Blondie?

Even though Caleb doesn't look much like Mama Horn (as of yet), her genes may be trying to assert themselves.  This past week we noticed that Caleb has blonde roots coming in!  That's right: blonde roots are presenting themselves under that beautifully dark comb over.  Mama Horn is a teensy bit excited :)  If Caleb becomes a blonde, at least he'll have one feature from Mama.  We'll keep you posted!

Ponderings

"You'd be tired too if you had to carry around cheeks like these every day."

"If Daddy is Swedish and Hungarian, and Mama is English, 

does that make me Swungarianish?"

"Perhaps Jackson 5 was right: ABC really is as easy as 123!  

At least, let's hope so..."

"You don't say!  Samwise Gamgee is your favorite hobbit too?"

"Sigh...what a beautiful life."

Milk Man

This kid loves his milk :)  I can hardly wait to give him chocolate chip cookies!  (We found this shirt in Ireland last year and I couldn't resist it.  The tiny print at the bottom reads "Drink Milk Sensibly").

Flood

Duluth experienced incredible flooding this week.  Our basement collected some water, but none of our things were damaged since Eli moved things before the water rose.  The rain on Tuesday night was incredible and we were shocked to learn that various parts of Duluth were flooded the next day.  People have been working to clean up around town the last couple days and there is still much repair work to be done.  Who knew that a city on a hill could flood like this?

a retaining wall that was washed away during the flood

 Lake Superior turned brown from the sand and silt 

that poured into it from the flooding creeks and rivers

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This afternoon we visited the Rose Gardens and I got to practice using my new camera while Eli relaxed with Caleb.  Then we came home and used Eli's new fire pit to enjoy s'mores!

Father's Day

It's Eli's first Father's Day!  It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed being outside. Daddy Horn wanted to go hiking and relax.  It was wonderful!

reading the book Caleb gave to Daddy, about a Daddy Bear and baby bear

(Eli also got a firepit to use in the backyard!)

overlooking Lake Superior from Hawk Ridge

hiking at Hawk Ridge

Caleb!

(don't you just want to smooch those cheeks???)

Caleb is more blessed than he can realize.  Eli is an incredible dad.  He loves our kid to pieces.  He loves coming home to us every night and just hanging out.  He loves to watch Caleb, studying him to learn his quirks and what makes him happy. He loves to play with Caleb and tell him how much he's cherished and loved.  He loves to pray over him and thank God for creating such a beautiful little person. He loves to marvel at our son.  And I love to marvel at Eli for being such a beautiful father.  I am learning more about God's love for us as I watch Eli love our son.  Caleb is unbelievably blessed, and so am I!

My Boys

A photo from last week.  They're, um, just so special, aren't they?

Weekend Fun

My beloved husband has been missing me and Caleb a lot since he's been back to work.  Today was his first day off again and we spent the whole day together. Eli could hardly let go of our son because he's missed the little squirt so much! This morning we sat outside on the deck because it was sunny and perfect.  We love the summers in Duluth because it's never too hot this far north.  We read stories to Caleb while enjoying the sunshine, and he promptly fell asleep in Daddy's arms.  

This evening we went to Enger Park to climb the tower and hike a bit of the Superior Hiking Trail.  Eli carried Caleb in the sling and we reveled in the beauty of the north woods as we headed down the trail.  There are few things so sweet as the scent of pine.  We love Duluth!

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Yesterday Caleb and I went with family on a sightseeing cruise of Lake Superior and the harbor.  It was a gorgeous day with gorgeous views of the city, and it was fascinating to explore the harbor from the ship's perspective.  Duluth has an active harbor with lots of ships coming and going, and I was reminded again how much we love Duluth!

 Aerial Lift Bridge, where ships come into the harbor

kayakers on Lake Superior - there are many outdoor 

enthusiasts here, which is one of many reasons why 

we love Duluth!

Have we mentioned that we love Duluth???

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This weekend we had a very special visitor: Caleb's great-grandma!  She flew in from Georgia to meet our little man and we had a fabulous time.  We're looking forward to seeing her again this fall!

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A final note: I forgot to mention that our one-month old moose baby weighs a healthy 12 pounds!  He's a growing boy!

One Month

He's one month!  Caleb woke up in time to see Daddy off to work, and he was all smiles.  Then, shortly after Eli left, Caleb decided to have a terribly fussy morning for Mama before crashing with exhaustion for the entire afternoon.  Oh, the life of a one-month old!

happy boy!

looking out the window

tired boy

And for those who've declared that Caleb looks like Eli...

New Camera

For my first Mother's Day, Eli surprised me with a new camera.  A nice camera.  I was so excited I may have cried :)  It's the perfect gift because I love taking photos and have wanted to learn more about photography for a long time, and also because I have a new subject to take photos of.  Caleb has no idea what just happened to him!

I'm just starting to play with the camera.  Here are some initial shots of our little moose man:

smiling away

cross-eyed cutie

We love this kid!

Twins fans!

So excited for my new camera!!!  My husband is amazing!!!

Dancing with Mama

I've discovered that a little music and dancing can be soothing when Caleb gets fussy.  It's amazing when he calms down while we sway.  Melt my heart!

Daddy and Caleb

Today is Eli's last day of paternity leave and he spent lots of time with our son. They had some great "Daddy and Caleb Time" today: looking out the window together (Caleb still loves to do this everyday) and looking at articles online so Eli could discuss the Vikings and upcoming NFL season with our son.  (I've already told Caleb that he is more than welcome to cheer for the Lions if the Vikings stink again this year... he is half Michigander after all.)  Caleb and I are going to miss Eli a ton when he goes back to work.  Having this month off together has been the greatest blessing!

In other exciting news, Mama Horn squeezed into her regular jeans this week!  All of my jeans are still too small except for this one pair, but I am determined.  It's been more than 3 weeks since I birthed our moose baby, and I am happy to put the maternity pants away as long as one pair of jeans will fit!