My First!

It's not as perfect as I would like it, but hey not bad for my first one.


Edit: I made one more :)

Crawling! We are almost there!

Caden just started getting on all fours and rocking back and forth. Crawling is just around the corner!

Here is a video of his attempt to crawl. I couldn't get a video of him on all fours, but he does the army crawl pretty good!

Thursday Nights

Thursday nights seem to be Caden's night to sleep. Last night he slept for 10 straight hours! Whoo hoo!! Last Thursday he did the same and two Thursdays before that he slept 8 straight hours. I actually slept last night too! I was exhausted.. the week just caught up with me so I went to bed as soon as Caden was asleep.

I wish he would keep this up.... He has only slept through the night 5 times in his little life so far.

Yay for sleep!

He is growing up too fast!

By no means am I (or should I say we) ready for another baby, but I do miss being pregnant. I miss feeling Caden move inside me, I miss resting my hands on my belly, I miss the anticipation of labor and meeting my son for the first time. This was me right before we left for the hospital the night before Caden was born.

Caden only minutes old

and now nearly 7 months old!!

Caden's first cookie

Trying to drink like a big boy (with the cap on!) haha! He does take sips from my water bottle now and he gets mad if I stop. Quite the temper, I'll tell you.

Here is a new bath time video in his new tub

I LOVE his laugh!

Caden's rash wasn't a rash.....

Caden broke out in what I thought was a rash all over his back two weeks ago today, which was also two days before he came down sick. I did have the doctor look at it when I brought him in while he was sick. She thought it was a heat rash and should clear up in the few days. After almost two weeks his "rash" was not showing any signs of improvement. In fact, it was spreading and looking worse - really dry and it appeared that it was probably itchy. I ended up taking him back to the doctors yesterday. They believe he has eczema! Poor baby! He must have been so itchy for the last two weeks. I knew I should have called sooner. I have to use hydrocortisone cream on it twice a day for a week. If it still does not show any signs of improvement after a week I need to take him back. I also need to use a mild soap and lotion on him moving forward. The doctor gave me some samples of Cedifil (s/p?) which I used last night.

I also lowered Caden's crib last night. I know it is just a matter of time where he'll start pulling himself up and they do these things over night. Did I mention he slept through the night last night? I think that was Caden's Happy Anniversary gift to us. Or maybe he liked his crib lowered or the lotion made him not so itchy? Either way he can keep it up ;) He went to bed around 8:30pm last night. I woke him up to feed him around 5am before I got ready for work. Ryan sent me a text around 6:30am saying he woke up all smiles. I was so sad that I didn't get to see his morning smiles, but I know he needed his sleep.

Did I mention that Caden gave me kisses last night too? It was the cutest thing in the world. He did this on Monday too. Ryan was holding him last night and I walked by them and asked Caden for a kiss. He reached out and pulled my head to his face and gave me an open mouth kiss on my face. It makes my heart melt every time he does this. I love you too my sweet baby boy!

Not me! Monday

This weekend sure did go by fast, didn't it? I never want my weekends to end. I love being home with Caden and Ryan. Saturday was Ryan's birthday. We had a wedding to attend (my best friend's brother). We got there around 7pm, but the bridal party did not show up until after 8pm. While we were waiting I most definitely did not go through all the pictures of Caden in my phone over and over again. I couldn't help myself. I missed him terribly that night. My friend Nina (groom's sister) is 6 months pregnant. She was standing up in the wedding and look absolutely beautiful. She has such a glow to her that I definitely miss. We have a joke that Caden's future wife is in her belly.

Everyone was pretty hungry and anxiously waiting to eat. I felt like I could eat a horse. I did not think about sneaking by the buffet to grab a bread roll. Finally a few people said some words. The mic was handed to the maid of honor and there she pulls out two 8 x 11 pieces of paper. I did not think to myself "you have go to be kidding me?! I'm starving girl!" She was reminicing about every memory her and her sister shared and repeated the word 'awesome' more times than I ever wanted to hear. In all honesty, she loves her sister and she just doesn't want to let go of what they have. It was really sweet looking back, but at the time I did not want to bang my head on the table. By the time we ate it was near 9pm. I most certainly did not fill my plate as if I was eating for two and I was not the first one done with my food at the table. Not me!

We didn't stay long after dinner because Ryan wanted to have a few drinks for his birthday out with his cousin and a few friends. I did not secretly wish he would rather go home and veg. We went out, we made it, and I did not go through all of Caden's pictures once again at the bar. I mean how could I not?

