Spoiled yet again, for Christmas!

Christmas began in the Caldwell house the day before Christmas Eve, with baking and cooking. I made Cabral Green jell-o salad, Va's famous Fudge, my famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, Deviled Eggs, Lasagna and a Quiche! Yes all of that for two different family Christmases!!!! It was the perfect day for a nesting mother to be.

Christmas Eve started bright and early with Pa, Ma, Grandma and Grandpa Caldwell coming over for Quiche, scones, fruit salad and of course PRESENTS!!!! Logan was in heaven, ripping paper with Daddy just waiting to see what was inside. Yes he did get spoiled. His favorite gift out of everything is the art easel, believe it or not after the Art disaster, he has wanted to do nothing else but draw.

Christmas Eve we headed over to Pining, Auntie B's and Aj's for a Lasagna and Ravioli feast and maybe some special sweet treats. There was a Christmas light walk, fun and games with all of my cousins and we recieved our matching pajama's from Nana! Then it was off to bath and bed to get, what was suppose to be a good nights sleep, before Santa Claus came with all the presents.

Christmas Morning 2011!

(still can't put the race cars down that Uncle Joe got for me!)

Boo Boo and Nana spoiled me with clothes, two pairs of shoes, clothes, Hot Wheels 4 Wheeler, Clothes and of course my annual snow globe! I had LOTS of fun with AJ, of course! We loved seeing what we got for eachother and playing with what we got for eachother too!

Cabral Family Christmas 2011

(Amy 15, Logan 1, AJ 3, Jaron 8, Karly 11)

Train from Santa!

Christmas went on to continue back at our house, and yes there was more baking and cooking. I made Snickerdoodle Cookies, German Chocolate Cake, Puttanesca (an italian spaghetti), Brussel Sprouts and Mitchell's homemade Ceasar Salad, for Nonna, Papa Jac and Granny Rita. YES, more spoiling occured! Logan got his very first drill set, a couple of books and a Firehouse complete with 3 Fire Apparatus! He really enjoyed drawing with Papa Jac and Nonna on his Easel and becoming a present all wrapped up!

I am sure that next year will bring an entirely different type of spoiling all together, and I am sure that it may be difficult for Logan to understand the meaning of these are Hunter's toys and these are Logan's toys, but as the saying goes, Boys will be boys! Yes we have taken down all the Christmas decorations and the tree and put our house back in order. We are preparing to ring in 2012, not sure mama will make it to midnight, with cider and yummy food! Thank you to everyone for making this Christmas so special and memorable, we love you all!

Love, The Caldwell's

Visiting Santa!

Visiting Santa this year didn't exactly go how Mama wished. Logan was not happy to see the big guy, and that is putting it lightly. He had such a death grip on Daddy that as you can see from the picture, we couldn't even put him down. So Daddy and Logan got to tell Santa just what Logan wants for Christmas.........A Train.

This was the best picture out of about 5 that were taken. I tried bribing him with a cookie to be happy or I even walked away thinking that maybe if Mama wasn't there, he might muster up some courage. Maybe next year will be different. Hopefully, as we will have two to visit Santa then.

22 Weeks!

Dear Hunter,

Wow! Are we really over half way there? Will we get to meet you that soon?

We are feeling you kicking and squirming all of the time now. Daddy has felt it too! It is the funniest thing but as soon as his hand hits my belly or grabs me for a hug you start to give us some action. So of course he pokes at you to see if you will poke back. You two already have a bond and you aren't even here yet. You LOVE French Toast, we have to have it once a week, and vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup and bananas is still a favorite every night. Christmas is almost here just a few more days away, and there will be lots of good things coming your way. (as in good food!)

We have a visit with a new doctor today, can't wait to meet who will be helping us bring you into the world. Maybe we will even find out exactly what day. Logan loves to say hello to you, through my belly button though. I am not to keen of that, I don't like little fingers poking my belly button. Logan sure thinks it's funny! Your room is ready for you, I just have to get some laundry done and get you a mattress for your crib, Aj is going to let you borrow his crib mattress. Daddy has to build a shelf for all those knick knacks I know you will be getting. Ok well, stay nice a cozy in there! We love you so much!

