And He's Off!

Cal is walking! He still crawls as his main means of mobility, but tries to walk as much as possible. For over a month now, Cal has been standing without support. He has increased the amount of time and ability to use both hands in standing. We knew it wouldn't be long before he would start walking. About a week ago, he finally started shifting weight and would take a 'step.' This meant he would lunge forward at you while moving his feet! This past Sunday he took his two first steps that were controlled and coordinated. He then stopped without falling, and did it again. By that evening, he was walking about 6 feet at a time. Needless to say, Doug and I will have to go and buy new running shoes in order to keep up with Callen once he gets walking down to a science. There will be no walking...only running!

Cal is so funny when he starts to walk. He flaps his arms and gets the biggest grin on his face. A lot of times he will start 'yelling' before he takes a few steps. He is just as proud of himself as we are. There's lots of cheering at our house these days. He loves the excitement we show him after he walks...it makes him want to try it more and more. Good thing for cloth diapers and all the extra padding they provide; lots of protection for all the falls Callen has had the last few days!

 One of his first big walks on Sunday

Look at the joy on his face

Father's Day Fun

Like Mother's Day, we decided to make Doug's Father's Day celebration mainly on Saturday so that we could enjoy the day and not have to rush on Sunday to get ready for the week.  Doug has been wanting to take Cal camping since after our first successful hiking trip. However, the weather was too cold when we could have gone, and many weekends were already full of stuff as the weather warmed. We figured Father's Day would be a good time to make our first camping trip with Cal. We have debated car camping vs. a hike-in tent camping. We finally decided on hiking in to a spot, but felt it best to go somewhere familiar where we knew the spots, and to pick one with only a short hike-in so we could hike out quickly if needed. 

We have hiked the Burrell's Ford area several times before, and really enjoyed it. There is a trail that leads to Ellicott Rock, and we like to camp in first come first serve spots along the trail. There is a nearby walk in campground, but we have opted for back packing in. We decided that I would carry Callen in his pack and Doug would hike in with his pack. Once we found a spot, Doug would hike out and get my pack...we had just a bit too much stuff to pack it all into Doug's pack. Luckily, we found a spot a short 10 minutes in, so Doug was back with my pack within 15-20 minutes. Let the fun begin...

Getting ready for our adventure

Each of us with our packs

After getting our campsite set up, we went for a hike up the trail towards Ellicott Rock. We did not go the entire way,  but just leisurely hiked for about 45 minutes before turning around. Once back at the spot, Cal crawled all around (although he didn't like his knees touching the ground, so he would bear crawl everywhere), stood on rocks and put his feet in the water, and just enjoyed looking around at everything going on. We put him in the tent to play for a while so he would get used to being in there and not scared when he woke in the morning in a strange place. We gave Cal the tent with two Therm-a-Rest mattresses while Doug and I set up hammocks and slept in those. Cal had an entire tent to himself, but opted to sleep in the corner with his head and face buried as close to the edge as possible! 

Our set up

Callen helping Doug saw wood for the campfire

Tending to the campfire with Doug

Cal had a GREAT time. He loved sitting by the water and playing with the rocks. Doug took a quick 'bath' in the water at one point, and Cal got so excited because he thought he was going to get to go swimming with Doug. He did well playing by himself as well. Doug had packed an extra sheet of plastic in case we needed it for under the tent. It turned out to be a good throw in because Cal sat on that for most of the time while we set up and then took down. He could crawl around and play without getting completely dirty...which he did MANY times over the 2 days when he moved off the plastic! He may not have liked putting his knees on the ground, but he liked to put all the dirt and sticks in his mouth!

Play time in the tent...'let me out of here!'

Playing on the tarp. We only took in 2 toys...not sure he even touched them!

Bear crawling over the dirt and sticks!

We had a really good time. Cal did awesome. He slept all night long, and it didn't seem to bother him that he was in a tent and not his crib. He has loved being outside since he was a newborn. If Cal is ever upset, take him outside, and all is right with the world again. We figured he would do well, but you never know when you put a baby in an unfamiliar setting.  Doug and I want to be able to take Cal camping as much as we are able over the next few years so that he grows to love it and wants to go when he is older. We want him to have lasting memories of hiking and camping with his parents just as Doug does. I know those were special times and are still special memories for Doug. 

