First Quarter Results

Calvin is three months old!

He celebrated this milestone on nice walks with Grandma (Caldwell) in the bright April sun. They went down to the lake (for a nap) and to the park next door (to scope out his future playground). Aww....

As he wraps up his ninety day probationary period, I'm glad to report that we're going to keep him! He passed with flying colors.

Big Boy Bath

Calvin has more control over his extremeties these days and he loves to kick his big strong legs. This development has made bath time interesting. Gone are the days of quiet baths by the window. After a few consecutive days of floor-soaking kick fests, we moved his little blue tub into the big tub. Here he can kick all he wants.

He is able to control his arms more, too. After washing his face, I place the washcloth on his chest to keep him warm. But he has learned to get his hand under it, bring it to his mouth and make the cutest sucking sound as he drains the water from it.

This kid is just the best. Every little thing he does is wonderful!

Spring Has Sprung

Easter weekend produced beautiful, "can't possibly stay inside" weather, and before long, Cal found himself lying in fresh green grass under blooming daffodils. Delicious.

When I first learned that we'd have a January baby, I was worried about being cooped up inside all winter until a friend told me that her winter birth was wonderful. They hibernated for the first few months, and by the time she was ready to go outside, so was her little one.

That has proven true for Calvin and me, too. After a relaxing and restful winter, spring has sprung in the Midwest, and we're ready to play.

Legacy

With granddaughters to smother with sugar, and spice, and everything nice, both Grandpa (Caldwell, left) and Papa (Anderson) are excited to have a grandson with whom they can discuss snakes, and snails, and puppy dog tails. Or at least tractors. John Deere, of course.

It's really something to see these two men come to a complete stop when their grandkids are around.

My, What Big Ears You Have

Calvin met the Easter Bunny this year, and Grammy (Anderson) provided a new pair of ears to celebrate.

Cousin Ava knew enough to be a little concerned about a big, white creature in the living room, but Cal just took it all in, trying to make sense of it.

He took to the ears a little better. Or maybe it was just Mom leaning in for a kiss that got him smiling.

Superman

When Cal is finished eating, he "dismounts" with pizzazz. He stretches so that I need to lay him down on my lap, at which point he assumes the position pictured here.

Maybe he's flying high on milk, but with one hand behind his head and the other straight up, it's kind of like his own version of the Superman flight pose.

It cracks me up every time.

Passing the Torch

My Grandma Caldwell was a special woman. In fact, her grand-daughters have talked of naming their own child after her. So it's fitting that when there's a new Grandma Caldwell on the block, she, too, is a woman worthy of a namesake.

Often behind the camera of the pictures featured on this site, my mother has been a behind-the-scenes source of wisdom throughout my life, and I continue to learn from her in my new role as mother. She has shown me how to slow down enough to appreciate the quiet details of a person -- even an infant -- and to find joy and beauty in these unique aspects.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the new and improved Grandma Caldwell.

Cribs

Calvin spent his first two months in a moses basket next to our bed. It was cozy for him and convenient for me when he awoke to eat every two hours. At nine weeks, though, it was a little too cozy, and I was ready for a little more distance between us. (See? I'm learning. I'm growing.)

A visit to Grandma (Caldwell's) prompted an attempt at sleeping in a crib. I left the moses basket at home and we went cold turkey. Lo and behold, Cal slept beautifully. So upon our return home, he officially moved into his own room and into his crib. Such a big boy.

And, yes, my child occasionally sleeps on his stomach. Sue me.

Little Sucker

Legend: I came out of the womb with callouses on my thumbs from sucking them in utero.

Fact: Calvin emerged content to suck on his fist or knuckles.

Recently, however, he is discovering that his fingers come apart, and seems to be trying to figure out why his thumb is so much shorter than the others.

He'll put his fist to his mouth with his thumb arched for entry, but he twists at the last minute, opting for the familiar knuckle sandwich instead. Or he'll let the thumb have a go at it, but only safely accompanied by another finger.




It's fun for me to see him enjoy his fingers. My thumb was a trusted companion for many years. Fact.