Curious Kaden

That's what I wanted to call him after our lunch date today. On a weekly basis, we try to get together with our friends, The Roberson's (mama Lauren and baby Josie Kate) for lunch. We normally rotate between our homes and just have something as simple as sandwiches.

Kaden was very curious about Josie today. All he wanted to do was get down from his highchair and go play with her. So we did just that. He is so rough with other kids though. I really have to watch him. And this was no exception. Josie is only 3 months old and he immediately wanted to grab her arms and legs and start playing with them like they were toys. He's all boy I tell you!

Baby Josie Kate, one day you will be big enough to take him :) For now, just be your sweet innocent little princess self!

First Visit to the Zoo

Last weekend, Nana, Papa and Auntie B came up to watch Kaden while Kass and I went on an overnight trip to Lake Texoma to celebrate our 7 year wedding anniversary. We were actually booked to stay 2 nights. After seeing the resort in person and having the fire alarm wake us up in the middle of the night, we decided one night was enough. We were ready to get back home to spend time with Kaden and my family.

I have always wanted to take Kaden to the zoo. Practically since he was born. But Kass always reminds me that it will be more fun when he is older. Needless to say, my parents and sister beat me to it. They saddled Kaden up Saturday morning and headed to the Dallas Zoo. From what they tell me, he had fun. I don't doubt it. He got to see lots of new stuff and hang out with a few of his favorite people.

9 months old

Kaden was 9 months old on August 4th but we're just now getting around to the 9 month well check appointment. Thankfully, there were no shots involved today. It was a nice pleasant visit with Dr. Smith. We talked about introducing meats and table foods, which we have already done. He's not picky. But he will not eat baby foods with meat in them. Forget it. I don't blame him. And he refuses to feed himself. Not exactly sure why. He holds his own bottle and likes to be Mr. Independent with everything else. Dr. Smith said it will just come with time and should happen pretty soon. I am ready for it! Here are the stats...

Weight 22 lbs 10 oz 75th percentile

Length 30 inches 90th percentile

He has his 2 front bottom teeth and is working on his top ones. Dr. Smith thinks we'll see 4 new ones really soon. The boy is in to EVERYTHING. Dog bowls. Dog toys. Patch's tail. Pots. Pans. Tupperware. Mom's laptop. Dad's spare change jug. Climbing up the stairs. Crawling through the baby gate when I don't close it properly. Playing with doors. And the stoppers. The remote. Shoes. The diaper champ. Pretty much anything and everything that is in site. He's a boy. Need I say more. He loves bath time, always has. He now stands by the tub while I get the water ready and jumps excitedly. He knows the meaning of "no" but likes to test my patience. He acts like he doesn't know his name when he knows I am about to say "no, don't touch that." He loves, loves, loves his daddy. As soon as Kass walks in the door from work, he darts over to him and climbs up his legs, wanting Kass to pick him up. He loves being thrown way up in the air by Kass. He likes being tossed into a pile of pillows. He likes playing pick-a-boo. He says dada and mama. I am trying to teach him sign language. Started at 6 months and he still laughs at me to this day. Apparently, I am pretty funny when signing. Needless to say, he hasn't signed yet. Nor will he wave hi or bye. He just stares at people!

We had 9 month pictures taken. Here's a little sneak peek. I love the one of Kass and Kaden. They are the light of my life!

the country

That's where Kaden and I spent last week. Kass was working out in his new field in Conroe so Kaden and I stayed with my parents. It was nice. Peaceful. Relaxing. Quiet. Real quiet. No hammering. No sawing. No lawn mowers. Just the way I like it. Simple.

I caught a lizard, only because I had to. It was in the bathroom and I refused to be in there as long as it was. There were lots of them. Jess caught a few. Played with them till they were dead. I thought Kaden might be interested. Not so much. He was more interested in rolling the glass jar around on the tile floor.

We spent lots of time outside in the yard. Swinging. And more swinging. Kaden played in the Scooby Doo pool Nana bought for him. He loves being outside at my parents. He stands at the back door and bangs on it until someone takes him out. My dad tried to defer his attention a couple of times but that only resulted in a fit. So out they went. The dogs love being in the country too. Roaming a fence free yard. Chasing jack rabbits. Barking at cows. Kaden had fun exploring Nana's kitchen. The cabinets. The drawers. And everything in between.

I got a couple of ant bites. Haven't had any in years. Not saying that I like ants, but they just remind me of the country. We visited Kaden's great grandparents. Hung out with cousin Chelsea. Drove Papa around while he moved tractors from place to place to place. Had lunch with Nana at Must Be Heaven. Spent an evening with Grandpa.

I like the country. I like seeing land. Green pastures. Cows. Hay. Barbed wire fences. Dirt roads. Never thought I would say this. But I miss the small town I grew up in. Maybe one day we can return to the simple life. Don't get me wrong, I love where we live now. But everything just seems so fast. ALL. THE. TIME. It's nice to have a place to go when we want a change of pace.

Seven

That's how many years Kass and I have been married. Crazy. I know. It seems like it was just yesterday that we were living the simple life in Lubbock going to Texas Tech. Those were the days. Now. We have a child. Even crazier. I have enjoyed every minute of being married to my wonderful husband. There have been many ups and downs but we have only grown closer through those times. Especially the last year. We were called crazy for uprooting from Denver to move back to Texas with Kass' new job, my career change, a baby on the way, buying and selling homes. Back then, we didn't think anything of it. Looking back, we agree! We were crazy! But we are so happy and this last year of change brought lots of joy to our lives. We have grown to appreciate each other in so many different ways. I am truly looking forward to what the future holds for our family.

Happy Anniversary Babe! I love you!

Lights, Camera, ACTION!

Kass and I had the privilege of seeing his dad in action a few Sundays ago. For nearly six years now, Kevan has been pursuing a dream to work as an actor. He has done several featured films, featured roles in television (we're told that we'll see him on Friday Night Lights in the fall), commercials and industrials but this is the first time that we've been able to see him at work. He was cast as a truck driver and as a doctor in the stage play Just a Few Feet Away. We loved being able to see him in his element. I must confess that I felt a little nervous for him each time his scene was up. Not sure why. He was fabulous! We can't wait to see more of him in the lights.

Congrats Kevan on a job well done!

A huge thank you to my parents for watching Kaden so that we could make the stage play. It's always refreshing to get a little break from being a mom and pretend that you're just on a date with your hubby. I also enjoyed the company of my beautiful sister and Cody. So glad they could make the play as well!