So...Calder has been suffering from extreme separation anxiety for about the past 8 weeks. I dread every time that I have to drop him off at day care, because he clings to me with all of his limbs and cries big, sad tears as I peel him off of me and slip out the door. Every week I tell
myself that this can't go on forever, and maybe the end is near. So, about a week ago, I was browsing children's books on Amazon and I happened to come across a few books recommended to help children deal with separation anxiety. Knowing that they were probably geared toward older children, I put them on hold at the library anyway, and picked up the first one this week. The book is called "Owl Babies" and it's about 3 owl babies who wake up to find their mother gone and all of the thoughts that go through their heads. Eventually the mother returns and says "What's all the fuss? You knew I'd come back." Well, even though I realize that Calder is still a bit young to transfer this concept to his own life, I still held out a glimmer of hope that it just might help a little bit. So, last night, we snuggled up together for his bedtime stories, and, with high hopes, I started reading. Around page 3, Calder started giggling. At page 4, he let out a big laugh. And, with each subsequent page, he laughed harder and harder until he was
absolutely hysterical! I was shocked and a little upset that my plan wasn't working and he wasn't even listening to the book, but his little laughs were so contagious, by the end of the book I was practically in tears and could barely finish reading. So, needless to say, this morning was no different when I dropped him off. When I tried to remind him of the story, he just cried 'No' and gripped me harder. I was really hoping for a few of those belly laughs from last night, but no such luck. Ah well...strike one. We're going to move on to "The Kissing Hand" and see if that one does the trick...or at least we'll find out if it's just as funny.
In the meantime, if anyone has any brilliant coping strategies for separation anxiety (for me or Calder) -- PLEASE send them my way!
Calder's new best friend might very well be his giant froggy. Froggy has been riding to and from work/school with us every day lately. Today, on our commute home, this is what Calder told me:
We arrived at the parade site about an hour and a half early to snag a good seat, and fortunately there were a lot of things going on to keep Calder entertained. People were handing out free balloons left and right, and Calder quickly devised his own little balloon game. 
He would insist on having full control of the balloon, and then he would suddenly release it, in a test of Daddy's quick reflexes! (Nice action shot, huh?) 
We had a great time at a local 4th of July parade on Friday morning. It was threatening to rain all morning, and actually sprinkled a little bit, but it cleared up just in time for the parade!
Calder loved all of his red, white and blue garb. He's still wearing the necklace and fireman's hat around the house.
resist taking this picture. Look closely -- the dog is wearing motorcycle goggles!
These were two of Calder's favorite sites during the parade. This Elmo balloon was awesome! It reminded me of something you'd see in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
And, of course, he was very excited to see Minnie and Mickey. Although when he had the chance to give Mickey a hug...he panicked and quickly backed away.
Another picture we couldn't resist. It's a little blurry, but if you can read the fine print, it says "Made in China". I guess we shouldn't have been so surprised...
Calder had a great time this past week with Poppa and Gramma Peggy while they were staying with Sandhya. The highlight of the week was our trip to the zoo (although it was very hot!)
Sandhya and Gramma looking for zebras.
Calder and Poppa also looking for zebras.
We had a few friends over last Saturday for a BBQ and to bid farewell to our friends Jim and Reb who will soon be moving. It was great to catch up with everyone!
Aislinn and Sandhya having fun with the water table.
And, the three little ones slept away the party inside...