Mid Fall Happenings...

Caleb got this cute pumpkin hat from his Aunt Adrie and Uncle Kevin. Here he is playing with them. He seems to be having a great time. I'd say he likes his Aunt and Uncle! :)

I don't know why this was so funny, but Caleb thought it was hilarious. See for yourself...



Caleb has figured out what his excersaucer is all about...watch and see...



You asked for it, so here it is...Stephen playing "Under the Sea" on his harmonica...enjoy...!

Bowling for Mom Van's Birthday

We went bowling for my mom's birthday. Thankfully the bowling alley wasn't smokey. Caleb was a little fussy, but then napped most of the time. We had a great time and I even bowled a few spears and one strike!

New to the Nursery

Some new things have been added to Caleb's nursery. My friend Sara got us the really cool name thing with adorable little sheep on it and my mother-in-law made the beautiful sheep quilt. Caleb's room is now complete!

Early Fall Moments

Caleb is looking darn cute in his bear shirt. He absolutely loves his excersaucer!


Bath time for baby boys!


Caleb went to school with me to take pictures at the volleyball game. For some reason I decided to do the yearbook this year. I haven't decided if it was a good plan yet... :) The lady holding Caleb is my co-worker Chris.

Caleb Eats His First Veggie

I was very excited to give Caleb a taste of something other than cereal or milk. I decided to start with veggies, but a sweet veggie...so he got to try some sweet potatoes. After the initial "shock" he seemed to really like it. Enjoy this video of his first bite...



After sweet potatoes we tried prunes, sweet peas, beans, and more. Caleb has enjoyed everything we have feed him so far. I am really hope that remains to be true and that he has the Mr.'s taste for food and not his mother's pickiness. Here are some great shots of oatmeal and carrots...

Off to Daycare

When it was time for me to go back to work this fall we were happy to have our neighbor watch Caleb at her new in home daycare. She has two kids of her own that just love Caleb (they are two and one), she was a nurses aid before starting her daycare, and she completed schooling for early childhood education. All this to say the Mr. and I are extremely comfortable and confident that Caleb is in the right place. Here are some pictures of Caleb, the boy who loves his daycare:

The Labor Day Project

At the end of the summer last year the Mr. and I decided to get siding for our house. We also decided that the next summer we would paint the garage to match the siding on the house. Well, summer came and went and the garage didn't get painted. I think it had something to do with having a baby, but I don't know. :) Anyway, when Labor Day came around we decided to tackle the garage. We both scraped and scraped...the Mr. scraped more than I did because I started priming and then painting. In the end the Mr. did the majority of the work outside while I kept our little man happy. The garage isn't quite done yet, but it will do for now. We'll finish it when it get warm again.

Hey Check This Out!

Here is an older picture of Caleb and a newer picture of his dad. If you ask me, the two make quite the pair and look pretty similar. They even have the same facial expression. :) Love them!!

Summer Happenings

Caleb found a new sleeping position. He likes to sleep on his side and has started rolling over back to tummy.


Silly boy, towels aren't for eating!


Our little buddy is so close to sitting up on his own and has recently learned that he has toes!


The Mr. and I went away for our 5 year anniversary. Nana and Grandpa Van watched Caleb for two whole nights. The Mr. and I missed him, but we sure did enjoy getting away just the two of us.


I laid this little guy down under his toys and he wiggled his way to where he is now.


All I have to say is too cute!!


My adorable boys!



Caleb's first time in his exersaucer. I don't think he quite knew what to think.

First Time Swimming

Our friends Darvin and Jessi have a condo that has a community pool, so we decided to take Caleb swimming. The water was a little chili, but after slowly working our way in he didn't seem to mind. We played a little bit and then got out. We enjoyed the sun and some good conversation. If we had had a warmer summer we would've tried again.

Baby Giggles Are the Best

The Mr. was fake coughing one morning and we found that it got Caleb to giggle. It was the cutest thing. Oh, and there's a small present at the end...Enjoy!!

Cottage Weekend

We went up a day early the weekend we were celebrating my oldest brother's birthday. It was a gloomy, cool, and rainy day. We didn't let that stop us from having a good time. Our friends came up and my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin came too. The boys went tubing while the girls took pictures and video.



When tubing got rained out the Mr. started coloring and several others joined in. I had to get it on camera.

