What was I thinking?

I feel terrible. I made sure to put Bens big accomplishment on the blog, but I completely forgot to mention Sam had a big accomplishment of his own. We were playing on the floor today. Sam was getting in some tummy time to continue working on his head control and just like that, he rolled over! I'm not 100% sure that it wasn't an accident, but I'm going to pretend that it was completely on purpose! He only did it once, but I'm very excited he did it at 3 1/2 months. He's growing up so fast!

HE DID IT!!!!!!!!

We have success. Ben finally went poo poo in the potty this afternoon! We "practiced" this morning, but no luck. When we were finishing lunch Ben said he had to go. We went upstairs and he freaked out a little when I tried to take off his diaper, but he got over it and sat down. About 30 long minutes later, he did it. For the first time ever, our boy used the big boy potty! Jon is home today so we both did the poo poo in the potty dance and Ben looked at us like we were crazy. I think he was more excited about the game boy he was playing than anything else! I'm hoping he got the connection. For now, we're just going to celebrate!

"The Future's So Bright...."

Ben has been on a sunglasses kick recently. He wants to wear them inside or out day or night. He's just too cute in them to say no.
We have a little bit of cabin fever at the moment. We've all been sick so we didn't get out much last week. Since we have a big storm coming we made sure to get out today to see some friends. I'm hoping we'll get some good snow tonight so Ben and I can get out again tomorrow and work on our first snowman of the year!

Half way there

Jon managed to get Ben on the potty tonight with out the diaper (see the potty practice post). He spent about 45minutes up there, but I don't think anything happened. Unfortunately, since we have such a long toilet, its hard to hear if any "activity" is taking place. He seemed to have a good time and is looking forward to more practice time. We're one step closer to big boy pants!

Welcome Paisley Lynn

Today the Calaway family welcomed Paisley Lynn to the world. She was born at 1:23pm. She weighed in at 8lbs and 6oz. She is 19.5 inches long and has dark peach fuzz on her head. She is absolutely beautiful and has the cutest chubby cheeks. We're so happy for you guys!

A little help

Melissa just told me about the Angel Food Ministries. In a nutshell, its a church based organization that was started to help people in need. They now help anyone regardless of your situation. For $30 you can get enough food to feed a family of four for a week. Although, with the amount of food you get, I bet it will last more than a week. The same amount of food could be purchased for approximately $65 at the grocery store. They have a different menu every month and you can order just the main food package or they have specialty packages with fruits and veggies, steaks and other fun stuff. You do have to pick up the food. They have several churches in the area that participate. Jon and I are looking into it especially after being surprised with a bath tub replacement, more hospital bills for Sam, a $125 prescription for Sam, license plate renuals and Jons pay schedule changing which will result in a $150 decrease in pay per month. We were just commenting last night that its so hard to get ahead these days. God must have been listening. This sounds like a small step in the right direction for everyones financial crisis!

In family news, we are all sick...again! Ben got a cold which he spread to me. Jon started to get sick, but apparently the medicine he took did the job because he seems to be doing a lot better. Sam had a fever last night and this morning. He's been a little cranky, but that seems to be it. Since pregnant women are everywhere, I avoided Bible study last night and play group this morning. Instead, we've been running in circles around the house trying to get out some energy and listening to crazy contractors give outrageous estimates on our bathtub. Fun times!

The newest Calaway is scheduled to enter the world tomorrow morning. We are all praying for a smooth delivery and a healthy baby girl. We can't wait to meet her!

Potty practice

Several months ago, Ben started showing some interest in the potty. He wanted to lift the lid for us and flush the toilet whether it needed it or not. However, he started losing interest in the whole process recently. In an attempt to renew his interest we had a potty practice session last night. For about a half hour we got on the stool, sat down and scooted back over and over! He got really excited about the whole process until we told him that when he did it for real he would have to take the diaper off. So he likes to practice, he can't wait to see the pee pee on the potty dance, but doesn't want to take off the diaper----we're still working on that.

