Road Trip!!

It was a dark and stormy night...that's funny, this is how Kalin's birth story started out. Except this time it's true. Our trip to Hemet started out dark and stormy. The forecast called for rain for pretty much the entire state which meant we would be traveling in it our whole trip. I love the rain, but not when I'm traveling. We made it out of the house at 6 (which was my goal!!) and had an uneventful trip (except for the rain which started as soon as we got on the 5 to head south). The heaviest part of the storm was in the LA and Pasadena area which we drove right through and wasn't much fun at 12 o'clock at night. We saw numerous accidents which made me even more nervous but we rolled into town at 2:30, ready for a nice warm bed and some sleep. Well, that's what Kasey and I were ready for. Kalin was ready to play. I had the trip all planned. I would sit in the backseat with Kalin for the first couple hours to keep him awake. We would play, sing, and read books. We would then stop where I would feed him for the last time that night and then he would sleep the rest of the trip and we would walk into the house and put him to bed where he would stay for at least 5 more hours. Why I thought it would work this way, I don't know. You'd think after having a baby for 11 months I would be smarter than that. It all worked great until it was time for Kasey and I to go bed. Kalin would NOT go back to sleep!! To make an already long story short, Kasey and I got less than 3 hours of sleep that night. Not the best way to start off our vacation. But we recovered and were able to have a WONDERFUL time with family. Sadly, we didn't get to see many friends but we will be back down in a month so we'll plan on seeing people then.

I had thought with Kalin being almost 11 months (and not needing to nurse every two hours), driving at night (again, and not needing to nurse every two hours), and this being our 4th "vacation" with him, things might go smoothly from start to finish. The trip itself was great, it was the after effects of 8 hours in the car that caused us problems. He was crankier than usual and more "mommy-obsessed" than here at home. It seemed like if he could hear me, see me, or even smell me, he had to be with me. He gets like that a little bit here at home but it seemed so much worse. It's not that I mind holding him and carrying him around with me (although it would be nice to go to the bathroom or eat a meal without him whining for me) but I felt bad for everybody else that was there. Our families hadn't seen him since July and they wanted to hold him and play with him and take care of him but he kept crying for me. It seems silly to complain about this since I'm sure the days of his attachment to me will come to an end all too soon and I'll be looking back with fondness saying, "Remember when I was the only person he wanted to be with?" His crankiness was probably more evident to Kasey and I than to anybody else. I know that they all still enjoyed him immensely and loved seeing his new "tricks" and skills. And, of course, nobody ever got tired of his "cartoon" smile.


It was Kalin's first Thanksgiving and I was so glad that he was old enough to try alot of the different dishes available. It made it so exciting that he could share the meal with us. He and his cousin Hailee sat next to each other in their high chairs while my sister, Bekah, and I fed them bits of meat and other delicious food items. Good times.


Kalin also got his first haircut!! It was really just a little trim. Grandma Jody trimmed his long bangs and the hair over his ears along with the hair on his neck. And, of course, I have a little baggy of his hair for his baby book.

The trip back home seemed long but was uneventful (just the way a road trip should be). We got home at 11:40 Saturday night and Kalin went right back to bed (thank goodness!!). We all slept in Sunday morning (even Kalin) and took it easy the rest of the day. It was a good vacation and we look forward to seeing everybody again in a month for Christmas "South" and Kalin's FIRST birthday.

Sleepy?

Kalin's asleep in his crib. Kasey's in bed reading, about to go to sleep. So why am I up blogging? Good question. I would like an answer to that myself. The last few nights have not been kind to me. I toss and turn for over an hour before my body and mind finally give in to the sleep that my eyes have been burning for. So tonight I decided to just not go to bed at the normal time. I'm wondering if my body is telling me that I don't need as much sleep right now as I think I do. Apparently it only takes a month of awesome sleep to make up for a year of horrible sleep. I think my body is trying to get me to back off of the 10 hours of sleep I have been getting and make it a bit more normal...somewhere around 8 perhaps. So, it's either stay up later or get up earlier. I'm voting for staying up later. So here we are. Filling this time with, hopefully, interesting thoughts and ramblings.

