Textbook Baby

The Baby Whisperer lists several different kinds of babies that one might have, and knowing what kind of baby you have can be helpful.

Angel Baby is the one that everyone thinks they want - easygoing, sleepy, and smiley. I probably fell into this category. Then there's Textbook Baby, Touchy Baby, Spirited Baby, and Grumpy Baby. We learned a while back that we have been gifted from God with a Textbook Baby.


This means that Cullen will likely grow up to be a theologian or professor, or both, or maybe an astronaut who really likes to enjoy a good book. At least that's what I take "textbook" to mean.

The Baby Whisperer also describes this kind of baby as one who "reaches all the milestones right on schedule," who among other things "has growth spurts like clockwork." This proved funny last night, because Cullen was acting upset and apparently needed to eat almost nonstop. Cheryl asked me to look up (in the textbook) when babies should have growth spurts. Sure enough, he should have one...right now!

Way to go, textbook baby!

We'll have pictures from our trip posted soon. The Lord blessed the trip to New Jersey in many ways, not the least of which was that Cullen knew he shouldn't start his growth spurt till we got back. I'm so glad we're not the only ones reading the baby books...Cullen is too!

Cullen to Go

We will be unable to post for several days. Cullen is eager to see great grandparents and some great friends in New Jersey. Here are some pictures to enjoy meanwhile...

Family Celebrations

I just found out that my brother-in-law Mark received the honor of Teacher of the Year at his high school. Congratulations, Mark! (See more at the Oglesblog.)

I've always thought our family is pretty well-rounded. We have a high school teacher, mechanic, pilot, pastor... and that's just the men. Then we have a journalist, photographer, full-time mom, and caterer -- and that's just one of my three sisters! (That would be Karen, pictured above with Teacher of the Year Mark, daughters Taylor and Madison, and a mystery kid with a wig).

We're excited that we get to visit my side of the family at Thanksgiving.

Speaking of holidays, today Cullen got to dress up for Halloween. In honor of our upcoming trip to New Jersey, he decided to dress up as an Italian mob boss...


No, we didn't find it very convincing either, in spite of the Italian bib...

So, tomorrow we head to New Jersey where Cullen gets to meet his great grandparents. They are looking forward to meeting their very first great grandchild! And he is great - we're so glad he's part of the family! (And by family, we mean family... not "FAMILY.")

Uncle Jeff

From the West Coast to the East Coast! Here's Uncle Jeff and Cullen in various stages of getting to know each other.

There's that first awkward moment...


Followed by small talk...


A turning of the conversation toward more serious matters...


Hey, they like each other!


Cullen is certainly more and more interactive. Will he be a "people person" like his dad?

Well, we're not so sure. He made another friend, Mr. Lion... They can hang out together for long stretches of time, just staring at each other.


Maybe this means he's an "animal person"? Or perhaps he's just very imaginative - "Cullen & Hobbes"? (I know, I know, Hobbes is a tiger, but that's also a common lion's name.)

We'll be back soon with more pictures. Cheryl has taken some nice ones that I'm eager for her to post once things are back to, umm, "normal."

With Mom

Thought I'd quickly put up some photos today, just a few I like that I haven't had a chance to post. The big news is that it is raining today. REAL RAIN. Not just a sprinkle. It hasn't rained since Cullen was born, and not for some time before that either. I am now convinced it is going to be hot here until December or January. It was very weird getting something in the mail the other day informing me "Flu Season is here!" Huh? It's 80 degrees!

Cullen is looking forward to seeing his uncle Jeff tomorrow! He is trying to grow as fast as he can! 12 and a half lbs at the doctor's yesterday (9 weeks).