Cal Thinks He's One Of Us!

Callen never ceases to amaze Doug and me. He is constantly changing, both physically and socially. His language has taken off soooo much in the last few months. He is trying more and more to 'talk' to us, and gets frustrated when we don't understand what he is saying. I'm looking forward to the day when he can finally speak full words (and not one syllable!), but scared for how much he will talk and ask questions once we understand him!! 

In addition to his language development, he understands so much. We ask him to do something one time, and he's off to perform the task. His favorite things to do are chores and projects to help ma-mom and da-dad. The minute you mention the word 'help,' he is all business. He becomes very serious about his task, and works very hard at whatever he is doing. 

Cal still loves to be outside with his daddy. The past few weeks have been hard because of the rotten weather. Cal received some awesome outdoor toys for Christmas that will allow him to 'work' with Doug. He's been able to use them some, but we need warmer temps in order to stay outside for hours.

Showing off his new wheelbarrow and tools

Helping shovel pine straw mulched leaves

Mowing the grass with his bubble mower (mom won't let him near the real thing...too many injuries seen at Shriners)

Raking with daddy

Picking up sticks from around the yard

Dad, you use my wheelbarrow and I will use yours!

Working with dad to split wood

Doug made Cal his own maul...which he only used once Doug hid his!

 With the colder temps, we have built several fires. Cal is very respectful of the fire, but loves when we build one. He helps to bring in logs and places them in the (unlit) fireplace. He wants to help open the doors and get all the tools ready. However, once Doug lights the fire, Cal is quickly stepping away. He loves to look at the fire burning from a distance. We are glad for that fear!!

Scooping out the ashes

Doug was hanging pictures this past weekend. Cal climbed up the ladder on his own with the hammer, and started hitting at the nail in the wall. He then climbed down, grabbed another nail, and went back to hammering.

Hanging pictures with dad

Last week I took Cal on a walk. Before we left the driveway, he was yelling something to me, but I couldn't figure out what he was saying. It wasn't his usual 'ball' or 'bubbles' that he sees on the back deck. When we came back from the walk, he started yelling the same thing. Cal climbed up the stairs and ran straight to the grill. The grill had been left uncovered from the night before, and that is all he wanted to play with for the rest of the afternoon. I called Doug and told him we needed to get him a kids' grill set. Doug remembered we had acquired a small grill from one of the tailgates. We cleaned up the grill and I bought him a few utensils to use. We also had some play food in the attic that Callen could 'grill.' Needless to say, we have one happy boy on our hands!! 

Everyday is a new adventure with Cal. He is learning so much so fast. We love watching him explore and learn new things. It is so much fun to have him work on projects and chores with us.It definitely makes him a happy boy to be helping us.

A Visit To The Children's Museum

One of the things we did over Christmas while Doug was off work was to go to The Children's Museum of the Upstate. I put off going to the museum for a while because I didn't think there would  be much there for Callen to do. I figured all the activities would be too advanced for him, and Doug and I would be the ones playing the entire time. Several friends have taken their little ones and said there are lots of toddler based activities and exhibits. 

We were very impressed with the museum. Even though Cal is too little for most of the play areas, we took the time to explore all of them. The areas designed specifically for toddlers were a big hit for Callen. 

He was serious about being a construction worker

Playing with tools...one happy boy!

enjoyed driving the truck through the bank window

and LOVED playing in the water fountains

He soaked himself...and then I saw the aprons!

He would have climbed in if we let him

This area was by far his favorite!

We thought he would really be into pushing the grocery cart at the 'BiLo grocery store' since he went with me to Whole Foods and had a blast, but he was not as excited as we had anticipated. I guess he was distracted with everything else going on. 

His GrandMomma Lou would be proud of his teeth brushing skills!

Making music

There are some neat climbing platforms in the middle of the museum that reach as tall as the 2nd floor. They're so much better than a fast food playground as you can see your child the entire way to the top (and they feel TONS cleaner!). The signs say 4 and up can play in this area. Of course Cal headed straight for it. He loved climbing up and over several of the platforms before coming back down...and then making his way back up. I enjoyed climbing and crawling with him. Next time we go, I won't be as shy about taking Cal in there! To the top we go!

Up and up we go

As I said earlier, Doug and I were excited to be able to play all day alongside Callen. We did our fair share of 'learning and exploring' too...

Playing in the racecar

Cal and Doug were NOT in the lead!

Racing the cars down the track

The first...but not last...time I give Cal money

Playing the xylophone

Pinball machine of music

We had a great day and look forward to returning in the near future. I am sure Callen and I will make a visit there during some really cold and/or rainy days this winter. 

**This post was made possible by Aunt Kimber who supplied us with tickets to the museum. A huge thanks!!!!

A Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Sorry for the long delay in posting. Doug was off work the last 2 weeks of the year, so I did as much savoring of family time as possible. It was great! We spent time with family, and hung around the house the rest of the time. It was a good vacation for all of us!!

We spent several days in Charleston with Doug's mom and family leading up to Christmas. We drove back to Greenville Christmas day and spent the evening and the next day with my family. We had a great time, and Cal really seemed to love Christmas. He loved the lights on the houses and trees. Our inside lights stayed on almost the entire day. He didn't understand why our outside lights didn't come on as well during the day. However, as soon as it was dark, he wanted to see all the lights on the houses around us. We walked and drove him around various neighborhoods to see lights. Callen also enjoyed handing out Christmas presents. He did not care for the bows on any of the packages, and ripped them off before taking the present to the person it belonged to! He would help unwrap his gifts, but didn't tear into them like I thought he would. Once he realized toys were inside, he was a little more excited to open presents!

Family was more than generous to Cal this Christmas. He racked up on some great outdoor toys, a tool set to help daddy with projects, and other fun toys that you will find Doug and me playing with most of the time!

Here's a glimpse into our break with a bunch of pictures. Enjoy!

Enjoying time in Charleston...

Petting 'Big Al'

Exploring the old streets with mom and Nana

Taking in the train display at The Charleston Place Hotel with Uncle Dave

Walking along the trees in the marsh

Hanging out the window to enjoy ALL the Christmas lights

Playing Santa and taking everyone their Christmas gifts (in my handmade by Oupa wheelbarrow!!!)

Building towers

Seeing what Santa brought...

The Little Drummer Boy

Riding his balance bike with help from mom

Christmas in Greenville...

I'm ready for the grass to grow!

I love my Aunt Kimber!

Hanging with Papa

Chatting with Ella

Finally got the hang of opening presents

Please...no more pictures. I am trying to work here

I told you...no more bows on the presents!

We look forward to all that 2015 has to bring. 2014 was an awesome adventure with Callen, and we are excited to see what all 2015 has in store for us. We wish all of you a healthy, prosperous, and wonderful new year.