It has been a good and fun-filled few days for our family. On Friday, my parents came up to visit and play with Kalin. They brought with them some yummy food from Costco. It was the last opportunity to see them before we head down south for Thanksgiving. They got to witness the fun game of "chase" that Kalin and Kasey play every night. On this night, Kalin was being held by my mom and everytime he would spot Kasey (who was hiding behind the chair) he would bury his face in her shoulder and try to climb her. It was really cute and my mom got a big kick out of the game. Usually this game is played in the evening when I'm doing dishes and Kasey is on baby duty and they chase each other around the chair and Kalin squeals and laughs with delight. The advantages of this game are two-fold: Kalin has loads of fun and it wears him out so much that he's exhausted and ready to fall asleep fast. The disadvantages are also two-fold: It takes me longer to do the dishes because I'm constantly turning around to watch the fun and it hurts Kasey's knees to crawl around like that. I would have to say that it is one of Kalin's most favorite games.

Saturday night was a night that I had been looking forward to for a couple of weeks. One of the ladies here on campus organized a craft/scrapbooking night on campus from 6pm-12am. I don't scrapbook and I'm not very crafty but the thought of getting out of the house on my own and fellowshipping (one "p" or two?)with other ladies in the Bethany community was too exciting to pass up. So I racked my brain to come up with some project I could work on. And I finally came up with it. Kalin's baby book and photo albums!! It was so nice to have a little break that night and to get something fun accomplished. I did come home at 8 to put Kalin to bed (who was worn out, bathed, and ready for bed...Thanks honey!!!), then went back around 8:30 to about 10:15. I got a lot accomplished (although there is still much to do). The organizer is hoping to do something like this once a month so hopefully I'll be able to join in the fun. I also may have found myself a couple of walking buddies who might join me on occasion. Woo hoo!!

Tonight we joined some families from our church (most of whom we had never met) for dinner at one of their houses (the host family were the only people we knew). It was a fun and casual get together. Kalin enjoyed it but may have gotten a bit overwhelmed with all of the commotion. He did do quite well with their dog considering he's only been around one other dog (and that experience was not so good). He was a little concerned about the dog at first but then seemed ok, until after dinner when he refused to be put down if the dog was in the room. I guess we need to expose him more to animals so he can learn how to play with them. Of course, I'm not crazy about dogs coming near me and jumping on me or licking me either.

And now for a few little tidbits about Kalin:

Kalin's favorite new toy is dad's baseball bat. He spent much of the day picking it up (he's such a strong little boy!!) or pushing it around the house. I'm sure that pleases Kasey immensely :-)

When Kalin was a newborn, he used to make the sweetest little squeaking/sighing noises while nursing. The last couple of days he has started to make noises almost similar...except now it sounds more like a whine/sigh. But it reminded me so much of those first few weeks. Ah, the memories.

I've noticed recently that Kalin doesn't laugh as often as he used to. Is this because he just doesn't find as many things funny? Are we not trying as hard to make him laugh? Maybe he's just becoming more sophisticated in his humor. Well, I decided to bring back something that made him laugh for a couple of days a few months ago. I sing "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so..." and then I repeat the word "so" except I say it really fast and high pitched and I tilt my head to one side. I guess you'd have to see it to understand but it made him laugh again so I was happy.

He loves it when Kasey and I hug or kiss in front of him. He looks at us with a huge grin on his face. Kasey asked him one day if it made him feel happy and secure knowing that his mommy and daddy love each other so much. I hope it does. Of course, he also got a big kick out of Kasey and I pretending to punch each other. But he also loved it when we danced around the kitchen together. I guess he's just really into physical comedy.

Alright, it's almost 11. I guess it's time to try going to sleep. I might read for a bit.

We'll be heading down south Tuesday night/Wednesday morning (driving through the night hoping to beat the traffic) and returning Saturday night/Sunday morning (again, hoping to beat the traffic). It will be our 4th trip down since Kalin was born. It's gotten easier every time. There is still so much to do before then: Grocery shopping for supplies for the road; figuring out what food to pack for Kalin, what food Kasey's parents will already have, or what we should just buy when we get there; packing; finish laundry (Kasey actually did most of it for me today...Hallelujah!!); making my lists of things to pack; making sure arrangements are made for Kalin's bed to be set up already when we roll into town around 1 or 2 in the morning. I'm glad Kasey can pack for himself because it's hard enough packing myself, plus I have to pack for Kalin. I always take way too many clothes. I just never know what I'll feel like wearing. Oh well, it will all get done, we will get out of here, and we will have a wonderful time with family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!!!

Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving fast approaching I decided that it was time to look back over the last year (and what a year it has been!!) and make my list of things that I am thankful for. It's crazy to think that just a year ago: Kasey had just started his new job at Bethany, we were still living with my parents but looking forward to moving into our house on campus, I was 8 months pregnant, and we were looking forward to a trip down south for Thanksgiving and a baby shower. Now here we are with a 10 1/2 month old and again looking forward to a trip down south for Thanksgiving!! Here is my list, in no particular order:

1. God's infinite knowledge and control over Kalin's birth - allowing him to be born a few days early on Dec. 31, 2007 which allowed us to claim him on our taxes which helped sustain us financially through this year.






2. Kalin's safe arrival and a healthy first year.






3. My mom's willingness to spend those first few days with us giving me some additional time to recover.


4. Family who is always ready and willing to babysit so Kasey and I can have dates.


5. A job for Kasey that allows us to live on campus (affordably) and where Kasey can come home for lunch to visit.


6. Family who gives good advice and not unwanted advice that makes me feel like a stupid, ignorant first-time mom.



7. A peaceful sleeping baby.


8. An active little boy who keeps me on my toes and also makes me laugh everyday.






9. A husband who takes an active and hands-on approach to being a father.






10. In-laws who don't get mad at me when I forget to send pictures for months at a time.




11. The TODAY show on NBC



12. Twisted Peppermint scented soap from Bath and Body Works.
    


13. A husband who lets me watch and listen to Christmas-themed movies and music WHENEVER I want.


14. Being able to go on nice, long walks and visit my husband at work.


15. A baby who has only been sick a couple of times so far.




16. 16. Family who is generous with both their time and money.

2. 17. That Kalin won't be in diapers forever.

18. A baby who brings joy and laughter to just about everybody he meets.

19. Non-skid socks and pj's so Kalin can walk on the kitchen floor.

20. The Dollar Store where everything really is $1.

21. Finally getting 8+ hours of sleep every night!!

I'm sure there are others that I've forgotten to write down but this gives an idea of what is on my mind this holiday season.

Ok, so my list is done, next we have Thanksgiving Day with family, food, and football. And then, it's time for the rest of the world to move on to the Christmas season!! Woo hoo!!!

It's the End...

...of another week that is!! It's been a fun and fulfilling week. Kalin and I have gone on nice long walks every day!! At the beginning of the week we were all bundled up and by the end we were in short sleeves!! Crazy weather. My body got so used to our long walks that yesterday, I had start making them even longer!! We reached our usual turn around point and I was still so energized that we decided to go farther. It felt great!! I have never been in as good of shape as I am right now...which is not something you generally hear after a woman has had a baby!! Kalin has given me more motivation to move and to eat healthier. It also helps that I carry him around and chase him around the house.

Today, Kalin and I stopped at the park that we pass everyday to take some pictures and to play in the grass. Since we don't have grass in our "yard" Kalin doesn't get to experience it much so I thought that since it was a warm day we would stop and play. He wasn't sure about his feet touching the grass at first and overall wasn't too impressed. We'll have to stop by there more often so he gets used to it.

I've been on my own tonight. Kasey is at an ice skating event with the Junior High youth group from our church. Sometimes it's hard to watch Kalin all day, have Kasey home for a couple hours, and then be left on my own again for the evening. But we'll do what we have to do for Kasey to finish up his degree!!

Kalin has found some new toys to play with these days. He has found his way into our pots and pans cupboard!! He has also developed a love for his Cheerios box. Every day is an adventure!!

Walking

Here is some video of Kalin walking.

Progress!!

My little boy is walking!! On Wednesday afternoon he took 29 consecutive steps (and yes, I did count each and every one)!! Sadly, this did not even get him across the kitchen (and we do not have a large kitchen) but I guess that's what happens when you've got such little legs. He now spends more time walking (and falling) than he does crawling. He can even pivot and turn around then start walking another direction. He's so amazing!! That's the big news in his life!!



On Thursday he had his second of two flu shots for the season. I guess in their first year they give it to them in two doses. As the nurse was turning towards him with the needle in her hand he gave her the biggest grin, which made her stop and say "Oh now, that's not fair!! You can't be grinning at me right before I stick you!!". It was funny, but after 20 seconds of crying from the shot, he gave her several more grins which made her day.



On Friday, both Kasey and Kalin were sick with colds. Kasey came home early from work so we got to start our weekend off early (even if the two of them weren't feeling well).



