Who says boxes aren't fun?

Caleb in the Little People Noah's Ark box.

Anushka must have thought it was Christmas again, she got to "help" take Caleb's presents out of the boxes for repacking. She had a great time.

Four generations

The little man likes his pears

Oh, did I mention she can go up stairs now, too?

Making a break for the stairs at the Becher household. She tries to convince everyone to hold her hand so that she can walk down the stairs, but she will reluctantly go down backwards if no one will help (and she has even experienced a full tumble to the basement...ouch).

Cousin bonding

Caleb, happy as always, Anna, wondering why she has to share her toys, as always...

Great Grandma Meyer

I think the only person happier to meet Caleb was my grandma. Look at that smile. Such a great photo.

The Safari - Round Two

Caleb was amazing while he was here. He got used to being poked and wacked by his cousins. He also solidly sits up now and babbles (gee, I wonder where he learned that from!) He was enthralled with the safari and was content to sit and play for a while. He also liked the car (except when Anna was shaking it). I love how is tongue sticks out while he concentrates. Love you, little guy, can't wait to see you in the next two weeks.

Good to see you, Kev

I had a great visit with my brother over the last week and a half. Hard to believe that we hated each other growing up. Thanks for the cute nephew, too. Hopefully we will catch you on Skype as much as possible.

Did I mention that Anushka is walking? (The Anna update)

At the airport on June 20, Anna took her first dozen steps unaided, and she has been going strong since then. She now walks half the time and crawls the rest. We had her in dresses for a couple of days, which I think was motivation to walk, since her knees kept getting caught on the fabric. She still manages to get just as dirty. A new phase begins. She never does one thing at a time, so she is also cutting 3 molars and another lower incisor. I couldn't tell if she was cranky because of that, or because of the baby (Caleb) in the house. She can now come close to saying "baby", and I'm sure she will be looking for him in the morning when he is not here. Her vocabulary now includes "ice", "hi", "byebye", "cat" (although she still likes to go "kkkkiiiiiii" when she sees a cat), as well as the usual "mom"and "dad". She wants to say belly button really badly, but all she can manage is "be be" (she likes to show your hers and to find yours). Her sign has come together and she now regularly signs "water", "please", "thank you", "more", "all done". Not surprisingly, she doesn't sign "milk" very often, since she can say boobboob, which gets the same result. I'm sure I have forgotten many of the other amazing things that she does, but I should sign off now.

Father's Day

Goofs

I don't know who is more goofy - Jeff or Anushka. Underwear on the head, it is pretty funny...

Adelina's first birthday

The first year of Anna's life we got to know lots of mom's with babies around her same age. As a result, we have been going to many 1st birthday parties in the last little while. Here is one that Lynn just sent around of some of the girls playing at the pool (Megan on the left and Adelina in the middle). Congratulations to all of the mom's and babies that have enjoyed the wonderful first year! Soon after this picture was taken Anna almost pushed the birthday girl into the pool. That's our girl.

I'm a God Mother

Anushka and I drove to Vermilion for Caleb's baptism on Sunday. Here we are after the service (Shawn, Lori's brother and the God Father, Kevin, Caleb, Lori, me and Anna). The drive was great, and it was lovely to hang out with the Jacula's at the farm. I especially enjoyed playing on the wii fit.

Meeting Caleb

Everything is a hat, because I can say 'hat'

Hurray for Caleb!

My brother and family arrived from Vietnam for their visit home this weekend. We have been busy visiting and getting to know Caleb. It is going to be a fun-filled two weeks that they are here, so hopefully I will get some pictures of something other than Anushka! For some adorable pictures of Caleb, check out their blog (link is on the right).

Update

How did it get to be the 9th of June? Anna and I have been busy hanging out, visiting with friends and family, shopping, walking and running in the river valley, going to yoga, doing yardwork...generally getting into the groove of life without Jeff home during the day. I have been finding time to get schoolwork done (I can taste a chapter being finished - hurray!) - thanks to Grandma and Momo (and a babysitter once a week). Overall, life is good and after Anna's first birthday, filled with toys! I put the new album up and there are some birthday pictures in there. I have joined the twitter universe, so if you are inclined, look for me there.

The second birthday party

Here is one picture from the family BBQ we had yesterday. She didn't get too messy. More pictures to come when I have time to start album #3.

Anushka's First Birthday

We had friends over to celebrate yesterday. Lots of kids, lots of fun and lots of cake. There are more pictures in the album, which is now full. Another 500 pictures. Phewph, you would have thought that I would have slowed down. I will post more soon, hopefully. It has been a busy house lately. Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us. We all had a great time.