The Zoo, a Shoe and Mommy's boo-boo...

Caleb Z has new shoes! They’re really cute little brown ones that came from a real shoe store and were fitted by a shoe salesperson and everything! He’s not as impressed as I am, but he thinks the Velcro is pretty cool. Of course, he thinks they make better toys than feet coverings. They haven’t stayed on his feet as much as I would have liked for what we spent on them.

But they were an absolutely perfect addition to his wardrobe when we went to the zoo! He walked around a little bit – holding onto us still – and kept them on the whole time we were there. The zoo was so much fun! I’ve always loved going and visiting them, but with a baby, you have a fresh set of eyes! Suddenly, the bird house, which doesn’t ordinarily thrill me, became the most amazing place in the known universe. The birds roam free, nip at pants and shoelaces and squawk wonderful noises right in front of you!

Arctic foxes were another big hit. They play just like Caleb Z’s puppies! And even though he didn’t seem particularly impressed by the giraffe babies, the elephant throwing dirt on herself really seems to appeal to him. But it was the thousands of babies and pregnant ladies that got the bulk of his attention. Apparently the greatest thing about the zoo is that there are a lot of people.

We’ve got the birthday coming up. Terribly exciting. And he cut his fifth tooth last night, which I pray was the cause for his habit of throwing temper tantrums at an astronomical rate. He just crumples and screams at the least provocation. It’s kind of funny, but at the same time, I have no desire for it to continue.

I don’t know if it’s a phase or just a taste of what is to come, but Caleb has started biting people. He bit one of his teachers on Monday, and I asked how they dealt with it. They said that they just put him down and said ouch. (“Ouch” is how we’re trying to teach Caleb not to do destructive things like yank Mommy’s hair out in clumps, or grab the puppies’ eyeballs.) By golly if he didn’t bite me this morning! I was drying him off after his shower, and he was in his playful morning mood that I love so much. He kept rubbing his face on my shirt, and then those five tiny teeth sunk into my shoulder. I admit that I shouted “Ouch” a little more forcefully than I ever had. Then I put him on the floor while he threw his tantrum, but had to cut it short because he was still naked…

He’s started drumming on the oven door with one of the dog bones. It cracks us up. He does it every morning as we get ready to go to work. We’re also finding bits of Caleb toys in the most random places – like our bathroom drawers. Better childproofing is necessary, methinks!

We’re just continually praising God for this wonderful – if strong-willed – little man. He loves so big that he infects everyone around him. It’s impossible to be in a bad mood for too long around him. He simply radiates joy. It’s a daily attitude check for me!