Love, Mama

Ist Annual Cousin Cioppino

Saturday night was our 1st Annual Cousin Cioppino Feed, not all were in attendance however we still made the most of it! It was Cioppino for the adults and homemade pomodoro sauce for the kids. However, for some reason the kids didn't want to eat they really wanted to play. They all get along so well and play somewhat nicely with one another.

After dinner Uncle Mitchell decided he would get them all riled up and rowdy while Uncle Angelo just wanted them to sit quietly and watch a movie. It was a great night, talking about everyone's plans for Christmas and trying to arrange a time that we could all get together for Christmas, starting next year. The men were tired from a long week of work while us ladies just wanted to stay and visit and watch the kids play.  The night didn't last as long as the first cousin get together, but I am sure that January at the Franco's will bring on a different meaning to late night all together.

Until next time, Merry Christmas and Happy Family!!!

(P.S. Logan's cheeks are rosy from being wind chapped and a little from running around)

Art Time DISASTER!!!!

Logan loves to draw in the bathtub and on paper, so I thought that since we had gotten rain on Wednesday night and it was not a pretty day on Thursday that I would surprise him, for the first time, and set up his paints and paper for some finger painting. He came walking in the kitchen and was very interested in what I had set up so I showed him paint on my finger and on the paper and then.......

We put a little paint on his hand, hoping to make a handprint, however, if you can't tell from this face how disgusted he was by the fact that his "hand durty!" (his words, not mine, over and over)



I am sure that you can tell from this picture that he was not having IT! His hand was "durty" his foot was "durty" and he did not like the painting idea at ALL! I still saved the picture we made to remind him of this first time and what a DISASTER it turned out to be. I guess he isn't Vincent Van Gogh just yet! 

Mama will not be defeated in this, there will be much more painting lessons to come!

Christmas Time is here!!!!!

Finally after re-organizing our house, moving the office, getting Logan and all of his toys into a new room we finally had some free time, with Daddy home to go shopping for our Christmas tree. Logan was of course more interested in the camping trailer and wood chipper that was parked at the lot then the trees, but soon after learning he could walk all over and pick his very own tree out to go inside his house we managed to agree on one. (after finding a stick too!)

 (yes he is pointing this way and that way with his fingers, we asked, "which way should we go?")

He thinks he is something special, and so do we! What will Hunter be like next year? What will it be like to have two of them at the tree farm? Will they both look at the camera for that special Christmas picture?



Now the Caldwell Home is ready for Christmas, the decorations are all up, the stockings are hung, the presents are wrapped. Bring on the memories and fun!



New Room.....(part one)

Logan gets a new room!!! That's right, no more baby window treatments, no more changing table and now he gets to enjoy seeing his toys from the bars of a new crib while he sleeps!

The other day Daddy was motivated to put together the crib, which will eventually turn into a bed, for Logan to sleep in, in his big boy room. He now has a place to call his own. Complete with full closet of clothes and toys scattered all over. Mama found a dresser that we will be going to look at this weekend, hopefully daddy loves it as much as mama does, then Logan's room will almost be complete. I was very nervous to be giving him not only a new room but a new crib, you all know how much he LOVES his crib. However, Logan surprised Mitchell and I, and once he saw the new crib he asked to be in it and didn't want to be taken out while we moved all the furniture around. That night, Tuesday (Dec. 5th) was his first night in his room and it didn't phase him at all. He LOVES his new room!

Mama just has to find the material to make him some curtains. Stay tuned for more pictures.

lights

We bundled up our little man and took him out on a walk to see Christmas Lights!! Daddy had just hung ours, pictures will come, so first stop our driveway.

Then we were off like a herd of turtles to see the neighborhood. Logan was in love everytime we saw a house with lights, however there weren't very many.

Hopefully we don't live in a Bah Hum Bug neighborhood. 

