New Year's Eve

Speaking of traditions, we spend New Year's with college friends. At our place or at a friend's cabin, each year a group of North Parkers and I gather to usher in the new year. This year we all piled into our home in Galena, and I brought reinforcements from Hope College.

There were just nine of us the first night: Kyle, Trish, and Eva Olson, Peter, Julie, and Wil TeWinkle, and the three of us. We talked theology and wandered the decorated streets in search of the perfect breakfast place.

Later we were joined by others: Kevin and Alison McKernan (with baby M due in April), Chris, Becca, and Ellis Newhouse, Peter Carlson, Mark and Naomi Peterson (with baby P due in Feb), Jon Heintzelman, Aaron Balsam, and Aimee Johnson.

The kids worked hard to cover the house with toys and the rest of us tried not to trip over them. We look forward to this gathering every year, but watching these kids have time together added a new element; as potential lifelong friends, every photo taken is blackmail for years to come ....

PS -- Thanks to GG and Papa TeWinkle for the matching PJs! With sippy cups, too, we couldn't tell Calvin and Wil apart!

Christmas Day

After dreaming of sugar plums, Calvin awoke at Grandma and Grandpa Caldwell's house on Christmas morning for more family fun.

Cal and Grandpa played with the John Deere tractors, props we used to announce our pregnancy, and enjoyed more gingerbread men cookies that he found in his stocking.

Chris, Jen, and Chloe joined us via webcam to complete the family circle.

Christmas Eve

This year Calvin joined us for a standing tradition at the Naperville Anderson's home: a Christmas Eve smorgasbord and church service.

As it turned out, he napped during the family dinner, but was awake to squirm through the Christmas Eve service and open -- and play with -- a present or two before sleeping.

He and cousin Ava especially enjoyed a ride around the living room in Cal's new sleigh.

First Christmas

2006 brought a new tradition to the Lake Geneva Andersons -- a Christmas celebration of our own. With extended family close by, we celebrate at their houses. But with a child of our own, we thought it time for a celebration at our place.

So with the tree lit, Calvin in his PJs, and a dinner buffet of appetizers, Eric attempted to read the biblical story of Christ's birth before giving way to a squirmy kid ready for his first Christmas present.

It was short and sweet, but just like that, a tradition is born.

Big Fists

A Gerber Foods commercial once told me that a baby's stomach is the size of his fist. If this is true, then Calvin has deceptively large fists because the boy can eat!

Take, for example, tonight's dinner:

- One whole avocado
- One whole pear
- 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and applesauce
- 1/2 slice of bread
- One ginger cookie ...'tis the season

We have introduced him to Quinoa, a complete protein grain, that might fill him up more than water-based fruits. We mix it with apple sauce and into oatmeal, and there's a recipe for quinoa cookies that I'd like to try. Still, even with a 1/2 cup of grains, this kid still holds his own.

Back to Sleep

Calvin often sleeps on his back with his hands behind his head. He looks so cool ... like he's on a chaise lounge and couldn't be bothered to stay awake any longer.

Candy Cane

Calvin has had healthy and mostly organic foods throughout his (short) life, but something about this holiday season has sent me askew.

It started with ginger cookies. Whether they're cute gingerbread men from Whole Foods or homemade ginger snaps, Calvin loves these cookies, and since ginger is so good for one's digestive system they might as well be health food.

Then, while patronizing a local store, Calvin received his first candy cane. Fully wrapped, it was a harmless chew toy. But soon enough he found his way through the wrapper and thoroughly enjoyed his first taste of unadulterated sugar. However, since peppermint is so good for one's digestive system ... well, you can see where this is going ....

Since then, Cal has happened upon pieces of said candy cane and enjoyed carrying it like a dog carries a bone as he crawls across the room. Don't worry, I'm fully aware of the dangers therein and watch the boy like a hawk.

First Steps (Without Assistance)

It's official -- Calvin can walk on his own!

Just before bed tonight (on Grammy Great's 85th birthday), Calvin was enjoying his evening bottle when he decided to stand up. Eric joined him on the floor and encouraged Cal to walk toward him.

Lo and behold, he did! Four or five steps on his own, and without dropping the bottle! Once he was satisfactorily in his father's arms, I ran for the camera.

Even with the pressure of the camera (and the clock ticking toward bedtime) he took another stroll toward Dad.

