Randoms.

I sitting here at our living room table with the sun shining directly in my face while Kaleb naps. I actually took some time for myself today to do things like, use self tanner and pluck my eyebrows. Things that really don't take very much time, but things that I usually forego in the attempt to get other things done. So, while we hosted a dinner party for ten last night and I should have used my time to, oh you know, clean the pots and pans in the kitchen, I didn't... and I am fairly certain I feel much better because of it.

We are struggling with technology over here. One computer's hard drive went kaput. Another one won't allow me to log in to the administrator account and in an attempt to better secure our computer I think I lost our photos. Our back up hard drive isn't working either. When it rains, it pours. I am trying *not* to freak out about it. So... bear with the lack of photos for a few more days. I have managed to upload new pics to our iPad, but am having troubles getting them to the blog. I am sure it is easier than I am making it seem. Advice anyone?

Kaleb and I went on a walk yesterday only to discover new evidences of life (a.k.a. tiny little blades of grass popping through the soil) meaning that Spring is just around the corner! I couldn't be more excited for nice weather, play dates in the grass outside, and walks in the fields. I am immediately reminded of spring days in Hagen last year, walking the hills with my little guy still in my belly. And now he is here, smiling away... weighing in at 23.5 pounds and measuring nearly 30 inches in length. My how he has grown!

Sidenote, just to keep with the random theme: While on my trip home a lady in the airport commented, "Your baby is just as big as you are!" Which of course, made me laugh. Kaleb has a way of making friends everywhere he goes... as do most children. The older gentleman behind us saved his cookie from lunch on the airplane to give to Kaleb. I had to explain that he had just started eating pureed veggies. ;)

And finally, I think we are over jet lag! Praise the Lord, I didn't know how much more I could take. I think most moms out there would agree that their child's crying has to be harder on them than on their little one. Thank goodness for a waterfall soundtrack, headphones, and a well rested daddy who kept a listening ear for a not-so-well-rested mommy.

Back in Holland!

Sometimes I feel as if my life could be a game show, you know...like Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Kale and I just returned a little less than a week ago to Holland after two weeks at home in the States for my sister's wedding. As you can probably imagine, the past few weeks have been one big blur. I have tried to stop and take it all in, but somehow I am still left feeling as if time is going by faster than I can breath. Really, it is MARCH already!

I will admit that the past week has been pretty rough, trying to get kale adjusted ton jet lag. It seems to be much harder this time around, and although we have had a breakthrough, I think I have had to endure more crying the past week than I have Kaleb's entire life. Okay, that is probably a bit of an exaggeration, but my little guy has really been THAT easy. (Unless it all just seems easy because my brain blocked out the tough parts.)

I will be back ton my blog posting ways in no time, but for now... Just wanted you to know I haven't fallen off the face of this earth. And if you see any funny words in this post I blame it on the iPad, sometimes it has a mind of its own.

Until next time,
Suzanne

Where did it go?

I don't know when it happened, when I went from holding him and nursing him for the first time to putting him in his first high chair to eat "real" food. I imagine moms and dads all across the world are wondering the same thing. How it is possible their little ones are going off to prom, to college, getting married, having babies of their own. But, this is life... and no matter how much we'd love to hit the "pause" button, it just doesn't work that way.





And so, we rejoice... and we thank God for every. single. moment. We call up the grandparents when the first tooth arrives, we get out the video camera to capture all those firsts. Sometimes we tend to get bogged down with daily life, the laundry, the meals, the mess.... and forget to stop. To stop and breathe and take it all in. If we're not careful the days will turn into weeks before we realize the blur we're living.















Wherever you are, whatever you are doing... just stop. Look around you and it won't take long before you compile a list of people, lessons and experiences you are grateful for.

I, for one, am thankful that God blessed me with this little guy. When he smiles, I smile. He got his first walker the day before he turned six months and keeps himself occupied "walking" backward in it.



He likes his highchair too and will sit in the kitchen watching me make dinner and smiling away, as if I am fixing him a huge Thanksgiving dinner at every meal.



For now, these yams are as close to a Thanksgiving meal that he is getting. I can clearly remember being pregnant in Germany and a friend giving me a website she used to help aid her in making baby food, and I stored it away in my memory thinking it would be ages before I needed it. Lo and behold, that time is finally here.



True to form, Kaleb loves his food. Who would have thought?









We celebrated Kaleb's half birthday and intentionally remembered the sights and sounds of the day he was born. Sure, he didn't know the difference. But to be honest, it was more for John and I than him anyway. We chatted over lunch, admiring our little guy and talked about how much life had changed for the better. Kaleb smiled away, making friends with everyone who would give him a bit of attention.





I don't know how it is possible, but somehow I find myself loving him more each day. I loved him before I even met him, thought my capacity to love was maxed out when he arrived... and yet six months later my love is only deeper.





Love this picture. My two guys... looking like they are up to no good.



No worries in the eating department, I think Kaleb is doing just fine. Pretty sure one could mistake him for a sumo wrestler here. ;)





 One last comparison... because everyone loves baby feet. Kaleb's feet "before."



And Kaleb's feet "after." (Oh how I will miss these rolls someday!)



If only we knew what they were thinking.



Six months old... and as happy, lovable, and kissable as can be. Love you Kaleb Josiah!