Many Reasons to Be Thankful

While we have many things to be thankful for, I think Matt and I both agree that this little man is what we are most thankful for this year.  I never imagined that I could love someone so much.  Matt and I will catch ourselves just staring at him when he is playing on the floor. When he cries, I want to do everything in my power to make him feel better.  He is becoming more and more active and adventerous.  Today, he scooted backwards from our kitchen table to the fridge. Caleb was nine months old on Friday.  I think the days of him sitting in the chair with his sign are officially over.  This little man is on the move!

Besides Caleb, we are very blessed with a wonderful support system of family and friends.  Our Thanksgiving Break was spent with many of these important people.  We spent Thanksgiving with my family, Friday with my mom and grandma, Friday evening with my college friends, Saturday evening with Matt's family and friends, and Sunday with our families as we celebrated Caleb's baptism.  I can't think of a better way to spend 4 days. 

Here are some pics from Caleb's Baptism at St. John's (the same church where Matt and I got married).  Pastor Manning was wonderufl!    It was a very special day for us and our families.  Caleb was great during the whole thing.  He loves bathtime, so the water didn't bother him at all.  Now that the baptism party is over, I guess I better start planning his first birthday! 

Caleb looking handsome in his white suit! 

 Caleb and his godfathers: Uncle Chris and Uncle Craig

Fun with the girls

The girls (aka Maggie and Bridget) have the whole week of Thanksgiving off, so Grandma Sally and Grandpa Jim brought them to P-town.  We ventured to P-Town to spend some time with them.  Every time I see them, I think they are more and more grown up.  Shortly after Matt and I started dating, Bridget was born.  She will be 5 in March!  The girls are so much fun and love Caleb.  I am anxious to see if that "love" is still around this time next year when he is chasing them and getting into their toys.  Here are some pics from their visit. 

Feeding Caleb his puffs....Don't let him bite your finger!

 Yummy puffs! 

 Pretty Bridget! 

 Maggie.....Toothless Wonder! 

Grandma and Grandpa's babies! 

Worn out from playing with the girls. 

This week, Caleb had his nine month check-up.  He weighed 19 lbs., 9 oz.  We decided to introduce the sippy cup.  I think he would rather drop it on the floor than drink from it! 

A New Hairdo

As a teacher, I see many intersesting hair-dos walk into my classroom.  Mowhawks, fohawks, colored hair and buzz cuts with writing just to name a few.  Each time I see one of these interesting dos, I think what in the world was that parent thinking?  Who would they let their child do that? 

Well, on Tuesday when I went to vote, I felt as though people were looking at me and thinking those same thoughts.  This was Caleb's hair-do style from the sitter on Tuesday: 

 I have always sworn that I would never let my son have a mowhawk.  However, I must admit that he looks pretty darn cute. 

Eight Months Old and Caleb's First Halloween

As I mentioned in my last post, we have been looking for a new vehicle.  We are now the proud owners of a mini-van!  Exciting I know....I keep telling everyone that it has dual DVD players and a touch screen radio, makes it sound a little cool right???  While it may not be cool, it is super practical for us and I love it already.

Caleb turned 8 months old last week.  I don't know where the time has gone.  His little personality is coming out more and more each day.  All four of his front teeth have now broken through.  If we put him on all fours, he will rock, and can push himself backwards when he gets mad. We have been fortunate to spend lots of time with the our parents and grandparents lately.  Grandpa Don and Grandma Shirley made the trek to Indy to see Caleb and Baby Ellie last weekend.  It was so good to see them. 

 Come on Grandma Shirley, I'm hungry! 



What a cute little grin.....Future Heartbreaker I think!

Big Boy! 

I think he stayed up for less than 30 seconds. 

Exhausted.

 Oh, what is this?

 I think I'll eat it!

Sign saved and a good pic!

 Four generations of Shoup men

We celebrated his first Halloween at Jenny and Jason's annual party and trick or treating our neighbors.  I was trying to think of the perfect costume a while back and Nana stumbled upon the perfect lion costume.  He didn't seem to mind it at the party. 

 Caleb and his girlfriend Margo....She was baby smurf...I think we wore them out at the party. 

 Thank goodness we took those costumes off.  Want a ring?

Back from Trick or Treating....Matt tried to get a picture of him with his costume and pumpkin, but they were all fuzzy.  

Bye for now!