Caleb Arrives--Year Six

With the move to Pennsylvania and a baby on the way, we were certainly busy. We immediately felt at home in Pennsylvania, and Ted was especially content to return to his birthplace, where we lived only two hours from his family in New Jersey and he could attend Phillies games whenever he pleased. Our favorite walking spots quickly became Mill Grove, the beautiful nature reserve minutes away where John James Audubon once lived and drew, and Valley Forge National Park. We also loved exploring Amish country—learning about the lifestyle, eating delicious pastries and jellies, and admiring the handmade quilts and furniture.

A few weeks before my due date, we took another trip to New England. Being a prepared father-to-be, Ted packed along our car seat just in case Caleb made an early debut. We made it home without incident, and on November 1st, one week late, Caleb finally arrived. As much as we tried to be ready for parenthood, nothing had prepared us for how hard a colicky baby would be. Caleb screamed around the clock, and nothing we did seemed to console him. When he wasn't crying, we were so used to the noise that we'd hear phantom crying in our heads. I remember thinking early on that I'd signed up for 18 years of torture. I took solace in the hope that our situation was at least bound to evolve over the years into other forms of torture that didn't include sleep deprivation. There were good times too, especially seeing our families' delight at their new grandson and nephew. When Caleb turned four months old and started solid foods, his crying lessened dramatically, and we were finally a happy, rested family.
A pregnant me posing in Amish country in Intercourse, Pennsylvania

Ted with the just-in-case baby carrier at Yale University

Bringing a screaming baby home from the hospital--Ted already looked seriously stressed. This isn't the coming home scene we'd imagined!

A rare quiet moment at home

In Tucson with my family on Caleb's blessing day

Walking in Mill Grove was something we enjoyed all year round

Caleb loved reading from the start--here he is paying rapt attention to "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" at three months old

Caleb and his new cousin Katie Cannon on Easter Day

THEN--Walking with Caleb in front of my old college house, Rose Cottage during a trip back to Utah

WAY BACK WHEN--walking with Ted in the same spot outside Rose Cottage soon after we started dating. Who would have known we'd be back years later with a baby in tow?

Uncle Nathan has a talent for making babies laugh

Ted participated in a challenging 50-mile walk. Caleb and I met him with sandwiches and 5 miles of company as he trained for the event.

Spending the day with Ted's family in New Jersey

Caleb at six months old--isn't he handsome?