15 mos

[life with a toddler] I love this picture <3

Reasons my kid is crying... he can't find bubble guppy.

Happy 15 months to my all too awesome little boy who is growing all too fast! I used to watch your little eyes and hands try to figure out what was going on around you. I wondered what was going on in that little head... But now, you're starting to tell us and show us exactly what you're seeing and feeling. Now that we have you, I'll never miss out on seeing a bird or a ball while we're out together. You spot them everywhere. You remind me what it is to appreciate the little things that are happening all around us. I love you so much little man! <3

your handsome face: 12 months

While I was putting this last collage together, I have come to realized that these pictures have helped me to watch you become into a little boy this past year. I can remember vividly with every snap of my camera phone the odd faces you would make as a baby... but they have now turned into babbles, huge smiles, and sometimes a frown. Your face is just as handsome and captivating to me as it was the first time I saw it while you were still inside me... but you're a little boy now. Not just my baby, but a ball of energy and personality. You're someone, baby boy. And these pictures have helped me to capture you becoming one. I hope one day you'll appreciate them as much as I do.

12 months

12 months! One year... I can't believe I'm writing this post. Happy 1st incredible birthday to my little buddy. I love how you've changed my life and my heart since you've been in my life. I love you so very much and hope your day was so special and perfect. <3<3

I was going to put Caleb's "Dear baby" birthday letter here, but I decided to save it just for his baby book.

your handsome face: 11 months

Look at those little teeth popping through! We had a few challenges this month... With your first, and second, tummy bug... no fun! But also, some great firsts - like your first picnic, tooth brush, and stolen pair of sunglasses... oops!

11 months

Handsome boy, (or as I have learned to so fondly call you, my sweet booboo) Happy 11 month birthday. Only a few more weeks, and we'll be on to counting the years of your precious life rather than the months and weeks. Sometimes it feels like once you came into our lives, we have been running non-stop. Every time I think I can slow down and appreciate the "new you" that has emerged, you're off and doing something else and changing again. It's amazing really. I've never admired someone so much or wanted to know how their mind is working as much as I do you. It seems strange right? You're learning about blocks and balls and learning to crawl (and some day walk!) and putting together sounds and a few words, but I really wonder what you think of this whole world. Are you as in awe as I suspect you are? Every time you see a ball, even if it was just 10 minutes later, it's a cause for celebration! My 30 years says, yes, it's just a ball... but to you it's the best thing you've encountered all day. And you're so proud of yourself for finding it, and for holding it... and now, throwing it! I am just as in awe of your every move and milestone. Keep growing and learning my little angel. I'm so proud to be your mommy <3

I can climb on and off the chair by myself now!

Trying to escape the chair again!

your handsome face: 10 months

My little cuddle monkey. How is it possible that 10 months have passed since you came into my life? You're becoming more and more active and quite the entertainer. <3

10 months

I'm getting pretty good at this posing thing, huh mommy!? :)

RAWR!! Attack of the baby!!

Cheeeeeeese!!

Caleb,
Yes, I think you're quite adorable in your mohawk! Your naturally growing one seems to have disappeared as your hair is growing in and you're getting somewhat of a mullet... I refuse to cut it at this point though. It is way too early for your first hair cut.

You are quite the little crowd pleaser, little guy. People stop me all the time to say how cute you are and you LOVE it, you smile and "talk" for them. It's crazy to me how you were just a little baby a few short months ago and now we are speeding up to your first birthday.

Your first year has been nothing short of amazing and the fun is just beginning. While you haven't taken your first step yet, I'm pretty sure you'll be taking that leap pretty soon. You like to stand on your own and bang on the couch, the bed, the dresser, the tub. The louder the noise, the more fun it is! As much as I want you to learn and be independent, I LOVE that you're still my cuddly, bear hug, loves to give kisses little boy. If I can't keep you small for any longer, at least don't lose that love of love in your heart.

Love you always,
mommy

your handsome face: month 10

When we were counting 60 days until your birth, I couldn't wait for you to be "out" and in my arms. I knew then that a year later I would be wishing the exact opposite... 

I just didn't know how quickly that year would pass.

9 months

Baby boy,

Look at that serious face! The week to follow these photos was a rough one for you and me. You had your first really bad cough followed by a stomach bug that you shared with me... We are troopers though and I'm sure you loved the time home with me as much as I did with you! We played together, folded laundry together, napped together, watched bubble guppies all day together :) You are a little shadow and want to be doing everything we are doing. If I'm cooking dinner, I give you a toy to play with, but you'd much rather play with the pans... If I'm eating cereal, you're all about what's in my bowl rather than what's on your tray. If I'm hanging up your clothes, you don't want to play with your walker, you'd rather play with a hanger. You are seriously sweet and cuddly which I LOVE and hope you stay that way... at least a little bit. You won't clap your hands yet (but you do do this tomahawk chop thing which *I think* is you trying!) or wave bye bye on a consistent basis... but kisses, you LOVE to share! You were a rockstar at your Drs appointment and flirted with your new Dr like a ham. I bet you think you got lucky because you didn't get shots! But we're going to have to go back for those because of your fever. I'm happy we're feeling better, but not looking forward to that.
Here's to another amazing month!

