Goodnight Ocean

It is midnight and Mr. Caleb Mark is still up. I just went in his room to check on him. It was dark and I couldn't see if his eyes were open or closed so I leaned in over his crib, peering in to see. Out of the silence came his little giggle...the one that comes from his belly and shows up in his eyes. I wasn't expecting it so it made me jump and then I couldn't help but laugh too. He is a chum, that little guy. He had a late nap so he is struggling to fall asleep and I can relate to that, being an insomniac and all.
I had brought him down stairs around ten, bundled him up in a blanket, and rocked him in the recliner. We discussed the ocean animals and how they are all going night night now. I started with the whales and then he added to the list..."and the sea turtles, and the star fish, and the sea horsies, and the seals"...and on and on even remembering the much too often overlooked sting rays. "Goodnight Ocean," we whispered to each other until he looked sleepy, and I couldn't help but wonder if this would be the last time he would let me rock him.


It is nice when I can have some one on one time with Caleb because he's pretty hilarious and is truly one of the most enjoyable toddlers I've ever come across. He is also one of the biggest cuddlers of all time. What could be better, right? Did I mention that he's super kissable too? Oh. Yeah. Because he totally is and that is what I get to do to his big, soft, dimpled cheeks countless times every day! Seriously, here he is almost three and he still approaches me several times throughout the day to lay his head on my chest, or in my lap, ready to cuddle. Or he will toss a book at me while asking: "read this?" Then we'll get all cozy on the couch and read books together. I think he could look at books all day and not tire of it. After reading him a book only once he will remember the story and will continue to read it to himself over and over throughout the day.

Caleb has kept his "baby ways" well past what Seth did, and I have to say, I don't mind that at all. Lately I find myself holding on ever so tightly to the time line that is pulling my children along it's rapid course, trying with all my might to slow it down.

While rocking Caleb tonight I could not help but notice how his long legs hung over the side of the recliner. I was painfully aware of how heavy he felt in my arms, and although I wished for him to fall asleep right there snuggled up to me, I knew deep down that he wouldn't.

He's too old now.

So I will treasure these opportunities with my youngest. Times when I get to hold him, to sing to him, and to "baby" him just a little bit longer. Oh, how I wish I could bottle it all up and have these moments back again when he is grown but I'm afraid enjoying him in the present will have to do, and most days, that is pretty easy.

His birthday blanket from Nan

At the New England Aquarium

At Fort Pheonix, MA

If this boy does not end up in marine biology or some related field I will be shocked!! He is intrigued and delighted by sea life and it is amazing how much he knows!

At The Whaling Museum, New Bedford, MA