Hanging out in the hammock after waking up

Cal loved the hammock and would sit and let us swing him

Doug and I love taking feet pictures...we love the addition of Cal's foot!

I would say our first camping trip with Callen was a success, and look forward to going again. If anyone wants to join, we have an awesome spot that would accommodate lots of people!

Happy Father's Day

I wanted to say a quick Happy Father's Day to all the dads, soon to be dads, and all others who are a father figure to someone!

Happy Father's Day Big Steve/Papa! I have always been a daddy's girl. I can remember playing outside with my dad, or hanging inside watching sports on TV. I still have a love of sports today, and I thank my dad for this. I am not a big fan of shopping or going to the movies like my mom was; I take after my dad. We have very similar personalities, and just understand each other. We confide in one another often, and he was the first one I turned to when I did something wrong. I knew he would be upset, but I also knew he would be calm and help me work through the problem. He has supported me in all I have done, and taught me important lessons in life, some big and some small. He has provided for us in many ways over the years, and not held us back from doing anything we wanted to try. He wanted us to live our lives to the fullest. My dad provides encouragement, support, and love at all times to us. I honestly could not ask for a better dad. You have treated Doug like your own son, and been there for us as a father figure and friend in our relationship. Callen adores you, and his face lights up when he sees you. We love you!

 

There haven't been many sporting events he has missed (after the Spinx Half Marathon)

Happy Father's Day to Charley/Grand Chuck! You always bring a smile to my face when I think about your acronyms for EVERYTHING! I think after 7 years of knowing you, I am finally starting to catch on to what things stand for. You are a wealth of knowledge for music, and I have enjoyed going to music venues and concerts with you that I would not know about or go to on my own. I know I give you a hard time about most everything, but it is all for fun! I definitely enjoy the times we are able to all get together as a family. I love that you have passed down to Doug a love for the outdoors. All of your hiking and camping trips over the years have stayed with Doug, and I hope to pass on that love to Callen. 'Muddypaws' loves spending time with you, and looks forward to seeing you in a few weeks. We love you!

 

Happy Father's Day Ken/Oupa! Over the years, you have taken me in and allowed me to be 'one of the boys' with you and Doug. I jumped in and started shrimpin' with you guys...and you allow me to continue going even after breaking out my cheerleading skills! I know Doug appreciates all the knowledge of working on projects. I thank you for always being willing to help with whatever project is going on. And I know now you are more than willing to come to Greenville now to help with projects in order to see Callen. I am not sure who has more fun with whom...Little Scallum loves playing with you. We love you!

Proud Oupa!

Happy Father's Day to all! You have all been an important part of my life, and continue to play a vital role in our family. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Happy Father's Day Duggie Fresh!

A Dad and His Boy

I have been thinking about this post for a long time in my head. Several times I wanted to go ahead and start it so I could collect all my thoughts and have a nice long tribute to Doug by the time Father's Day came...that didn't happen! In my head is where these thoughts have remained. I hope to express in words just a small amount of what I have observed with Doug over these last 10 months.

From the moment we found out we were pregnant, Doug has been the happiest guy! He immediately took to calling our little one 'Popcorn Shrimp' which quickly was dropped to just 'Popcorn.' Everything we did for those 9 months leading up to Cal's birth was for 'Popcorn.' We were so excited to finally know if our Popcorn was a boy or a girl, and get to meet that sweet face (although we didn't think our baby was going to be so cute based on the ultrasound at 36 weeks!). It was love at first sight. He was so excited to watch Callen being pulled out of the water. They laid Cal on my chest for a few minutes which allowed both of us to be with Callen, and have a moment to bond as a family. Then Doug had his own moment with Callen; they handed Cal over to Doug so I could get out of the pool. Doug held Callen on his bare chest for a few minutes while the medical team tended to me. He still talks about those few minutes, and how he was able to snuggle with Callen and just enjoy him one on one for a short time before he was given back to me.

