Playing

This is Cali being cute and playing at work. She was having a rough day so when she finally got happy it was so cute!

Split Shift

Nick and I have changed our schedules around so we can be more productive at work and spend more time with Cali. Nick takes the morning shift from 7:30am to 1pm at home. They spend the morning playing, napping and taking a bottle!

Then I come home for lunch and take Cali to work with me. She helps me answer the phone, send emails and write proposals. Then we come home make dinner, play and get the baby in bed.

Nick comes home around 8:30pm. We are on our second week and so far it seems to be working pretty well.

New Stroller

Grandma and Grandpa Vitkus got Cali this new jogging stroller! It is an InStep Safari stroller. So far I love it! We went on a test ride today but it was pretty hot so it didn't last too long. The stroller is to help us train for a 1/2 marathon. Nick is going to run it and I am going to walk/jog it with daddy in November.

5 Months Old!

Cali Maple is 5 months old today! She is getting so big! It is awesome to see her change.

Her new skills include:
- AWESOME head control
- Almost sitting up
- Very vocal
- She plays with toys instead of us playing with toys
- Likes to stand up when supported

Getting IN the Word

Nick was reading the Bible this morning while he prepared his talk for the youth tomorrow night when Cali wanted to help.
Here she is helping him read.


And here she is helping him get IN the word!

Toyland

Today we went to Toyland, aka my sister's house. Since she has two kids her house is filled with really fun toys. We enjoyed time with the family as we celebrated Tim's (brother-in-law) birthday and a farewell party for Grandpa Pete. Grandpa is moving back up to Indiana so mom will have more time and energy to take care of dad.

Here are pictures of Cali playing in Toyland!


We tried an Exersaucer a few weeks ago but Cali wasn't ready, she LOVED it today!


This is Cali playing with her cousin!

Side Sleeper

Cali usually loves to sleep on her back with her arms up in the "stick'm up" position. This week she has been sleeping on her side. The funny part is she sleeps in the same position I do.



This is Cali taking a nap in the pack n play at work.

Too Cute!

Thumb

We have tried very hard to encourage Cali to like a Pacifier, but in the end her thumb won. She has been putting her fingers in her mouth for a few weeks now. Yesterday was her first official day of "sucking her thumb". Ultimately we are pleased that she has found a way to sooth herself. In a couple of years a paci would have been easier to phase her out of but as Nick says she can't drop her thumb. We'll she if this behavior continues. I'll get a picture soon. She is really cute sucking on her thumb!

Grandparents

Cali and I spent the day at my parents house. Cali got to see Grandma Kerry, Grandpa Ray and Great Grandpa Pete. We hung out and played. Cali even rolled over once for everyone! After lunch Mom, Cali and I went to the mall to return a stroller and walk around. Cali did great all day! She played with Grandma without getting too fussy. It was great to be able to share all of Cali's new tricks with the grandparents.

Noise

Cali makes noise all day long if she is awake. She is either talking, laughing, whining or crying. Cali learned that it is fun to squeal really loud so she does it a lot! She is discovering her voice and using it frequently. Most of the time this is really cute. It is great to hear her laugh and oh and ah with delight. However, at 4am these noises are not so much fun. Nor are they fun when you are trying to have a conversation.

Our little girl is going to be a talker, big surprise right!? It is so cool to she how she changes and grows each day!

Happy 4th of JULY!!

Today we celebrated our Nations Birthday with a cookout at Nick's brother house. It included hot dogs, burgers, playing with our 5 year old niece and Cali enjoying time with Grandma Jordan and Jen Jen (Aunt Jennifer).

Here is Cali's 4th of July outfit


This is me trying to keep her entertained before bed


I'm finding it suprisingly difficult to entertain a 4.5 month old! Nick, of course, is a pro.

She did it!

Cali officially rolled over ALL BY HERSELF yesterday!!!

She rolled from her back to her tummy 3 times! I tried to video it but our camera batteries were dead. She hasn't been up to the challenge today. I will try to video it the next time she is in the rolling mood.

We are so proud!