<3 love, mama

your handsome face: 9 months

You are 9 months old?! I can't even believe it.

8 months

omgggg I'm 8 months old and have no teeeeeeeth!!

Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a picture of this mobile child!?

put me in coach :)

Sweet boy,

Every morning when I go into your room to get you I say good morning, pick you up and give you a kiss and tell you I love you. A few weeks ago, I went into your room, said "good morning, booboo" picked you up... But before I could give you a kiss, you grabbed my face with both hands and laid one on me! I nearly cried. You are really becoming your own sweet little person. You give the best possible greetings! Another day when I picked you up from Miss Natalie's, she lifted you off the ground to hand you to me, and your feet were 'running' so fast like you couldn't wait to get to me. You are such a friendly baby and love talking with anyone and everyone. It still amazes me how much you are absorbing of this great world around you.

You got your first "booboo" this month. You can kind of see it in the picture under your eye. It's not too bad, but I have no idea how you got that. You went to sleep pristine, had an uneventful night, and woke up with the scratch under your eye... just in time for your photos :( You're still the most handsome guy I know though.

Love you always <3

your handsome face: month 8

Last year at this time, I was thankful for the little bean growing in my belly. This year, I am incredibly thankful for incredible little boy I've been blessed with! Look at all those smiles!

7 months

Caleb,

I know what they mean about not rushing you to grow up. And I wish every day that the world would stop begging you to do so! Stay young and adorable and carefree (and dependent on your mommy) for as long as you want. I know the time is coming soon (too soon) that we will be chasing you around the house, feeding you everything on the table that we eat and listening to you actually tell us what you want... But for just a while longer, it's okay for you to be my baby. I love watching you wiggle across the room, taste test a new food, and I know your little mind is working to memorize every object you come into contact with as you turn things over in your hands and gum on them ;) You will do things at your own pace, which is just fine with me, my toothless little man. It's okay for us to slow down and enjoy each and every new taste and touch and word together.

I love you always,
mommy

your handsome face: month 7

Look at this happy boy! You've become such an active and amazing little boy. You smile at everyone you meet and love to carry on conversations with anyone who will listen.

your handsome face: month 6

6 months

You were so sick on your 6 month bday. :(

Baby boy,
How is it possible that you are 6 months old? So fast? I feel like just yesterday you were kicking away in my tummy and now you're giggling and wiggling all over the place! You still amaze me every day with the things you do. You have a favorite TV show (which probably doesn't say much about the amount of TV you watch...) Your face will light up as soon as you hear the intro for Bubble Guppies. You still have your adorable gummy toothless smile and have yet to start on true solid foods... but I'm gearing up for our Adventures in Babyfood this month. You're somewhere between 6 and 9 month clothing, but have definitely moved into size 3 diapers. I probably should have switch you sooner... We had quiet a few accidents before I decided it was easier to switch into size 3's rather than use up the rest of our 2's. The holiday season is coming so quickly and so excited for your very firsts!

Love you always,
mommy

your handsome face: month 5

Sweet boy,
We are having so much fun lately! More and more you're showing your personality and I just can't get enough! You finally returned to my angel boy who sleeps long stretches at night ans wakes up singing sweet babbles in the AM. Your handsome face sometimes looks like a little boys and not a tiny baby's. I cherish every second of looking into those baby blues <3
love you always,
mom

5 months

5 months!? No way!!

This picture progression didn't work out exactly how I planned. It's a 12 month jersey and you're pretty much fit into it. lol

Caleb,
Well, after 5 months... mommy finally got into editing your pictures! You're amazing and oh so adorable! I feel as though we're past some infant hump at this point as I'm watching and learning more about who you will be as a person. I can see your crabby cranky side and other times your incredibly happy and squirmy side. You've become so enamored at the world around you, it seem like you have little time for anything except exploring and taking in the world around you... The clouds in the sky, the dogs sniffing around, the cashier at the grocery store. They are all so infinitely amazing to you! I'm really looking forward to the next couple months because fall is my favorite season. Halloween, Thanksgiving, pumpkin picking, hayrides, playing in the leaves, apples (hmmm, maybe a first food!?) I can't believe in another month, you'll be half a year old... Let's slow down, okay?

love you always,
mommy

your handsome face: month 4

Caleb,
Four months already? This month was a hard one... While you're learning seemingly something new every day, you seem to have bouts of sadness and crying more often, too. I love to see your smiling face as you are starting to recognize me when you see me, but sometimes, you just will not have a good day. No matter what your mood, you always seem to have a way of reminding me that life is so good especially when you're near.
I love you always,
mommy