New Baby Gate

It has come time for the Taflinger family to 'baby-proof' the house. Caleb is having a hard time with the boundaries but it is for his own protection. We gradually introduced one gate a day so he wouldn't feel overwhelmed with gates. Here is Caleb protested the gate that leads to the kitchen...his previous play area.
I am often unable to capture pictures Caleb in his adventurous poses because I am usually spotting him as he straddles the vacuum or holding him as he attempts to scale the door- the list goes on and on. Here he his about to ride the carpet cleaner...what a silly boy.

He is getting more brave by the day. I'm certain that he will be running soon!

Our Garden!

Caleb loves sucking on cucumbers...maybe that's why he is little!!
Love that side profile....oh I just pinch his sweet cheeks all day!!
Here is Caleb's tree. We decided to plant a tree for each of our children in our backyard. Caleb's tree is getting so big- just like Caleb.
Finally, the Taflinger Family started a garden this year. Another tradition that we would like is to have each of our children care for one of the plants. They will learn responsibility and will be able to watch their crop grow throughout the season. This year we planted Lettuce, peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers.....Caleb wanted to help with the cucumbers!!

Papa Paolone is so thrilled that we are following in his footsteps of gardening...we can only hope that our garden will be as plentiful as his!!

A Few Steps...

Taking a few steps....he got a little top heavy towards the end!! :)

First Steps!!

Caleb in his little low chair, awaiting some Squash!
Caleb loves being outside!
Caleb and Grandpa!!

We had quite the weekend with Caleb. He is starting to explore the idea of walking. Although I wasn't able to capture any of his long strides, I did capture some of his first steps. He is making great progress and I fully expect him to be walking in a few weeks - but there is NO rush Caleb Jay!!!

5.24.08

"Caleb....you know not to play with the stroller...."
"Oh dad, you are so funny!!!"
Caleb attempting to read.

We Love You Caleb!!!

Caleb is TEN months old today!! He's been very active and his current crawl checks in at 15 miles per hour!!! He is easily climbing stairs, eating thicker foods, keeping himself occupied for longer periods of time, and just an overall JOY!!! Caleb told me yesterday that he can't wait to go see his cousin Lia next week and hopes that his other cousin Landen will arrive soon so they can play together!

Wild Hair!

"Hey!"
Caleb just woke up from a nap and I just loved his wild hair!
"Stop tickling me!"
Hard at play...
Reading his favorite book!

5.15.08

Look at those blues!
On our front porch watching the cars drive by.
One of the neighbor kids holding Caleb....he was a little scared!!
Happy Baby!!
Loves his remote!!

Caleb has been very curious about doors, vacuums, and buttons this month. Grandma reported that he took a couple of steps with her but we have yet to see any.

Here is our little active son!

More Lia Joy....

Check out those chubby cheeks!!!
Caleb pinning the New Dad!
Lia and Caleb...the best of friends!
Posing
Caleb with his hand on Andrew's shoulder!!

Today Caleb ate almost an entire piece of whole wheat toast!!

Welcome Lia Joy....

The New Camerieri Family!!!
Lia Joy
Great Grandmother with Lia
Great Aunt Barb and Great Grandmother admiring the new addition.
Auntie Lisa and Lia- that sounds nice!

My lovely sister Laurie gave birth to Lia Joy Camerieri at 4:14 on Friday afternoon. She is 8 pounds 3 ounces and 20 inches long. God is so good...Laurie called me early Friday morning when her water broke. The Taflinger family had already planned to come to Cleveland for Mother's Day weekend. We arrived at the hospital 30 minutes before Laurie delivered!!!! Thank you Jesus!

Laurie's husband Mike did such a great job coaching her through the entire experience. Lia has such a sweet sweet demeanor and we already are in love with her!!

5.8.2008

This was how we found sweet Caleb asleep the other day.
Lovin' Life!
Caleb in his Sunday best, playing in the yard.
"You want to read to me!!"

Caleb Time!

Caleb trying to escape this ball bin!
Daddy stuffed Caleb with balls!!
Friends
On nice days, I'll take Caleb out on the porch and read while he plays...he loves it!!!
Look how cute!!

Friends

Caleb playing Peek A Boo with Sember! We went to the Hahn's on Sunday to see their beautiful new home!! They did a wonderful job decorating and gardening! It was nice to catch up with old friends...Caleb loved Sember!
If you know the Taflinger Family then chances are that you know [and love] our friend Jon!! Here is Jon and a somewhat scared Caleb.
Caleb loosened up a bit... :)
Caleb and Andrew watching Travis set up their fort. I love Caleb's arm in this picture- this is exactly how Travis often stands!!

Hunting

Caleb hanging out by our fake tree is the closest he'll get to hunting until he is much older!
This picture was taken right before he stood up on his own!!
"La La La mom, I'm not listening!"

Caleb had his nine month appointment last week and here are his current stats:

Weight: 17.8

Height: 28 and 1/8in

His head circumference is in the 75%!! The doctor told me that means he is smart...but I'm pretty sure we already knew that!

We had a busy weekend with many visitors. Caleb truly enjoys being around people and interacting with kids his age [more pictures to come]. His personality continues to shine through, he brings us so much joy!! I have begun to introduce some simple sign language [Lin you would be so proud!] such as 'more,' 'no,' and 'thank you.'

We Love you!!