Caden's New Trick

Last night Caden came up with a new trick.  I certainly never encouraged this, and JZ swears up and down that this wasn't his doing either.  So, on his own, CP figured out that it was big fun to not only jump on our newly acquired mini-trampoline (thanks for the hand-me-down, Gram!)...

but to jump from the tramp into the ball pit. 

Nice, right?  In case you can't get the full effect from the pictures, here is a video of his fabulous new trick...

If you can't tell what he's saying, I'll translate for you.  Basically he says that he did it, that he's going to go again, and that the 'tram-peen' is fun.  Also, in the middle he says he's going to take a nap, snores, and then says, "I wake up!  I go again!"

I guess all those 'nastics classes he's taking are paying off!  Welcome to a house full of boys :)

This is What Handsome Looks Like...

Yesterday morning before church, I was in the bathroom finishing up my hair and makeup.  JZ went to get Caden up and dressed.  Apparently he had to wet down his hair because CP had a serious case of bed head. Caden must have liked what he saw because he came running into the bathroom saying, "Handsome, Mommy.  Cay-Cay handsome!"  I certainly had to agree that he was looking mighty handsome that day, so I asked him if I could take his picture.  He said, "No, I watching Mickey Mouse right now."  Well OK then! 

Luckily, I was able to sneak in one shot of my cutie.

Once I stopped to review it I almost cried!  He looks like such a big boy here.  Then I realized that this is what he really looks like!  Where did my baby go?  I guess it's a good thing I'm getting another one!

That morning he didn't just reserve his compliments for himself either.  When I came out and announced that I was ready to go, sweet Caden P looked at me and said, "Mommy handsome."  Awww, that's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me!

Potty Time!

6 accidents.

3 loads of laundry.

7 outfits.

15 (at least!) viewings of the potty video. 

30 readings of "That's Not My Truck" while sitting on the potty.

1 use of the carpet cleaner.

Uncountable number of hours sitting in the bathroom waiting and waiting and waiting with no luck.

Seeing his face when he finally when he FINALLY went pee-pee on the potty and got his prize...

Totally worth it.  And that was just today!

After he FINALLY went to the bathroom on the potty I cheered and danced and hollered as loudly as I could.  He said, "You stop it.  No yelling peas."  So I toned it down and quietly did the potty dance.  Then we called everyone we knew. 

Feel free to do the potty dance with us. But no yelling peas.

Happy Gangs-giving!

I woke up Thursday morning to the sweetest Thanksgiving wish ever from my little turkey, "Happy Gangs-giving, Mommy!" 

 

We spent our day at Gram's house with JZ's side of our family - including his aunt and uncle from Kansas City.  So fun, because we don't get to see Deb and Gary very often! 

Before we went over the river and through the woods to Gram's house, we (of course!) had to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.  Dancing, singing, Snoopy, and a ginormous monkey.  Wow, it was almost as good as seeing it in real life!

It was a beautiful day in CO, and before Caden's nap and our Thanksgiving meal, Caden spent HOURS outside digging in the dirt with JZ's old trucks and tractors that Gram still has. 

We all took turns watching him because, truly, he wanted to stay outside for HOURS.  He was covered head to toe in dirt by the time we got him inside. 

Really.  Head to toe. 

He also enjoyed serving us tea.  Gram has a really cool lamp that looks like it has a spout on the end.  Once we found him a nonbreakable tea pot instead of Gram's pretty treasures, we all were treated to a lovely spot of tea.

Even CP got some of his yummy goodness

Speaking of yummy goodness, Gram and the ladies (not so much me.  I was in charge of rolls and Chex mix) outdid themselves with a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving meal. 

This Thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for - our family, health, jobs, and most importantly, a sweet baby boy that we're so excited to meet.  Yesterday we were reminded that even though things don't always go the way we want them to, we are blessed beyond measure. How great it is to have a day set aside to focus on and give thanks for those blessings!

And focus we did...until 9:00 when we left to hit the Black Friday sales. 

Happy Gangs-giving, everyone!

Wordless Wednesday: Every Little Boy's Dream

It's a ...

 Last Saturday we had our gender reveal party.  We had our family and some friends come over for dinner (Costco pizza, I went all out!) before our big reveal.  We had asked our guests to cast their vote for Baby Z's gender by wearing pink or blue.  It was a pretty mixed bag - I was wearing blue and JZ and C were wearing pink.  Our friend, Kelly, made a beautiful cake to coordinate with our "What's it Gonna Bee?" theme.

Inside, the cake was either pink or blue, depending on the gender of the baby.  It was almost too gorgeous to cut into.  Not enough to actually not cut it and find out.  Just almost.  After dinner we skyped in Papa and GaGa in Florida and then the three of us cut in. 

Surprise!

Blue cake - it's another boy!

So, it's official - I'm outnumbered!  There's going to be a lot of wrestling, trucks, and testosterone around our house. 

I am one happy mama.  But...if anyone with little girls want me to braid their daughter's hair or take them to get a pedicure, I'm in. 

At least I know I'll never be dethroned.  There's only room for one princess in this house - ME!!

