Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Determined to not give Caleb "Second Child Syndrome"

 So after my last post, I realized that sweet, cuddly, mischevious Caleb has only been written about twice since his birth. I can't have him feeling like the forgotten second child when he reads this as an adult!

Caleb is currently 20 months old. He is a very curious little boy! John and I were talking today about how he is more adventurous than Sophia was, and that's quite a lot. He keeps us on our toes. He is CONSTANTLY getting into mischief. Toys are ok, but "forbidden" objects are so much more fun! And if there's a way to make a mess, he will find it!

Growth wise, Caleb is 28 pounds and the height of an average 24-month-old. At his last pediatric appointment, they actually measured his head twice to be sure of its size. His head is so large, they wanted to be on the very cautious side and rule out hydrocephalus, so he got a CT of his brain! Thankfully it was all completely normal (as I knew it would be). It was so neat the "papoose" they wrapped him up in to keep him still. John and I both got to be right by his side and touch him and sing to him, and he was still enough that they didn't have to sedate him. Plus the whole thing takes like less than 5 minutes.



As far as development- he uses 170+ words and learns a new one almost every day. He has a few two-word phrases "All clean, thank you, oh no" and twice has put three words together "I touch it, I see you". He can name almost every object in our house and yard. He can walk of course, run decently, and climb. Oh, can he climb. He uses a spoon, crudely. He does still take a bottle 3 times a day: upon waking, before nap, and before bed. He uses a sippy cup all other times. I've determined that at two he's losing the bottle. I've tried a few times already but he wasn't having it. We have not approached potty training yet. I feel he needs better vocabulary and reasoning skills before we climb that mountain.

I would say so far his personality is sweet overall. He gives hugs, cuddles, and kisses. He needs fewer cuddles as he ages but still is overall more affectionate than Sophia was at this age. He is a charmer. He often tries to charm his way out of discipline. He will try to distract you with "High Five!". Of course, as with most toddlers, he also possesses a decent stubborn streak. Sophia was more of a whiner, but Caleb is a screamer and a thrower. If he doesn't get his way he often throws whatever is in his hand. He also spits! He isn't good at it so it just runs down his chin. But I just have no clue where he got such a habit from! We are trying to break him of that, as I don't feel that's an appropriate response to anger :) But it is also just a little bit funny.

He is very inquisitive about household objects. Our lip balms and deodorant have paid the price for this. He loves to dig in them. He also is obsessed with the dishwasher (Sophia was too). Our fridge and freezer settings change often ;). Sophia wasn't one for writing in places she shouldn't. Caleb on the other hand things chalks and crayons are for eating and scribbling (but not usually on paper). Another similarity to Sophia is that Caleb LOVES to play in the front seats of the car. Each time we have to remove him there's screaming.

For now, there's still some "baby" left in him and I'm soaking it in while I can. We still rock, sometimes he falls asleep in my arms, sometimes he still wants to be held, and of course, he's still in diapers. But the independence that comes with toddlerhood shows up a little more each month. That's just as it should be. It is a joy that's he's developing right on track, but it is bittersweet that the "babyhood" is fading.

I love you, my sweet little angel. You are a welcome addition to our family and I'm so glad God saw fit to put you in our lives.



6 month clothes!

9 month clothes!


12 month clothes!


18 month clothes!




24 month clothes!
Birthday :)


Two months

Three months. So chubby and cuddly.


8 months

Just shy of a year

Standing but not walking



Valentines 2017

Easter 2017, just starting to walk (13 mo)

When big sister accessorizes you

First hair cut, 18 months

Kisses for Papa

Loves ice cream like Mama

What a handsome fella

He loves to swing!

Happy Momma's Boy

His favorite activity. Also- still in 24 month/2T clothes. Growth leveled off :)