Hunter Joseph Caldwell

Dear Hunter,

We found out what you are yesterday, you have known for a couple of weeks but we were lucky enough to see all of your sweet parts yesterday. We are at just 19 weeks 3 days along. You are starting to really move around and the sweetest thing is you really start to move around when daddy puts his hand on my belly or is talking to you through my belly button. Daddy can't feel you, YET, but I sure can. We still crave bananas and chocolate, with vanilla ice cream of course, and boy you really getting excited after eating that. Water can finally quench my thirst these days, but nothing seems to suppress my appetite I can eat all day long. I wonder how big you will be? I wonder if you will be more wild than Logan or more mellow. Either way I can't wait to watch you two playing with each other. Stay cozy in there!

Here are some photos of you from yesterday, these are just a few of what we were given.

                                                                                                                   2 hand photos

                                                                                                                       2 feet photos

Hunter Joseph Caldwell

(due date April 22, 2012)

Thanksgiving, Gobble Gobble!

Thanksgiving, my favorite Holiday for a number of different reasons, just to name a couple, the meal, the colors of fall, my birthday! This one was fabulous, it started out on Saturday celebrating with the Caldwell's. I made homemade spaghetti and meatballs, special request from Peri, and Mitchell made a beautiful and delicious Prime Rib. Logan was of course the center of attention, talking and playing up a storm. Couldn't have asked for a better evening.

On Thanksgiving day we were equally blessed with a fabulous dinner made by Nonna and Papa Jac, it was sure nice to show up and be catered to, although I missed getting all of my pretty dishes out for Nonna. But look at how beautiful her table was, she sure knows how to decorate. Of course we had a traditional Thanksgiving feast, TURKEY, Mitchell made the homemade cranberry sauce which Logan seemed to really enjoy. I took lots of left overs home.

We hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Can't wait for Christmas.

Baby and I......

Dear Baby,

Yup, this is what we look like now! I can't believe how much our belly has popped out in the last couple of weeks. I started to feel flutters a couple of weeks ago. But yesterday I felt you moving all day, I think it was because of the French Toast and OJ for breakfast and then the Glucose test a couple of hours after that and maybe the Reeses Peanut Butter cups I couldn't say "no" to! I am sure it is a safe bet to say that you will be affected by caffine and sugar just like your mama.

We will find out what you are in a couple of weeks and I am starting to get VERY excited for that. There is a 50/50 bet going on what you are, I keep telling everyone you are healthy and that is all that matters, but some are determined you are a.......girl. Only time will tell.

Love you and stay cozy in that belly!

Mama

Va, You are missed!!!!!

We sat beside your bedside,

Our hearts were crushed
and sore;
We did our best to the end,
'Til we could do no more.
In tears we watched
you sinking,
We watched you fade away;
And though our hearts
were breaking,
We knew you could not stay.
You left behind some
aching hearts,
That loved you most sincere;
We never shall and never will
Forget you Mother dear.

Va, we miss you so very much! Thankfully we each have very fond and special memories of times spent with you. You truly have been a wonderful Grandmother, friend and mentor to each of us and we thank you so very much for always being honest and true. We have been spending every waking day and night at your home all week to plan and reflect on all of the times we have had with you. It isn't the same being there without you but there is the sweetest comfort knowing we are in your home. You are missing seeing all of your great-grandchildren playing and running about the house, but we know you are watching from above. We promise to always be together so that you may see how happy you have made us all.

I love you!

Mandy

Library

Tuesday morning Logan and I took down Halloween decorations, only Halloween, we left up all the fall stuff, ate a good breakfast and got dressed and headed to the Library. Logan's 1st visit to the library was exhausting. He LOVES books, actually that is an understatement, he is infatuated with books, so as soon as we walked in, he wanted to pull all of them off the shelf and show me every one. I kept hear, "Mama buk, Mama buk!" Pointing, grabbing, tugging, it was too cute. But he was in store for quite a surprise, it was Storytime and there were 10 other little kids there to listen as well. We walked over and introduced ourselves to Miss Susan, made a name tag and grabbed a comfy seat in the corner.