Thank You, Mickey Mouse!

Caden is not much of a snuggler, but lately, before he goes to bed he wants to, "Nuggle on couch.  Watch Mickey Mouse."  We're more than happy to oblige.

Thank you, Mickey Mouse!

Wordless Wednesday: I Really Don't Have Any Words For The Cuteness

20 Weeks

Yesterday we went for our big 20 week ultrasound.  We were so excited to get a good look at #2!

Our sweet baby was super cooperative and gave the tech all of the views that she needed to determine that this baby is growing perfectly!  We saw the four chambers of the heart, kidneys, liver, stomach, vertebrae, the brain, 10 fingers and 10 toesies.  The heartbeat was steadily beating at 156 BPM  (no issues finding it this time) and this kid is apparently a mover and shaker just like his/her brother was!

The tech was able to determine the gender, but we don't know what it is...yet.  I had this STUPID idea to have a gender reveal party.  We had the tech put the information into a sealed envelope and we immediately delivered it to my friend, Kelly.  On Saturday we are having our family and a few friends over for dinner, and Kelly is making cupcakes and/or cake that is going to be pink or blue on the inside.  When it is dessert time we'll cut into it and find out if it's a he or a she.  What's it gonna be?!? Really, it was the stupidest idea I have ever come up with.  I'm DYING to know and have been stalking Kelly.  At least I only have to wait until Saturday.  Any last minute guesses?!?  Stay tuned!

So, just in case you're curious, here's what I look like at 20 weeks 

Yep, you're right.  I'm huge.  Let's not discuss how much weight I've already gained or how many times a day someone tells me how big I am.  Despite that, I'm thrilled.  Ok, not with the weight gain, but with the growing baby that's in there.  Since my last appointment a month ago I have had two of my dearest friends miscarry.  My heart absolutely breaks for them and I am grateful beyond belief for every ounce I've gained, aching back, and pain in my hips.  This blessing is not lost on me and I am not taking it for granted.  I'm keeping my eye on the (cute, sweet-smelling, snuggly) prize at the end. 

Halfway there #2, we can't wait to meet you!

Ready to Go!

Last night I watched quietly as Caden got himself ready to go.  I'm not sure where he was going, but he looked good!

Apparently that is what I look like when I'm getting ready.  Who knew?

What to Wear?

Caden has always loved to "help." These days, one of his favorite ways to help is to do laundry.  When the end-of-cycle song plays on the washer or dryer he runs in there yelling, "All done washer/dryer!  Fresh and clean!"  If I don't catch him fast enough he will pull the clothes out (wet or dry) and and take them to the couch to be folded.  Last night, instead of stopping him I grabbed my camera while he helped - at least the clothes were dry and needed to be folded anyway!

After I took this picture he turned his back to me and said, "All done cheesing!"  Yes, Your Majesty!

Just for the record, JZ said he would have appreciated if I had chosen a laundry load to photograph that did not include his boxers.  Oops!   At least the million dollar question has been answered - boxers!

Halloween #4 - The Big Day

So let's review.  Friday - party at Ms. Amber's house and another one in the evening.  Saturday - pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving with the family, and dinner out with Nana and Grandpa Kim.  Sunday - church and Brianna's party.  Wow!  By the time Monday rolled around I had already washed his costume twice and this pregnant mama was tired.  I was definitely ready for the big day to get here! 

Caden started the morning by opening his Halloween "prize."

This boy loves him some Lightning McQueen

That evening we took our little fireman out trick or treating.  He was an old pro by this point and was pretty excited to go

He did a great job saying "tricky treat" and "tank-oo," but sometimes he threw in a "More can-ee peas!" just for good measure. After each house he would hold up his  bucket and proclaim, "Look what Cay-Cay got!"

He kind of thinks Halloween is fabulous!

After we trick or treated we came home and got to hand out candy to all the kids that came to our door.  In Caden World that might have been even better than going trick or treating himself.  He would watch out the window and when he saw some trick or treaters he would yell, "More kids! Need can-ee!" I don't have any pictures of that, but I will end with Caden's alternative use for his candy bucket.

And that is the end of the Halloween posts.

You're welcome

Halloween #3 - Trick or Treat Practice

 On Sunday, Caden's friend Brianna (our Goddaughter and daughter of my college roommate, Emily) hosted an awesome kiddo Halloween party.  We were late arriving because, trust me, Caden needed a nap and it is an hour drive up there.  By the time we arrived the party was in full swing - pumpkin decorating, tattoo wearing, dress up, and a lot of...happy yelling.  The kids had a blast!  My favorite part of the evening was the trick or treat practice run.  Emily had delivered candy to her neighbors and asked them to be home between 4pm and 5pm.  The kids took their bags and got to practice trick or treating!  This was great for Caden who got to practice saying "tricky treat" and "tank-oo." It took him a couple houses to get warmed up and figure out how this thing worked.

But afterwards he figured out he was getting candy and jumped right in

He wanted to "show PapaGaGa can-ee"

And the best part of trick or treating? Eating the goods!

Only one more day, buddy,  I promise.

And only one more Halloween post.  I promise.