Slow Down!

I knew the milestones were coming fast and furiously, but this is a little much for a new mommy! Yesterday, when I went to get Caden up from his afternoon nap, this is how he greeted me:


Yup, that's Mr. Caden STANDING up in his crib. It won't be long before he is running all over this place. It makes me want to yell, "Slow down!!" What happened to my baby?!?

What a Difference a Week Makes!

Wow, what a week! I'm sure you are all wondering why I haven't updated the blog lately (riiiight!). It's because my little guy is now doing this...

...and this...

...and this

(see him heading for the plant?!? Stinker!)

I'm pretty sure that it was just a little over a week ago that he began crawling. Now, he is into everything and going everywhere. He spends his day chasing Belle...

...and playing with his new favorite toy, the door stop!

When we get tired of chasing him around, we lock him up - sometimes in the doorway jumper, sometimes in the exersaucer, and sometimes in the laundry basket.

Caden's tricks and milestones are coming fast and furiously now. He babbles incessantly, and last week even said, "Dada!" JZ had just walked in the door and he said, "Hi Cade!" Caden looked at him and yelled, "Dada!" Where is the love for Mama?!?

C has also learned to clap. It's pretty cute (if you ask me!), so here is a video of said trick

Caden has always thought his Daddy was the best, but it was confirmed this week when Daddy shared his popsicle.

He didn't particularly love the popsicle, but the cold sleeve felt great on his sore little gums!

Whew, I'm exhausted! Not only am I chasing Caden everywhere, but the computer can't be left out. He loves to push and buttons, pull on the cord, and heads straight for the socket. I'm flashing back to a time that he would just lay still on the floor, and I used to say, "I can't wait for him to be able to move!" What was I thinking?!? Who wants us to come visit? We'll bring our own baby gates!

**UPDATE** 'member how I told you that Caden is getting into EVERYTHING these days? Well, here's what happened a mere minutes ago. JZ and I were cleaning up lunch and C was rolling around on the floor (God forbid we stay in our highchair once lunch is finished, nope we've got things to do!). We had turned our backs for a second and turned back around to see this...

Yup, that's a soaking wet Caden next to Belle's water dish. He thought that looked like big fun. JZ immediately grabbed a towel and I immediately grabbed my camera. You're welcome!

Watch Out World...

...he's mobile!

In Memory

What a week this has been! On Saturday morning we learned that Jeremy's beloved grandpa had been admitted into a local hospice. He had been receiving home hospice care as he waged a ten year war against cancer. The cancer had taken over his body and he was in excruciating pain. Once the staff was able to finally make him comfortable, he quietly slipped into an unresponsive state and never regained conciseness. That evening (less than 12 hours after he walked himself into the hospice!) he peacefully went to Heaven. Over the last few weeks he told us he was ready. He wanted God to take him home. That evening he got his wish and went on his terms, his way. Just like he lived his life.

Most of Jeremy's extended family was able to come for the funeral on Wednesday. We were able to give him the beautiful, classy, and meaningful sendoff that he deserved. His lifelong friends, co-workers, grandchildren, daughters, and wife were able to share their favorite memories of Gramps. There were lots of tears, but also lots of laughs and smiles.

Gramps was a wonderful man. Ornery as anything, but also hard working, devoted, loyal, and honest. I'm sad that he will not be here to watch Caden grow up and that he'll never remember Gramps, but I'm grateful for the 8 months that Caden had with him. I'm thankful that just 3 weeks ago, Gramps was able to participate in Caden's dedication at church. He was in a lot of pain that day, but he was determined to be there.

I'm grateful for the 16 years that I knew him (that's 50% of my life!) and that the family allowed me to be a part of his celebration. When I said goodbye to him in the hospice I promised him that I would love his oldest grandson as much as he had loved Gram (I always knew they had quite a love story, but I have learned WAY more over the last few days!) and I would raise his newest great grandson to be as hardworking, loyal, and kind as he was.

We miss you Gramps! Here are a few of my favorite pictures of Gramps and Caden.

He Is

He is happy.

He is giggly.

He is sweet.

He can sit up by himself for as long as he'd like.

Even in the bathtub.

He can ALMOST crawl.

He is EIGHT months old!

He is all ours...

...and we couldn't be happier about it!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our home to yours! Christmas week was crazy for us, but so much fun. Caden was in a great mood and was patient while we dragged all over town. Here is a (picture) run down of our Christmas preparations

On Tuesday, Caden took us, Grammy, Papa, Nana, and Grandpa Kim to Hudson Gardens, a botanical gardens with a beautiful light display. It was pretty chilly, but we all bundled up and had a great time.

I must explain the next few pics...my dad was was pushing Caden in the stroller, sideways. He said it was like a ride at Disney. Caden thoroughly enjoyed it, I think.

Afterwards, we went to Panera Bread for dinner.

We went to church for Christmas Eve services. It was decided that Caden would not play the baby Jesus as originally planned. He would have had to be cradled and "newborn like" for about 45 min. Our Caden?!? I think not!

On Christmas morning Caden woke up feeling sick. He was running a low fever and had tons of snot. Poor baby! Although he was feeling yucky, he was such a trooper and was still able to give us some smiles. We spent Christmas Day with my parents, Donna, and Kim, opening presents, playing games, and eating, eating, eating. Here are a gazillion pictures of our day.

After all of the gift opening, we had dinner. This is what happens when JZ cooks cous cous!

While dinner was cooking we played games, put together toys, did puzzles, and (some of us) jammed.

Today, we are laying low. Caden is still pretty sick so we stayed in our pj's all day! He was able to play with a few of his new toys, however.



Congratulations if you made it all the way through this entire post!

Today I was rereading the post I made last Christmas and remembering how I was feeling. I was so excited for This Baby's first Christmas. Never in a million years could I have imagined how wonderful it would be. Maybe a little snottier than I envisioned, but spectacular nonetheless. Just as the onesie Caden wore yesterday said, he really is the best gift ever.

This year we were truly filled with the magic of the holiday season. Although Caden will never remember this Christmas, we always will. Tonight I am filled with absolute joy. The only other thing I am wishing for is a healthy baby. And a silent night. And a pedicure. But that's it. Promise.

We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

You'll Need a Little Popcorn

Here are a few videos from the last couple of weeks. I do not blame you if you do not watch them all - I'm not even sure I have. In fact, I'm pretty sure my grandma will be the only one to see this entire post. However, if you are really bored and want to pop yourself a little popcorn, sit back and watch a video or two of our growing little guy - I put the short ones first!


This is a video of Caden laughing while he and I were playing peek-a-boo with a bowl. Anyone need a Christmas gift idea? I recommend bowls. And tissue paper. Fun stuff!




Next is Caden giggling at Belle. It's too bad Belle is not a huge fan of Caden, because Caden thinks Belle is FUNNY!




Caden has now started to get up on all fours and rock back and forth. Here is a video of said trick.





Here is Caden's dedication at church - complete with one sneeze, two microphone grabs, and a lot of smiles.






This is the song that my dad sang following Caden's dedication. It is called "Find Your Wings" by Mark Harris. It is beautiful and I have had it picked out since before Caden arrived. It's always tricky to sing at such an emotional event, but he did great.



Lastly, JZ has been taking guitar lessons for a few months now. Last week he had his first guitar recital. Somehow he talked me into singing with him (I'm always a sucker for a cute guy!). Here we are, along with his teacher, Harry Olsson, performing "Mary Did You Know?"

I'm sure we will have many more videos soon - Merry Christmas!