Looking Back...

As Caleb's 1st Birthday draws near, it has been especially fun to look back at old photos, and to remember how special these first months have been for all of us. I could have included hundreds and hundreds of pictures....seriously. However, I have selected just a few favorites to highlight his growth and change over this first precious year. Enjoy. **And, stay tuned for his 12 month photos...coming SOON!

Thinking back to those initial moments following Caleb's amazing entrance into this world is heartwarming and reminds me of the many reasons why we love him. There are few memories that I will cherish as much as those "first firsts".....

His first cry...one of the most amazing sounds I have ever heard! As the doctor was "mending" me, I remember asking "is he okay, is he okay?" Someone, I am not sure who, said "he is perfect." Thank you God for a healthy baby.

His first weigh in...9 pounds, 5 ounces...REALLY? That makes me feel a little better about the 40 pounds I gained. Only a little. =)

His first time eating....thank you, Lord, for designing such an intimate way to provide for our children.

His first time looking into my eyes..."Hi sweet boy...I am your Mom. Do you know how much I love you, little Caleb?"

His first diaper change...thanks, Brandy, for helping the new dad out! (I don't think I, personally, changed a single diaper until we were at home.)

The first time (of many more to come) someone commented about how much Caleb looks like Kris...a sweet reminder of the truth that "he is ours"....

Nothing can taint these sweet memories....not hours of pushing or an epidural that I am convinced did NOT work or even a broken (and still sore) tailbone. =) We are so blessed. In His wonderful gift to us, God has shown us such grace and love. Why we "deserve" such a blessing is beyond me, but what a reminder of how amazing and loving our God is.

***************************************
Psalm 139:13-18
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. [1]
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.

Lord, thank you for creating our precious Caleb, and for entrusting him to us!

Learning!

Since he was about 7 months old, Caleb has loved to "walk"....anyone who has ever been willing to hold Caleb's hands and help him to walk around the room is on his "best friends" list for sure! After a while, he learned that he could pull himself up on furniture, and still enjoys the freedom that comes with being able to navigate around the couches and tables.

A couple of months ago, Grandma bought Caleb "Mr. Lion" to help him learn to walk a little more independently, but Caleb really didn't want much to do with him. Don't get me wrong...he liked to play with the lion's mane, press his nose to make music, climb over him, and occasionally "wrestle" the lion down, but he had no desire to use Mr. Lion to walk. He much preferred holding on to someone's hands, or walking along stable furniture!

More recently, though, Caleb has made some progress! He is now fully confident pushing Mr. Lion around! He still has a bit of trouble when he runs into a wall, as he is not yet sure how to turn himself around. But, he is learning! We are so proud of him!

This quick video clip and photos are from today....we played outside, and went up and down the driveway over and over and over, and even ventured into the grass and down the sidewalk. Caleb just loved it.

Pasta Night!

We made ravioli this past weekend...Caleb enjoyed it very much! And, doesn't every baby need some "food all over the face" photos? We learned early on that bathtime must immediately follow dinner.

Uncle Kyle's Visit

Because we don't get to see Kris' brother Kyle very often, we were thankful he took some time to visit Chicago! It was great to see him, and he and Caleb had a lot of fun together.

Heidi, Kris, and Kyle with Caleb... this is actually
the 1st photograph of Caleb with ALL 3 of the "Johnson Kids".


Relaxing at home...


At Ultimate Frisbee...Kyle played with Caleb so we could
get some excercise!


At the park...Kyle spent a lot of time helping Caleb walk,
which Caleb of course LOVED!

"Yea!" for Friends and Vanilla Lattes!

We went to Nibbles Cafe today with my friend Shauna, and her little girl, Maddie. Maddie is just a few weeks younger than Caleb, so it was fun to have a true "playdate"! Nibbles is a cafe for moms and a play area for kids. They had an area called "Belly Babies" that was perfect for our little crawlers and climbers. I got to drink a vanilla latte and catch up with a friend....all while Caleb had fun playing! Success! Caleb is still trying to figure out how to interact with other babies. He is definitely a "watcher" and has some of Daddy's independence in him.

Caleb immediately found some toys to play with...


Caleb and Maddie trying to figure it all out...


Listening to one of the employees talk...


Figuring out the tunnel...


He made it through!


"Cheese!"


The 4 of us....I am really thankful to have friends
who are going through this Mommy thing with me!

Randall Oaks

I took Caleb to Randall Oaks (a barnyard zoo in the area) with my good friend Becky and the cute little 4-month old that she babysits. Although it was extremely hot, and Caleb was a bit apprehensive around the animals, he seemed to have a good time. We got to feed the goats and sheep. We also saw cows, horses, chickens, a llama, and various types of birds. It will be fun to go back another day when he isn't so sweaty, and when he might appreciate feeding the animals a little bit more!

Checking out the chickens...


Feeding the sheep...


Hanging out with the goats...