Milestones

We made our first post-Cal trip to Portland for a visit with Amy and Henry last week. It was a beautiful early summer day, and after lunch we sat on the grass in Amy's backyard while Zoe wreaked havoc with the garden hose. Amy's neighbor Carolyn came over with half a bottle of white wine . . . so nice. We took a whole bunch of pictures (see here for more). 

Callin is changing so fast. This week he started making little cooing noises--the sweetest thing ever (click here for a demonstration . . . sorry it's sideways). It really brought back memories from Zoe's babyhood. When she started making those little "a-goo" noises, I felt like she was really becoming a person for the first time. Cal has also started putting his hand in his mouth consistently. This is more exciting than it sounds; it means he can soothe himself for a minute while I'm running around like a maniac, trying to free myself so I can get to him. And the biggest miracle of the week is that Cal slept for 7 hours one night. Finally we are seeing the light at the end of the sleep deprivation tunnel! The little Meatball is also fighting off his first cold. Hate the coughing--it is just too sad.

Zoe finally started napping again after a two week break. She was a wreck--nonstop whining and crying. Now that she's getting some more sleep she's an absolute joy again. And she has made some real progress lately with her words. The other day she put a toy over Cal's face, and when I shrieked at her to get it off, she calmly said, "Don't worry, Mommy. It fell off. Baby's fine." (Of course--what was I worried about?!) I can't believe my girl will be 3 next month. She is having a (small) "kid party" with a few friends. It should be interesting.  

The garden

The weekend of June 7th was hot and humid. I planted all my seeds and admired the gorgeous flowers. I think they are more beautiful than ever before. 

Rich was busy in the yard, buying and planting a Japanese maple tree he has had his eye on for quite a while. He also finally dug us a fire pit. 

Cal had his two month doctor's appointment at the end of May. I was shocked to find out that he was in the 90th percentile for weight--13 1/2 pounds! Rich has taken to calling him Meatball. It seems to fit. 

Memorial Day weekend

We had a fantastic (and full) weekend in Vermont for Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday we hit the Brattleboro Farmer's Market. My favorite jewelry maker, Tonya of Littlest Bird, wasn't there, but Rich had a special surprise birthday visit for me planned to her studio. After seeing her beautiful work, we did a little fishing at a local pond. 

The Morris Dancers were performing around town, as they usually are on Memorial Day weekend. I always love seeing them. Zoe seemed entranced with them, too. 

Saturday night was a casual party at my folks' house. I loved having my dear family friends there to fuss over Callin (and Zoe of course).

Sunday evening was a little birthday party for me (34 this year!). Chris came all the way from his new home in Albany, NY, with his girlfriend, Eliza. My mom made a delicious pie, my dad made a great dinner, and Zoe opened all my presents (sigh). I loved it.

 

My dad got a lot of quality Cal time in . . . he really seemed at home with the little guy.