Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Caleb's latest adventures

Caleb continues to amaze and bewilder us every day. He is a true toddler and is showing his desire for independence on a very regular basis. Here's the latest:

  • Several weeks ago, he started saying, "Uh-uh Mama" or "Uh-uh, Daddy." Now, he says, "night-night, Mama" and "night-night, Daddy." He tells EVERYTHING night-night and sometimes even gives kisses along the way...to the walls, his toys, the phone...everything. He knows it's funny and does it just for the laugh!
  • Two-word utterances: In addition to the greetings and farewells, Caleb is now putting two words together on a regular basis. He says, "Mama's shoe," "My bed," "bye-bye car," etc. Tonight at dinner, he even said, "Thank you, Daddy." Sometimes he also puts things together that crack us up!
  • Puzzles! Caleb is the puzzle king! He can work an inset puzzle like nobody's business.
  • Planes, Trains, Trucks, Tractors and Cars - The child loves things that go! He got so excited this weekend because the builders in the neighborhood broke ground on some new houses, so there were "tactuhs" everywhere...and they were moving dirt around!
  • Animals - Caleb loves to say hi to animals. If he sees a dog, he says, "Hi, dog." If he sees a cat, he says, "Hi, meow kitty." He has also learned lots of animal sounds that are pretty funny. My favorite is the donkey who says, "hee haw hee haw."
  • Independence. Caleb wants to feed himself and gets very angry when we try to help. He uses his spoon for yogurt, applesauce, mac & cheese, etc. He also wants to do things like pull his own wagon, throw things away, carry everything. The down side of this is that he doesn't like for his hand to be held much anymore - not even in a parking lot or store. He knows it's not really a choice to walk by himself, but he likes to try to do it anyway and then throws a fit when I won't let him. Oh, well.
  • What's in that diaper? - We have not tackled the process of potty training yet and we probably won't until summer at least. However, Caleb is showing some interest in all things toilet related. When I ask him if he is stinky or if he pooped, he will either say "no" or ignore me. That way I know that he hasn't. If he has, though, he points to his diaper and says, "poop." He has also started calling his boy parts, "pee pee" and likes to point this out to me anytime he is naked. He also pointed to his father's "pee pee" this weekend - much to Rudy's chagrin.
  • Speaking of diapers - we have moved up to size 6 diapers! Holy cow! Well, Sam's doesn't carry Pampers in a size 6, so I switched to Huggies. Not a good idea! Caleb's diaper has leaked every night this week. He wakes up in the middle of the night crying because his PJ's and sheet are soaking wet. This requires me to get up and not only get him back to sleep, but also change his diaper and PJ's - usually around 2:00 or 2:30. Instead of changing his sheet in the middle of the night, I have resorted to putting him in the guest bed with me. I get very little sleep when I do this and really should just change the sheet and put him back to bed. I'm tired. Caleb kicks, rolls, sits up and does everything but a handstand when he's in that bed. I end up sleeping on about a foot of the edge of the mattress while he's laying sideways taking up the rest of the bed. Tonight, Rudy stopped at the store and bought size 6 Pampers. I just hope they can do the trick!
  • Caleb's dancing hasn't improved, but his overall motor skills are developing great. He is now running everywhere, walking backwards, walking sideways and climbing all by himself. He loves to go to our neighborhood playground and climb on the playset, then slide down the slide. His fine motor is coming along too. He loves to "daw" (draw) with crayons and sidewalk chalk.
  • And then there's his affinity for being dizzy:

Okay...enough of all of that. Caleb-Bug is doing great. He's been well now for a few weeks and we're seeing lots of personality coming out of him. He has his tantrums and his laughing fits. He loves to play chase and ball with his Daddy and loves to blow raspberries on his Mama's tummy. He is a true blessing and we are so grateful that he is in our lives!

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