Reading, singing, dancing and more reading. It was wonderful! He wanted to look at the books on the shelf more than listen to Miss Susan but I am sure that next week will be better. His patience and understanding that he gets to pick out 4 books after Storytime and take them home will soon be remembered, right????? (4 books is my limit, not sure if the library has a limit)

Halloweeeeeeeen!!!!!

Halloween 2011

NASA Astronaut

The morning started out early with a visit to Pa's office. Each floor and each office had a different theme and well as you can see from the pictures the County went ALL out! Pa's office was birthday theme as you walked around every cubicle was celebrating a different birthday. Logan loved his age cubicle because it was equipped with teddy bears, baby dolls, stuffed animals and toys!

The Tax Collector's office was jungle theme and Logan rode around in a safari jeep, (well it didn't move, but he pretended it did). The basement had a Harley Davidson theme and well, BIKE city and Bar, yes a Bar with homemade Rootbeer! 

That night the festivities continued with all of Logan's peeps showing up for the homemade Lasagna mama made, and cupcakes and brownies. Boo Boo came with a wig, Pa brought all the candy, Nonna brought Granny Rita and a delicious smelling candle for Mama, she knows how I luv my candles.

Four Generations of Caldwell Men! Look at how handsome!

Uncle Bruce and Aunt Nell made the trip all the way from Georgia to see Logan go out Trick-or-treating, well really it was for Grandma Caldwell's 86th Birthday. Happy Birthday Grandma, we love you! Logan did not care for Trick-or-treating, I think it was going out in the dark and not knowing what to expect, plus our streets were filled with kids. I am sure next year will be a different story.

Western Railway Museum

On Saturday morning we surprised Logan with Daddy having the day off and we took a trip to the Western Railway Museum in Solano County, it was there 14th Annual Pumpkin Patch Festival. Although we had already taken him earlier in the month to the Pumpkin Patch we though it only fitting since an authentic (re-built) train ride was on the schedule. Not only that but there was hay bale fort, hay rides, live music, games and much more to do at the Pumpkin Patch. A fun filled day for a fun filled boy!

We arrived promptly at 10 am, as the train was scheduled to depart at 10:30. Logan was beside himself when he saw all of the trains. The conductor was sure that he was crying because he was scared, but Mama knew better, he was excited on wanted on that train. Luckily once I told her that she insisted that we board 15 minutes early and enjoy our seats on the train. Which we did, as you can see.........

Logan didn't quite understand what the ticket was he was holding was all about but we promised him the train would be taking off shortly and he would hear the bell ring. Sure enough promptly at 10:30 the train departed and we made the 5 mile treck out into the country (about 20 minutes) to visit the pumpkin patch and festivities. There was so much to see and do Logan didn't know where to begin. But Daddy did, the hay fort of course.

Then it was off to the Pony rides.........Logan's horses name was Prince. I thought that was well suited for my little Prince.

We walked around and enjoyed looking at the animals in the petting zoo, Logan was quite enamoured by all the kids his age there. Running around hugging little kids he didn't even know. Too cute! Once we could tell he was all tuckered out and Mama and baby giraffe (that is the baby in my belly) were quite hungry it was time to head home and get some lunch and put Logan down for his nap. So we headed back up the hill to await the next train to depart to take us home.

We will be making this an annual Caldwell family tradition that is for sure. Although we will be bringing a picnic lunch with us next year and hang out longer. 

Fall Decorations....

Just a few pictures of how we decorate....

Can you find Logan's first Arts & Crafts???

Pumpkin Patch!!!!!!!

Fall, Autumn, Harvest, whatever time of year you call it, it is FABULOUS!!! My favorite time of year, the colors, the smell, the endless decorating ideas we are in love.

First stop was to Pa's house for his pumpkin patch, he sure grew alot of pumpkins this year for his grandson. (by mistake, yes by mistake, a volunteer plant started growing in early spring and well Pa just had to water to see what new species he was growing. Turns out it was a volunteer pumpkin, but not just 1 pumpkin, 50, YES 50 from a volunteer plant. Logan went over and had the pick of the patch, we took home 10, but I think we will be going back for more.

