Where My Trust is Without Borders

This is a very vulnerable post. It shows the deepest feeling and thoughts I have on my own faith. But, yet, you ever just feel God is telling you to share something? Well, I think He wanted me to share my broken heart and my real faith in Christ. I think Christians put this air out to the world as if everything is fine or even act like they know everything or are better than others. This isn't that kind of post. I promise. This is full of deep truths...my truths!

Have you heard this song shown above? It's "Oceans" by Hillsong UNITED.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoZE2RsthRg

I have a love/hate relationship with this song. While I love the music and the words are very trusting, the words are my biggest fear! In fact, when I first heard the words shown above "Spirit, Lead Me where my trust is without borders." I froze. Do I really want to sing that? Do I really want to say that? Because that could mean God will test me in that. And it scared me. I heard this song early last year and I would refuse to sing it because I wasn't sure that I was ready for a relationship with God that would make me trust without any borders. Yes - I said it. This girl still wants to control everything she can. As if I can. But still - I wasn't sure I wanted that deep of a relationship with God. It hurts to say and I wince at the thought. But it's the truth. I felt like we had enough drama and pain in our lives already when I heard this song, and I didn't want to find out what "trust without borders" would mean. I was more scared of what things would happen to my family than anything else. I wanted a great relationship with my Savior, one that wasn't mediocre, but I was also afraid.

So then jump to November 22nd when my husband fell and broke his elbow in as the Doctor's said "the worst way possible." Prior to that accident, our lives were busy as it was. We were learning this whole new parent role and also working. We had enough on our plate, and our marriage was also having some issues. I think anytime you become a new parent, it can take a hit on the marriage too because you have to learn so many newer things and yet maintain your marriage. Life got really hard, and we would argue over dumb stuff. I felt like we weren't communicating very well. And then his accident...

Not only could my husband not use his right arm, he was on medication and literally couldn't even try to help me with Caleb. Being a new parent is hard enough as it is, let alone, with a husband who needed surgery and would be out of commission for how long? As we found out, it would be longer than we expected. He has had two infections that caused him to have two other additional surgeries. So for three months, before Todd returned to work, I had to literally do it all. I was happy to help at first. After all, I love to help my family and do what I can. But over time, and after things weren't improving with his arm (the infection being the culprit), I was tired of doing it all. I found myself being snippy with Todd a lot more, and even blaming him for his fall. It's not like he wanted to fall. It's not like being on short term disability is a vacation really. I can attest to him being BORED! What a horrible attitude I had. I acted in such a horrible way to him. I am quite ashamed of this fact.

And as if Todd's pain and the exhaustion I was feeling wasn't enough - the medical bills! Can I just say how scary that is! Not knowing what kind of costs are involved, what insurance will cover, what they won't, etc. I was petrified. And then Caleb got RSV. And a trip to the hospital that led to him being admitted. Can I just say, I had no idea what to think. I found myself more alone than ever before. I was scared for son's health of course, but I also kept thinking...more medical bills? How are we going to withstand this? And now, we have to have a car payment because Todd's car bit the dust. So on top of medical bills, we now have a car payment. And with Todd on short term disability, we also had less pay because short term with his company covers only 75%. So again - where is the money going to come from?

And during the past 3 months, I have heard this song almost every single day. I actually believe God was calling me to have this kind of relationship. I actually believe He had been telling me that He wanted to have a relationship with me where He wanted me to trust Him NO MATTER WHAT! No borders! None of my "Well, I trust you with this and this...but not this."  We talk about being faithful to God and trusting Him in every situation, but when the time comes, you will encounter something in your life that tests you more than ever before. And I knew when I first heard this song, that somehow down the line, I would be tested. Would I trust in God NO MATTER WHAT?!

So where are we now? We have a lot of medical bills! We have a car payment! And it feels like NOTHING else can happen. I do a lot of "fearful" praying. What I mean by that is - "Oh God, please not one more thing."

And I really do feel that way. Not one more thing. But will there be one more thing - I don't know. I pray everyday that there isn't. BUT - I need to trust that God is going to provide even if there is one more thing.