Happy Halloween

Halloween was a busy day with a rough night of sleep. As I thought Caden woke up at 2am and did not want anything to do with sleep until 4am when I gave in and brought him to bed with me. After two hours of trying to let him CIO I couldn't take it anymore. He didn't cry for 2 hours straight - it was on and off. I let him cry for 10 minutes and would go in and rub his tummy. I even picked him up a few times to rock him, but every time I put him down he cried. When I finally brought him to bed he slept until 6:45am. Of course the dog woke me up at 5am to go outside. It never fails, Mia does this every time Caden has a night like that.

We were out of the house by 8:30am to run errands and we went to the Chiropractor. Mommy was in need of serious adjustment. Caden had his 2nd adjustment too! He just smiles at the doctor and lets him do his thing. After he took his nap Ryan and I took him to get his 6 month pictures done. He did good for the first 3 pictures, but after that it was downhill - he just would not cooperate. I'm happy with the 3 that came out though. He looks like such a little man.
By the time evening came around I was just exhausted. I didn't make it over to my SIL's house to see my nephews all dressed up. It was a beautiful Halloween. The weather was great for the kids. I always remember rain or snow and freezing!! It reached 70 yesterday!

Last night Caden did really well sleeping. I actually got just over 8 hours of sleep. He went to bed around 8pm and woke up at midnight to eat. I fed him and put him back down. He cried when I laid him down, but I had to use the bathroom. By the time I was done, which was literally 2 minutes he was fast asleep. He didn't wake up again until 5:30am. He stayed up until 7am and didn't wake up until 8:30am. He is now down for his second nap of the day. I'm really liking this :)

Here are snapshots of Caden in his costume and a few others. You can see his two bottom teeth - especially in the last photo!!

My splasher

Water Aerobics 101

Sleep and pictures

Yay! It's the weekend for me. Tomorrow is Halloween and I'm still undecided on what costume Caden will wear. I guess we'll try them all on and see what fits - then I'll post some pictures.

Caden slept really well last night. He went to bed around 8:45pm and woke up around 2:30am. He only stayed awake for about 10 minutes, and then I woke him up around 5:30am to leave. Tammy said he had a good day today as well. He took two good naps, but of course he won't take his evening nap for Mommy. That means he'll be in bed early tonight, which typically results in frequent wakings and up early. Oy vey!

These pictures are all from when he was not feeling well. Poor little guy.

Not me! Monday

I've decided to join in on the Not me! Monday fun. If you decided to join in too, please make sureyou click on the Not me! Monday button that links back to MckMamma's blog for the rules :)

Last week I was out sick on Wednesday. Ryan had to help his cousin move, so I stayed home with Caden for a few hours in the afternoon. I was feeling miserable with my cold, so I did not sneak out to Kohls and buy some new clothes to help me feel better and not tell anyone.

Caden came down sick and this weekend because he caught Mommy's cold. I felt so bad for my little man and just wanted him to be healthy and happy. I did not give him juice when I said he would not have juice until he was closer to one. (BTW, he loved it!)

I did not cry my eyes out at 4am on Sunday because Caden would not sleep and I wanted Ryan to wake up and let me go to sleep.

I did not Caden watch Baby Einsteins on repeat several times, so I could clean the house on Friday.

I had to have a cyst removed this past Friday and I did not act like the biggest baby when the doctor gave me a shot to numb it. She told me she needed to give me one more shot, but I did not tell her she was crazy if she thought she was going to do that again. She went ahead with the procedure while I was 1/2 numb. Ouch!

The calm before the storm

I've been fighting a cold this week. Ick! Caden not sleeping, me not being able to sleep when Caden finally sleeps - it's been one rough week. I missed a day of work too. I'm still not feeling all that great. I think Caden knew I needed a good night sleep. He slept through the night Thursday night. He slept from 8:30pm - 4:30am - ate and fast asleep again until 7am. He woke up coughing and I just knew he was getting my cold. I had this feeling that God was telling me something - he slept through the night because you are in for a long and tiring weekend. Caden acted fine all day yesterday. A few coughs and sneezes here and there, but when bedtime came around the storm hit - my poor baby is sick. God was sending me a message.

We didn't sleep a wink last night. He is so congested and when he sneezes - snots galore. I took him tot he doctor this morning. Thankfully he is clear of ear infections and his lungs sound good. The pediatrician told me just to watch for a fever, wheezing or tugging at the ears. She said this is probably one of many colds that he will get between now and February. Great! Let's pray she is wrong and this will be his only cold. Poor baby! He hammed it up for the doctor as usual :)

Well, I have lots more updates, pictures and videos to share. I'll be back to post once Caden is feeling better and I'm rested.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers that Caden gets better soon!

