20 weeks - Christmas in Pittsburgh

Cal is just a jolly little guy these days, babbling up a storm, and sharing smiles with everyone he comes in contact with. His sleeping is another story, not so jolly for Mom. For around a month Cal has been waking up 2-3 times a night to eat, and that makes Mom feel very tired. I'm hoping it's a growth spurt and that I can chock it up to him learning how to sit, roll all over the room and reach for objects, but this Mama is ready for a change. At least he's so happy during the day, and takes good naps, so the only difficult part of my job is the nighttime. I love every. single. thing. about him. It's amazing to me that I felt like I loved him as much as I possibly could when he was born, and then the love grows deeper! I can't get enough of his squishy cheeks, sweet smile, squeaky voice, and snuggles after a nap. It truly does keep getting better. 

Enough of my feelings towards Cal, let's talk about the last week. We went to Pittsburgh for Christmas to see the Roth side of the family, and of course Cal loved all the attention. He opened presents, ate his Christmas card, and even practiced some sitting. Also, we went over to see Felix and Maria (Matt's Italian barber and his wife) and Cal was not quite into all the cheek pinching and loud kisses but he learned to deal.

Here is the big guy feeling so proud that he can sit by himself now.

So stylish.

An example of Felix's show of affection towards Cal.

Cal loves spending time with his Grandma Roth and Aunt Laura.

Here is Cal opening his first Christmas present. Everything seems to go into his mouth. I guess he's exploring his world through his sense of taste.

Mmm.. Christmas cards.

19 weeks - Cal's first parade and 4 month stats!

Cal had his 4 month check-up this week, along with his shots. Yikes! My stomach was feeling a little out of sorts just thinking about having him do the shots again, because of how much trouble he had with them last time. I will say that Cal was one tough cookie this time! They gave him his first two shots and he looked at me like, "is that all they've got?" Then they gave him his last shot in the other leg and the nurse told me that this one would be more painful, and he cried for a few seconds and was his smiley self again! So proud of my brave little guy, and he was totally fine the rest of the day! I'm so thankful that it wasn't as traumatic for him this time.

Here are his latest stats:

Height: 25.5 inches (59th percentile)

Weight: 16 pounds 9.3 ounces (67th percentile)

Head Circumference: 42.5 cm (70th percentile)

For how big he is, I'm surprised his percentiles aren't higher but he didn't have as much as a gain as the last visit at 2 months, so he's taken a little break from growing like a monster it seems.

This week we celebrated Gale's birthday by getting the babies together and I made her favorite Red Velvet cake - yummy! Here is a picture of her and sweet Sophia, blowing out the candles.

Here are the babies at the party, and as you can see Teddy is the oldest and the wisest, so Cielo and Cal are trying to gain some wisdom by rubbing his head.

Cal has grown into his adorable onesie from his Auntie Meaghan and Uncle Dylan in Chattanooga, so of course we have to wear it on a regular basis because it reminds us of our sweet friends.

This is Cal's business attire. Hello Mr. President.

This past Saturday Cal got to participate in his first parade! Some of us from The Nesting House new mom's group decided to band together and represent. Even the dads joined us. I even got to put my art skills to work and created a banner to show who we are. Although the temperature was in the upper 20's, that didn't stop us! A good time was had by all. 

Our sweet neighbors Mike and Tina gave us a couple of guest passes to explore Morris Arboretum and see the Garden Railway trains. Cal kept his eyes glued on the little trains moving on the tracks, and as you can see, he didn't even want to look at the camera because he was so focused.

Cal has loved to stand for awhile, and now he finally has something to hang on to so that he can do it himself! He's a very happy boy when he can do things by himself. 

Lastly, this is Cal's latest accomplishment... sitting with a prop. He is getting stronger by the day and it's so fun to see what new skill he is going to be capable of next. 

18 weeks - First snow, First Christmas tree, Cal's new voice

This week does not have the greatest picture, as Cal did not want to cooperate, but he is wearing some pretty sweet jeans! Thanks Sheryl and Kim!

This was Cal's second Christmas tree cutting extravaganza, however this year is the only one where he could actually see what was going on. Last year, we joined Mike and Kim and Kim's sister Sheryl and her husband Dave, and their friends Ross and Leah on their annual Christmas tree cutting at Bryan's Tree Farm. The morning starts our with yummy cinnamon buns at Mike and Kim's house, followed by a 45 minute drive out to who knows where Pennsylvania to get the tree. Last year, all of the ladies were pregnant! SO much has changed in one year, and it was a little more crazy, much more comfortable and a lot more fun!

2012

2013

Cal braved the weather by being bundled up in his snow suit, where he watched everything that came his way. The fun of Bryan's Tree Farm is that we start out by getting on a trailer attached to a tractor that pulls us along a muddy path full of potholes and bumps (hang on tight!), and then we end up at the top of the hill, and once we are there, we soon realize that all the good trees are back at the bottom where we started! So the hike begins and we search around to find the best tree - this year we went with a small tree, considering last years 10 foot+ beast had to be strapped to the radiator by a bungee cord and every day we were reminded that bigger is not better! So here are some pictures from the event, taken by Sheryl!

