The Sweetest Sound

I LOVE me some baby laughs. I'll take giggles, guffaws, chortles, snickers, chuckles, and shrieks. I cannot get enough of the pure sincerity present in a little one's amusement! So naturally, I really enjoy getting Caleb to laugh is head off (not literally of course because that would be morbid and messy I'd imagine). Recently, we captured a giggle-fest on camera.

And just for good measure, here are some grins to go with that giggle.

Funny Photo

I find the expression on his face rather humorous myself. Here's hoping you enjoy it as well!

We Should Have Named him Trouble

Caleb is mischievous to say the least. He truly finds joy in doing things that we've told him again and again not to do. For example, when we actually had a coffee table in the living room (before we moved it because of him), regardless of how many times we told him not to and/or physically removed him, he got a huge kick out of climbing on top of it. Since he's aware that he's not allowed to do this but considered it some type of game, he would make his way up on top of the coffee table and give me this grin:

then he would proceed to do a little jig-like victory dance (the picture does not do it justice). We have since moved the coffee table to prevent his further enjoyment, um...I mean to prevent the possibility of harm.
His most recent stunt is to climb into his highchair all by himself. He makes the sign for "eat" and then up he goes. This of course makes me nervous but I figured I'd get one shot of him doing this little trick. Now I know to replace the tray after a meal so he can't get up there.

So, if this is any preview as to the wily ways that are Caleb, man are we in for it!

Looking Forward to Being a "Veteran"

I've had some pretty overwhelming periods of time this pregnancy wondering how in the world I'm going to handle a 17-and-a-half month old along with a newborn. But I had an epiphany recently. Now that I'm a "veteran" parent (ok, I might be giving myself too much credit there but I actually have parenting experience this time around as opposed to not having any when Caleb was born), I realize things should be at least a little easier on me when baby 2 decides to show up. I figure this time around I won't be agonizing over every little thing (i.e. "is he hungry or wet?," "should I nurse him now or later?," "I know people say not to hold him all the time, but that's all I want to do." and the list goes on). This time, I'm aware of what a newborn needs and I know I'm capable of sustaining a human life. After all, I've done it before. I also feel I'm immune to all the crazy albeit well-meaning advice out there. I know the way I wish to and do parent, and I have a level of confidence in providing that care that I may not have had the first time around. So, bring on the naysayers!

If you're sensing that this is a self pep-talk, you're right about that. I admit that I'm still struggling with thoughts of having to parent two babies at one time and I'm sure that things will not be "easy." But it's so relieving to realize that while I'm going to be in unknown territory on that front, I'll be in very well known (and very well remembered since it wasn't that long ago) territory when it comes to caring for a newborn. As the time draws nearer, I'm slowly letting go of doubts and learning to rely on my abilities, capabilities, and desire to be a good parent. I can do it! :)

Under-prepared or just More Aware?

Here I am at 35 weeks pregnant. I'm still in disbelief over that one. But, anyway I was thinking recently about the things Matt and I haven't done this time around that we had done by this time in my first pregnancy. Here's a list of things we do not have:

1. a name (Ok, I admit that this one is probably something we really need to work on.)

2. a crib

3. a "nursery"

4. any more than about 4 outfits (yes, I realize we're having another boy but opposite seasons so Caleb's cute little newborn shorts aren't going to work out so well for baby boy #2 in January)

At first I thought that maybe I'd been in such disbelief that I've avoided doing much to prepare. But then I realized that since I've done this once before, I'm really just more aware of the true necessities. Here's a list of those things, all of which we have covered:

1. at least one pair of warm arms for baby to snuggle in and stay warm

2. "milk makers" (I actually came equipped with two of these at birth. Score!)

3. shelter from the elements

4. support from friends and family

5. lots and lots of love

6. oh, and diapers (maybe not absolutely "necessary;" thoughts immediately go to the African baby in the "Babies" documentary, but I prefer to keep pee and poop contained

So, even though we may not be frequenting Babies 'R' Us this time around, I'm sure we have all the things we need to comfortably welcome our new little bundle of joy. I can't wait to meet him.

Projected Nesting

This nesting thing they speak of...it's not something I really encountered during my first pregnancy. Well, other than the fact that I refused to actually have the baby until the hallway was painted. Hence why I spent a good chunk of early labor wielding a roller and paint. But other than that, I never had that burst of energy I hear so much about where you decide to scrub the ceiling or whatever it is people do.

This time around things are a little different. I keep daydreaming about thoroughly cleaning out the fridge and getting down on all fours Cinderella style to make sure the wood floors are spic and span. The list continues but I won't bore you. So, loyal followers (all six of you), you're wondering what the problem is. Why don't I just go ahead and clean to my heart's content? The issue is that while I daydream about these things being done and in these daydreams I am the one actually executing said task, in reality I have no desire to actually do the work nor do I really have the energy. I'm diagnosing this as "projected nesting." I'd like someone else to come over here and satisfy my nesting urges. Um...any takers?? :)

TGFGD!

Thank God for Good Days!!

So, Monday morning after Caleb was up for a couple of hours, he did FINALLY go back to sleep-woohoo! When he woke up around eight and I entered his room, there he was bee-boppin' in his crib with a HUGE smile. I was hopeful that this was foreshadowing for the remainder of the day. It was! We had an amazing day. My little guy was so happy and playful. He was smiley and virtually tantrum-free. It was awesome. Here are the pictures to prove it.

Days like that make all the craziness worth it.

Even though I often feel like raising this child could very likely make me insane, I'm so thankful for him! He's such a joy and a blessing! If only I could channel that gooeyness at 3am...

Sidenote: Caleb saw the pediatrician again yesterday to make sure all his ailments are resolved. The doctor said everything looks "beautiful!". So, my little one is healthy which is wonderful but this also means I'm still playing "guess why Caleb is up several times a night, often for extended periods of time."

Why Ask Why?

I've heard that after a certain amount of sleep deprivation, one literally goes insane. Well, I'm pretty sure I'm approaching that threshold. Why is my 16-month old not sleeping through the night? And why when he awakens does he decide it's necessary to stay awake for at least two hours (we're working on hour three as I type)?! And why am I sitting on my couch right now watching a super-creepy claymation type children's movie about Jesus entitled The Miracle Worker?! Where is my miracle?? This child will eventually sleep, right? I'm hoping specifically for him to at least be sleeping through the night (which he is capable of, I promise it has happened before) by the time baby number two decides to make his debut (which by the way is happening in six weeks and technically could happen in three). Why does his inability to sleep or perhaps it's just a complete sleep aversion somehow make me feel like I must be doing something wrong? Why do I find myself hoping that when we go back to the doctor this week for the "all-clear" on the ear infection that I don't get it and they say "Wow, this kid has a lingering ear infection that must be keeping him up all night! Here's a magic bean that will solve this issue and have him sleeping like a baby (seriously, who came up with that saying anyway?!!?) in no time!"? Well, Caleb has decided that The Miracle Worker isn't doing it for him anymore so I'm off to rock him yet again. We'll see if I have any success this time around...