Tummy Time Caught On Video

Caleb rolled over for the first time up at the cottage on the 4th of July weekend. My brother-in-law saw the whole thing, the Mr. saw the end, and I missed it. I turned my back for a moment and it happened. Since that day I have been waiting for it to happen again. I thought I'd get out the camera to see if I could catch the moment. I didn't catch it this time. Maybe next time.

Caleb's First Bites

After Caleb's four month check-up we decided to try solid foods. We started him on a single grain rice cereal. The first meal was a little messy and didn't last long, but the next day at breakfast he ate every last bite and did so with no problems. Since adding the cereal to Caleb's diet he has been going to bed earlier and sleeping through the night. It has been awesome!!

Caleb Meets His Great Shepherd Aunts

The Mr.'s Aunts were in Michigan taking a trip together. On their way up north they decided to stop by and see us. It was a very special evening and the Mr. and I were very pleased to introduce our little man to his Great Aunts. I think they enjoyed meeting him. The Mr.'s Aunts took us to dinner where we shared a great meal and some nice conversation. When we got back home we visted a while longer and then had to say good-bye.

The 4th of July Weekend

We spent the weekend with the Mr.'s oldest sister and her family. We went up to my parent's cottage so we could have space for everyone and so that our nephew Peter would have plenty of room to run around.



Saturday morning we went to a 4th of July Parade. It was really long, but also enjoyable. Caleb wasn't a big fan of all the loud noises, but he survived. Peter seemed to really like the parade.



On Sunday we went to the park to run Peter before his long trip back home. We got some really great pictures of Peter playing with his parent's, Caleb enjoying the outdoors, and the Mr. chilling with the pup. It was a great weekend and the Mr. and I truly enjoyed the company of our out-of-town family!

Who Is the Bigger Baby?

Take a look at these two adorable faces...ok, now, who do you think is the bigger baby, the four year old dog or the one that is actually a baby? Hmmm...sometimes it is hard for us to tell. Nonetheless we love them both very much! :)

One Cute Baby

Spending Time with Daddy and Mommy

Whether it's hanging out on the couch, taking a nap, or playing at the cottage Caleb loves his Daddy and Daddy loves his Caleb.



Sometimes Caleb doesn't like to nap in his crib so I laid him on my lap and there he slept for at least two hours. I didn't want to move him so instead I played the Mr.'s new Nintendo DS. He is so precious.

Another Sleeping Baby Montage

Caleb is just so cute when he is sleeping I can't stop taking his picture!

Baby Blue Eyes

Caleb will be 3 months old on Thursday, June 25th. He is getting so big and making all kinds of new noises, both happy and sad. He's slightly 13 pounds now and very close to rolling over. He's got the strength in his legs, but he needs to get his arms in on the action. We love him so much!

Here's a video of Baby Blue Eyes playing on his play mat...so adorable!!

Caleb's Baby Dedication

Sunday, June 21st we dedicated our little boy back to the God who gave him to us. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful day. After restating our faith in God and making our vows the Mr. and I tearfully gave Caleb our blessing:

Caleb,

From both of us: When you were born your first cry was the most beautiful sound we had ever heard. We then thought holy cow our life has been changed forever by this beautiful baby boy. We could hardly believe you were here. We were also very nervous about being good parents. Were we going to say the right things, do the right things, and make mistakes and so much more? In that moment we were so thankful to God for giving you to us and knowing that He was going to be there to help us raise you.

When we chose your name for you, we chose it because we liked how it sounded with the rest of your name, but we liked it even more since we have learned more about who Caleb was: One of two spies of the 12 who believed God’s promise about entering the Promised Land, and one of only two of the first generation of Israelites who were allowed to enter. God describes Caleb as His servant who “has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly.” This is our desire for you, that you be a faithful follower of God, always trusting in His promises. But for you to be this way you need to be raised by parents who are this way. Parents who keep his commands upon their hearts, who impress them on their child. Parents who talk about God’s commands when they are at home and away, in the morning and in the evening. All of this to say that the most important thing we would like to pass onto you is our combined family’s multi-generational faith in Christ.

From your Mom: I hope you grow up to be as amazing as your father: loving, caring, patient slow to speak, quick to listen, a gentleman, smart, and funny, and most importantly a man of God. I hope you develop an amazing relationship with God. I hope you accept the loving gift of His son Jesus. If you do I know that God will do amazing things for you and through you.

I would like to pass onto you the openness and generosity that my parents gave to me. I could always talk openly with my parents and I feel that was something important and special. My parents were also very generous not only financially, but also with their time.