But then I think of the good we have: We were able to survive 3 months on 75% of Todd's paycheck. Todd received a bonus at Christmas time. Todd received a wonderful raise at the beginning of this year (and he wasn't even working). My husband's arm is starting to heal and so far, no more infections. Our little boy is healthy and doing just fine. Our marriage has been improving on communication, and I believe there is more appreciation and love for each other than ever before. Because Todd wasn't working, we could witness Caleb crawling and standing up together, which wouldn't have happened during our normal schedules. God gave me more strength than I ever had before to take care of both Caleb and Todd. He has somehow provided the funds to pay for more daycare. God is present in our lives and while I still have my fearful tendencies, I have been praying that when that comes on, I pray that I have peace. I believe God is molding this awful situation into something for His glory. I just don't know all that this will look like. Maybe in the next few months, I will see more clearly.

I am also learning that He also provides when you need it, not when you think you need it. That verse where it says to "lean not on your own understanding" - yeah, these 4 months have been a lesson in leaning on God and not on what I see. I don't see how things are going to work, and yet God is helping us through it.

So when I ask for prayers, I ask for them for the healing of course, and the help we need (healing and financial help). But, also for me to be a different woman than I was. I ask for the prayers to become a woman that doesn't even question if God is in control anymore. Real faith - this is hard, knitty gritty stuff! It's hard! God didn't say life would be easy. He knew it would be hard, but He is with us.

I am not anywhere near the faith of a person that "trusts without borders." I still get a sick feeling in my stomach when bad stuff happens. Just being honest. I think of people like Paul in the Bible, and I am amazed at his strength and faith in Christ. But then I am reminded of where he came from. He used to kill Christians. He used to mock them and torture them. And through a long arduous journey (literally and figuratively) after being transformed, he became a man that trusted God without borders. So it's a journey. And sometimes it's a long journey. But then I think of the verse that says "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6. So I guess He is going to continue to mold me...I am a work in progress!

We really want you all to know that we appreciate your prayers, love and support! We appreciate them deeply! We still need them! We would like to return to a life that even seems boring. It would be nice to have some boring time! LOL! But we truly do appreciate you! Thank you for being faithful to God and being a blessing to us by praying! And for those that send encouraging words, thank you for that as well. God knows we need that encouragement. So thank you! We do love and appreciate you too!

When life gets busy, Caleb grows up and is 9 months old!!

9 months old!

This month has been a blur! So much has happened! But in fun news, our sweet Caleb is 9 months old! He is growing up soo fast and we couldn't be prouder! Can't believe he will be one year in just 3 months time! WOW!

Baby Stats

Just a week ago, he was weighed and he was around 18 pounds! He is approximately 28.5 inches long now too! We believe his body type is very similar to his Daddy's growing up. Todd was long and lean growing up and this boy is appearing to be the very same way. He is healthy though and that's most important.

He is growing out of anything 9 months (only has a couple things he can wear that are 9 months), and he is mostly in 12 months or 12-18 month clothes!

He currently eats 5-6 oz of soy formula during the day (every 4 hours), and will eat 7-8 ounces of food twice at night (once before bed, and once around 3-4 AM).

Caleb has been eating more "table" foods that we have like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, spaghetti, bread, crackers, fruits and vegetables, etc. We have some baby food jars too, but it's been fun and convenient to share our food with him since he can chew it. He seems to prefer whatever we are eating anyways.

He is teething again! He already has 6 as I mentioned, but I envision another two coming very soon (on the bottom). I might be wrong, but that's how it feels.

He still sleeps from about 8-8:30 PM to around 7:30-8:30 AM. He takes less naps (1-2) a day.

Our sweetie talks a lot and says Da Da Da and Ma Ma Ma. He also still say Nna Nna for food. He is trying to tell us stuff all the time, and we let him try.

Caleb shows us lots of love! He has given us kisses and hugs before, but I think he is doing it more and more. Nothing warms the heart more than when he leans in and gives me one of his baby kisses and gives me a hug! My heart just bursts!

We are working with Caleb by pointing to various things/people and emphazing what those things are, like ball, food, bottle, Momma, Dadda, etc.

