Early January at home

We have been enjoying our few weeks back home with nice, quiet, relaxing days. Calvin is doing some fun new things. He started walking backwards a few days ago for some unknown reason, but he thinks it's pretty funny (which it is). He also has a few new words! Favorites include "mama", "boom" (for kicking or falling down or throwing), "done" when he's all done with something, and "roar", which is of course what the lion says. Obviously.

Here's a nice morning of play. He found this little ledge to sit on which probably seems very normal, but struck me as funny.

Climbing the stairs! He's quite a pro at going up .... but has no idea how to go down.

Having fun with daddy!



Playing catch with Daddy ... I love this cute little smile.

We found him this way the other night. He was very seriously reading my magazine.

Taking advantage of the lack of rain with a chilly little play date with the porch.


Matthew and I are loving watching this dear little boy grow up. He is so sweet and tender-hearted. He gives hugs and kisses generously. We've started praying at the dinner table with him and he absolutely LOVES it. He tightly grips our hands and watches us pray. The expression on his face is very unique - he seems thrilled to be a part of what we are doing and also seems to know that it is something special, even though we pray with him all the time. But it's special at dinner when we hold hands and he can see that. It's fun to start thinking about the kinds of things that help form his little character and our family rituals. That all goes to say that we are doing well. Calvin is wonderful and growing up beautifully. Matthew is hard at work with his writing and I am learning to cook and just loving hanging out with Calvin.