Back into the blog...

It's been a hard week and we have been overwhelmed about the loss of Chris and Sara's most beautiful Garren. It feels as if life kind of got turned upside down, and we know for sure we'll never be quite the same. It certainly has caused everyone who loves him (and even people who never met him) moments of deep reflection. At the beautiful service to honor Garren, we were touched by the following: "So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them." (Roland Gittelsohn)

It is with mixed feelings that we get back into our blog. Looking at these pictures and video reminds us just how lucky we are, and definitely leaves a sad spot in our heart when we think about how Garren and Callie were supposed to grow up together.

Since the last update, Callie turned one and celebrated with friends, family, and cupcakes. Oddly, she actually hated the cupcakes, but other than that, she had a great time. Callie is now a full-fledged walker (almost a runner), a major babbler (she kind of says "hi," "up," and "mama/daddy"). She waves (although it's often backwards at herself), and gives the most hilarious open-mouthed kisses full of slobber. She loves to read (she has definite favorites that she reads over and over and over - Daddy tries to hide them sometimes), and one of my favorite things about her is how she will bring a book over when I'm sitting on the floor, then she'll turn her little body around and scoot back, sitting down on my lap.

She always amazes us when she responds to what we say... the other day, I had her shoes out and I said "Does your shoe go HERE?" and I put it on her head. She shook her head no. I thought it was a coincidence, so I said "Does your shoe go HERE?" and I tried her elbow, then again with her knee. She kept shaking her head no with each body part, until I asked if it went on her foot. She looked at me, smiled, grabbed the shoe, and tried to put it on her foot. How did we go from having this tiny little baby to a toddler who understands things and responds to us?! Calista definitely understands "NO," and usually listens when we say it, but is also dabbling in the art of temper tantrums.

The doctor is ready to refer us to an Ear/Nose/Throat specialist because of all the ear infections Callie's been having. Looks like getting tubes might be in her fairly immediate future. I am NOT happy about it, but I am trying to stay open-minded. Callie has 5 teeth, the corner of a molar, and several others that are on the verge of popping through. She's also in the process of leaving formula behind and switching to milk, which she loves (only if it's warm). She's eating much more successfully these days (thank goodness). We're having a lot of fun getting out and about now that she's so aware and interested in everything around her. We went to the Museum of Play the other day for the first time since she's been walking and she ran all over as if she owned the place. What a character.

Callie's basically been a no TV baby for the past year (with the exception of a couple cartoons a week), but now she watches a little more (occasionally even enjoying a sports show with Dad). Now, every couple days she watches an episode of The Backyardigans, Dora the Exlplorer, or a good show on Noggin (our favorite station these days). She doesn't sit still for long, though, so she usually only watches quietly for about 10 minutes... for every half hour show that's on, she's busy playing while she watches, or dancing along to the music. It's cute.

Today was Valentine's Day and we celebrated with the DeFeos at the Build a Bear workshop. Callie made a bunny, which Jack lovingly named "Poppy." She's snuggling with it in bed as I write this. As for Mama and Daddy, we are going on a little get-away for a couple days next week (we have the week of, wahooo) that Ken planned - it's a surprise; I have no idea where we're going!

Anyway, I have posted lots of new pictures on Phanfare in the January and February albums (http://albums.phanfare.com/lumblove) and below are some videos of what Callie does with herself these days.

Enjoy, and please keep Chris and Sara in your hearts.



"No way, Jose."
(Callie tries to eat a random piece of who-knows-what that she found on the floor)



"Strong Girl"



"Smushing Peas and Waving to Daddy"




"Hanging out with The Backyardigans"


"Daddy!" (the door opens at the end and Daddy walks in)


"No more babies jumping on the bed!"


"Chillin'"