26 FABULOUS YEARS

And Bryan's surprise party theme... Diet Pepsi! We surprised Bryan--as much is possible--with a little Pepsi Party with fam and Colvins. Caden looks more surprised than him. :) Caden has developed a new "cheeser" smile. He squints, shows his two teeth, and growls. It makes him look like The Brain, from Pinky and The Brain. He's awesome.Bry's special stash...lots and lots of Pepsi from his mommy and Megan.Les with the Kiddies. Megan was awesome and helped me with the cake. Well, basically, she did most of it and I just helped decorate it. Thank you Megan!On Bry's actual birthday we were able to go out just the two of us before Bry had to get a presentation ready. We had a great night on the town. Hopefully Bry had a wonderful, Pespi- filled birthday because we love him and he deserves nothing but the best. :)

Really?!?

Just some stories that have made us laugh:
Number One:
We were out the other day and a girl, about 12, came up to us and asked, "does your baby have cancer?"
I can't help but laugh, "No, no he is just bald."
"Bald? Really? He doesn't have cancer? He just doesn't have hair?"
"Yes."
"Weird."

Number Two:
I'm getting Caden's immunizations and a hispanic lady who doesn't speak very good English falls in love with Caden. She was very nice, but I'm not a huge fan of strangers touching my kid. She kept trying to take him, and kiss his little hands. Luckily, Megan was with me and is much better at ignoring it. So Caden starts screaming (pretty typical) because he's excited over something and I say, "Oh Heaven."
The hispanic lady says, "Heaven? Awwwwh, you named your baby Heaven!"
At this exact moment as he's yelling at the top of his lungs I'm thinking...YEAH RIGHT! "Ohhh no, no I didn't. He is just Caden."
Dejected, "Oh, that's too bad."

Things I Cannot Live Without.

My best buddy, Kristen, tagged me to take photos each day of the week of THINGS I can't live without. Baby boy and hubby are a given. :)Sewing Machine: Can't live without a little creativity.Great Wall of Toys: Our friends call our study Disney Land. Thanks to Walt Disney, aka Aunt Tami, it's where we spend most of our days playing. Squeeky Eggs: This is Caden's absolute favorite toy lately. I'm pretty sure my child is a candidate for ADHD pills; This is the one toy that keeps his attention for more than 5 minutes. Clorox Anywhere: Out of all my cleaning products this is my favorite! Since I have an all day tag along, it's the safest way to clean. And I love how fresh everything smells when I'm done. Touchy-Feely Books: We love to climb into the rocking chair and read together. The Park: Now that it's nice out again we live for days at the park. We watch the ducks and play on the swings.Lois Hill Earrings: Since becoming a mom my hair is up in a pony tail more days than not, which means that I have a new found love of everyday earrings. These are one of the pairs I cannot live without.

Now I tag: Katie Sabin, Amy Hulbert, Tami Larsen, Lesley Colvin, Melissa Hancock, Anna Ledebuhr, Andrea Barnes.

Creating.

My latest creation...potholders.

I love new projects that allow me to be creative in the design. These potholders were so easy and fun because the fabric will brighten up my kitchen! I want to make matching towels next.
Erika came over for a visit this week. Her, Jarom, and Lauren babysat for us, giving us a much needed night out. Bryan took the MPRE on Saturday (which is part of passing the bar), and has been so busy with school. Unfortunately, it will only get worse til finals. Fortunately, then summer is here!

Caden also had his 9 month check up last week. Stats: 18 pounds 3 ounces * 27 3/4 inches

Little Dude * Big Personality

Really?!?

And so it begins...I turn my back for one minute to start washing his bathtub and turn around for this. I thought it was funny so instead of stopping him, I ran for my camera. I will probably regret encouraging this the next time he tries it, but oh well; I was living in the moment. And please don't call CPS on me. I washed his hands immediately after seeing my kid remotely close to the toilet. YUCK!
And here are some more of bath time. These days no one walks away dry.

And yes, for anyone who was wondering, this boys consumes my days.

lately.

We went to California over Bryan's placement break for some interviews and to visit family. I'm pretty sure that the highlight of Caden's trip was the french fries grandma and bumpa gave him, and the SWING. Tami has the best tire swing and baby swing on her property.

He LOVED it!!! He giggled for about 45 minutes straight.

And apparently we weren't giving him enough of a rush so he held his head down. This kid is fearless. Then Bryan went with him on the tire swing; he LOVED that too!

When we had to go he was pretty disappointed. And I can't believe I'm saying this, but these are the only pictures I took from our trip...I'm off my game lately.The week before we had a wonderful visit from my mom. Caden became pretty attached to her. We loved having you mom; thanks for coming!!!!! Lastly, Caden has experienced getting taken out by his little girl friend. She thinks he's a pony, and it's quite funny.

Baby Mozart

Eight Months Old

*crawls EveryWhere, climbs stairs, stands, and gets into EveRyTHiNg!

*babbles, sticks out his tongue constantly, and got his 1st Tooth.

*had his first incounter with the toilet. mom was not as happy as he was about that.

*loves playing the piano.