Giving Thanks

This was a special Thanksgiving for us--our last one in the states for a while! So we enjoyed traditions and time with family, remembering just how precious it is to be near ones we love. On Thanksgiving day, twenty-one of my (Gracy's) family and extended family members gathered for the afternoon to celebrate the blessings of the year and the blessing of each other. We had fun eating, playing "name that tune" and reminiscing about the good ole days. Caleb had quite a day full of activities as well: riding the tractor, helping pick up pecans in the yard, helping Pop fix the screen door before guests arrived, and running around enjoying the sound of leaves crunching beneath his feet. It was a day full of good times and good memories, for which we are so grateful.

Hide Away in Helen

Last week, we were able to get away for a couple of days before Thanksgiving for a relaxing time together. My (Gracy's) parents were kind enough to watch Caleb so that we could enjoy our first trip alone together in 3 1/2 years. We stayed in a little cabin near Helen, GA and enjoyed relaxing in the peace and quiet, browsing the quaint shops, and eating some very tasty German food at the Edelweiss Inn. It was a great time to reconnect before the busyness of the holidays.

The Land of Cotton...

Recently we went with Gracy's mom to the nearby city of Bostwick for their annual Cotton Gin Festival. Crafts, music, games, food, and a parade of tractors were some highlights of the event. We even saw a booth selling fried oreos! The day was a bit nostalgic for me (Gracy) since I grew up in the south, and cotton farming is part of my family heritage. Caleb enjoyed touching the soft white tufts for the first time, and we all enjoyed our day together.

Cool opportunity

I have had the privilege of hanging out with high school students this semester. Every morning, Monday through Friday, I leave the house about 8:15 AM and return around 3:00 PM. During that time, I transport students from a local high school and freshman academy to an off-campus location for classes. Re-entering the student culture has been a fun experience. I enjoy getting to know each student and learning what it's like to be them.

"Teeball!"

Caleb has found a new passion. Almost every day when I get home, he asks a predictable question. "Caleb and Daddy go outside and play teeball?" For Caleb, teeball can mean lots of things: hitting the ball with the bat, hitting the ball with the ball, hitting the tee with the bat, balancing the bat on the tee, and hitting fire ant mounds with the bat. Today, he was just throwing the bat.

Finally glowing!!!

After two and a half months of being various shades of pale and green, I am glad to finally be glowing! At 20 weeks (4 ½ months), we’re halfway there! It’s so exciting to feel alive once again and to feel life within me, as I’ve been feeling the baby move for over a month now. Thanks so much to all of you who helped and encouraged me through the sickness!
Yesterday was a special day for us; we found out that our baby is a girl! Yes, we are very excited—including Caleb, who has been talking about his baby sister. We showed him the recording of the sonogram, and he got to see her face, her hands, her feet, her body, her little heart beating. As he was watching, he said, “Aaaawww! She so cute, Mommy!” Then, knowing that she is in my belly, he insightfully said, “She gotta come out!” Yes, she does! But for now, we’re grateful that she’s safe as she grows and as we prepare to meet this little one whom we already love so much.

Look who's 2!!!

On October 14th, Caleb Michael Bondy turned 2 years old. It's hard to believe the changes that take place in one little life in such a short time. Our black-headed, 7.4 pound bundle of joy is now a tow-headed, 28 pound bundle of excitement and energy!
Grandma and Grandpa Holder gave quite the party to celebrate his special day with family and friends. A monster truck moonwalk and a hayride were the highlights, as well as a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Bondy and cousin Kara, all the way from North Carolina. Caleb had no trouble blowing out the candle on his tractor cake, and even made a short speech to the guests before the meal: "Please have a chip!" Lots of great memories were made, as next year's birthday celebration will be quite a bit different than this one!

I'm a big boy, now!

Yes, Caleb has moved up in the world, from baby bed to toddler bed! He made the transition splendidly! And contrary to our expectations, not once has he climbed out to play while he's supposed to be sleeping. Whew! He really seems to love it--especially his Tonka truck sheets and the challenge of climbing up into his bed. A couple of times when we've gotten home, he's even walked straight to his room (unbidden), climbed into his bed and said, "I'm ready to go night-night, Mommy." What more can you ask for?!

"I did it!"

I never get tired of hearing the words, "Look, Mommy! I did it!" Caleb's ingenuity with his toys continues to make me smile. He is very precise and finds great delight in conquering the challenge to stack and build higher.
He also loves the challenge of the outdoors. Every hill is an adventure that calls him to climb, to explore, to discover. Oh, the joys of being a boy! And oh, the joys of being his mother--the privilege of introducing him to the world; the honor of cheering him on as he learns and grows and becomes all that he will be.

Another new friend

Caleb made a new friend last week. While attending a conference, Caleb immediately took a liking to Rachel. By the time the conference was over, he was quite attached. We are thankful that Caleb is able to meet so many caring people like Rachel as we travel and speak.