Caleb does this little noise when he is concentrating hard on something. It sounds like he is sounding out the T sound and whispering it. It's too cute. I love the little quirks our guy has! So fun!

 Caleb crawls a ton and has crawled all over the house! He is climbing on everything (even when we say no). He wants to see everything and doesn't think we should keep him from doing that (even though it's a place he shouldn't climb). He is incredibly mobile and walks around the ottoman with his hand on it so he can get places by being up (not just crawling). I really see him attempting to walk in the next month or so. I won't be surprised if he is walking by his first birthday!

Crawling all over the place!

 

He loves this toy fire truck that pops out balls and moves on its own.

He will crawl after it all over the house!

 

Climbing everything like crazy!

He is such a daredevil! He will climb his rocking chair at my dismay!

Caleb recently had RSV! It's a glorified cold for adults, but can be very bad for little ones and their lungs. Caleb was wheezing and really seemed to work too hard to breathe. So we tried to take him to the Dr, but they were booked. They recommended we take him to Children's Hospital in Dayton. So I took him to the ER, and they were very convinced that he needed to be admitted because his oxygen levels were in the 80 percents. Your breathing should be in the high 90 percents though. So they admitted him and had him wear an oxygen tube that hooked into his nose. They also had him on an IV to ensure enough fluids. I swear, there is nothing scarier than watching your little baby scream and cry because they are so scared and don't understand what is happening to them. I stayed with him overnight, and he was improving quite a bit. Just within a matter of 12-15 hours, he improved greatly! Some kids don't improve as fast, and so we feel thankful that he did. He was released the following day and everyone was really proud of his improvement. Our Caleb is a fighter man! He is so strong! So proud of him!

We were happy to have him home on Valentines Day. We didn't have a very romantic Valentines Day this year, but this year we celebrated with the product of our love - Caleb! He is a sweet, wonderful little boy and we are so thankful for him! Todd and I still gave each other Valentines we made each other (see photos below). Todd wrote me a beautiful love letter. To those who don't know, my husband has been writing me love letters since we met back in 1995! He is so eloquent and so sweet!! I did something a little different and fun!

Valentines Day - Caleb is reading to his new Valentine Bear

from his Valentines Day Curious George book

Todd picked out the most lovely red roses (my fave)

and wrote me a beautiful love letter

The fun and "sweet" card that Caleb and I made Todd!

Todd also had a third surgery the week prior to Caleb getting RSV, as he had a 2nd infection. Turns out he had community based MRSA! YIKES! That's why it didn't go away the first time he had the infection. So during this 3rd surgery, the Dr put in this cement/bead antibiotic mixture into this elbow that stays there releasing the antibiotic medication over the course of 5-6 weeks. He also had an IV during surgery of antibiotics and he is taking two pill forms of antibiotics for the next 5-6 weeks. The Dr. is pretty convinced this should eliminate any return of the infection. When he did the surgery, he also removed the infection by scraping it out. So our prayers every week are to have no sign of any infection because we want to Todd to be able to return to normal operations of his arm as soon as possible. Fortunately even with this splint that he is wearing, he is returning to work this week! So that is going to be helpful to give us some normalization again!

It also looks like this upcoming month, we will be making our first car purchase as a couple! We each brough our own cars to the marriage, but now Todd's car needs replaced. So we are working on finding a reliable used car.

So it's been a very busy month, full of fun and crazy excitement (good and not good). But we ask as we continue this next month, if you would continue to pray that the infection stays away from Todd and that we have wisdom in all of our decisions! Thank you!! Much love!

And I leave you with this precious smile that melts hearts!

As I Lay Here....

As I lay here holding you as you finish eating
Holding my hair tight as you finish your last sip of your bottle
And your Daddy is sleeping to my right
I marvel at how serene and quiet it is at 3 AM
And how the best part of life is here in this bed

Your breath on my face as you fall asleep
I touch your cheek and brush your hair back out of your face
I hear you sigh deep and long
I know you are deep in sleep and happy as can be
I run my hands on your cute little feet. I touch each toe

It's such a perfect moment
I can't help but remember the night you were born
How you would only stop crying when placed on my chest
How you needed my heart beat to calm down
First time in my life I have felt so needed

I think back on our first few nights
and how I was so scared
and I really didn't do a very good job with you
I remember getting so upset since I was so sleep deprived, and
because I didn't know how to handle your crying

But just a few weeks later, you and I were bonding like no other
You and I were having fun together
We went to the park almost every week
and you loved to stare up at the trees and hear the birds
You smiled all the time, and it was all for me!