We'll get that video loaded soon, but wanted to get the word out ASAP.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It .....

Lounge Act

Yeah, this is my highchair.
It's where I hang to eat my ginger cookies.

All I Want For Christmas ....

You may know that Calvin has four teeth: two on the bottom center and two on top ... not in the center. But if that's all you know, my friend, you need an update.

I admit that I haven't paid close attention to how people "grow" teeth, but from the giddy responses to Calvin's adorable gap-tooth smile, I understand that children often find their front teeth first.

Calvin waited to introduce his with a seasonal song.

Just in time for Christmas Calvin got his wish; his two front teeth came in so in sync that they were practically holding hands.

"... Gee I really hope I get my two front teeth,
So I can wish you Merry Christmas!"

Happy Birthday, Grammy Great!

Once recovered from the sausage party, we were ready to celebrate Grammy Great's 85th birthday.

Vera's daughters, Diann (Grammy) and Deb planned a lovely luncheon at Windsor Park Manor and the family came in droves. We were sixteen in all.

Calvin and Cousin Ava gave Great Aunt Deb a run for the title of "Spunkiest Guest", and Vera enjoyed having half of her family together to mark this momentous occasion.

Getting the Job Done

We made our way to Naperville for the annual Anderson korv-making party. In preparation for our Christmas Eve smorgasbord we've been stuffing potato sausage for a few years, but this was Calvin's first.

He seemed to have a good time but did distract from the task at hand. Not only did he somehow avoid making any sausage, he occupied others' attention with his antics.

Still, while he didn't peel potatoes or grind meat, it was hard to be mad when he donned Uncle Ryan's old tool belt and saved all of us from unruly pool balls.

Giving Thanks

One day is not a sufficient amount of time to celebrate Thanksgiving. So after a feast at Grandma and Grandpa Caldwell's, we were off, over the river and through the woods to Grammy and Papa Anderson's house.

The celebration continued with another feast -- including a deep fried turkey! -- more family and friends to love, and a growing cousin to explore.

Calvin reunites with Cousin Ava every few months and, although the two spend time looking at each other's pictures during their time apart, it's always a little sketchy when the pictures come to life. Ava's not quite sure what to do with Calvin. He's messy and he wants to do whatever she's doing.

It's hard to share the spotlight, but it's fun to have a playmate who's the same size...almost. And each time together builds a relationship for life.

For the record: At the table for Thanksgiving #2 were Grammy and Papa Anderson, Uncle Ryan, Uncle Kurt, Aunt Denee, and Cousin Ava and our good friends, Dave, Diane, and Drake Petersen.

Thanksgiving

As the year passes and Calvin experiences annual celebrations, I have to wonder how much of these traditions actually sink in. I mean, did the bunny ears really clarify the meaning of Easter? Probably not, but I think they sufficiently marked the day.

We skipped the "Baby's First Thanksgiving" bib which left me wondering whether Calvin would remember his first official day to give thanks. (Read with great sarcasm.) Fortunately the turkey took hold and my handy camera captured Calvin experiencing the essence of Thanksgiving ... the aftermath. Priceless.

For the record: We celebrated Thanksgiving #1 at Grandma and Grandpa Caldwell's. Uncle Shane brought three colleagues from University of Chicago and three refugees from Iran also graced the table.

We found plenty for which to give thanks, and this little guy topped my list.

One Fun Tuesday

Tuesdays don't always lend themselves to overt excitement, but this particular Tuesday was extraordinary.

We had a surprise visit from Eric's grandparents, Ken and Jeanne Anderson followed by dinner with Nadia Hindaileh and Jessica Bowker.

Family and friends? C'mon now, it doesn't get much better than that!

Calvin the Punk

Calvin has great hair. It's growing in nicely and is currently a lovely dark blond / light brown color (like his mom's).

As it turns out, it's fun to style in the bath, too.

Tackling Daddy

He's getting strong, this little guy. Just after returning from the field (raking leaves), Eric was tackled by Calvin. And he wouldn't stop -- Cal just kept at him. I couldn't tear him off either, so I finally took a video ... for insurance purposes, of course.

http://www.vsocial.com/index.php?action=2&d=55830

Galena

Eric completed his MBA program (Yay!) so, for the first time since Calvin was born, we spent a weekend together without homework looming.

To celebrate, we took off to Galena and crossed paths with Grammy Anderson who had been there during the week.

