Caleb Year Four Retrospective

Check it out!

Since he is now four, it is time to look back on the last year and discuss some of the highlights and interesting things Caleb has done.

Some quick stats:
Caleb's favorite number is 18.
His favorite colors are red and yellow.
The best thing about being 3 was getting his cake ready.
The thing he is looking forward to most about being four is seeing his preschool teachers. Spoken like a true kid of quarantine.

Some of the big things that happened while Caleb was three:
     1. He spent nearly a week in the hospital. It was traumatic (for me).

For Caleb, it's most remembered as the place he got his spider-man bear.

     2. He had his first day of school! Preschool, 2 mornings a week.

Caleb loved going and I loved having a little bit of quiet time to run errands by myself or just be alone. Until corona virus hit, and then Caleb didn't have preschool and I didn't have any moments alone, ever again.

     3. He began his first ever worldwide pandemic.

Looks like this one will continue for a while into Caleb being four, too.
All the big milestones.


Caleb adores Calista and mostly likes Craig.

They are definitely his favorite people,

but also the ones who make him the most angry.

Sounds like siblings to me, eh?

He hates to sleep alone.

Usually, it's Calista that Caleb wants to sleep next to,

but sometimes he'll come into our bed, too.

At least he knows how to sleep without wiggling.

Caleb has learned a lot this year. He can spell his name and is able to really talk and tell stories.

Of course, sometimes we still can't understand him...


Caleb likes to climb on people and use them as a jungle gym.

Sometimes we even let him.


Caleb enjoys pooping alone in the playroom.

Someday we'll potty train him...


Can sing Paw Patrol theme song by heart.

Probably Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and PJ Masks, too.


Tried to follow me and Calista on a run without us realizing it and managed to get across the busy street alone, and shirtless.

No pictures of the actual event, because I was too busy taking him back across the street and home.


He's gotten pretty good at "helping" me in the kitchen.

Sometimes it's actually helpful.


Caleb loves going to the library and parks.

Water is a special favorite.

Swimsuits are optional, apparently.

Caleb learned to swing on a real swing both "by himself"

and also with nice big pushes.

 And I also taught him how to make snow angels.

It's a pretty great year when you learn that!

And let's not forget Caleb's wonderful advice:

"A beautiful hug will help."


Loves
Watermelon
Paw Patrol
Bath time
Wearing costumes


Hates
Turning off his videos


June 2019

July 2019

August 2019

September 2019

October 2019

November 2019

December 2019

January 2020

February 2020

March 2020

April 2020

May 2020

Caleb Is Four!

While the world is starting to open up, many things are still closed.

This meant for Caleb's birthday, things were pretty low key.

He even snuck a nap in.


Caleb asked for a blue chocolate cake, with red sprinkles.

 Chocolate cake is a pretty easy request.

Red sprinkles added some flair. But how does one make a chocolate cake BLUE?
I decided to add some extra blue accents

and hope the boy was appeased.

 He was.

And it made an excellent candle holder, too.

Happy birthday, dancing boy!

Caleb also requested a specific menu: hot chocolate and peanut butter chocolate chip toast for breakfast, cheese sandwiches for lunch, and rice and melon for dinner.

Because who doesn't love plain white rice with a hint of watermelon juice?


And, of course, Caleb got presents.

He has become quite the expert at opening presents, not needing any help whatsoever.

Not that his siblings would think so. They kept trying to crowd and see.

He got a scooter,

A huge ball, puzzles,

And books. Which Daddy happily read to him.

We rounded out the day with a little backyard sprinkler action, even if it wasn't the warmest of days.

Happy birthday, little soaker!

Less Time

I miss Caleb.

Technically, I'm around him even more than I used to be. He doesn't have preschool or even church time that he's away from me.

But my time with him is different. It's more divided. We have to share, as I focus on schoolwork with Calista and Craig.

There's less time for the littlest.

Less time for cuddles and reading together.

Less time for falling asleep in my arms and walks with just the two of us.

Less time cooking and playing.

Less time for Dinosaur Train and laundry.


And I miss him.

Spring-less, Break-less

It's Friday of Spring Break. Or, it's supposed to be.
Traditionally, this week is one of unplugged adventures with the kiddos. We:

• play in lots of playgrounds
• go to the library at least once
• visit Daddy downtown - including taking the train and eating lunch!
• go to the zoo
• read a LOT - 100 books sometimes!
• go screen free
• play and have fun!

It feels like we can't do anything. The zoo, library, national and provincial parks, all the playgrounds: CLOSED. Kyler's working from home, so we can't go visit him. And, then there's the weather.

It's the Friday of Spring Break. Have you forgotten?

Because I have.