10 months - July 25

We can't believe it is almost August - where has the summer gone?!? It has been a very busy, yet fun month with no free weekends. We started off the month with a 4th of July house project, then a niece and nephew's birthday party in Bryan, a weekend in Horseshoe Bay, a few days in Austin swimming with Julie's family, a day at Six Flags (no Caleb on this one), and a lot of fun between them all. Caleb spouted his fourth tooth (and boy are his top two teeth far apart). At the beginning of the month Caleb had a lot of firsts!! He started standing (with assistance). Up to this point he never wanted to put any weight on his little legs, occasionally he would in his exosaucer, jumper, or johnny jumper. Also, at Caleb's 9 month appointment we got the approval to start working on his pincer grasp by allowing him finger foods. Within a few days of this he was a pro, feeding himself by the handful, and what an independence this is from Mommy and Daddy.
Another first was his first haircut from Mimi. It is a tradition to have Mimi do the cutting and we all did a great job. She is the great family barber. Now that a month has gone by, he could probably use another haircut. (any appointments free Mimi?) With this new freedom of finger foods, Caleb went to one of our favorite eating places, Chick-fil-a!! We happened to go on Customer Appreciation Day and we happened to have a costume in the car for a free meal - what a coincidence. He loved his chicken nuggets and shared his fries and drink with Mommy. Please feel free to click here to vote for our little cow in the "Show Us The Cow" contest. This is one of our favorite photos. Like Father, Like Son!!! Caleb had a grand time playing with this water at his cousin's birthday party. And we wonder where he gets it from. Maybe now that his "plumbing" is all fixed he will be going like this in no time! HA! This sweet picture that wraps up Caleb's big day at the pool, wraps up the past month.

To see more of what Caleb has been up to this month click here

Horseshoe Bay July 17-19

We were so excited to spend the weekend at Horseshoe Bay with Craig's family for a weekend with 8 adults and 7 kiddos (all under the age of 7). We enjoyed a lot of laughter, swimming, food, and fun! Thanks Mammy and MeDad for making the weekend possible. Below are just a few pictures to recap the weekend and a slideshow at the bottom to show more of the fun.

The whole Wenning family The Giesenschlag Family (Brock 3, Brian, Zach 5, Julie, and Ava 11 months) The Cowden Family Luke 5, Jack almost 7, Kristin, Allen, and Lucy 2) These are two of our five precious nephews (Zach and Brock) singing...
Doesn't it just melt your heart!!

5 Catheters Later...

Last week Caleb had some extensive tests done on his new "plumbing." After, 3 attempts of putting the catheter in and hitting a blockage, they decided to go ahead and put our very hungry, tired, and fussy 9 month old under the anesthesia. They were finally able to successfully perform the VCUG and the 5th catheter was to test using Nuclear Medicine.

Sadly, we found out that Caleb will have yet another surgery on Wednesday, July 29th at 7:30 am. This one is just a day surgery, called a Urethra Cystoscopy. There will be no incision but an entry through his little-boy part.

We pray for the urologist to successfully scrape the extra tissue from the urethra, for the anesthesiologist to take care of our little guy as this is his 5th time to go under, and for the Lord to heal Caleb's plumbing.

#1 Husband

I have been wanting to write this post for a long time but after the weekend that Craig just had - I knew it was time!! Let me start by saying that when we got married I owned more tools than Craig in my little pink toolbox I got as a graduation present from high school. That goes to show that Craig was not the type to "do-it" yourself when something broke. But, when we moved into our new house about 10 months ago, Craig has impressed more times than not. I have seen his dedicated, hard-working, analytical, perfectionism, and not afraid to get dirty personality come through in everything that he has done. I knew he was fully capable of "fixing" things but now I know that no matter the project he can get it done and do it very well!!! I am so proud of my wonderful husband for so many reasons, including the "Handy-Man" he has become. (Sorry Ladies, he is not for rent!)

It is so cute the excitement he gets when he buys something new from Lowe's or Home Depot or he has ordered something online and he just can't wait to install it, use it, or play with it. (see the picture below with the new front door hardware.) So, this past Fourth of July weekend while all of you were sipping on a cold beverage, enjoying your favorite treats, and staying cool splashing in a body of water - Craig was working so hard on painting the house!!! And it looks GREAT!! Below is a list of all the incredible accomplishments Craig has done around our house:
*He painted 2 bedrooms before we moved in (with the help of some friends)
*He installed all new door knobs (16 to be exact)
*He replaced all the kitchen and bathroom knobs (42 in all)
*He painted the front door (a few times to get it just right-during our Thanksgiving break)
*He replaced new shutters on the front of the house
*He worked with electricity and replaced 5 light fixtures
*He planted new grass/sod in the backyard and has watered it meticulously to keep it healthy (See picture below of my very own Barefoot Gardener)
*He hung new numbers on the outside of the house
*He replaced the front door with a silver knocker
*He cut back limbs from a few trees to allow healthy growth
*He scrubbed and cleaned out the gutters
*He cut and replaced new soffits (ask me if you don't know what they are- I have learned a few things, too)
*He cleaned the eaves
*He repaired the damaged wood around the house
*He caulked the holes
*He painted the entire outside of the house
*He maintains the yard (mows weekly)and picks weeds with a passion Craig still has a few hefty projects he still wants to conquer (replace the tile work in the kitchen and repair/stain the deck, just to name a few.) Again, I am so proud of the hard-work, countless hours, dedication, and drive that Craig has to accomplish these amazing projects - I obliviously, could not do this without him!!