Saturday morning, Kalin and I let Kasey sleep in. But we got bored by 8:45 and decided to take a trip to the grocery store!! I think this may be the first time I've taken Kalin out on an errand like that. We usually just all go together in the evenings. I had wanted to take a walk but it was chilly so we settled for grocery shopping and buying stamps at the Post Office. He loved showing off his grin and teeth to every female we passed in the store. And of course the checker and bagger just loved that he sat in the cart grinning at them non-stop. In the afternoon we all headed up to San Jose to do some shopping. It was a very productive trip and it was nice to get out of the house for several hours
Today, we decided to stay home from church to let everybody rest up and recover for the week ahead. We've relaxed, cleaned up the house a bit, gone for a walk, and made cookies!! I learned today that if I'm going to eat in front of Kalin, while he is also eating, I need to eat what he's having. For example, it upset him that I was eating Butter Toffee Caramel Popcorn Clusters and he was eating green beans and carrots. He's starting to understand the sign language I've been using. He's not using it yet but he gets REALLY excited when I do the sign for milk, eat, or more. When I do "more" he does clap his hands together, but I'm not sure if he's trying to do the sign or just clapping because he's excited. I guess only time will tell. There hasn't been as much yelling and screaming though and the only time he pounds on my chest is when he's excited about something. So that's progress.

Kalin and Mommy's First

Kalin and I both had a first yesterday. Going to an actual polling place. I've only been allowed to vote in one other national election and since I was in school at the time I believe I did it by absentee or mail-in, sadly I can't really remember. So this was my first time going to vote in person and I was so excited. Kasey came home before his normal lunch break so we could go together. There was no line (thank goodness) but I had brought some cheerios for Kalin in case he got hungry and antsy. We walked right in, signed our names, and cast our ballots. Kasey held Kalin the whole time which unfortunately made his arm hurt (Kalin is a heavy dude). On the way out we picked up a sticker for Kalin which he proudly wore all day!!

I think Kalin is sick. He was grumpy for much of the day and his nose is running non-stop. Poor little boy. He woke up way earlier than usual too but we decided that since he was sick it would be ok to bring him to bed with us instead of letting him put himself back to sleep. So I curled up with him under our nice warm flannel sheets where he went right back to sleep. I however did not. My arm was supporting his head (hoping the elevation would help him breathe better) which meant my hand fell asleep. I was also afraid to move and wake him up. But it was worth it to have him asleep in my arms. He was so cozy. When Kasey's alarm went off (which woke Kalin up) he took Kalin out of the room and let me sleep for another hour.

As I was laying next to Kalin in bed I was thinking that we'll probably have more nights like this in the next few years. If he's sick or scared he'll probably end up in bed with us and that's ok. It was so sweet to have him curled up next to me.

Watch out World!!

Kalin is learning to walk. Based on his personality I thought he might be one of those infants who just stands up and starts running everywhere, but that hasn't been the case. It's been a slow road and we still have a ways to go. I'm perfectly happy with that though because even though he is a fast crawler, I can't imagine what life will be like when he starts running everywhere. If he doesn't have brain damage already from all of his falls he may end up with some by the time he's a steady walker :-) We started this walking journey a couple months ago and some people were predicting that he would be walking by 9 1/2 or 10 months but he's been taking his time. He can now take 6 or 7 steps before either lunging forward or falling down. He's also quite steady just standing on his own. I laugh when I think about how often, when Kalin was 6 months old and younger, I would watch him on the floor and say, "Do something!!". I was ready for him to do something exciting instead of just chillin' on the floor, crying for me everytime I walked away from him. Now I find myself wishing he would just sit still for more than 5 minutes and give me a chance to relax and just watch him play!!

I never thought that I could be so entertained and filled with joy watching a child play. Remembering the days when he would lay on the floor doing nothing but flail his arms and legs and try to carry on a conversation with his Cedarville monkey and watching him now as he turns pages in books, pulls every toy out of his toy basket in search of the one that's making noise, and hitting any two objects he can find together makes me realize just how far he has come in these 10 months. I find myself wondering what goes on his little head as he's playing. What thoughts does he have as he plays with a book or with his blocks. Sometimes he'll catch me watching him and he'll give me a huge smile while he waves around whatever object he has in his hands at the time. He's so fun.

Unfortunately, I don't have any video yet of his walking abilities because whenever I get the camera out he crawls as fast as he can towards me. He doesn't seem to want to cooperate with us in that regard. Someday we'll catch those steps on film.

On a side note...When does an infant become a toddler? Is it based on when they start to "toddle" around or is there a general age, say 12 or 18 months that they technically become a toddler. It's not important information, I was just wondering.