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.