Every visit to Galena is a new adventure for Calvin. With his rapid infant development there are always new places to explore.

This time Cal found a ready-made fort under the kitchen table, though it was prone to "invasions" by Grammy; a version of (his favorite) peek-a-boo. And then he was off to the stairs to show off his new talent.

Facing Forward

At Calvin's nine-month check-up, just in time for our road trip to Michigan, he was cleared for take-off in a new direction. I.e. We turned his car seat around to face forward.

There was a noticeable change in our time spent in the car. Cal seemed amazed that he could see people in the front seat -- like a sneak peak into a secret world -- though I wondered if the increased activity would be scary, with cars coming at us, and whatnot. Alas. he seemed to enjoy all of it.

At first he was too interested in his surroundings to fall asleep, but he did manage to nod off. And since he was facing us, we had a front row seat for his cute poses. Nothing beats a sleeping baby.

Stairs!

Cal finds his way from our family room to our kitchen, which requires him to scale a step. However, it was at Grandma's house that he took interest in a full set of stairs.

When he tired on the toys and furniture in the living room, he crawled to the foyer and then to the stairs. Grandma put something (yes, that's a ONE bracelet) a few steps up to see if he would respond to the situation.

Such a quick study! He really seemed to sense that he was going up and that “down” was developing behind him. He just went into rewind instinctively to scoot back out the way he had gone.

http://www.vsocial.com/video/?d=54603

First Steps (with assistance)

The weekend away wrapped up at Grandma Caldwell's house where Cal found a new way to move. Since learning to stand up with assistance, he's been trying to take a few steps while upright. A walker helped him practice.

http://www.vsocial.com/video/?d=54602

Happy Birthday, Friend Wil!

It's hard to believe that an entire year has passed since we celebrated the arrival of William Peter TeWinkle, III.

Our trip to Michigan included an equally raucous celebration of his first birthday. We wiggled our way into a gathering for family, among Wil's parents, aunts and uncle, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Julie made a feast and Wil's first chocolate cake, and we enjoyed an amazing moment when the two boys crawled across the room to each other, got up on their knees and hugged!

But you'll have to take my word on all of this as I was without my trusty camera -- gasp! Julie and Peter were kind enough to share an adorable picture of Wil, dressed in TeWinkle garb and wearing his birthday crown.

Happy Birthday, dear William. Happy birthday to you.

A Shower for Nathan

Calvin joined Grandma Caldwell and me for a road trip to southwest Michigan. The impending birth of Nathan Ritter, Calvin's second cousin, gathered some of the Ritter women for a shower.

Somehow even dressed in male clothing, he was welcomed among the girls.

And in this picture he's politely pointing to the tooth he's working on.

Nine-Month Check-up

I forgot to mention Cal's measurements after his nine-month check-up.

20# (50%)
29" (90%)

"Long and lean -- just how we like 'em", says Dr. Blue.

And a third tooth has popped through; his upper right canine. Roof!

Trick-or-Treating

'Round these parts, trick-or-treating rarely takes place on Halloween. It is scheduled for a weekend day from 1-4 p.m. Lame, I know. Don't get Eric started ....

Nevertheless, we took advantage of the sunny Sunday provided and set off with Calvin. We had two houses to hit on Cal's first Halloween -- across the street to "Grandma" and "Grandpa" Bauman, and around the corner to Amy and Ryan Eikenbary-Barber, pastor and friends.

Our little lion cub didn't trick many, but was a treat for one and all ....

It's Curtains for Calvin

Jake the Cat spends a fair amount of time "outside" on our screened-in porch. This time when he excused himself from the room, Calvin followed -- or tried to, anyway.

He crawled over to the doors, stood up, found his way under the curtains, and called to Jake. He wasn't overtly successful, but did discover a new part of the house.

New video: http://www.vsocial.com/index.php?action=2&d=53686

Nine Months Old

I've known Calvin for eighteen months.

For nine of them, we had a monogamous relationship; a secret language of kicks and squirms. I've had to share him for the latter nine, though experiencing daily life with him has been well worth it.

Cal continues to be a content little guy, finding joy in simple pleasures (notice the lotion is his hand) and exploring wherever his curiosity leads.

http://www.vsocial.com/video/?d=52564

Mom's Special Helper

With Calvin fully mobile, normal tasks are different. Like laundry. He used to sit contently with toys while I folded laundry. But this week he crawled over to the basket, stood up, and proceeded to help me "sort" the clothes.

