Just can't stop spraying my face...

Cute Things

Callum continues to do cute things. It's inevitable when you're 13 & 1/2 months old that you will. He loves playing with things he can't have. As mentioned before, his favorites are the remote control, video camera, and my laptop. My attitude towards most other household things is that as long as it isn't expensive or difficult to replace AND it won't hurt him, I'll let him have the items he wants. He's pretty good at communicating the things he'd like to play with. On Saturday morning, I gave him a spray bottle which had water in it. We use it to spray our cats if they are somewhere they shouldn't be or doing something they shouldn't (we haven't used this tactic on Callum... hmmm...). Anyway, I gave it to him thinking that there is no way that he'll figure out how to spray it. WRONG. The little bugger figured out how to work the handle and proceeded to spray himself (it was pointed towards him). Callum thought it was the funniest thing in the whole world. Since we were in the living room, I moved him into the kitchen and let him spray away. It was mostly going in his face but he was laughing hysterically so I let him go to town. I'll post some pictures because yes I did take some. He's also very attached to his mom. Twice over the weekend, Iain took him outside to give me 10 minutes to myself. They walked all the way to the back of our yard- not a huge distance but considerable when you're 3 feet tall. Callum grabbed Daddy's hand and maneuvered his way through the yard, up the steps, across the patio and into the kitchen (Iain did the door). Nothing stands in his way if he wants his mom. The final cute thing that Callum's mastered, although I probably shouldn't tell him it's cute, is the way he eats. Coming into toddlerhood has meant that he now has taste buds and knows what he likes to eat and what he DOES NOT like to eat. Fortunately he still likes fruit, especially bananas- he had two last Tuesday morning- and healthy carbs like spaghetti with meat sauce. He'll eat potatoes, toast, and Gerber baby snacks. On the way out of his life are vegetables because he'll put them in his mouth, chew them, gag and then spit them out. It's funny and it's not. I mean how do you get him to eat them now? I guess healthy things will be going into sauces and whatnot. Some days he'll eat chicken, some days he won't. It's frustrating and funny to deal with. I miss those days when he'd open up like a baby bird for just about anything. That's now reserved for select fruits, carbs and dairy products.

Happy Father's Day

A happy, happy father's day to all of the men who make the difference in the lives of their sons, wives, daughters, granddaughters, grandsons, cousins, nephews and nieces. Family is so important. We hear daily stories about all of the ugliness in the world. Father's Day is a nice way to celebrate great men who take the time to change diapers, mow lawns, fix & build things around the house, read stories, take their daughters shopping (Thanks Dad!), pay bills, listen to complaints, support careers and provide general guidance and love throughout life. Enjoy this cool, but first day of summer, day!

Once upon a time

Once upon a time, there was a young woman who studied abroad. She met a Scotsman who was also studying. They locked eyes in a phone booth and over time, became friends. At the end of her studies, the young woman had to return to the States and finish her degree. She did so and then eventually returned to Scotland to resume studying. At that time, she and the Scotsman began dating. One month turned into several and the months turned into years. A proposal was made, a ring bought and a date set. Many, many papers were filed to bring the Scotsman to the U.S. They met at a church, professed their love, received God's grace and became one life. Then they honeymooned in Vegas. Today marks our 4 year wedding anniversary. Although life has thrown us some curve balls-as life does, I am thankful every day that we are wed and that we are part of larger families (Sloans and Burnetts) who provide us advice, support and faith in ourselves and our relationship. I love you, Iain. Happy Anniversary.

Around the house

Quick, Quick, Quick Post

I'm out the door for the day but wanted to pass along that little Miss Mathis entered the world around 3:00 a.m. this morning. From talking to Michelle, it sounds like she was a real trooper and endured the labor as long as she could before the decision was made to have a c-section. She also endured it without any major meds-well until the c-section that it. So a big CONGRATS to David and Michelle and Auria (which I am hoping that I spelled right). I will post more details when I have them, but until then, if you check my blog, please exit to Michelle's blog, under Mathis Family, and pass along some well wishes. It has been a long journey for David and Michelle and I can't think of more wonderful people to welcome a baby.

Weekend

All and all the weekend went well. Gorgeous weather, good company, relaxing times. Callum's daycare schedule continues in our home and we are getting 2 & 1/2- 3 hour naps out of him. Priceless. Tonight I am asking all those that pray to pray for two causes, each very different from the other. First off please pray for all of the babies and children that are abused and neglected out there. Since becoming a mom, my switch for protectiveness has been switched on. It breaks my heart to read stories in the news of young children and babies who endure hardships they shouldn't have to at ages that are unthinkable. Being a mom is the toughest job I've ever had (worse than the Holiday Inn front desk), but I've always had the patience and support to love Callum and care for him unconditionally. Every time I read of a child who endures abuse it bothers me beyond belief. Moving onto a better topic, a dear friend is likely laboring through the worse pain one can handle as she brings her baby daughter into this world. My thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to Michelle, who called me around noon to let me know that her water broke. I'm hoping to get a text or phone call tonight or tomorrow morning announcing the good news. Please pray for Michelle, David and little Miss Mathis for an easy entrance into this world as well as an easy 4-6 weeks on earth. Obviously a tough time for all but equally a blessing. Thanks for reading and any prayers sent forth. I hope you had a good weekend and a productive and happy week ahead.

Success!

Callum and his mom survived the first day in the toddler room. He came home with an empty lunchbox and a cranky demeanor which I attributed to lack of a nap. In the toddler room, they are given small mats and sleep on the floor. HA! As if my Callum, who while at home on occasion wails himself to sleep within the bars of his crib, would nap on the floor. Well he did! I got an update this morning from his teacher and she said that he did really well all morning with the exception of craft time which occurred right before lunch. She said that he had no time or patience for pasting and attaching items to paper. Callum yelled through the craft but then walked with the rest of the group down to the lunch room and ate his cold lunch like a trooper. Miss Mary, his teacher, said that she had expected him to fall asleep in his highchair but he stayed awake until they all passed out on their mats. The nap lasted from 11:30-2 so he did very well. Must have been a comfy mat or else an exhausted toddler. His teacher also mentioned that he wanted to be carried around a bit which is normal for a child who hasn't been walking his own a long time. And it was apparent when he came home because he wouldn't let either of us put him down to toddle around. He wanted held from the time he arrived home until he went to bed. I am thinking that his legs and feet must have hurt. I was very pleased with his transition as well as the 11 hours of sleep he got last night. I'm intrigued to see crafts made by a one year old. Especially ones made with glue. Who knew that a one year old could handle glue? Knowing Callum, they'd better watch him or it'll be in his mouth!