Jon had the day off yesterday. We took Ben to a play area that he's struggling with. In order to get to a section he really wants to get to, he has to go through a tunnel. He just can't bring himself to get through the tunnel. Mom, Tate and Debbie have all tried. I thought dad might be able to get him, but his stubbornness won!

Twins???

We were out shopping yesterday and I happened to come across a smaller version of a shirt that Ben already has. I couldn't resist.
When I say a smaller version, I don't mean that much smaller. Sam is already wearing 3-6month outfits and in most of the sleepers he doesn't have much room to grow. He is only 3 months old. I don't remember Ben ever being that big. I think he has surpassed "chunky monkey" status and has gone straight to piggy! It doesn't help that when he really starts crying, he squeals like a pig!

Along with shopping this weekend, we had lots of good eating. We went to dinner at Aaron and Prastis Friday night. Gram and pap came up and cooked for us. We haven't had a family, Friday dinner since Sam was born. It was nice to do that again.









Saturday we had dinner with a group from church. We tried out El Jalapeno. Ben and I shared fajitas. I think Jons are better, but it was a nice time.









Sam loves his aunt Prasti cuddles!

Giggles

Sam has been giggling for us quite a bit. I think he is going to be very ticklish. He loves it when you rub his bare belly. Unfortunately, his giggles sound like the beginning of his cry so unless you're watching him, you don't know what he's doing!

Debbie and I took the kids out this morning to let out some energy. Ben and Tate have been total hams every time I pull out the camera.

This last shot is for Corrie (see the comments from the last post). This is our broken, blue tub. Ignore the fact that there is dirt on the floor. We got estimate #1 today and are waiting to schedule the next one. Its crazy how much it costs to put in a "normal" tub. However, he told me that to remove this tub, all they would do is smash it and take it out in pieces. We can do that ourselves and save $100. It might be a good way to let out some frustration for paying all this money on something so ridiculous. Although, with our luck, we'd probably smash it and cause damage to the floor or something worse. Maybe we'll leave that to the professionals!

Dance, Dance

Ben needed to get out some extra energy last night so he gave us several dance recitals. I think aunt Prasti might have a new student for her dance class!

In Sam news, there isn't much to report. I think he's going through a growth spurt. He eats every chance he gets and trys to stay awake for as long as possible. It usually results in a screaming fit because he's so tired. He's been getting up around 5 or 6am to eat. I'm hoping once he gets through this he'll go back to sleeping through the night. He was doing so well with that.

In ridiculous news, our bathroom has an old claw foot tub. It could be beautiful, but the inside needs to be refinished and the outside was painted blue to match the blue toilet (yes, for those not familiar with our bathroom, I said blue toilet). Its tolerable because our shower curtain covers it so you really can't tell unless you take a shower. Shortly after we moved in, we noticed that one of the feet was broke. It didn't make a difference in the tub so we let it go. It was fine until this weekend. The other foot (on the same side) broke off too. We currently have car jacks holding it up so we don't have to take a lopsided shower. Unfortunately, after calling welders and tub repair/refinishing shops, it looks like we cant fix the feet. We either need to find very strong men to move the tub from the lego room into the bathroom (yes, we have an extra tub for no reason....doesn't everyone???) and of course, move out the old tub and have the second tub refinished because its nasty. Or we need a whole new normal tub. There is always something! Wish us luck for a speedy and cheap fix.

Swiging in the snow

Ben and dad spent some quality time together this afternoon playing in the snow. I got a couple pictures, then spent some time cuddling with Sam.

Ben thought he was sooo cool wearing daddys hat. Lets face it--he is!

Sam looked great in the sweater aunt Corrie made him for Christmas. The picture doesn't really show off the sweater, but I didn't want him to feel left out!
Ben and Tate being silly together!

Photo meme

I've been tagged by Melissa for this photo meme.
*open the 4th picture folder in your computer.
*open the 4th picture folder in that folder and post it on your blog.
*explain the picture.
*tag 4 other bloggers to do the same (you can notify them in their comments section). This is a close up of the cake topper from our wedding. It was a gift from Lego.com. However, the girl had brown hair so Jon bought a lego set just to get some red hair to put on our topper. What a guy!!!