Then a week later, we met up with Logan's best buddy and cousin AJ at our annual spot, Stanley Lane. The boys had fun picking pumpkins, riding in the wagon, checking out the pigs

Climbing on the hay fort and in the hay fort. Throwing eachother down in the hay and dragging around in the hay. To be young and not have allergies yet. Climbing on the tractors and driving them WAS there absolute favorite part though. 

It was a gorgeous day, warm and musty out and perfect for picking all those festive pumpkins for our home. Mama and baby were hungry though after all that walking around, so off to Mary's Pizza it was.

Stay tuned for post of our Halloween decorations and crafts!

A Heartbeat......

A Heartbeat.......Yes it is true we are having another baby! I heard the hearbeat for the first time the other day, and of course it brought tears to my eyes. I remember when we heard Logan's for the first time, this was just as special. I am blessed and so lucky to be having another baby. Although it hasn't been easy for Mitchell and I to get pregnant we are so excited that we are being given the chance to go through it all again.

This pregnancy has been a scary one for us. We went through IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) again this time and transferred two very healthy embryos. When we took our first pregnancy test at about 4 weeks, we were so excited to hear the "Your Pregnant" results from our nurse Laura, our numbers were really high and she told us there could be a possibility of twins. (that made us a little nervous) The next blood test was another good one, our numbers were climbing just like they should be, we could breath a little easier now.

At almost 6 weeks Mitchell and I were getting ready to have an afternoon date, when all of a sudden like a ton of bricks I was having some major cramping, I had to lay down it was like I was in labor. Of course this was followed by lots of blood, when we called the nurse she said that there was nothing we could do except wait. Yeah, that is really what I wanted to do! She said that coming in or doing blood work wouldn't give them a definitive answer. I just kept thinking this was a nightmare, how could I be given this last chance and then have it taken away. Positive thoughts was what everyone kept telling me, there were lots of tears and sleepless nights for the next few days. I was still having morning, well all day sickness, so that was a good sign. I just knew deep down that I was still pregnant, but the bleeding wouldn't stop.

Finally on Thursday, Sept. 1st we went in for our ultrasound, and were given EXCITING news, there was still a baby there, with a very strong heartbeat, 134 beats per minute.

They told me to expect bleeding, but that I shouldn't have any clotting or cramping, nothing should change from what I have been experiencing. Unfortunatly for the next two weeks it was still a roller coaster ride, still bleeding and a lot of taking it easy, with Logan running around and wanting to be picked up. I had quite a few ultrasounds in those two weeks, I needed some serious piece of mind. I know right......the saga continues, they are pretty confident that I was pregnant with twins and miscarried one of them. 

But rest assured I am now 12 weeks and 2 days and I am starting to feel like myself, only pregnant!!!! My belly is HUGE, for 3 months, but that is typical I hear for the second or third pregnancies. I am trusting that my body knows what it is doing and I have an amazing support system. My family and friends have been here to take care of me and Logan and make sure that my positive and happy thoughts remain. Having babies has always been one of my dreams and I am getting to make those dreams reality. Thank you, we couldn't do this without all of you!!!! Here is a picture of our healthy baby, a few weeks ago.

Our little giraffe!

(check the sidebar for babies growth updates)

Train Town

Last weekend we finally had a family day! Just the three of us, Mitchell has been working like crazy taking Engineer exam after Engineer exam and after it being over, and him passing ( YAY!!!!!) We thought, Logan and I that is, that we would take him to lunch at a little brewery in Sonoma, Hopmonk. But you can't take a 19 month old (almost 20 months) to Sonoma, pass Train Town and not go there.

So, after lunch we headed over to Train Town for Logan's very first train ride and visit. Of course it really isn't all that, but he absolutely LOVED it. He loved riding on the trains, feeding the animals, riding on the train through dark tunnels, and seeing all the other little kids. We didn't hang out to do any of the rides that they have, swings, airplanes, ferris wheel, carousel, because they only had one conductor for all the rides.

We will definatly be going back just for Logan and recommend that any parent take there child! It is an inexpensive close activity to do and the excitement that they get is what it is all about. Next stop is the Railroad Museum or maybe the SF Zoo!