You still smile at me, when you first wake up
when you see me as I pick you up from the babysitter
You smile at me when I make a funny noise
You smile when I sing to you
or even just when I look at you.

You have a smile that melts hearts everywhere
We go out to dinner and people have to stop by to say "Hi"
Or we are at the grocery store, and people just want to talk to you
Your giggle is the sweetest sound in the world
And it has quite literally made me bawl with pride

I love the curiosity you have as you want to explore everything
Even before you could crawl around the house
You explored everything with your eyes
You have learned so much in so little time
and I am so proud of you, little man!

You continue to amaze me as I stare at you
You are so smart, so strong, and so incredibly special
My heart is insanely full with you in my life
I can't imagine this world without you in it
and no world without you is worth it

You are the sunshine of my life, dear son
I love how proud you are when you learn something new
and how you look at us to make sure we see you
Dear boy, we are proud of you no matter what
Just you being in our lives is enough pride, filling my heart to overflow

I love you, my darling Caleb
I promise it is unconditional and full of hope and promise
and as I sit here holding you as you sleep
as you fall into your precious dreams
I know that my biggest dream was when you came into my world

 ~ S. Taber

 

 

We have an active and mobile 8 month old!

I know I say this every month, but seriously, where did the time go? I blinked after he turned 7 months, and now he is 8 months! He is growing up so, so fast!!

Baby Stats

Haven't weighed him recently, but I'm guessing he's around 17-18 lbs now. He's definitely gaining weight as his clothes are getting tighter and tighter. :)

He is still wearing some 6-9 month clothes, but he is growing out of those now and is wearing a lot more 6-12 months clothes too.

He currently eats 5-6 oz of soy formula during the day (every 4 hours), and will eat 7-8 ounces of food twice at night (once before bed, and once around 3-4 AM).

We introduced dairy to Caleb this month (cottage cheese and yogurt). He is a big fan! He still loves his veggies and fruit too! We also gave him some pureed turkey (and that was a big FAT NO!). Oh the face he gave was priceless, and then he started crying. I wasn't going to torture the kid. So then we tried a mixture of chicken and sweet potatoes and he liked that MUCH better. We are aiming for some bigger chunks of food this next month to get him to use those teeth and used to other textures, etc.

The boy now has 6 teeth! Say what?! You get 20 teeth up through turning 3 years old, and this boy has almost 1/3 of his teeth! I was shocked!

He still sleeps from about 8-8:30 PM to around 7:30-8:30 AM. Since he was sick, he has had a harder time getting used to being back in his bed, though he is doing better. I also think he gets separation anxiety sometimes. But we're getting through that. It's hard to know though...because sometimes it is teething too! He may wake up as little as once during the night, and as much as 3-4 times. But for now, he's not teething and he's not sick! So that's good!

OH boy does our boy talk like crazy! :) He says Nna Nna a lot now for food...and we know that means food. It happens everytime he knows it is time to eat! We think that he says that because everytime I would feed him, I would say "Num Num!" And so we think that is where he is getting that! Such a smart boy! He also says Da Da a lot! I mean a lot! We don't know that he is associating Todd with Da Da, but he is definitely saying it! He also has said Ma Ma once (I think).

He does a lot of jumping and babbling...even if he is just sitting on your lap. He is sooo active! He will jump and jump and jump! All by himself.

He has started to crawl and starting to climb up on things and standing! Yes - it's true! He took his first crawl step this past Friday! And just yesterday, he crawled 2-3 crawl steps to me! He also crawls backwards too! He gets up on his knees and moves his body front to back like he is ready to go! It's soo cute! It's sooo amazing to watch him learn these things. He is also climbing up on furniture. In fact, this week, he climbed our ottoman and stood up! What's so cute is that everytime he tried to do that, he would look over at me to make sure I was watching him! So cute, and I'm so proud! And also scared because that means baby-proofing. We used to be able to put him down to play and walk to the kitchen to grab something and know he was okay. Now, he could get into some trouble! LOL! So he is definitely MUCH more mobile than just a month ago!