Since we have so many different picture files, here is a pic from our other 4th, 4th. This picture is almost 1 year old to the day. Aunt Lorrie had a party at her house. Jon got me really sick so I missed the party. He brought this picture home to help me feel better.

Things I've done

I got this from Melissa's blog. Hope you learn something about me. The things in bold are what I've done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity (once)
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (in 5th grade--it was terrible!)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (Does petting one count?)
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (Drawn, not painted)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (sort of, my voice was used in a cartoon movie produced by my elementary school)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (does a lemon aid stand count?)
58. Taken a martial arts class (it was a self defense class, but they taught some martial arts moves)
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar (unfortunately)
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (fractured, not broke 2 toes)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car (leased)
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible (almost, I know, I'm pushing it!)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

If you want to do this too, just copy and paste the list. Remove my comments and put any of the things you've done in bold type. Let me know so I can come and read yours!!



We went to the library today for play group. I ended up feeding Sam most of the time so I didn't get a lot of good pictures. I did get this one:Yes, I know its not Friday!

In case you can't tell, Ben is sitting on Bailey. Poor dog.

GQ men

Ben and Sam got a bunch of adorable clothes for Christmas. They both got dressed up in some new outfits for church this morning and looked so good, it would be a shame not to share with everyone. Several blogs that I follow have mentioned/asked for support regarding the new Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act. Among other things, it mandates third party lead testing on all toys made in the United States. That means any one that makes toys, clothing, accessories etc for children under 12 years old, will have to pay literally thousands of dollars to have each product tested. When this goes into effect on February 10th, thousands of people will be put out of business including those who sell their goods on Etsy. Since our family bought several Etsy products for Christmas this year, I felt compelled to help in the fight. Please go to the link on the right for more information and to see how you can help.

On a happier note, Ben got a belated Christmas present from gram and pap today. Most of you know about Bens obsession with, "listening to Bob the tomato on the radio in mommys car" or, "watching Bob the tomato on the tv." For those not sure, I'm referring to Veggie Tales (a group of animated vegetables that tell biblical stories to kids). Gram made Ben a Veggie Tales pillow case. We immediately had to put it on his pillow and he is currently curled up on his pillow taking his nap. He loves it!

Baby talk

Sam makes some great baby noises. Last night he was very talkative and full of smiles. I had to share some of our conversation. It was late and all the lights were off so its a little dark.

Jon and I were going through pictures after Christmas. Everyone says that Sam looks like Ben when he was a baby. They do look similar in some pictures, but the more I look, the more I don't think they look alike. Ben was about 4 months old in the picture on the left and about 14.5pounds. Sam was about 2 1/2 months on the right and about 13pounds. Sam is definitely bigger with chubbier cheeks. I think the only similar feature is their noses. You be the judge.

















We welcomed the Brewer family home today. They went home to Arkansas for Christmas and New Year. They were definitely missed, but I think Sam was playing hard to get!











Sam and dad relaxing after a long day.

Happy New Year, 2009

Happy 2009. We hope everyone had a great night last night. Jon cooked us an amazing steak dinner with shrimp on the side. We don't do that very often so it was a great treat. After dinner we headed over to the Calaways for some fun and games. Everyone came out a winner, but I have to point out that the women won "The Battle of the Sexes" (not that there was ever any doubt)! Ben took over Todd and Debbies room and slept right through the ball drop. Sam woke up with 2 minutes to spare and was awake for his first new year.
In between the games we took a few moments to reflect on all that we were thankful for in 2008 and what we're looking forward to in 2009. I was amazed at how long our lists got. You forget all the wonderful things that happen in a year. We're grateful to have been so blessed. We hope you get everything you want out of 2009.


P.S.
You might recall that exactly 1 year ago I predicted that by today I would be a, "regular snow bunny." Well, lets just say I should have stuck to my original statement of not making resolutions. You might be surprised to know this, but I have some control issues ( I know---shocker). I've decided that skiing doesn't give me enough control and it's just not something I'm interested in being proficient in. I'm back to my original stance of no more resolutions!