Gee, thanks honey.

Last Swim Lesson

Eight weeks passed quickly, and Calvin completed his swim lessons. He enjoyed his time in the pool, but perhaps more notable than his progress in the water were his other changes during this time.

Put simply, he now has two teeth, crawls, and pulls himself up to standing. Might not sound like much, but it was definitely eight weeks of hard work -- particularly with the teeth.

He hasn't mastered the back stroke just yet, but he is comfortable in the water. He can go under without inhaling or come up without gasping for air. And with an inflatable beach ball as a carrot, he almost passes as a swimmer.

Friendly Faces

Two friends have been nearly as excited about Calvin as Eric and I have been. I met Nadia and Jessica while working at Covenant Retirement Communities, but our friendship has extended far beyond those walls.

They threw a shower for Calvin and were in the hospital when he was born. And they've made numerous trips from Chicago to watch him grow.

This weekend they came for a visit and we made it a priority to take pictures -- finally!

More memories mades, this time captured on film. And let's face it, it's about time they made the blog. :)

Crib Alterations

We lowered Cal's mattress about a week ago and not a moment too soon. After his first nap in the new space, I found him like this: frumpled, disheveled, moist ... and sitting up!

Since then, his bed has become a playground. Instead of lying down, grabbing his blanket, and rolling over to sleep, he immediately rolls over and sits up with renewed energy to play.

This is not a happy discovery since he doesn't know how to lie down as well as he can sit up.

It does, however, make for an adorably warm greeting when he awakens.

Finger Food

Calvin has some finger food with each meal. Grapes, Cheerios, banana, bread ... I think it helps him feel like he's part of the process and practice his coordination.

He's getting pretty good at it. Most food makes it to its happy destination, as you'll see in this video. It's one of his rougher attempts, but it's too cute to miss.

http://www.vsocial.com/video/?d=50357

Crawling

Static no more -- Calvin crawls!

Left leg, right arm.
Right leg, left arm.

This guy has all the moves -- and some really manly grunts! :)

http://www.vsocial.com/video/?d=51018

Sounds Good to Me

Calvin is practicing new sounds.

Last night it was "dt".
Deedt. Doodt. Dudt. Dadt.
All enunciated and punctuated.

Tonight's dinner inspired tongue clucking, which I managed to catch on tape. (Yay Mom!)

http://www.vsocial.com/video/?d=50092
http://www.vsocial.com/video/?d=50094

S-t-r-e-t-c-h

The boy is up on his knees now but doesn't want to move them much. He rocks back and forth, stretching in every direction, but keeps his knees well planted.

He seems content since he knows how to return to a sitting position, lie down, roll over ... all your basic tricks.

And Eric and I appreciate the way he stays where we put him. Good boy. :)

Under the Bed

On his belly, Calvin scooches backwards across the room. Such behavior lands him in interesting places -- like under the bed.

One of these days he'll learn that he can move forward, too.

Four Generations of Anderson Men

The men's retreat at Covenant Harbor brings the Anderson fellas together each fall. It's a special treat to have Grandpa (Ken) Anderson in from Pennsylvania for the festivities.

With Calvin around this year, four generations on Anderson "men" gathered in Lake Geneva.

Sounds like a great time for a picture.

Two Front Teeth

They're on the bottom, but Cal now has his two front teeth.

Old World Wisconsin

Old World Wisconsin sits about 30 miles northeast of us. It's a snapshot of life for some of Wisconsin's early settlers. The Anderson trio set off to explore it.

We scoured the Norwegian farm first, snorting at the pigs and "bah-ing" at the sheep. From there we found the Caldwell House, (how 'bout that?) with an American flag and albino cows! What a combination.

The Apple Barn

I attended my first MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) meeting this week. MOPS "helps moms through relationships established in the context of local groups that provide a caring atmosphere for today's mother of young children". In short, it's a place to connect with others like me.

Still, after nearly eight months of motherhood, it's strange to think that I "qualify" for attendance at such a gathering. Nevertheless, they didn't kick me out, and I did meet some women.

And the results were immediate. Before leaving, Cal and I were invited to the Apple Barn, a local orchard. Nevermind that the invitation came from a gal from church whom I've known for years ... this was our first social outing.

