our cheerful little Caleb

Our cheerful little Caleb is a delight to our family. He quietly observes the comings and goings of our household and gives a big grin to his older brothers when they entertain him with their silly antics. He was one of our earliest walkers and caused many gasps when this little, bald, toothless babe came running into a room. We laughed at peoples astonished responses.

This is the first time that we have had a little one in the house with siblings being that much older. We have been able to watch the older brothers tenderly play with him, cheer at Caleb's accomplishments, and proudly show him off to strangers.We have also had to make new rules. "Only one boy in the playpen at a time with Caleb, do not take him out of his crib unless you ask first, and even though he is giggling when you twirl him around and around, when you let go he will topple over and bump his head." Just like all one year olds, Caleb has a little sensor that goes off as soon as the bathroom door has been left open. In two days we went through eleven rolls of toilet paper. We now have another rule. "Whomever leaves the bathroom door open has to clean up the aftermath." Now, for the most part, that problem has been solved. The boys fight over who can feed him his breakfast and bottle. When I suggested that there are diapers to be changed as well, they fled the room plugging their noses. 

There have been many opportunities to watch daddy plow the snow off of the driveway this winter!

 Ever since there have been little people in the home, the Christmas tree has been a no-go. This year we decorated a tree with branches out of reach for little curious hands.

One winter evening, I was reading to the three middle boys by the fireplace and Nate was sprawled out on the couch reading his own book. Caleb took his little rocking chair and dragged it into the middle of the room. He found a "big person's book" opened it up and started to "read." This was heart warming to watch but it also served as a lesson for all of us. He sees the good things and imitates that- but he also sees the bad things, hears the harsh tones and unkind words that might be spoken. Little ones imitate their older siblings. Children imitate their parents. What a responsibility for us as parents!

                                         We love our little guy with his sparkling blue eyes!