Happy New Year to all!!

These photos capture the newest, most favorite thing in Callum's world these days...his tongue! He seems to be saying "Would you like to see my tongue?" to everyone and without waiting for an answer, shows off his tongue just the same. Luckily, it is a very cute one. We are hoping that after 4 months of teething we might get to see some teeth soon.

Callum is also determined to enter the new year rolling. Yes (drum roll, please) he has rolled over--just from the belly to back--but we will take it. Mama and papa were starting to say things like, "Ah, rolling isn't all that important anyway." "Totally overrated." "When was the last time you rolled? I mean, really?" But, it is sort of an important milestone, so we are happy we get to stop talking it down!

A Boxing Day Trip to the Aquarium!

He loved the sharks, the eels, the schools of silvery fish and watching all the other kids! It was so much fun he slept for the whole drive back home.

Christmas Day

It was a warm and sunny day on Christmas and Callum thoroughly enjoyed a walk with his Grandma and Grandpa Crowley. He returned to enjoy a meal with the family! He even wore a special 'grown-up' outfit. And, of course, got a lot of loot! All in all it was a pretty special Christmas at our house!

Well Said, Callum!

I Like Spinach, Go Figure!

7 New Things Callum does at 7 Months Old

That is right! We have passed the half-way mark. Callum turned seven months old on Sunday. And here are seven new things he can do: 1) Gnaw on a frozen whole wheat bagel, 2) Get his foot into his mouth, 3) In the right mood, just watching someone else laugh and he busts into endless giggles, 4) sit in the bucket seats at daycare WITH THE TODDLERS, 5) Can move cheerios into his mouth on his own, 6) loves peekaboo, 7) and gnawing on his rubber duckie.

New Jersey Fall

It really is a gorgeous fall here in the Jerz. And, with sunny weather we have been able to enjoy the crisp, fall air without getting too cold. We took a small trip to a nearby town this weekend and Callum sat in his very first diner high chair. He did great! We also discovered he has an amazing ability to drop his toys on the floor in a way that it is impossible to catch them before they land in someone's boot print.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I had a blast with my Grandma Crowley in gorgeous Pennsylvania. I even sat in my high chair and ate during Thanksgiving dinner. As grown-up as that sounds, I was still the messiest member of the party.

I'm Sitting Up!

I still need a watchful eye and occaisional support but I can sit up for a while without falling over. I'm especially good at moving forward to grab a toy and then sitting up straight while I drool all over said toy. I'm not so good if I happen to lean to the side, then I topple. But, I'm really enjoying the ability to do a little bit on my very own.

In my special chair with Grandpa Quaal

Remember these guys...

Can't believe how big he has gotten. Check out the difference six months makes...

Callum's Baptism

This Sunday Callum was baptized! He was fantastic, loved being in front of the church and LOVED having the water on his forehead. He was all smiles and kicked his little legs as if he wanted to get up and tap dance for his audience. Very funny. He charmed every single old lady at church that Sunday, good man. He knows where the candy will be in the future. He was lucky enough to have his grandma and grandpa Crowley there as well as his grandpa Quaal and his friends Sarah, Nora and Ralph.

Six Months Old!!!

It's hard for us to believe but it is indeed true...Callum is six months old already. His little, sparkling personality is beginning to shine through and everyday we are amazed at how he is growing from a baby to a little man with preferences and desires of his own. He is eating pears, bananas, prunes, applesauce, carrots, peas, sweet potato, squash, oatmeal and rice cereal with gusto. He is able to sit up on his own for short periods of time and loves to explore everything with his mouth. He has smiles and laughs in spades, especially for his mom and dad. He'd still rather be awake than sleeping but it's getting better. He's growing (out mostly) like a weed with the belly of a buddha and the rosy cheeks of a true Irishman. He has started to spend time at daycare and charm everyone who works there while making friends with other little buddies. And, all of that accomplished in just half a year. That's our little guy.

Happy Halloween All...

We had a small Halloween party, mostly for new babies, in our backyard this weekend. Callum is the cow. In addition to the visible peadpod, bee, and cow, the party included a veterinarian (not pictured), complete with a band-aided teddy bear...it was very cute. Most of the babies carried the expressions pictured (why am I stuffed in this outfit?) until a few hours into the get-together when a simultaneous baby-meltdown occurred and everyone scattered. Sigh, our new life!

Apple Picking!

We went apple picking in Hunterdon County this weekend (yes, these pictures were taken in New Jersey, it is after all the Garden State). Don't you think that the apple hue is just about the same as the apples in little C's cheeks! Mama sure does. We went with our buddy Nora and gots lots of apples and some pumpkins too. We've been eating lots of solid foods lately and loving them all. Our latest is pear and sweet potato. Callum practically jumps out of his chair to go after every bite of pear, he is a little more laid back about the sweet potato. He certainly has his father's sweet tooth. As a result, and perhaps this lies in the Too Much Information file, he had his first real poop! We were thrilled and congratulated him heartily.

My trip to the HOMELAND (Minnesota that is...)

Callum just returned from a fantastic trip to Minnesota. He was able to meet both of his great-grandmas, his grandparents, and his auntie and uncle as well as other friends. We took lots of walks and even braved the winds of Lake Superior. He impressed everyone with his smile and rattling prowess. It was a fantastic time. He especially enjoyed breathing the brisk, fresh air and looking at all the amazing trees. Thanks to everyone for such a wondeful time.

More in Minnesota

Callum got to visit his grandpa's new house in Lakeland, MN and see his great-grandma Quaal. He even got to meet some of his Minnesota buddies and a new friend, Meri Harkins. It was a little chilly but not bad and he got lots and lots of love and attention from doting family!!

Grandma Burns Visits!

I got to spend a little time with my Grandma Burns yesterday and loved playing with her. She was surprised at how big I am (but then again, who isn't!) and how smiley I can be. I impressed her with my ability to eat rice cereal and avoid my afternoon nap.