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.