6 month pictures!

I am a little late at blogging this week.  I usually try to blog on Sundays or Mondays, but we were in Chicago all weekend and things have were busy at school this week.  Caleb's two front bottom teeth are now about halfway in.  He doesn't seem to be in too much discomfort, but is drooling like crazy and chewing on everything.  Becky took Caleb's six month pics a month ago, and I have not posted them yet, so here are a few of our favorites. Enjoy! 

Today We Remember

September 11, 2001....A day that I am sure each and every one of us remembers exactly where we were at and what we were doing.  For me, I was a sophomore at Franklin College.  I remember turning on the news and seeing that the first tower had been hit.  At the time, it was thought to be an accident.  I went to my nine o'clock history class with my favorite professor, Dr. Hunter.  Students began sharing with him what they had seen on the news.  As he was writing the days lesson on the board, he dropped his marker and turned around with a white face.  He told us that he had a bad feeling, a feeling he had not had since the last time the U.S. had been at war, and told us to leave class.  A group of us headed to Saga (the cafeteria) and joined many others who spent hours sitting and watching the events unfold on television. 

This morning, Caleb work us up at 8am, even though he had a late night last night.  I think he knew that I wanted to be up to watch the ceremonies commemerating the 10th anniversary of 9/11.  As we watched the news, I told Caleb what had happened that day and how lucky he was to be an American.  I feel truly blessed to live in a country full of opportunity and freedom, full of people who risk their lives in order to help others, and people who wear red, white, and blue with such pride.  My heart goes out to those families who lost loved ones on this tragic day, may they always cherish the memories they had with them and know that we too remember them. 

On Friday, my school commemerated 9/11 by wearing red, white, and blue, and creating a human flag using all students and staff.  As I looked at my class, I realized almost all of them had not been born yet when 9/11 occurred.  However, many of them where still able to share what they knew about the tragedy.  As an educator, it is important that I continue to share the events of this day with my students so that they can be proud of their country, the opportunities it provides for us and its people and know that unfortunately, there are people out there who resent our great nation.  As a parent, it is important that Matt and I show Caleb how to make the most of the opportunities we have been blessed with and how to be a kind, generous,strong, loving, and determined citizen of our great nation. 

Sitting Up

Over the past two weeks, Caleb has decided that he only wants to sit up.  He loves sitting on the floor and playing with his toys, but never wants to lay down anymore.  I'm afraid he's going to skip crawling and go straight to walking!  He has become the curious infant who puts everything straight into his mouth.  Those two front teeth still haven't poked through yet.

Matt went to Chris's this weekend so they could enjoy their Father's Day present: a ride in the Indy Car two-seater.  He said it was awesome!  So, the boys and I spent two nights at mom and dad's.  Craig was home too, so I think mom was in heaven.

 Matt, Caleb, Cousin Tyler, and Baby Ellie:  Caleb is making a total Matt face!

Becky came last week to take Caleb's six month pictures.  I am sooooo lucky to have a friend who is a fantastic photographer!  I'll post the pics next time!

Brandy, David, and the kiddos stopped by to have their pictures taken too. I think Lexi is a big Caleb fan, what do you think? 

 Caleb and Great Grandpa Bill:  Only after Grandpa stole him from Nana...She was being a Caleb hog :)

 Caleb's new Radio Flyer car from Grandpa and Nana....He just smiled and giggled while mom pushed him around. 

 Caleb and his BFF :)

 Splish, Splash, I'm takin a bath!  This boy loves the bath. We were also able to swim a couple of times this weekend and he is becoming more adventurous...splashing and kicking those little feet!

Sunday evening, the FC gang had a cook-out.  Addison wasn't too sure about these two little boys, Caleb and Chase....I'm sure this time next year they will be chasing her around.  Maggie finds out next week what she is having...I'm hoping its a boy for Caleb to play with.  And, Ali is adding a new addition to the gang in March!  So, Addison, Ainsley, Chase, and Caleb will have some new friends soon.

Six Months Old!

On Thursday, Caleb celebrated his half birthday!  When I was in college, one of my friends shared with me that his mother (now my next-door neighbor at school) celebrated her children's half birthdays.  I have always teased her about it, but have decided that I would like to do this with Caleb.  After all, 6 months old is a big deal!  :)  At his 6 month checkup, Caleb weighed 18 pounds and was 26.5 inches long.  He loves to sit up on the floor and play with his toy.  Everything is going straight to his mouth these days.  He is usually all smiles.  We took down the baby swing last week, because he tries to wiggle out of it.  We now have more space in our living room, but it was kind of sad, he's not a little baby anymore. 

Everyone has asked if they can recieve notification via email when I update the blog.  Well, after consulting my blog specialist Ali, there is now a box at the top of the page where you can subscribe.  Thanks Ali and Happy 30th Birthday tomorrow!!!!

When I was getting my classroom ready, Caleb hung out one afternoon with Miss Elizabeth.  Elizabeth is the daughter of Mrs. Buck, (the teacher I mentioned above).  They are two of the kindest, sweetest, and most helpful people I know.  Here are a couple of pictures that she sent to me from the day.  As you can tell, he loved hanging out with Miss Elizabeth. 

First Overnight at Mamaw and Papaw's

Well, I usually try to blog on Mondays, but this week has been super busy.  Last weekend, Matt and I went to the Colts game and dinner with Jim and Sally (Happy Belated Anniversary!), so Mr. Caleb spent the night at Mamaw and Papaws.  I think they would have kept him for the whole weekend if we would have let them!  On their way back to New Point, they stopped by the firestation to see Great Uncle Steve.  When I was a kid, I loved going to the firestation to see Uncle Steve.  As you can tell from the pictures below, I know Caleb loved it just like I did!

We walked in Saturday to find Caleb helping Mamaw do her laundry.  What a good helper!

Trying to squeeze into Uncle Steve's boot.

Fireman in the making?

I love fire trucks!

The End of Summer

I have spent the past five and a half months telling myself that August 15th was a  long time away.  Now that it's here, I'm not sure where the time has gone!  I have been very fortunate and blessed to me able to spend the past five and a half months home with Caleb(I know I said that last week, but I can't say it enough!)  We had alot of fun spending our days hanging out in our pjs, going shopping, having lunch with friends, and visiting with his great grandparents.  Tomorrow, we start a new routine.  He will go to Miss Sonya's Monday-Thursdays and then stay home with Daddy on Fridays.  Hopefully I don't have too many tears tomorrow.  There is one saying that you will find on many teacher signs: "The best three things about teaching are June, July, and August."  Being a mother has brought a whole new meaning to that saying. 

Here are a few pictures that sum up our summer:

Sleeping through his first Meet the Teacher Night!

Where did the summer go?!?!?

I have been very blessed and fortunate to spend the past five and a half months home with Caleb.  He has grown so much during this time!  School starts next week, so it is time for me to get back to reality.  While I am sad, I know he is in good hands with Miss Sonya and Miss Karen.  We didn't do much last week, so I don't have any pictures.  We did spend some time at school this week trying to get my classroom ready.  On Saturday, I went to Cincinnati with the FC girls and Caleb stayed home with Daddy overnight.  It was my first overnight away from the little man, but I had fun and so did the guys :) 

Reading Dr. Seuss= Baby Genius? 

Mrs. Buck created a bulletin board showing people reading.  She asked if Caleb would be part of her bulletin board.  I am soooo glad she took this picture, it turned out adorable!  Thanks Kathy!