This Bag IS a Toy!

When Calvin was born I vividly remember thinking, "I'll never go to the grocery store again". What had been an effortless weekly trip became an insurmountable feat overnight.

Somewhere I had acquired a vision of needing to abandon my hand-chosen veggies and melting ice cream as I rushed my screaming baby to the car. And somehow this vision took hold for nearly five months!

Oh, we've been other places -- restaurants, even -- but always with someone who could tend with the merchandise while I dealt with the child, or visa versa. And I did return to the grocery store, but on my own, before Calvin was up for the day or after he had retired for the evening. That is, until this week. This week we took the plunge.

Satisfied that Cal was tanked up, dry, and well-rested, we were off. And we had a ball! Cal enjoyed all the new turf to take in and I loved showing him a few of my favorite things. We found some apples for him right off the bat, which he carried through the rest of the store, happily -- and safely -- chewing on the bag as we went.

The meltdown may happen someday, but for now I have a new vision of grocery shopping with my little guy.

On Solid Ground

At his four month check-up, our pediatrician said that Cal could start on solid food at any time. I found that he was still okay with a dairy diet for the moment, but within a few weeks he was asking for more.

A few days in Chicago provided the chance to test these new waters. I took some rice cereal with me and that went down so easily that I just had to try more. Ignoring the common practice of starting slowly, Calvin enjoyed banana, sweet potatoes, avocado, and pear before returning home again.

He took to the spoon very well, opening his mouth when presented with it. And he consumed most of what was offered with the help of his trusty thumb, which he sucked with such fervor we wondered if he thought it was providing these tasty treats!

Wanna see for yourself? http://www.vsocial.com/video/?l=34982

Taking Care of Business

Calvin I ventured north to Door County, WI on our first business trip with my new job. We spent two days driving around the peninsula, checking out lighthouses and art galleries for current and future Elderhostel programs.

My predecessor, Laura Lombardo, was our guide, and my mom was along as Super Nanny. The trip was a blast for the women, and Calvin seemed to enjoy himself, too. He came home with the "Best Traveler" award, "Best Laugh", and "Best Boy on the Trip".

Funny Face

We can only post a select few of Calvin's pictures, so we select the cutest one, of course. But among the scads taken, there are naturally some that shouldn't see the light of day, and a few that downright hilarious.

This one makes us laugh every time we look at it -- his version of squinting at the sun.

Sleeping Beau

Confession: I watch Calvin sleep.

But I'm convinced that you would, too, if given the opportunity. He changes so quickly that he's different after every nap. (See attached evidence.)

Exhibit A: Before Nap Exhibit B: After Nap









The difference is striking, isn't it?

Thumb Sucking

Ladies and Gentlemen, Calvin has found his thumb! Though at first he didn't want anyone to know about it.

He would find and suck on it for a while, but only when he thought no one was looking. He has since decided that it's okay to indulge in public.

It seems that he prefers his fingers as a chew toy, but sucks his thumb for comfort.

Eric's Birthday

A birthday around Memorial Day (May 31st) always provides a great excuse to take a trip. This year we went to Galena, IL for a few days.

We've been there often, but generally lay low and skip the tourist traps. This time we approached them head-on. And, of course, although we were celebrating Eric, we couldn't help but enjoy all the "firsts" for Calvin, too.

Among the highlights was a Mississippi River museum and aquarium in Dubuque, IA, (surprisingly impressive) a ferry boat ride on Old Miss herself, and some time at the local swimming hole, Cal's first time in a pool!

Our first family vacation ... priceless.