One on One bonding time

Proud daddy

I think this is my favorite picture of Doug with Cal...changing his first diaper!

From the time we were in the hospital after Cal's birth, Doug has been so caring and nurturing to him. Between diaper changes, bath time, and just playing with Cal, Doug WANTS to be there to do it all. I have a tendency to want to do everything because I feel like I am inconveniencing others if I ask for help. I have had to take a step back and not do this as much in order to give Doug that time with Callen. I have walked into Cal's room many times and seen them both lying on the floor playing, Doug reading Callen a book, or the two of them just sitting on the chaise lounge in peace (not so much anymore with Callen so mobile!). Doug does whatever he can to teach Cal. He recites numbers, letters, sounds, animal noises; pretty much any topic you can think of, Doug has covered it. (Although, he says he has left the anatomy lessons to me). I would hear these lessons through the monitor at all hours of the night. Doug was so kind to me; after I nursed Cal and changed his diaper, Doug would reswaddle Callen and get him back to sleep (Doug is the swaddle master and baby whisperer, by the way). He pretty much did this every time Cal woke in the night. There were many nights I sent Doug in to comfort Callen if I knew he didn't need to eat, but would want to nurse if I walked in. No matter how often or at what time of the night, Doug went in without a fuss. He loved and still loves his one on one time with Callen.

This is how you drink from a sippy cup!

Teaching Cal to pick the perfect Christmas Tree

Getting Callen started early with scalping tickets

Most importantly...teaching Callen to love Bucky's BBQ!!!

The joy on Doug's face when he walks in the house after work and sees Callen is priceless. The two of them have this special bond, and it is so sweet to see both their faces light up after a day apart. I know there are times Doug gets jealous or his feelings hurt when Cal chooses me over him (or says ma-mom first and has only said da-dad once!), but I have to remind him that I am with him all day, and I am the one he comes to for comfort. I have to thank Doug for this opportunity to be able to stay home with Cal. Doug knew my wants and desires in life, and has done what he can to allow me to stay home with our little guy. Even at the end of a long day at work, Doug comes home and is ready to jump in to help with Cal. I fully appreciate his hard work at the office, and his ability to come home and be a hands on dad.

 It's playtime all the time when daddy is home!

Helping with the laundry...little larger load than normal!

His excitement about Callen is present in every conversation. It is always 'he is awesome,' 'he is so much fun,' and my favorite lately is...'he is such a mess!' I have been around kids most all of my life, so I have seen the various ages and progression to those ages. This is Doug's first time really seeing the changes from an infant to a 10 month old. It is so fun to watch as well as listen to his comments. He is most thankful that it is a progression and not BAM! we're up and walking!

Doug wants to be adventurous with Callen. We have said from the beginning...we do not want to change what we do, just how we do it. I think we have done a pretty good job of that. We still go hiking, plan to go camping soon, and ride our bikes and get downtown as much as possible.

Climbing trees and apple pickin'

Poppin' the shrimp heads on the dock

Going for a bike ride

Trip to Keeneland

Doug loves doing these activities with Callen. He also wants him to help around the house and yard as much as possible. We are trying to make Cal an apprentice at the age of 1 with yard work, projects, and anything else Doug needs help with. The kid has already helped on more projects than I have ever thought of helping with.

Cutting some stray limbs in the backyard

Cal is becoming a master deck builder!

Doug has taught me so much about love, patience, and just enjoying life over these last 10 months. It is because of Doug that I stop whatever it is I am doing (cleaning, cooking, etc), and take time to play with Callen. If I am becoming frustrated with Callen's no nap behavior, I think about how well Doug does with him in the same situation and know I can more rationally deal with Cal! Doug is an amazing father and husband. I could not have picked better for my life partner! Callen is one lucky boy to have Duggie Fresh as his daddy....I know he will learn lots and have so much fun along the way.

Happy 1st Father's Day, Doug!

We Love you!!