Birthday Boy

We're not exactly sure if Caleb understands what a birthday is.  But one this is sure: he understands presents!  Our boy, who is now 3 years old, was more than happy to open presents, even if he didn't understand why he was receiving them.

Caleb's actual birthday was last Friday and we were in Michigan City, IN, for our annual Small Group Reunion with the amazing friends we had the joy and honor of being connected with while we lived in Chicago during med school.  Caleb was surrounded by other kids to play with and he enjoyed some special treats, including a donut for breakfast and dirt cake with gummy worms for dessert.  In other words, he was quite happy :)

Even though the weather was less than ideal, we ventured to the beach.  The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful piece of shoreline and our boys loved playing in the sand and throwing rocks and sticks into the water.  They've both had Spring Fever for awhile and want to be outside even in chilly, misty weather.

Before the weekend was over, we wanted to get a picture of all the kids.  There were ten of them this year and, for the most part, we were successful.  Notice how still and lovely these little tykes are sitting on the couch.  (What you don't see is the TV, which had just been turned on to capture their attention.)  But there are only nine kids in this photo.  Hmm?  Where's Caleb?  Where has the Birthday Boy gone to?

"Anyone seen Caleb?  We're missing a kid for the photo op here!"

"Found him!  Just stand right there, buddy, while we snap a few shots."

Anyone seen Caleb?  We're missing a kid for the photo op here!  Oh wait..."

"Let's try that again.  Just sit right here, buddy, while we snap a few shots."

"Hmm, it would appear that he's not in the mood to have his picture taken..."

"Well, at least they're all in the photo.  Caleb can just be remembered as that kid years down the road."

Our son, despite his refusal to cooperate for posed photos (of which he has a long history so far), is quite an amazing little man.  He loves to learn and laugh and play, and his intelligence and humor astound and delight us every day.  He is energetic and expressive and emotional.  He will often ask if he can snuggle with us - so much so that we call him The Snuggler.  He wants and needs to be around people, but doesn't like being put on the spot.  He loves books and will repeat facts like it's the greatest joy in life.  He is interested in all things boy: animals, superheroes, construction machines, dinosaurs, football.  He loves to climb on the couch and jump on the bed and wrestle with his dad and brother.  He loves to eat fruit snacks and will often ask to have them for breakfast, followed by a giggle because he knows he's being funny.  His favorite Bible stories are anything with an animal in it (plus David and Goliath, and Samson).  He loves to "read God" by watching Bible stories on an app on my phone and talk about what's happening in the story.  His favorite place in the world is the zoo and he loves going on "an adventure" whether it's to the bank or the playground or the airport.  He still wakes up too early and we are exhausted because of it, but he fills our cup to overflowing and we know we don't deserve him.  We pray regularly that Caleb will live up to his name, which means "wholehearted," and will be a wholehearted follower of God.  We love our little man beyond measure and are learning how to be more joyful, more patient, more fascinated with the world around us, and more selfless every day.  He keeps us busy, and he keeps us blessed.  We're so thankful for the past three years!