Happy Halloween

I'm sure you can all guess from the pictures that Calder chose to be James Madison for Halloween this year! Actually Jason and I knew this was probably the only year we could have total control over the costume so we went all out.

I had a blast making the costume. It wasn't hard at all. It did take a lot of time though. I especially love the wig. Calder didn't mind it at all. He kept it on the whole time.

We went trick or treating at Jason's office. It was so fun to see Calder's enthusiasm. Instead of candy he received matchbox cars. He got to knock on everyone's doors (there's only 6 employees) and they each handed him a car.

He loves his trick or treat bag. He wears it around the house and collects his toys in it.

Calder's 12 Month Stats

Calder folding his arms.

Height: 30.5 inches (75th percentile)
Weight: 21.1 pounds (25th percentile)
Head (90th percentile)

He seems to be growing right on track. Unfortunately he is teething (at least two teeth popping through) and has an ear infection. We've had some sleepless nights to say the least. I'm so glad he made it a whole year before he got sick. It's interesting to see him sick because he is totally happy unless he's tired and then he melts down. You can tell he is trying to be happy but feels overwhelmed and clingy. Poor kid. Last night was the best we've had for a few days so hopefully he's on the mend.

Fall in Columbus

Calder and I love taking Deebo for his afternoon walk. We point out all sorts of things. Trees and garbage cans are Calder's favorites. I am loving how vivid the colors are in our neighborhood and thought I'd share them.

This is the street we live on.

Don't you love the cobblestone streets?

New Shirt

A few weeks ago my friend Katherine posted a giveaway on her blog. I just happen to be the lucky winner! I am totally digging this shirt. I received it this week and have already worn it twice.

I love that it is a plain T-shirt (so it's super comfortable) but it has a little extra something so it looks fancy. I am planning on jazzing up some of my plain Jane T-shirts using the same technique Katherine talks about here.

Thanks Katherine!

Calder's First Birthday

We had a great time celebrating Calder's first birthday this last Saturday. I can't believe how fast this year has gone but I'll save all the sappy stuff for another post. (Yeah, you're all looking forward to it, I'm sure).

The theme was UNO and I had a lot of fun using primary colors for just about everything. I made this banner using the same fabric that Calder's bed skirt is made out of. I've been intending to make it for a long time to hang in Calder's room but just got around to it and it went perfectly with the rest of the decor. I'm planning to do a quick tutorial on the Candied Apples blog, so check back there in a few days. It's super easy.

The table decorations were so easy! I used bright napkins I already had and UNO cards. We used red plates, yellow napkins and green utensils. The menu was:

• carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
• chips, guacamole and salsa
• pesto croissant appetizers
• pumpkin white chocolate cookies
• pink lemonade

Calder had a great time opening presents. He seemed to understand it a little better this time.

Calder's first cake experience. Or should I say frosting experience.

You can see Calder is all done (eating 1/2 of the frosting and no cake) and needs a drink.

Then he needs a napkin. Of course.

Thanks to everyone who came and made it a really fun time!
Happy Birthday Calder!

Oregon

Calder and I had a marvelous time in Oregon. This post is going to be picture heavy and word light. Lets just say there was a lot of playing, present opening and bathing. There was NOT a lot of napping but we all survived.

The flights went well. (Thanks for all your advice) Calder refused to sleep on the planes on the way there. We didn't get there until 1:00 AM our time and he was happy the whole time. Thank goodness. He did actually sleep for about 45 minutes in his stroller during our layover in Denver. Thankfully I took the stroller. He we slept on both flights back which was AWESOME!

Calder and I with Jason's mom and Grandma Joyce

Calder and I with Jason's dad

Opening presents

My mom made this awesome Mader from Cars look alike cake for Calder. Unfortunately he was a little sick and I wouldn't let him eat it.

Bath time with cousin Anessa.

Playing with fridge magnets (Calder's favorite Oregon activity) with Paxton.

And some more magnet play with Anessa. She is wearing Calder's hat and I love how it completes her outfit.

Anessa with my friend Arlee's little girls RaeLynn and Ainzlee.

Calder's First Haircut

The top of Calder's hair was getting quite long. I've known I needed to cut it for quite some time. I struggled with this because I've only cut Jason's hair once (like 3 years ago) and it took 2 hours and we both swore we would never do it again. It looked fine when we were finished but paying $14 dollars every month is worth 2 hours of our time.

So, the other night I decided to just bite the bullet and give it a try. Since I only had to do the top it was a lot easier than I expected. Calder did a good job just sitting there. He did want to use the scissors but all in all it was a success. I should probably buy some clippers at some point but for now I'll stick with the scissors.

Will Travel With Kid

So, I'm going to be going to Oregon alone with Calder next week and I need some advice from all of you. I haven't traveled alone with Calder ever and so I'm a little nervous. I have three questions / concerns:

1. I want to get Calder a new 'special' toy for the trip. I'd like it to keep his attention for quite a while. Do you have any favorite silent (or very quiet) toys that would fit the bill?

2. The last time Calder was on an airplane he was 2.5 months old. I carried him in the sling and it worked perfectly. I can certainly do this again but I'm wondering if it would be easier for me to take the stroller. I won't be needing it in Oregon so it would be just for the airports etc. He will be 12 months at the end of the trip, is taking steps but not yet walking if that makes a difference. He likes his stroller very much and when we went to DC a few weeks ago (crud, I didn't blog about that yet) he took many naps in it. The sling is comfortable but I don't know if Calder would nap in it. I'm leaning toward taking the stroller but I think it will be a little bit of a hassle. If you've done this was it a big deal?

3. I'm worried there's something I'm forgetting. If you have any travel advice, please bestow it upon my comment section.

Cheese?

Mommy, can I have some cheese?

Please?

I love you!

I'll charm you. I'll really charm you.

I'll give you a hug!

And pinch your nose. You know you love it!

What do you say? Just one?

Note: If you're interested in the item on the couch behind Calder in this last picture check my crafty blog to see it in more detail.

New Haircut

One of the most annoying things about moving is finding new doctors, hairstylists and, for us, doggy daycare. This is the second time I've gotten my haircut since we moved here. The first time was okay but nothing to write home about. The second time was a. maz. ing. I love the way she did the bangs and the big body in the back. If you ever need a good stylists in Columbus, Ohio, just let me know. I've got the girl for you.

11 Months

Dear Calder,

It has been a great month but also a difficult month. You have grown so much! You've picked up two teeth and started taking small steps. I feel like you're transitioning from a baby to a little boy. Ugh. I'm not ready. You can do all the motions to '5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed' and love to use your ever growing vocabulary. A few new favorites are 'yeah, uh-oh, cheese and dee' (deebo).

You're getting better at letting other people hold you and watch you. When we were in DC last week you let the hostess at a restaurant hold you. I was shocked! You spent a lot of time with Grandma Kate today and didn't seem to notice when I went to get my hair cut.

On the other hand you have not wanted to sleep at all! You fight it so much. That is definitely my biggest challenge right now. You need sleep. I need down time and sleep. We're still working on not nursing to sleep, which doesn't help. I'm trying to enjoy this special time and I know it won't last forever. You're becoming quite the independent boy. I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Calder, future underwear model.