Eleven

Last month as a baby. Psychhhhhhh! You'll always be my baby, sorry buddy, you don't get a say in that one. You are a hoot. Constantly on the go, extremely curious, super chatty and so funny. You definitely keep us busy and on our toes-but we wouldn't trade it for anything. It's so rewarding-honestly hard to put into words the amount of joy you bring to us little man.

So, what's up in your world?

-You've recently weighed in at 17lb 12 oz and about 28'' long.
-After a blood test (you were such a trooper!!) we got the results back that you check normal for allergies-woohoo! Finally a set answer, and you've LOVED cheese so far, so bonus for you!
-Speaking of food-you eat table food like it's no ones business. Almost anything you can have you'll take-more recently hot dogs, chicken nuggets, applesauce, cheese, and blueberries. You love blueberries! 
-Just recently you've broken through your first top tooth-making your current total three. Slow going with those. This top one coming in has taken a toll on you though, making you irritable, tired, appetite change (bottle and food)-just throws a big ol' curve ball to you and to us. No fun, and we feel so bad because you can just tell you are not comfortable. Luckily-the last two days have been much better, haven't had to give you any tylenol to help and you are getting back to the 'normal'
-You are a crazy fast crawler and continue to walk more and more holding onto even just one hand. Starting to work more from one object to the next on your own-we think it won't be long before you're a lean, mean walking machine.
-In addition to crawling/start of walking you are always wanting to climb on things.
-You're curiosity gets the best of you. Just today I was in the bathroom flossing and heard you crawling in, but didn't hear much more and figured you had stopped and looked at me until I responded to your presence...nope, you were pulled up on the toilet and one millasecond away from your little finger in the water. sick.

-You love the dishwasher and love, love, love the fridge. As mentioned earlier, you'll climb into the fridge or freezer if/when you can. I'll have to admit, against our better judgement, we let you have 'fridge time'. It keeps you entertained and makes you so happy-especially during the teething mentioned before.
-You are a chatterbox. Mostly you're always yelling 'Da!! DaDaDaDa!!!'-the way you yell it always makes us laugh because it's as if you are honestly yelling at your daddy. Just today you've added 'Ma! MaMaMa!'-which I love of course. You're chatter, no matter what it is, is adorable.
-Speaking of chatter, you also say 'no'. Not sure yet if you truly understand the meaning, and don't think you do, but the timing you have sometimes when you say no is just so ironic it's really hard to think you don't know what you're saying.
-You love being scared/startled. Going around the corner from you and popping out with a good 'boo!' gets the best belly laugh ever!

You are so fun. It's such a sweet and wonderful gift that God's given us to be able to have you as our son. We couldn't ask for a more loving, friendly, and personable little boy. As much as I can wait for you to get bigger, I also can't wait to see how God will use you. I pray so much that we help show you God's love, show you the power of His love and kindness. It's scary having a child in the world as it is-so full of hatred and sin-I pray, and will always pray, for you to be able to see the good in people, be able to be forgiving as God has and continues to forgive us, know that no one is perfect-we are all born sinners and we all need God to help us each and every day. Humble yourself in that, Caden. I know you will be able to do great things, but all through the guidance and faith that I hope you gain in God. You already have a big heart, buddy, use it wisely little man.

Your dad and I love you to the moon and back, and again, and again, and again. XOXO

Fourth of July

First Fourth of July for Caden was great! We went to Copper Oven for breakfast, went home and had naps and relaxed, ran to the store to get all the fruit, successfully cut out pineapple stars and then off we were to Aunt Erin and Uncle Ben's for family hang out, dinner and fireworks.

We were super lucky and got some yummy bbq ribs, brisket and hot links from Mark and Mary-huge thanks for cooking all that and sharing-it was delish! Caden didn't make it for the bigger fireworks, but still was able to see some fun ones-and stayed up till after 8:30, which is midnight in his world. Slept great in the pack&play while we got to enjoy some desert and more fireworks once it got darker. 

Great time with family. Always just amazes me how fast our nephews and nieces grow/change, so fun to be able to enjoy them and grow those relationships. All in all nice and relaxing QT...just can't beat that.

A special thanks to all our troops past, present and future. We greatly appreciate all the sacrifices you have made and continue to make for this country.

Happy Independence Day, America!

