not too far off!!!!  JUNE 15!!!! WEDDING DAY!!!!

Great Grandma and Grandpa Boersma

They are MY Grandparents and Caleb's GREAT Grandparents! 

This time was super special for me.  I want Caleb to know Grandma and Grandpa because they are so important in MY life.  I want them to be a part of his as well.  It truly warmed my hear to see them interact. 

 They were both dying to hold him but were so patient with not being able to since he needed time to get to know them.

I love this picture!  Their faces truly light up being with him.  

Caleb is the only GREAT grandchild of the family.  I'm sure there are more to come with so many grandkids, but I think he's got a special place. :)

 I like this because of how Caleb is looking intently at Grandma as she's talking to him.

 Another favorite simply because of how special Grandma is to me.  She's been a great friend and support to me through the years, and it means a lot to share the most important little boy in my life with her and to see how much SHE adores him too.

I also LOVED watching Grandpa with him.  They played and laughed a lot together, and at the end of the time he turned his music on and Caleb danced along to it.  I think it made Grandpa's day. :)  As with everyone, I truly wish we could spend more time with them, but I'm thankful for the moments and memories we DO get to have together.

Olsons

I was super sad that a couple planned visits with friends had to be canceled for various reasons.  I'm still hoping we'll get to at least skype sometime soon.  We DID get to visit with the Olson family, which was even more fun than last time since Caleb is older now.  

 I decided to post several of these pictures just because they mean a lot to me.  I first met Evan when he was Caleb's age or younger, so it was fun to watch them together.  Caleb took a special liking to him and backed right up into his lap.

 I'm not sure if Evan knew quite what to do with the special attention, but Caleb wasn't bothered one bit.  High-Fives are all he needs for bonding. :)

Yep, Caleb is right at home, and Evan is still a bit shocked I think.

 Getting more comfortable.  Seemed he thought Evan was a pillow or something.

 I love Evan's look here...like- "WHAT are you DOING little creature?"

 Getting more comfortable....

 ....until, "let's wrestle!"  Time for Mommy to intervene.  We'll have to work on the "space bubble" concept soon. :) Thanks, Evan, for letting Caleb invade your space for an evening.  He really loved you! :)

 I also enjoyed spending time with Allie and Riley, who ALSO are growing up SO fast.  I'm sure that if we lived in the same town they would now be babysitters for Caleb.  Another surreal moment for me.

The guys had already left for baseball, so we took a girls shot, plus Caleb.  Hmm, he looks like he's pouting about being the only boy. :)  It was SO good to see you guys!  I hope we'll continue to meet up through-out the years ahead.

On To Portland...

The Ruters spend their Christmas in Sisters, so they came to see us before we left town.

We got to meet Matthias!  SUCH a cutie pie with so many smiles! 

 Caleb is very intrigued by babies.  He waved with great energy while saying "hi."  I'm pretty sure Matthias was wondering what was going on.

Anders is growing up fast!  

 We next headed to Portland to visit with friends and more family.  Although this trip was ten times easier than the way to Redmond, we still saw some slipping and sliding while getting chains on.

We both really enjoy this drive because of past memories, for Matt, when we were dating, and for me the years of going to and from Portland to Mom and Dad's.

That night we enjoyed visiting with uncles, aunts and cousins.

 I got to see some girls that were only in grade school when I first started working with kids.  Now Heather is a massage therapist and Autumn is about to graduate from High School.

 Caleb made himself at home.  It was nice to catch up with them and their mom.

 We enjoyed staying at Uncle Doug and Aunt Wendy's house.  They spoil us!  Caleb liked using the special high chair and getting extra love from Aunt Wendy.

 She helped him climb up and down the stairs and even had fun toys to play with and snacks to eat.  We'll be happy to stay at the "Gabbert Resort" anytime soon if they'll have us. :)

More pictures to come of Grandma and Pa Boersma's and Olson.