Notes: At 17 months Caelum has his debut performance

In the quiet corners of the Levine household, a special pre-nap ritual unfolds each weekday afternoon that brings peace and laughter.

As the lights dim to a soft glow, with the soothing sounds of spa music in the background, Caelum enjoys a warm oatmeal bath. This is more than just a bath; it's a therapeutic experience where Caelum gets his teeth gently brushed while the calming waters soothe him. On occasion, Caelum drifts into sleep right in the comfort of his bath, as showcased in one of the videos below. This peaceful slumber amidst the gentle bath waves is a testament to the relaxing environment Alline creates.

In contrast to the quiet calm of bath time, another video below captures a playful pre-bath moment with Alline. The scene is filled with joy as Alline humorously spits out a popsicle stick, prompting bursts of laughter from Caelum. This delightful interaction, calling for repeated encores, illustrates the light-hearted and loving connection they share.

These daily rituals, lovingly woven into the fabric of Caelum's routine, are more than mere steps to prepare for naptime—they are the threads of joy, care, and love that shape his early experiences.

Caelum's First Day at French Académie: A Joyful Start
November 4, 2024, was a major milestone for Caelum Levine as he began his academic journey at French Académie, following in the footsteps of his big brother, Asterius. The day began with an emotional moment as Caelum joined us dropping off both Asterius and Alline at the International School, setting a supportive family tone for the day.

The first day of school for Caelum was nothing short of delightful. As he entered French Académie, he was warmly welcomed, much like his brother who had been greeted by Tootsie, the school mascot, on his first day. The images from both occasions reflect a charming parallel; while Asterius had his memorable encounter with Tootsie captured in joy, Caelum too had his moment, showing a blend of curiosity and cautious excitement as he met Tootsie.

Caelum thrived from the start, quickly engaging with the teacher who was impressed by his eagerness to participate. He explored the classroom, showing a keen interest in the colorful array of toys. His interactions with other children were heartening, as he shared toys and participated in group activities, displaying signs of social confidence and adaptability.

A heartwarming moment was captured as Caelum navigated through his first school activities, from puzzles that caught his focus to interactive games that sparked joyous laughter. These first steps at French Académie were not just about learning and playing but about beginning to build the social and educational foundations that will accompany him throughout his life.

As the day progressed, the joy and learning continued, with Caelum fully immersed in the vibrant school environment. His parents, filled with pride, watched their youngest son start his schooling with such enthusiasm, promising a bright and exciting future ahead.

July 4th, 2024, marked a momentous and bittersweet milestone for the Levine family—Caelum’s first birthday. While the day was filled with love and celebration, it was also marked by Amy’s absence as she continued her recovery from brain surgery at Mayo hospital in Rochester. Despite not being physically present, Amy played a central role in making the day special, coordinating every detail from afar, from planning the decorations to arranging the creation of a beautiful strawberry smash cake.

The festive atmosphere was brought to life with a colorful balloon arch and thoughtful decorations, set up by Amy's friends. In the kitchen, Nanna, Tugba, and Auntie Dafna worked together to bake a delicious strawberry smash cake.. The heartfelt teamwork reflected the shared love and effort that went into making Caelum’s big day so memorable.

Initially hesitant about the smash cake, Caelum soon dove in, exploring the sweet treat with his little hands.

Although Amy couldn’t be there in person, her love and dedication were evident in every aspect of the celebration. Caelum’s first birthday was not only a reflection of the happiness he brings to the family but also a reminder of the strength, resilience, and unwavering bond that defines the Levine family. It was a day of gratitude, love, and the start of many more cherished memories to come.

The Levine household was filled with the sound of joyous splashing and the warmth of brotherly love, as Asterius and Caelum embarked on their very first shared bath time. It was a scene of such tenderness and fun that it etched itself into the fabric of our family memories.

Asterius introduced his little brother to the wonders of bath time play. With careful hands, he lathered Caelum's hair, transforming the suds into whimsical shapes while Caelum's eyes sparkled with fascination.

Asterius, made storytime a splash, as a flotilla of colorful animal friends from a waterproof book sailed on the bath's surface. His voice, infused with excitement, narrated the tale to an audience of one: Caelum, whose little ears perked up at the sound of each new creature introduced.

Amidst the bubbles and warm water, a single, prized toy car became the center of an endearing exchange. Asterius, with heartfelt generosity, offered it to Caelum for inspection asking with concern, "Is it okay if he puts it in his mouth?" Caelum, with a gummy smile, accepted the gesture, his little mouth exploring the contours of the car, a testament to the trust and love of their sibling bond.

This bath time was more than just a routine; it was a celebration of connection—a brotherly love that’s growing just as surely as Caelum is. With each day, Asterius shows us what it means to be a protective, loving sibling, and Caelum, in his own way, shows us the sweet admiration of looking up to a big brother. Together, they're discovering the world—one bubble, one book, one shared laugh at a time.

The morning light spills through the Levine family living room's wall of windows, casting a serene glow over Caelum's latest addition to his play space—a "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" themed ball pit. The crisp, white balls within it gleam like pearls, creating a delightful contrast against the playful, colorful artwork of the beloved caterpillar that adorns the pit's sides.

Caelum delved into this new world, his eyes wide with wonder as he reached out to the bright orbs surrounding him. Each ball offered a novel experience, a different shade of light to observe and learn. His brother, Asterius, took on the role of the caring and fun-loving guide, delicately passing balls to Caelum for his studious inspection. When one errant ball grazed Caelum's head, Asterius was quick to offer a gentle touch of reassurance, ensuring all was well in their shared exploration.