Cutie pie crawling...

Crawling

 

Standing up! 

 

He is so smart...he knows when I say "give me Mommy kisses" and he opens that mouth to give me kisses. He is learning so much everyday, I am having a hard time keeping up with him! :) He has figured out more of his toys and how to make the beads in his bead maze go from one end to the next. He used to "eat" the books when I would try to read to him, but now he sits like a big boy next to me and listens to me read and looks at all of the pictures so intently. I love it! I hope he always loves books!

Music - Not sure if I have mentioned this or not, but this guy loves music! He will hear a theme song to a TV show, and he will stop to listen. He will stop everything to listen to us sing Jesus Loves Me to him or really any song. He loves singing! I think that's because I sang to him a lot when he was inside me during my pregnancy. But he definitely loves music!

Random but cute - He loves Jeopardy (the show)! If it is on, he will sit there and listen to intently. Sometimes he will yell out something as if he knows the answer! It's too cute!

 I love feeding him. He does this thing where he has to hold my face or a piece of my hair when he is eating from the bottle. I think that is a security thing, but it's so precious!

We rang in the New Year as a family because Todd had a second surgery two days before New Years! This surgery was to remove an infection he had gotten on a small part of his elbow. But since then, he appears to be healing really well. He hasn't been told to start therapy exercises yet, but they just want to make sure the incisions heal well. I hope here in the next week or so that he will be able to start working on his arm. We just want to return to normal again. So your continued prayers for Todd are appreciated.

So even though we didn't get to spend New Years with all of our friends, we still had a nice cozy New Years as a family. My favorite photos are shown below from New Years:

Other than that, this month has been low key. We have spent a lot of time together indoors because of the cold temperatures and ice. Makes me long for spring actually because I can't wait to take Caleb to the park again (since he will be much older since the last time) and we can put him into the park baby swing! Or even just out to see trees (which he loves)! He is such a curious boy that I know the park will be so much fun to him again! And he will be mobile, so his curiosity is going to be even more! But until then, I look forward to watching Caleb learn more and more new things! It is such an amazing thing to watch him learn! So awesome!

Life has been tough, and Todd may have ANOTHER surgery. But we are thankful for all God has been doing in our lives. Even if it is just the simple reminders of faith that we see in our child. I wish my husband was doing even better than he is or able to go to work or able to pick up Caleb and change a diaper, etc, but he will get there. I wish that we didn't have to deal with Doctor's bills, but God will provide. I wish that our cars weren't so old and, but God has allowed them to work this long, and He will continue to provide their functionality. We don't have answers for all the challenges that we have been dealing with, but we know the One who does. Maybe Todd's fall was a chance for us to come together as a family and hold tightly to God even more than before. Maybe this is a way to strengthen our faith in Him? I don't know. But it's true in the sense that we are leaning on God more and more each day, and each day, God gives us reasons to be thankful!

We appreciate your love and continued prayers for Todd's recovery. We really do. And if you could pray for us this next week especially, we would greatly appreciate it! Thank you! We appreciate having that support behind us!

Much love!
The Tabers

Celebrating Christmas and Caleb is 7 Months Old!

Caleb is 7 months old! Didn't he just turn 6 months old? I swear, each month is flying by faster and faster. Before I know it, we are going to be celebrating his 1st birthday! Oh my!

