April Showers (almost)

Alright, so it was technically still March, but just barely.

To set the scene, Cal triumphantly made a mess of things just before he was to get a bath of his own. So since I was already in the shower, in with me he went.

I wondered how he would react to rain drop effect when he's used to still waters, but he took to it like a pro -- even when directly under the faucet to rinse his shampoo.

Bath time is still the best, but it's good to know that we can shower, too, in a pinch.

Grammy's Magic Touch

A family dinner in honor of Grammy (Anderson's) birthday went later than little Cal could. However, not one to miss out on a party, he wasn't thrilled at the idea of sleeping in another room. So Grammy graciously offered to hold him while he slept contently in her arms.

Her love for this little guy is evident, isn't it? Calvin is a lucky boy to have this much love and tenderness in his life.

Pond Hopping

After offering (perhaps even threatening?) to take a rolling pin to my belly in order to get Calvin out before his return to England in early January, Eric's brother,Uncle Ryan, reluctantly boarded the plane and resumed his studies abroad. However, he kept close tabs on his new nephew with pictures and updates, and returned to the States at his first opportunity to meet the little guy, now just two months old. Not bad considering the miles separating them.

Cal wore his "Howdy Partner" shirt as a welcome from our President in his native tongue.

Cousin Ava

Their first meeting was a little less than eventful. Eric's brother, Uncle Kurt, could hardly keep Aunt Denee away, but Ava was more interested in the cat. Naturally. Jake moves around more. And he has a tail.

However, before long, Ava was curious about our little guy, too, and now they show up at gatherings coincidentally dressed alike, which is the tie that binds for anyone, right?

Say Cheese!

Around six weeks of age, Calvin started smiling real smiles (i.e. not gas-related). It's wonderful to watch one come across his face. It starts in his eyes, then his mouth takes over, and there's usually a little head jiggle with arms a-flailin'. And now, at eight weeks, he talks along with them -- making sweet little melodic sounds. He such a joyous little guy.

Click here to hear him talking with Grandma. http://www.vsocial.com/video/?d=21235

Uncle Shane

When Cherith's brother, Uncle Shane, received the call that we were in labor, he and his girlfriend, Cassie, jumped in the car and made their way to Lake Geneva. However, school midterms meant that they could only stay for the first 15 of our 45 hour adventure.

Before they left, though, the final picture of our belly war was taken. As you can see, I won by a landslide, with a much larger belly than Shane's. And I believe I may have weighed more at the end, too.

In this case alone, that's considered a victory.

Shane did make it back to meet his nephew during our first night at home. Poor Cal cried the whole time, making a great first impression. Fortunately, there have been other chances for the two to get acquainted in a calmer fashion, and there will be more to come.