Callen's Second Birthday

May has become my most favorite time of the year. I just love celebrating Callen. This year we were able to go to Colorado and share Callen's big day with family.


Our first stop was Monkey Business with Magra, Papa, Uncle Steve, Aunt Julie, Brooklyn, Chandler, and Ady. Callen loved running around through the obstacle course, bounce house and inflatable slide. The best part was having his cousins take him around and show him the ropes. It has been so amazing to watch Callen's relationship with his cousins develop.

When Callen finally slowed down, he spent some time creating a masterpiece in the art room. Using stamps, crayons and paint he created a perfect work of art!! To cap off the celebration we then went to Red Robin where Callen loved having people sing his favorite song :) It was such an amazing way to spend the day.

Taking in all that Monkey Business has to offer.

Taking a ride with his aunt and cousins.

All little artist in the making! I think the art room was one of
my favorite places to watch everyone work.

Callen knew the drill and dug right in:)

Brooklynn and Chandler helping Callen open his gifts.

He really just wanted the wrapping paper.

What an end to an amazing day!

The following day the festivities continued at Chris' house. Chris had put together a Cars birthday party, and Callen was in heaven. Callen loved playing with Uncle Ben and giggling in the tent that was set up for him. He also became best friends with the beagles. Callen brought them food and framed pictures of himself, all in attempts to pet them (which Buster and Baxter were more then happy to oblige him).

Callens gearing up to blow out the candles 

Clearly loves the cake!

Although it is difficult living away from family, Josh and I are always grateful for moments like these. Callen loved spending time with his family, and really that was the most important part.

Choosing a Christmas Tree

We are officially making this a new family tradition! Although we didn't cut our own, we had a blast hunting for the perfect tree. Callen enjoyed running through the trees and touching the needles and Josh and I loved watching our little guy and talking about a new family Christmas tradition. Typically  Josh and I have a fake tree because we are never around long enough to enjoy and care for a real tree.

At the tree farm we enjoyed hot coco, riding the Christmas train, and running through the trees. This was the perfect introduction into the holiday season. Seriously, this kid couldn't be any more adorable!

Magra and Papa's Thanksgiving Visit

My parents came to visit the weekend before Thanksgiving and we couldn't have been more thrilled for their arrival! When we picked them up, Callen screamed with delight. On the ride home he chatted to them the entire way. Callen LOVES his Magra and Papa so much.

Our visit began with the Technology and Innovation Museum in San Jose. There wasn't a ton to do for Callen, but he of course figured out how to make everything a game - such a little innovator!

Kisses for Papa

Kisses for the light blocks

He spent most of the day rearranging this blocks :)

He discovered his psychedelic shadow

During their visit we did an early Christmas for Callen. This year he is finally getting the hang of opening presents, by the time Christmas finally rolled around, he was a pro!

We took a day to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Callen loved watching the jelly fish glide through the water, but was terrified of the octopus! The place was packed but Callen did a great job. We loved watching his curiosity grow s he was mesmerized by all thing aquatic :)

Clearly the touch pool was his favorite. He laughed so hard when touching the Algae!

Hilarious!

Magra and Papa watched Callen for a night so Josh and I could have a day away. Although we always miss this cute face, it was nice to get some time together.

 We just love watching Callen become more attached to his grandparents. It is an exciting thing to see your baby love others so immensely. We can't wait for more visits!!

The Most Wonderful Time of Year ... Halloween

To say that I love Halloween is an understatement! I LOVE Halloween. I love that the weather has cooled and is crisp. I love pumpkin patches and decorating. And now that I have my own little pumpkin, I love taking Callen to the pumpkin patch and can't wait to see him in his costume. I honestly can not use love enough when it comes to Halloween!!

So far our pics are of the pumpkin patch, we have been to four. Callen loved running in and of the pumpkins, sifting through the hay, weaving in and out of the flowers (while also destroying them), riding the train and hayride, and tasting all things pumpkin!!

The first three trips have been with various moms groups. One was organized by a mom whose son goes to Little Gym with Callen, another was a Morgan Hill moms group, we went with my neighbor and lastly, Josh was able to join the fun with his little Buckaroo!

These two had a blast hanging in the pumpkin at Spina Farms

Callen with his best friend Liam

You can tell that taking pictures is NOT what he wants to be doing, but I had to get one of the two of us!!

Waiting for the hayride

He is pretty proud that he mastered the steps on his own!

Thoroughly amused with the train!

This last pumpkin patching time was a bit hot for Callen. The "fall" weather hit 90 degrees. But our little champion pushed through.


Next weekend we are hosting a Halloween party for the moms group and can't wait to share the pictures!! I absolutely am excited that over the years I will be able to share my affinity for the holidays with Callen.

Little Man

Callen is changing so much! He is becoming so capable and understanding so much. Josh and I just can't believe that a little over a year ago Callen was just born, and now he is a little person!! Our favorite things that he is currently doing include:

1. Walking - it is his only mode of transportation (except for when he is super sleepy he prefers to be carried). It is just the cutest thing to see his big head and floppy hair bouncing up and down as he clomps around. He also figured out to hold on to the baby gates so that he can step over the bar, such a smarty pants.

2. Clapping - he claps for everything!! When I put him in the car, when I get him out of the car, when he sees the dogs, when he finds a toy, when he finds a different toy, literally everything!! It just makes me so happy to see his joy.

3. Loves stuffed animals - his favorite is Elmo. He will carry it everywhere. In the car he rides with him and hugs him, and he loves having him in the cart while we shop.

4. Yogurt - he can't get enough and it get all over the place! When he sees it he starts dancing and and "talking", it is so cute!

5. Reading - we use to read at Callen as he played or read before nap times. He was never super interested in sitting down and listening to the story. Now he cuddles in and points to the characters and turns the pages!

6. Pointing - he loves lights and will always point to them. But now he is also pointing to pictures, people, hanging objects, things on a shelf, ceiling fans, trees and flowers.

Celebrations continued

Callen is one lucky little boy. He had three first birthday celebrations! His first celebration was in California and we were so fortunate to celebrate with all of our friends! The next weekend we flew to Colorado and continued to party with family. By the end of the festivities, Callen was a pro cake-eater and gift-opener. Funnily enough, two months later and his favorite song is still Happy Birthday to You! 

First year stats:
Weight: 22 pounds (74%)
Height: 30 inches (74%)

Teeth: 4 (although he has 11 now!)
Favorite foods: peanut butter sandwiches, string cheese, all fruit
Favorite book: Pout Pout Fish
Favorite activity: playing with his water table, petting and feeding the dogs, snuggles with his parents, checking the mail in his play house and getting in his car to check the actual mail
First words: dada, mama, dog

His second birthday party was at my parents house. We also jointly celebrating Adaley's second birthday. It was fun to see the two cousin enjoy their special day!!

I got this daddy!

Just bring it a little closer!!

Callen barely touched his cake during his first first birthday, this time he proceeded with caution...

but obviously decided he loved it!

His third birthday party was at Chris' house and everyone came to celebrate Callen. You can tell from the pics below that he has this whole cake eating thing down!!

We are so grateful to our friends and family for making Callen's birthday simply amazing!