As the daylight brightened the playroom, a heartwarming scene unfolded—a delightful tumble of laughter and excitement as Asterius and Caelum dove into the sea of pristine white balls. The two brothers submerged themselves in the ball pit, their faces alight with glee. Asterius, ever the protective big brother, kept a watchful eye on Caelum, ensuring his little partner in fun was safe amidst their frolicking. Caelum, buoyed by the softness around him, looked on with a mixture of amazement and joy, learning through play the wonders of texture, space, and movement. It was a beautiful snapshot of brotherly love and the simple pleasures of childhood.

These shared moments in the ball pit are just the beginning of countless days of discovery and play for the brothers. The bond they forge in these playful dives is not merely about the fun of the moment but the creation of enduring ties between them.
Each new day promises the continuation of laughter, shared games, and the creation of treasured memories for the boys. The Levine family cherishes these times for the simplicity and joy they bring, reminding us all of the playful spirit and loving connections that form the fabric of our family life.

March has brought a burst of growth and a flash of green to the Levine household as Caelum celebrates his 8-month milestone. Dressed in a cheerful ensemble with a four-leaf clover motif, Caelum seems to have embraced the spirit of spring.

Caelum's development has been as swift and vibrant as the seasonal changes. Sitting unaided with  confidence, he's mastering the art of balance and poise. With his keen eyes set on the world around him, he's pulling himself up to stand, eager to see the world from new heights. And when it comes to mobility, he's a veritable bolt of lightning, crawling at speeds that would make the quickest leprechaun green with envy.

You can see the curiosity sparkling in his eyes, a clear reflection of his eagerness to interact with his environment and the loved ones who fill it. Caelum's journey this month has been one of visible joy and discovery, his rapid development a testament to the lively spirit we've come to know and love.

At 8 months, we celebrate not just the leaps and bounds of Caelum's physical abilities but also the charming personality that's unfolding with each passing day. It's not the green of his attire that makes this month special, but the growth and glee we see in our little boy, which brings a wealth of joy to the Levine family.

With the whisper of spring in the air, our backyard has become a canvas for imagination and play. Under the broad expanse of a clear blue sky, Asterius and Caelum venture outside, eager to bask in the warm embrace of the sun.

Caelum, at eight months old, sports his charming bear hat, a testament to the playful spirit that he carries with him into the world. Sitting atop his activity center, he grasps at the vibrant toys with a gaze filled with wonder, each new sensation a building block in his ever-growing understanding of the world around him.

Meanwhile, Asterius, in the role of the nurturing big brother, takes the lead in their outdoor adventures. He gently pushes Caelum in the swing, a shared moment of giggles and soft breezes. Between pushes, he meanders through the soft grass, gathering the first flowers of the season – tiny blooms that hint at the blossoming days ahead.

As the boys enjoy their play, their laughter melds with the sounds of nature, creating a symphony of pure, unbridled joy. The video that accompanies this post captures one such moment: Asterius guiding the swing back and forth, with Caelum kicking his little legs in excitement, each swing higher than the last.

These days are the ones we'll remember – filled with the simple pleasures that childhood brings. In the Levine home, the bonds of brotherhood are being strengthened with each flower picked, each gentle swing, and each moment spent under the sun.

February is a month filled with love, and this year in the Levine home, it's also the time we celebrate Caelum reaching his 7-month milestone. Our charming little man has shown us just how quickly he's growing, not only in size but in spirit and curiosity.

Adorned in festive red 'XOXO' suspenders, Caelum is already embracing the spirit of Valentine's Day, his outfit a cheerful emblem of the love that envelops him. These suspenders are more than just a seasonal choice; they're a tribute to the affection that defines our family. Yet, the true heart of the celebration is Caelum's newfound mobility. With the eagerness of an explorer, he's mastering the art of crawling, claiming his freedom with every inch he conquers.

Witnessing Caelum's journey, we're acutely aware of the swift passage of time, of how these fleeting moments are the ones we'll cling to in years to come. We're holding tight to the present—each determined crawl, each joyful chuckle, each tender look he shares with us. Caelum, at 7 months, is a bundle of joy, spreading love and laughter in his very own, unique way.

Today, a momentous milestone unfolded before our eyes—Caelum’s first determined crawl forward. As he navigated the expanse of carpet, behind him lay his brother Asterius' elaborate railway—an intricate network of sinuous tracks, bridges and switches echoing the complex pathways of growth and learning each child embarks upon.

The trainset, a marvel of Asterius' advanced development and imaginative play, juxtaposes beautifully with Caelum's momentous first forays in locomotion. Both brothers, in their respective stages of growth, reflect the unique and wondrous ways children discover their world.

As Caelum inches forward, our kitties saunter by, their own sleek movements perhaps offering silent encouragement to their little human companion. With each attempt to crawl, Caelum's expressions oscillate between intense concentration and delight, culminating in an adorable, long sigh that seems to say, "Well, that’s enough for now!"

This is no small feat; it’s a sign of his burgeoning curiosity and eagerness to engage with the world around him. Each movement is a step towards greater exploration, each shuffle a promise of new interactions with his environment. Watching him today, we know that it won’t be long before he's confidently walking and then running, eagerly chasing after Asterius, their combined laughter echoing through our home.