Wow, we truly have multiplied!

Another exciting event this week was that Cal was able to experience his first snow! His thoughts are quite obvious.

Next up, Cal has taken an interest in Matt and I eating. Every time we sit down to eat he watches our every move, the food going to our mouth, us picking it up, drinking water, every step he wants to see. I don't think we will have an problems starting solids in a couple of months if this keeps up.

Speaking of food, this is how you can find Cal and I most evenings, just cooking away in the kitchen! He is a huge observer, and wants to be a part of the action. He will put his little hand on my arm sometimes in an effort to help make my job easier. Way to go Cal. :)

Still loving the jumpy swing this week.

Cal is fortunate to have many baby friends that live close by, one of which being Lexie. She is only a few days older than Cal and they are really starting to notice each other and smile when they are near.

Uh oh! You caught us!

Here Cal is trying to hold her hand, such a friendly little guy. 

Speaking of baby friends, here is a picture of Cal and his birthday twin Naomi! They are laying on an awesome quilt made by Nurit, Naomi's mom and man, she is a crafty lady!

I'm fairly certain this is the best part of the week. Cal likes to reach up and touch our faces - we like to think it's his baby form of a hug. We are loving it, and clearly he is too. 

Cal's Aunt Amber sent him some great Christmas/Winter books that he is loving to read already. His favorite thing it to study the details in the pictures and turn the pages.

Cal's voice has changed from a crazy yell to a high pitched squeak. 

Lastly, here are the many faces of Cal for this week. Those cheeks truly are the best.

17 weeks - Cal's first flight and Thanksgiving in Florida

What a full week it has been! Cal became a traveling baby as we ventured off to Florida to see my Aunt Joanie, Uncle Jay, brother Ben and his girlfriend Melanie and her son Athan. It was Cal's first time meeting my side of the family (the Callahan side) and boy did he have a great time! As typical Cal goes, he shows his sad side when he meets someone unfamiliar, but he quickly warmed up to everyone by the next day and was so excited to see everyone each morning. We went on lots of adventures, soaked up some sun, and even went swimming! What a welcome change from the chilly weather we had been experiencing in Philly. There are lots of pictures from this week, so enjoy!

I will start by saying that Cal was the most amazing traveling companion. He was easily entertained by the tray table in the upright position, and he tilted his head back and forth as he examined it carefully for many many minutes.

Cal was the best baby and took naps on each flight (considering we had 4 separate flights between the way there and back, because we are cheapskates, this could have been a nightmare...) However, Cal decided he would be a traveling expert and eat and sleep and play and just do all the baby things that are fun, and he was even complimented on his good behavior! Yay Cal!

Don't mind my travel appearance, this is after waking up at 6am and then having a 2 hour delay, leaving us with a 4 hour layover. Woooooo.

This week Matt became the "Nap Master" and was able to get Cal to sleep in basically every situation possible. One being on the plane over his shoulder, which I have not been able to do for quite some time. 

Cal LOVED being with his family and here are some pictures to prove it!

Uncle Ben and Aunt Melanie enjoying the little guy.

Uncle Ben and Cal are good buddies already. :)

Cal and his great uncle Jay, right after Cal just spit up all over his shirt. (Sorry Uncle Jay!)

Cal and his cousin Athan holding hands on a walk in Cocoa Beach, and me.. just eating some chips.

This is a picture from the community that my Aunt and Uncle live in. They have springs in the community where you can go swimming or hang out at the beach with the palm trees. This was Cal's first experience in the sand. He had fun.

My Aunt and Uncle have an awesome pool and Cal got to take his first swim there! This is him and Matt all suited up to take a dip, and as you can see, Cal is excited! 

Cal chose to swim float in the hot tub, where the water was much warmer (only 90 degrees) and he just kicked back and relaxed. 

Another adventure Cal went on was a trip to Cocoa Beach. No swimming here, but he did dip his toes in the water and watch his feet sink in the sand. And being the good baby that he is, he even took a little snooze in his tent.

Since we were all about Cal being portable this trip, we decided to be real brave and take him to Epcot!

 Note: Cal's little hand on Mickey's shoulder.

When I was younger, my family and I took a trip to Disneyland and my parents bought me a pair of Mickey ears with my name stitched in cursive on the back in yellow thread. I wanted to get Cal the same souvenir, but he wasn't as excited about it as I was.

He was lucky enough to go on a few rides on boats, and he loved watching all the screens and fun lights!

Just doing the head tilt again, checking out the water below on The Land ride.

Lastly, we had the privilege of getting to spend time with our favorite Chattanooga neighbors, the Vogels! They moved back to their home state of Florida a few years ago, and we have stayed in touch ever since. This was our first time visiting their new home, and for Cal to meet their sweet girl Eden.