From both of us: We will try to keep these promises to you and God as best as we can, and we ask our friends and family to help us keep these promises.

Then my dad (Papa Van) said this beautiful prayer:

Gracious God, Giver of life, we pray for Caleb Stephen Shepherd.
Bless and strengthen him daily with the gift of your Holy Spirit.
Unfold him the riches of your love.
Deepen his faith.
Keep him from the power of evil.
Enable him to live his life according to your calling until your kingdom comes.
Look with kindness on Stephen and Andrea.
Let them always rejoice in the gift you have given them.
Grant them the presence of your Holy Spirit,
That they ma bring up Caleb to know you, love you, and serve you.
Let your peace and joy dwell in their home,
That their family life may be instructed by faith,
Sustained by prayer, and governed by love.
Today we come as parents, family, and friends to dedicate Caleb to you dear Lord.
That through the working of your Holy Spirit,
We may all love him, pray for him, and encourage him,
That someday he will stand before us and confess Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
So God our heavenly Father it is in the blessed assurance of your covenant of grace,
Through your Son Jesus Christ we lay these request before you.
Amen.

After the service we went back to our house to celebrate the dedication and Father's Day. We ate yummy food, opened presents, enjoyed the outdoors, and then cleaned up with the wonderful help of my mom, grandma, and sister-in-law. It was such a nice day...the only way it could have been better would have been to have the Mr.'s family there too. You all were very missed.

Caleb Learns He Can Hold & Shake Things

Here is a short little video clip of Caleb playing with his toy rings. We were also listening to his new Sesame Street CD.

Caleb's First Boat Ride

Caleb took his first boat ride last weekend. He found it so nice and relaxing...he slept the whole time and then some.



Caleb has started giggling every now and then. Right now they are few and far between, but we still try to get him to do it. We tried all day so my parent's could see and hear it...that's what they're doing in this picture...unfortunately he chose to just smile...boo hoo! Later that day as we were cleaning up to go home, Caleb got to est with his Papa Van.

More Moments in the Life of Caleb

Mommy and Caleb having a chat. I can't remember what was talked about, but it looks like I was saying something he liked!



Playing on the floor with mommy and Samus.



Looking cute in one of the outfits from Aunt Laura, sound a sleep, napping on daddy.



I was trying to catch a smile, but I captured Caleb looking like his dad instead. Everyone, including myself, thinks Caleb looks like me, but every once in a while I see the Mr. in him. It's most often when he is sleeping or when he's making a serious face...how about that?! :)

He's Getting So Big!

In these pictures Caleb is 2 months old and according to the doctor at his 2 month appointment, right on target for weight and length! I remember he weighed 11 pounds and 9 ounces, but I can't remember his new length. Everything check out good at his appointment and then the hard part came...watching him get his vaccines. It was awful, he was fine one moment then came the biggest saddest cries in the world. This of course made me cry, even though I told myself I wasn't going to. The nurse assured Caleb that I was doing this because it was what was best for him. I think she was also reminding me that I was doing this because it's best for him. Nonetheless, it was difficult for both of us.



This video is the best video yet. Caleb has become quite the smiley little guy and he's been doing some "talking" too! Oh, and he's discovered he has a tongue, so he does this silly tongue thing. Check it out for yourself!

Videos of Caleb at the Cottage

Playing in his bouncy seat that we borrowed from his cousin Peter...

Big yawn, little baby...

Getting ready to go and wondering why daddy is taking video when I'm ready for nap during the car ride home...

Memorial Day Weekend Up at the Cottage

This was Caleb's first time up at the cottage. He got to hang out with his grandparent's, parent's, and his barky dog. I think he enjoyed the new sights and new sounds.



While we were there we had the privilege of seeing a Bald Eagle and her babies in the wild. It was so cool! They live in a huge nest a few miles from my parent's cottage with swamp front property.



You can see one of the babies in the picture on the left and you can see the mom in the picture on the right.

The Trim In the Dinning Room Is Up!

The trim around the window is up in the dinning room and wow does it look nice!! Thanks to a program called "The Common" at our church we got hooked up with a guy who came and helped the Mr. crank the trim out. He brought a saw, a nail gun, the know how, and focus. It was pretty amazing how quickly they worked. The Mr. finished things up on his own and is now working on the floor trim. Someday real soon our kitchen and dinning room project, started so long ago, will be complete!