 

 

 

Viva Las Vegas

Two months ago (guess late blogs are just my theme-huh?!) I went on a little getaway to Vegas with my sister, Erin, and nine of her friends. It was Erin's 30th Birthday, and we weren't about to let it go by without celebrating! It was pretty fast passed, duh-it's Vegas. We did get a nice relaxing pool day on Friday, had dinner and went to the Ghost Bar (awesome view) Friday night, toured the strip on Saturday, watched the pirate show outside Treasure Island and ate at Senior Frogs there before going down to Freemont Street-talk about the feel of Vegas. Freemont was covered in lights, live music, slots, smoke and crazy people. crazy is an understatement.

Lots of laughs. Lots of new adventures. Lots of new and fun company. Good times all around.

Be jealous and enjoy the fun pics:)

 

10 Months

 Over a week late. But I will show off my excuses in a blog to come-we have been BUSY like non-other.

You are a monster. The best little monster any parent could wish for. Your curiosity makes us laugh. Your eagerness to explore and enjoy all aspects of life is so humbling and we are so blessed to be a part of it all.

Proof that these little photo shoots just aren't as easy anymore. you are one busy.busy.busy.boy.

So...What's new in your world?

-You weigh in at 17 lbs 9.5 oz and 28 inches long

-You have two bottom teeth, and we're 99% sure you're working on the top one(s)-when those will actually come...who the hey knows...took 8.5 months to get any to begin with :)

-You are walking more and more with us while we hold your hands

-You will stand solo for a good while-5+ seconds, which eventually will seem like nothing, but for now it's a big deal

-You understand 'no'...and you understand how to ignore no-ornery is in your veins, it's inevitable

-You love, love, love table food and have enjoyed most everything you've tried so far-which is a lot

-Overall you're a great eater, especially if others are at the table with you-little socialite

-We've started to try Pediasure instead of formula-introduces milk back in your diet to see if you still have an allergy and it is packed full of a bunch of calories and nutrients to give you lots of rolls for people to adore. the only age I think a doctor would tell you the more rolls the better

-You're still a thumb sucker and love your blankey to go along-definitely our little Linus-but only when you're tired. May be hard to break you of thumb sucking, but at least we don't have to battle a daytime paci
-You are a huge fan of the Baby Sign and Time and Baby Animals DVD-and they provide me with good cuddle time, so I'm a fan...especially for early mornings or the chore of cutting those baby nails.

 If it's fair game to be in your hands-then it's certainly fair game to be in your mouth

  Had to show off your adorable smile. You sure do make your mommy and daddy proud, Caden. Everyday is a joy to wake up to you-I'm a new and reformed morning person thanks to you (seriously, though-much easier to wake up early when you're smile is what awaits us)-and it takes every ounce of me not drive like a mad woman to get home to you at the end of the day.

We can't thank God enough for you. Having your in our lives has given us a new respect and love for each other as well and I cherish all of that.

You are nonstop, and I wouldn't change anything. Thanks for all the laughter and love you give little man.

Now...to enjoy two short months before you're not 'technically' our baby anymore.
This is where I crawl up into a ball and cry at how fast times flies


We love you, Caden. xoxo
 Cheers to being a fantastic 10!

Going to the Chapel

Not really a chapel. And may be a little over two  three months late on this event. I have written this an ample amount of times in my mind but have yet to put pen to paper typing to computer until now.

Such a gorgeous moment. Fills my heart being able to see the pictures and feel connected. 

I am so happy that my brother has a wonderful wife, and I now have a beautiful new sister-in-law! I'm sad that they are too far away for my liking, way over in Thailand. But, that is where they are for now and calls, text, email and Skype will have to do for the time being.

We've very excited for Jacob and Ning as they start their marriage and pray so much for them. Marriage is so fun and rewarding-but you can't be selfish in marriage and that in itself is something one has to learn and work on over time. Lucky for me, Gary has an abundance of patience.

 This one makes me entirely happy. To see that smile on his face. Priceless.

Look at my gorgeous new sis-in-law! We were very happy that Josh was able to make the trip for this special time. He is family, and since we personally couldn't be there it was humbling to know that Josh was able to be there for Jake.

I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Jacob and Ning. I more so cannot wait for the day to be able to reunite. It's a recipe for instant tears when I think of how much I miss him and how much I long to spend time with his wife, someone who he holds so dear to his heart. Soon. Sooner than later, at least.

Best wishes, lots of love, many happy years to come.

XOXO