Birthday Celebration Weekend

Saturday, March 27th was Caleb's 1st Birthday. We celebrated with a small party with family and close friends. Caleb had a lot of fun and is very blessed to have so many people care about him.

Table with Food

(I noticed that the table is not complete and I took the picture before I was done)

Caleb's Birthday Cake

(from Society Bakery)

The animals on this cake were off of the cake I had on my first birthday AND my mom had on her first birthday cake (a long, long time ago)

Caleb's friend, Ella, came over to help celebrate

Caleb & his friend James

Caleb took a small break to have some juice with Grandma

Caleb HATED his birthday hat

Sorry honey, mommy thinks you are ADORABLE when you cry

Caleb getting prepared for cake

Caleb asking "why is everyone singing to me?"

Caleb and his cake

Yummy Cake

First bite

Yummy

making a little mess

Hey Mom .... this is tasty

Mommy starting to clean him up

Outfit change

&

Family Picture

Starting to open some presents

Opening his many gifts

Fun toy from Nana & PaPa

Caleb and I almost share a birthday. Our birthdays are 2 days apart (Caleb is the 27th; Mine is the 29th). So, on Sunday after church everyone gathered to celebrate my birthday.

Caleb, Me, Matt (future brother-in-law), Eric (Jen's "friend"), Jen, Dad, Mom, Mother-In-Law, Father-In-Law, Sister-In-Law Amy, Brother-In-Law Barrett

[not pictured: Braden who is taking the picture & Jessica who is working :( ]

Unc Unc & Caleb

Family Picture

Caleb showing off his clapping skills

Cutest 1 Year Old in the WORLD

Last Day as a Baby

Well, I wasn't going to post anything this week because I have been so busy with work and preparing for Caleb's birthday. But, then my big sis said I "had to do one last post because Caleb turns 1," so here I am. Today is the last day of babyhood for Caleb. Tomorrow will mark his 1st Birthday. I am so excited he is turning one but a little sad on the inside because it means my baby is turning into a little boy (tear).

The last year of my life has been amazing. It all started a year ago today when I checked into the hospital. Little did I know that day started the first of many crazy days with a feisty little boy. Caleb has brought more happiness to my life than I ever thought possible. I wake up each morning thinking about him and go to bed each night praying God will watch over him and protect him. I look at Caleb and can not believe how much I love him. He is everything I could ask for and more. He makes my day when he looks at me, smiles, and says "mama."

Lets not forget the other half of my world - Braden. My relationship with Braden starts back in college. He has gone from a friend to a boyfriend to a fiance to a husband to a father. I was a little (tiny bit) nervous about Braden when we decided to start our family. Braden didn't grow up around children while I babysat and knew a lot of children. But, all hesitation went out the window when the doctor handed Caleb to Braden. Braden was a natural. From that day on, I have been in awe watching Caleb and Braden together. The way Braden looks at Caleb is indescribable. And Caleb absolutely lights up when his Daddy walks into the room. I think I could literally see Braden's heart melt when Caleb for the first time looked up at him with his big, blue eyes and said "dada."

The year ahead holds lots of new obstacles and memories. I look forward to sharing them all with Braden as we watch our son grow up before our eyes.

I will update again after Caleb's 1st Birthday. Thank you to all my blog readers for your support and love over the last year (and longer).

Love to all - Rebecca

So, these pictures are in honor of Aunt Jennifer. She bought Caleb this adorable t-shirt (too bad she didn't buy him some pants:)

Uncle Fun for St. Patricks Day

Saturday was the Annual Greenville St. Patricks Day parade & party. Uncle Barrett & Aunt Amy (brother & sister -in-law) hosted a party at their house. Caleb was a trooper and had a blast hanging out. He wanted some green beer but he is just a little too young this year (maybe next year).

Caleb in his Cool Shamrock glasses

Caleb & Unc Unc in the front yard

Uncle Matt (future bro-in-law) stopped by to visit and play with Caleb

Handsome men in their green shirts

Caleb's Curls Are Gone :(

I am a little sad to say that I mildly regret taking Caleb to get his hair cut. But his hair was so out of control that he ended up looking like a bum every morning when I dropped him off at school. So, Braden and I took Caleb to get his hair cut this weekend. He was a champ and did a great job. The lady who cut his hair didn't quite understand the phrase "just a trim, not too much, I love his curls."

Mommy strapping Caleb into the chair

(doesn't he look happy?)

Yay! Caleb is getting his hair trimmed

(Before Picture)
Caleb in his cape

Wetting Caleb's hair to cut it

Caleb was such a pro at leaning his head and being still so the lady could cut his hair

Snip, Snip, Snip

Half way done .....

Snip, Snip, Snip some more

A little off the top

Caleb's Big Boy Hair

(After)

Caleb even got a certificate to show his bravery at getting his hair trimmed

Weekend Fun in Pearland, TX

Last week my Mom had foot surgery. So last weekend the Howell Trio (and Lexi dog) loaded up the car and went to Pearland to see my Mom. We had lots of fun and had a great visit with my Mom, Dad, & Big Sis Jen.

Mom's Foot following surgery

Caleb made his Grandma a "Get Well Soon" Sign

Spending time with Grandma is SO much fun, and tiring.

Grandma & Caleb took some naps together.



Caleb rode around on Grandma's Knee Scooter

Grandma let Caleb play in her kitchen cabinets

OOPS!

Grandma left the back door open for the dogs to get out, but Caleb escaped too.

But, we caught him

Caleb played hide & seek in the curtains

Also while we were in Pearland, we took advantage of the neighbors fun play gym.

Caleb tried to climb the wall

And Caleb LOVED to slide

.. and slide

... and slide

Sliding is SO MUCH FUN!

Just look at the slide hair

Caleb & Lexi enjoying the slide

Caleb was not too inters ted in the swing. But, I wanted to swing so he joined me.

It was a fun weekend in Pearland. Grandma, we all hope you feel better soon and are without pain with you walk.

WE LOVE YOU!