4 months

Sweet Caleb

Happy Birthday Dad

This picture easily sums up the 2009 year. I am so thankful that my Dad is in this picture holding Caleb. One week prior he had a heart attack. Caleb decided to take a 10 day stay in the hospital after he entered the world. I think our entire family is familiar with the new layout of the Holland Hospital. God showed us his mercy and grace during this past year and I am thankful for His unfailing love.

Happy 61st birthday Dad! Looking forward to 2010.

Christmas 2009

We had such a fun Christmas this year. Here a few pictures. Of course I have about a hundred more. Jake got too many presents, one of them being a kids digital camera. He walked around all day saying "cheese." On Christmas night Jake was so exhausted that he was begging to go home to sleep in his "own" bed. During all of the chaos, Caleb continues to smile and watch every move his big brother makes.

Elf Kate

Every year Aunt Kate makes an appearance in her elf suit. Jake was marching around in two year-old fashion chanting "present, present, present." I was so proud, ahem.

YFC Banquet Video

Boys

With mixed emotions I headed back to work last Wednesday. We are still adjusting to our new schedule. Sure feels like we never slow down. I need wings on my mini van! I guess it's the new normal.

Jake continues to make us laugh. I think the second picture says it all. He has made tremendous strides in his language and is talking like crazy. He is still obsessed with the moon and stars. And we now go moon hunting. His latest is telling us that everything is "awesome." Waffles awesome, moon awesome, books awesome, door awesome, etc.

Caleb is adjusting well to being the little brother. He is still giving us sleepless nights but occasionally will give one of us a break and only get up once to eat. We celebrate those! He usually charms us with his smile and makes the middle of the night not so bad.

Good Night Moon

Two things Jake has been extra attentive to lately, his Elmo pumpkin and the moon. He loves to look for the moon when we are driving at night. When we can't find it, I tell him that it's hiding behind the clouds or that it's sleeping. He isn't always satisfied with those answers but usually we can come to some type of agreement. He also has become interested in the stars. Maybe it's my diversion of not being able to always see the moon. Anyway, as most parents, we are also still adjusting to the time change. It was just after 5 a.m. this morning and we heard Jake through our baby monitor. Scott got up to see what was wrong. Perhaps he wet through his diaper, his paci was on the floor, etc. Nope, he wanted to share that the moon was awake and so was his elmo pumpkin. "Moon's awake Daddy!"