Big Boy Bunk Bed!

With child number two on the way, we -- well, Eric -- decided to renovate the spare bedroom, which also served as our office. In short, he tore off the tongue and groove paneling and vaulted the ceiling. But it was no small job! Throw in new windows, new floor, new electrical work, and a not-so minor flood when one of the radiators busted mid-project, and you'll believe me when I say that he has been keeping himself busy this year.

The end result, however, is beautiful. And just perfect for a Big Brother.

Calvin moved into his new room after Nora was born but before she moves into the crib. (She's staying in our room for a couple of months.) Of course, we've been talking it up for a while now and his anticipation has been growing, giving tours to visitors.

We moved the pre-renovation bedroom set back to the room upon completion. It happens to be Eric's first big-boy bedroom set, including two twin (bunk) beds, a dresser and desk. But while Cal's excitement about his room was growing, his attachment to his crib had not waned. I envisioned moving the crib to the room, as well. Which, for the record, was fine with me. I wasn't in a hurry to move him to a new bed.

However ... we did set up the furniture while he was in Montana with Grandma.

We talked to him by phone as the carpet was laid, and I let him know that I was setting up new beds for him. He was stoked. We brought him home from Montana in the middle of the night so he slept in the crib. But first thing the next morning he scoped out his new digs.

Not surprisingly, he immediately climbed to the top bunk and wanted to nap there later in the day. I agreed to let him sleep on the bottom bunk (not so keen on the idea of going straight from a crib to the TOP bunk!) but he was too excited, too fidgety, to actually sleep. He ended up crashing in his crib. But that night he tried again and fell right to sleep in his big boy bed.

There's no turning back now. This kid's growing up.

Dog Days of Summer

As we all adjust to life with a new baby, I have been intentional about finding a fun activity for just Calvin and me to enjoy. Nora's nap time provides a perfect opportunity.

While Nora slept, Calvin and I washed the balls for his play house. Filling the bath tub, we dumped them in and sloshed them around until they were clean. Fun. So fun, in fact, that Calvin couldn't resist jumping in. I mean, balls AND water? That's the perfect combination!

We drained the germy water and refilled the tub for the boy to play. I wondered whether he'd ever get out.

Nothing says Summertime (to me) like homemade orange juice popsicles. Cal and I mixed up some OJ and poured them into the cups, took a nap, and returned to the freezer to find our refreshing afternoon snack waiting to be enjoyed.

We took them to the back steps where we could let the juice run down our arms as it pleased. The best part? We got to eat another one when Daddy came home from work!!

We even packed some in a cooler and walked them to our friends' (the E-Bs) house.

Up, Up, and Away

(Post by Grandma. Pictures coming.)

Calvin had a couple special weeks shortly after becoming a big brother. Grandma Caldwell came to stay and help with things around the house for 1 week and then Calvin and Grandma flew to Montana to visit Uncle Chris, Aunt Jenifer and cousins Chloe and Storey for the 2nd week.

With toy figures for each person along, Calvin chatted with them about the trip, even showing each one the view from the plane.

Though each day, Calvin got homesick for Mommy and Daddy for a little while, he wanted them to 'go up, up in the sky' to be with him where he was.

Chloe and Storey had fun showing Calvin their new house, the deer that stroll naturally through the yard, the wonderful parks and mountain streams in beautiful Missoula, Montana.

The World from Cal's Perspective

Calvin is usually in front of the camera; especially in the pictures featured here. So here's a taste of what he does on the other side of the lens.

While out on our porch, Cal got a hold of the camera and snapped more than a few artistic shots. Here are my favorites:

- Cal's toys, and nice clean carpet. Thanks Grandma!!

- Dad on the phone

- Mom's knee and hand

Comfort Under Cover

Calvin finds a great deal of comfort in two things, Pooh Bear and snuggling into a blanket.

So when his sister started crying he suggested that she might like the vibrating chair, then proceeded to give her Pooh Bear and cover her up with a blanket -- from head to toe.

Yeah, that's Nora under there. Pooh Bear's in there, too, down by her feet.

It was such a sweet move, topped off with his mother's (which is probably actually his grandmother's) comforting technique: the double-pat.

"It's okay, Nora", he'd say, while gently patting her.

He's such a great big brother.

Galena: Party of Four

After a few special Big Brother days with Grammy and Papa, (about which I hope we'll hear more soon ... ) we joined our little guy in Galena, reuniting us as a new family of four.

It was a pretty quiet visit for Nora and me, (she was just four days old, afterall) but Cal and his Dad managed to keep busy. The big adventure was our evening at the pool.

Yes, that's my two-year old jumping off of a diving board. Granted, it's about two feet above the water, but still -- look at him -- he's flying!

Cal watched others jumping for a while before he and Eric swam over to give it a try. But he didn't hesitate. Holding my hand, he stepped up on the board, walked to the end and jumped.

And then he did it again. And again. And again. And again. ... and again.

There were quieter times as well. He cuddled up with Baby Nora, too, even sharing his beloved Pooh Bear with his new sister. I don't sense jealousy or competition in him yet. It was his idea to let Nora rest on his bear, and his choice to join her when she looked comfortable (instead of pulling it back for himself).

My son.

A Big Brother In Galena

(Post by Grammy)

With mommy and Nora getting good care in the hospital, Calvin joined Grammy and Papa for a few days of fun in Galena. With a picnic supper, Pooh and a big blanket, Calvin watched a pre-4th of July air show over the Mississippi River, followed by fireworks. That was so much fun, Calvin got to see more fireworks on the 4th.

Most of the time in Galena was spent just hanging out at the playground, playing in the playhouse and, a favorite Galena activity, happily playing with Daddy's old toys. Grammy and Papa had lots of fun too!

For more pictures of this visit, click here.

A Big Brother is Born

Calvin was the first on the scene when Nora was born.

He woke up to Grammy and Papa at his house and the three made their way to the hospital lickety-split.

A wide-eyed boy entered our room and climbed into the bed with Nora and me. Taking note of the baby in my arms, he turned his attention to the subtle details, like my hospital gown and Nora's oxygen tube.

But he soon found Nora's eyes and her nose, and it wasn't long before he wanted to take an active role in caring for his sister. "I want to hold my baby in my arms", he said.

He settled in next to me and held out his arms. Handing over Nora, I wrapped my arms around both of my kids for the first time; what a feeling!

And just like that, a big brother is born.

If you'd like to meet Calvin's little sister, check out her blog.