So much going on in Caleb's life.

Caleb's doing great in Day Care. He's doing this funny thing of obviously crying when i leave him (it wouldn't be him if he didn't), being completely fine during the day and then letting out this painful cry when he's picked up. Both Ernest and my mother have said that when they get to the classroom, he's playing or watching tv but as soon as he sees them he just cries. Is it happiness? Has he held it in all day? Hard to tell. But it's good to hear that as soon as i'm out of sight he functions normally and pleasantly.

This morning I asked his teacher if parents were invited to the Christmas party - she said yes, but she also said, "i wouldn't recommend that you come to the Christmas party because Caleb has a hard time letting you go and he's been doing so well, i wouldn't want him to take a step back." It hurt so much to hear that i couldn't be there. As a parent, you want to participate in those sorts of things but i also understand that it wouldn't be good for him. He has made lots of progress and i wouldn't want to get in the way of that. When i told Ernest about it i cried. No wonder Caleb's such a crier. I cry all the time about the silliest things.

Don't be surprised if the next time you see Caleb you'll be seeing a boy who does not use a Pacifier all the time. With the school's help, we're weaning him off the Tete (as he says). At school, they only give it to him in a desperate moment or when he naps. That's really once a day. When he's picked up, the Tete is not given to him unless necessary. However, after his bottle in his crib he starts to look for it. He knows it's usually clipped to his top so he starts to run his hand around the front of his PJs. It's pretty cute.

I have noticed that more and more the blankie is becoming much more important than before. Ernest says that it's "the parent" who creates the blankie/tete obsession but i truly believe that because of all the changes he's going through at the moment, i.e. walking, new classroom, etc. the world becomes a very scary place. He knows that we touch the blankie and that it lives at home as well, therefore, it gives him a sense of security. It makes him feel like he's taking home with him, or us with him. I don't mind the blankie as much as his Tete, to be honest.

Then there are the molars. FOUR of them to be exact. AT THE SAME TIME! He's actually been pretty good. No real discomfort or fevers, but there is some waking up in the middle of the night. Those are always fun, especially when you've seen the light at the end of the sleep deprivation tunnel. The last thing you want EVER is to go back to having to wake up 2 or 3 times a night. It is what it is and he'll be fine and so will we.

Speaking of teeth, Caleb now brushes his teeth...well, he chews on the bristles and eats the toothpaste but he loves it. I sit him on the sink and we both brush. Ernest started taking him in the bathroom with him when he would brush and Caleb took an interest so we got him started. Everyday after breakfast and before bed. He likes to point out that Dora and Diego are on his toothbrush. He enjoys it. Sometimes he doesn't want to stop brushing and then we argue and he throws a tantrum but his Barney (or Baba, in a whisper) towel fixes that problem. He also brushes at school where he has a toothbrush and toothpaste.

He's been doing this thing of standing in front of his toy box and just taking everything out and throwing it behind him. We've gotten hit by things but it's so funny to watch. Oh and the dancing. The never ending dancing. It's amazing. He loves it. He dances to the Alarm sound on Ernest's phone. On his piano, he'll press the music button until he finds the song BINGO and then he's dancing up a storm. I can't wait to see what all that dancing turns into.

We're really excited about everything that's going on with our Caleb Carter. Tantrums aside, he's a really great kid. So funny. He's been following Ernest all around the house. It's been great watching that relationship grow. He loves his papa. That's all he says all day. Say Mama to him and he'll respond with Papa. Great, right? In all seriousness, i love that. Caleb could not have a better male figure in his life. He's lucky to have a father like Ernest who loves him and will always be there for him. He plays with him, takes him to the doctor and the park, he kisses, hugs, spoils, and teaches Caleb everyday. How could we ask for anything more.

And now we'll start the process of potty training. Too early? I don't think so. In my family, i can't remember a kid reaching the age of 2 still in diapers, myself included. Aside from diapers being so expensive these days, the whole changing diapers business is just getting tiresome. I don't think that potty training will take a day but at least there are end results and a light at the end of that tunnel. Personally, i can't wait till i don't have to change another diaper...for Caleb.

So while we head in the direction of a new milestone, enjoy these pictures for now.