It's been a crazy month, and here are some of his Baby Stats:

Baby Stats

• At his 6 month appointment, Caleb was 15 pounds, 13 ounces; and his height at the time was 26.25 inches. But Caleb got sick this month with a nasty cold (cough, stuffy nose, and a little wheezing), so we found out he actually gained another 5 oz in 3 weeks time.
• He is still wearing 6-9 month clothes, but can wear some 6-12 months clothes too.
• Caleb is wearing size 3 diapers now! Wow. I came across an usused newborn diaper that I still had in the bottom of his diaper bag, and it was just amazing to see the difference. He was soo tiny!
• He currently eats 5-6 oz of soy formula during the day (every 4 hours), and will eat 7-8 ounces of food twice at night (once before bed, and once around 3-4 AM).
• We are eating veggies and fruit each day now, in addition to cereal twice a day! Caleb loves fruit! So far, his favorite is bananas!
• Well Caleb now has 4 teeth! He has two top teeth and his two bottom ones! Oh my goodness! Growing so fast.
• He still sleeps from about 8-8:30 PM to around 7:30-8:30 AM. He wakes up once around 4 for food, and goes right back to sleep. It's been a little different over the past few days or so because Caleb has been sick with a nasty cold! So we have had him in the swing to keep him elevated, and he sometimes just wants to be cuddled because it sucks to be sick. I don't mind. I love that he knows I will be there to comfort him!
• OH boy does our boy talk like crazy! :) He does so much more than just coo and such. He is definitely playing with those babbles and they sound more like him making words. We believe "Nna - Nna" means he is hungry and wants food. We even heard Caleb say "Da-Da," and in the past few days, he says it a lot! He has even looked right at Todd when he said "Da-Da" and it melted his heart. We know he doesn't understand what he is saying, but it still is special to hear him say that! I am waiting for Ma-Ma now! :)
• Still not crawling, but he scoots and rolls to where he wants to go. He loves to stand still, and we practice walking a little with him. He is strong enough to stand, but just doesn't have the balance quite yet. He is getting closer though!
• He is so smart - yes I know, every mother says that. But I really believe he is super smart. After showing him twice how to work a toy, he really tries to do it! And every toy that has noise or moves around, he will pick up and try to find where the sound is coming from or how it is working. Maybe he will be an engineer, like his Mama? hehe!
• Recently, he has been jumping up and down with a particular whiny sound that signals me that he wants me to pick him up. He has been raising his arms for me already, but this was pretty new with the jumping up and down thing.
• He LOVES to jump! He loves that Jumparoo, but man, you don't need it for him to jump. He will jump sitting and standing! Or he will be laying, and he moves his feet like he is jumping too! He is soo active!

Much has happened in a month. I mentioned last month, that Todd had a bad fall and broke his elbow! Well, it's been quite a month with that too! He did break it the worst way possible. He had to have the whole elbow restructured with plates and bolts that will forever remain in his arm. He has been on short term disability (fortunately), so at least we are still getting paid. His surgery was two days before Thanksgiving. But over the past month, he has been improving more and more with physical therapy and exercises he does at home. He has gone from not being able to get dressed himself to somewhat being able to hold Caleb again and carry him. He is even able to drive! Praise God! If you had seen all he went through this past month, I am pretty proud of how far he has come. God has really been healing his arm and helping him through it. It's been a rough month because I have had to take over pretty much everything, and then Caleb has had to go to the sitter more often because Todd couldn't take care of him. But we are surviving, and every single day, Todd gets stronger and stronger. I am truly proud of him! I'm just so happy that Todd can now hold Caleb because it was killing him not being able to do that!

Todd and Caleb! I love that Todd can finally hold him again! 

Caleb had his first Thanksgiving and he had a ball! We spent it with my parents, and Caleb loves playing with his grandparents! He tried mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes! He was a big fan!

 Caleb and Daddy! This was after Todd's surgery. Caleb was good company for him!

There's our little Turkey! Most thankful for this guy this year! 

And because Todd was unable to lift a Christmas tree, my Dad came up to help me get one. I'm so glad we were able to get a tree too! Caleb LOVED the tree and loved playing with the ornaments that were low enough to reach. It was such a time of wonder for Caleb. He also met Santa for the first time. There were kids in front of us in line, and they got scared and left. But Caleb just sits on Santa's lap like a champ! He had no problem! That's my boy! He really likes people and is always happy to meet a new person.

Anyways, some of my favorite photos are below:

First time laying under the tree

 

 The wonder of a child at Christmas!

 Ooh Mommy...Lights!

 



 So there was this night that he wasn't finishing his bottle before bed because he fell asleep.

Well, I layed him under the tree, and he woke up and just smiled. He stayed like this for the longest time!

 



 More lights...ooh!