We had a great time. It was sunny and 70 degrees and the apples were delicious. Cal tasted quite a few, to be sure.

Unsinkable

Even if Calvin wasn't developing his pincer grasp or taking a stab at feeding himself I would still give three cheers for Cheerios. They keep him company while I prepare his meal, which is as good as gold.

A few Cheerios on his highchair tray keep him happy as a clam. And with three out of ten actually making it to his mouth, it's fun for all of us.

Table for Three

Since he was about five months old, Calvin has been eating the same foods that Eric and I do. Sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados, acorn squash, green beans, apples, rice, etc. ... just pureed instead of however the big kids eat it. I prepare these in things in bulk and freeze them, so although we eat the same food, it's not necessarily at the same meal.

As he has learned to chew (gum) things more, I've started course chopping food, and tonight we took a step even closer to dinner as a family.

Tonight's meal seemed like one that all three of us could eat. Tilapia (fish), boiled red potatoes, and broccoli. Yum! This meant that Cal tasted fish for the first time, but the other two are faithful companions, so away we went. http://www.vsocial.com/video/?d=46915

Somehow eating the same food at the same meal feels like a big step toward ... familyhood.

A New Bedtime Routine

I don't know if I can call these "routine" anymore, since they change just about weekly, but Calvin's latest bedtime behavior might be the best yet.

We still dance as he settles down to sleep, but this week I've picked up his blanket, too. He quickly grabs it with his right arm, sticks his trusted left thumb in his mouth, closes his eyes, and lays his head on my shoulder.

This kid ... he's too much. He's so cute, it's nearly impossible to put him down. Ah, the sacrifices I make ....

No Turning Back

Calvin is seven months old now -- seven and a half months for the kid in you -- and while he has probably made little developments each and every day so far, he seems to be working double time at this point.

I'm not sure if it's the time he has spent watching Friend Wil or Cousin Ava cruise around the room, or whether he is just reaching a point where he's ready to move, but over the past two weeks, he has gone from sitting happily in the same spot, to slithering backwards on his stomach, to twisting and turning and rolling all over the place.

He's not crawling yet, but he's starting to rock forward onto his knees. It won't be long, now ... and then we're really in trouble!

Did I mention that he awoke with a tooth this morning?! A TOOTH! (Bottom right.) But it's rather difficult to photograph ....

Reunion

We took advantage of Labor Day weekend to celebrate our best friends' return to the Midwest. Julie, Peter, and Wil have cut ties with old New York and settled back into Grand Rapids, MI. And we couldn't be happier.

Of course this visit was a chance for our growing guys to see each other, too. It's been six months since first (and last) they met and a lot has changed! At 10 months, Wil crawls with ease and stands with assistance. Cal (7 mos) mostly sits contently at squeals with delight at his friend's talent. He was inspired to join Wil from time to time, trying to pull himself upward. Not much success just yet.

We took them to our old stomping grounds, Hope College, for their first photo in front of the anchor. It's funny how life progresses ... Julie and I used to sit at JP's coffee shop to dish about relationships. Now we sit there with our husbands and dish up lunch for our kids. So cool.

On the way back to Wisconsin, we stopped for a cookout at my Cousin Colin and Corin's house. Cousin Allison and Jason came with kids in tow so everyone (4 cousins and 5 second cousins) could meet Cal. Sadly, I forgot to take pictures (!!) so you'll just have to trust me -- a good time was had by all.

Swim Lessons

Most days around here are filled with excitement of some sort -- a new chirp or squeal, a lengthy stretch for a wandering toy -- though they pale in comparison to today's adventure: swim lessons!

At the YMCA, Cal and I jumped in with three other moms and their daughters. We practiced blowing bubbles and "swimming" after floating toys.

Cal regularly plays in his bath, but I was surprised at how well he took to the pool. He actually kicked his legs and moved his arms breaststroke-style as I held his torso, and he squealed with delight as he captured his little gremlin floating about.

We have eight weeks of classes, and I expect each to be as fun as tonight was.

Building Blocks

Calvin has discovered his calling. When he grows up he'll either be a demolition dude or King Kong.

He loves his blocks (thanks Allison) but is completely intolerant of stacks. When placed on top of each other he immediately swipes them down, making sure they're all on equal ground.

Note the "roar" captured in this photo. I have loosed the beast within ....