So you wanna know … about Callista

Callista. Sweet Pea. Nosy Rosy. Ninja Baby.

Callista was the last to greet the outside world and had my OB elbow-deep to pull her from her grip on my ribs. No joke, I felt like I had been punched the next morning because she was so wedged up there.

Callista’s smile would melt even Freeze Miser’s heart. Her gorgeous blue eyes are rimmed with dark, long lashes – a look that’s uniquely hers, as her brother and sister’s eyes are a warm brown. She has the hint of a dimple in her left cheek, and we’re forever debating her hair color – golden brown? Dark blonde? Wait, is it light blonde? Maybe a bit reddish?

Callista loves attention, whether she catches your eye with a grin or your ears with a whispered, “Heeee” or a startling yell growl, she knows how to capture an audience. She loves the camera and smiles excitedly when she sees one that could point in her direction.

Nothing makes her laugh quite like being smothered in kisses, though her daddy can make her giggle like crazy by making her pretend to shoot lasers (Don’t ask. I don’t know how it happened, but it’s hilarious. I need to get it on video, it’s that funny).

Callista loves animals. Nothing can distract her like a pet who walks by, and she has a special yell she uses only when she excitedly notices a cat or dog in her view.

Unless she’s excited, she’s gentle and delicate. Callista grabs only a small handful of bubbles in the tub, just enough to taste, while her brother and sister fill their arms to stuff their faces into.

Her cries are heartbreaking, accompanied by the saddest pout you’ll ever see. It’s impossible to not scoop her up and promise her the world, if only she’ll smile again.

Callista is most active in her jumperoo and was the first of our trio to figure out the magic of jump-jump-jumping. She’s happy to stay in one spot on the floor to play, though, and it’s even better if you fetch her toys.

She does what Rob and I call The Callsita Dance when she’s rescued from her crib after a nap. She wiggles her whole body in your arms, kicking her legs and waving her arms while giving a little cheer that almost sounds like “Yay!” She loves, loves to sleep, but she’s always so happy to rejoin the party after a snooze.

Callista sucks her thumb when tired and loves to grasp her giraffe Angel Dear lovey while falling asleep. She loves it so much that Grandma hasn’t been able to snatch it away for an upgrade (she’s added tags to Eleanor and Toby’s Angel Dear loveys made from ribbons left over from our wedding and from wedding gifts and baby gifts). Callista would love the tags – we just need to get her blanket away from her long enough to add them.

As sweet as she is, our girl has a stubborn streak that will make you do a double take. She isn’t afraid to forcefully let you know she disagrees with what you are making her do – be it napping (there’s too much to see, and despite the glassy eyes and yawns, she IS NOT TIRED), getting a fresh diaper while waiting for a bottle (no time for butts, need food NAOW) or just sitting in her rocking chair when she wants O-U-T.

The force is strong in this one. Not that I’m surprised. She is Ninja Baby, after all.