Hanging out with Caleb

Today's a home day.  Caleb was sick over the weekend (he's now feeling better) but Emerson woke up feeling a bit under the weather.  So, we're sticking close to home.  But-- the morning was still pretty fun.  It started off on a high note when my fabulous sister in law brought me the most amazing Pumpkin Spice Latte cupcakes.

She brought me EIGHTEEN mini cupcakes-- I'm not going to tell you how many I've already consumed... but let's just say there aren't too many left :)

Caleb and I spent the morning painting.  He takes his art very seriously-- and painted for over two hours.  We had the best time ever.

After spending the morning with him I thought that I really need to document all of the crazy and funny things that he says and does.  I don't want to forget all these fantastic moments I have with my four year old boy.  So I figured I might as well share a few of Caleb's shining moments from the past few weeks with all of you...

• He's been working on his vocabulary.  The other day we were doing a bit of grocery shopping.  He asks me: "Mom-- what's that word-- you know... when you really need to drink something?"  I say, "Thirsty?"  Caleb: "No... it MEANS you're thirsty... hmmm... DEHYDRATED!!  Mommy, I'm feeling dehydrated right now."  Um, wow.  I would have just used the word thirsty myself.
• The other day, as I try to feed him the last spoonful of yogurt left in his container he shouts "IT DOESN'T TASTE GOOD WHEN ADULTS FEED IT TO YOU!!!!"
• He's become a crazy counter.  I knew he was good to count to 50... but 100?  Sure I had to help him on 70 and 80... but 100?!!  Of course he then asks: "Mommy, what comes after 100?"  "101".  "101, 102, 103..."  and away he goes all the way to 200.
• While he may be a smarty pants, he has become quite conscious of germs-- kind of.  He's had a bit of a runny nose this week so he will often bring me a kleenex and ask me to help him blow his nose.  Of course I offer my assistance.  When I try to hand Caleb the used kleenex so that he can throw it in the garbage he gives me this look that says... "you've GOT to be kidding me."  Then he makes a big deal about only touching the tiniest corner of the kleenex-- and with complete disgust-- takes it to the garbage holding out in front of him as far away as possible.  Then about 10 minutes later I catch him picking his nose like a typical four year old.  Go figure.
• How about this... "Mommy, do you know what camoflauge is?  (I of course say no-- I'm intrigued-- to say the least!)  It's when dinosaurs blend in with the background so they can hide from creatures that want to eat them."  Nice definition-- Dinosaur Train loving encyclopedia kid.
• At bedtime Caleb says..."I don't need to go to bed.  I could stay up for days, and days, and days, and days, and days.  And I wouldn't get grouchy."
• Lately, when Caleb's really upset with me (like when I've taken something away from him for disciplinary reasons) he angrily glares at me and says-- "Mom, you are NOT FANCY!!!!"  I have no idea where Caleb got that from, but apparently it's the best he can come up with when he wants to say something extremely hurtful to me.  I try not to laugh-- but I'm not always successful.
• And today-- as he's in his room for his afternoon nap I can hear him shouting... "I'M ALIVE!!!"  over and over.  Do you think he's trying to tell me something?

And in conclusion-- you know a four year old lives in the house when you discover dried spaghetti stuck to your stylish cream herringbone patterned bathroom hand towels.  Oh spaghetti night-- it's like the gift that keeps on giving.

I love four year olds :)