Caleb and Santa!

And even though we were unable to go, my brother in love, Wes, graduated with his Masters at Old Dominion University. So proud of him! He is soo smart and loves history so much. He is truly passionate about it, and it was exciting to watch him on a Live Feed online!

 

I was able to get this photo from the live feed at his graduation! He's all smiles! 

Jen and Wes came home for the holidays, and we were able to spend time with them other than Christmas morning! They took our family photos as a Christmas gift to us (see some of the photos below), and they turned out great!

Jen and Wes also came to our home and played with Caleb for several hours...it was great bonding time with him! Caleb loves them both. Jen and Caleb truly are two peas in a pod! I am so glad they got some good bonding time with him since they live so far away. It was special! I swear, Caleb couldn't have a better aunt and uncle!

Two kids (Caleb and his Aunt Jen) looking at the pretty Christmas tree!

 Snuggles with Aunt Jen

 

Playing with Uncle Wes and Aunt Jen

Christmas Eve was our Christmas as just the three of us! See the video of Caleb opening his first present! He was confused at first and looked at us like "Are you sure, I can rip this paper?" It was soo cute!

 

Ready to open gifts!!

 

 

 Mommy helping Caleb learn how to put the shapes in the bucket!

Daddy and Caleb!

Caleb and I made Todd a footprint that Todd will always be able to cherish and look at! Todd really loved it! Someday we will look back at be like "wow...his feet were that small?" So fun.Todd got me a very special gift too! A charm locket that has the birthstones of everyone (Todd, me, and Caleb), wings for Gabriel, and a cross for Christ. And someday, should we have another child, we can put another stone in there. It was so special and beautiful! So all in all - wonderful Christmas Eve morning, and very special memories made!

 Caleb's footprint

 

My beautiful charm locket! My husband is incredibly thoughtful!

Up close to my charm locket! 

And then Caleb got to meet his other grandmother (Todd's mom) for the first time. He was so sweet with her right away and cuddled up to her immediately (That's my boy!). She got him this very fun firetruck that moves, and he was enthralled with the bag! Cracked me up!

Caleb with his other grandma!

Caleb loves the bag, and Todd is trying to get him to pay attention to his new fire truck toy! 

Then we spent Christmas day with my parents! So much fun! Caleb had a ball with everyone, and he was certainly spoiled! We had waffles and sausage for breakfast, and then Jen and Wes read the Christmas story before we all opened gifts. One of the gifts my mom said that Jen and I were giving her was we re-enacted our 1994 photo (see below). It's officially been 20 years later, and she made it possible to re-enact this look! I wish I could show you the photo, but she hasn't posted it online yet. However, it will be shared! :) Too funny.

Our cutie pie in his Christmas PJ's! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Aunt Jen helping Caleb open his gift!

Snuggles with Grandma!

Oooh this is cool!

Our friends who are family to us, Randy and Sue Ann Creamer, came over for Christmas dinner! We had a ball with them and we played Apples to Apples! Wes beat us all! He had won 22 cards, and the rest of us had 12 or less! He is really good at this game! It was a day full of laughs and much love! So thankful for this family! Love them all!

Through it all, Caleb has been sick with a nasty cold, but he still keeps smiling. We had taken him to the pediatrician two times, but he appears to be doing better now. He still has a cough and a little stuffy nose, but no more fever. And once you have a baby, it is so much easier to get whatever they have, so Todd and I both got sick as well. So we are currently getting through our own colds, but I think we are on the mend. I'm just impressed with how happy a baby can be even when he is sick. The only time he wasn't like that was earlier this week on Monday, when he was running a bad fever. I have never held Caleb so much, because while he loves hugs and kisses, he loves to play too. But on Monday, he was unable to do anything. He was so wiped out, and so he spent a good portion of the day asleep on me or on Todd. So glad he is doing better!

Now we just await the new year - 2015! I get to kiss two boys now! I'm so blessed to have these two guys in my life, and I look forward to more special memories made in 2015! I am also thankful for all of our dear friends and family who have prayed for us through the past year! Your prayers and your love are MUCH appreciated and doesn't go unnoticed! May you all have a blessed New Year!