Night out on the town

On Saturday I made a last minute decision to go out. Ryan’s younger brother is in town from the Navy and I imagine won’t see much of him when he leaves as he’ll be stationed in Hawaii. I tired from the rough night with Caden and it is SO hard to leave him overnight. I know my MIL takes great care of him, but I just have a hard time being away from him. I always feel like something is missing. Naturally.

I’m glad I went though. We all had a really nice time. It was nice to get out and talk amongst adults, have a few drinks and laugh. We didn’t get home until after 2am and I was up at 6am and then 7:30am – just couldn’t sleep. So, I’m paying for it now. It’s Monday and I’m still paying for it. Caden didn’t sleep well last night either, so as usual I’m sleepy. I’m pretty much used to be tired now except I hate that feeling where you feel like you need toothpicks to keep your eyes open.

It turns out I forgot to pack something extremely important for my baby.Bottles. How the eff do you forgot to bring bottles? MIL had to run to Meijer at 1:30am. Not only did I feel just awful about that – I felt like a bad mom for forgetting something so important. Sometimes I feel like I have no brains left these days.
Here are a few pictures from our night out. Ignore the dufis who got in the way of a really nice picture of Ryan and me.

Look at this face!

This face makes days easy... even when running on fumes.

Sleep deprived

Well last night was the complete opposite then Caden's sleeping through the night before. He woke up at 1:30am when Ryan was getting ready to leave for work. I thought if I nursed him he would fall right back to sleep like he normally does. No such luck. He was squealing, chirping, crying, back to squealing, chirping.. I'm sure you get my drift - until 4am! At that point I just gave in and pulled him into bed with me. He woke me up at 5:30am because he was tossing and turning. Then he woke up at 6:30am to eat and again at 7:30am for the morning.

Mommy is T I R E D.

the end.

Happy 6 Months Baby Boy!

You are 6 months old today! I can't believe it. A 1/2 year has come and gone. I can't imagine how fast the next 6 months will pass. I don't want you to grow up. Mommy wants to keep you 6 months old forever ;) For your 1/2 year birthday you decided you would sleep in. You slept from 8:30-4:30am. After you ate you fell back asleep until 7:30am! I hope you enjoyed your sleep - Mommy knows she did. Don't be afraid to do that every night :) It's good for you and everyone around you. You are such a sweet and happy baby. Mommy and Daddy love you SO much! You bring so much happiness to our lives and you make everything worth it, so thank you for that. We love you baby boy! XOXOXOXO

**

By 5 months

Most babies should be able to . . .
Roll over - Yes
Do small mini push ups - Yes
Pay attention to small objects held in front of his or her face - All the time
Reach out for objects - Yes
Grasp a rattle or toy - Yes - you love your toys!

Some babies will probably be able to . . .
Hold head level with body when pulled to sit - Yes
Make razzing sound - Yes, but you don't do this much anymore
Turn to new sounds - Yes - we all just love your singing, chirping and squealing
Recognize own name - Most days

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .
Get upset if you take a toy away - Yes, you were doing this at 4 months old
Pass object from one hand to the other - Yes
Pull up to standing position from sitting - No
Try to get toy or object that is out of reach - Yes
Sit momentarily without support - for a nanosecond until the day before you turned 6 months
Repeat sounds like ma-ma-ma-ma or da-da-da-da - No
Separation and stranger anxiety may begin - No

**

By 6 Months

Most babies should be able to . . .
Keep head level when pulled to sitting position - Yes
Sit momentarily with minimal support - Yes
Roll back in forth in both directions - Yes
Imitate sound and facial expressions - Yes
Reach for and grabs objects and toys - Yes

Some babies will probably be able to . . .
Sit without support - as of the day before you turned 6 months (yesterday) only for 1 minute
Feed self a cracker - haven't tried this yet (Mommy is afraid you will choke)
Get upset if you take a toy away - Yes
Pull up to standing position from sitting - on your own? No
Work at getting a toy that is out of reach - Yes
Repeat sounds like ma-ma-ma-ma or da-da-da-da - when your hand is in your mouth and your talking it sounds like you are saying Mum

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .
Start crawling - No
Get into a sitting position from stomach - No
Say mama or dada - No
Pick up small objects with fingers - using your raking grasp you can
Babble and combine two syllable sounds - No
Separation and stranger anxiety may begin - No

Six month appointment and more..

Caden had his 6 month appointment today. He is two days shy of 6 months today - almost a 1/2 of a year ~ can you believe it? He weighed in at 17lbs 1oz and is 25 inches long. His head circumference was 17 inches. (2lb 1oz gain, 1.5 inch increase since 4 months). The doctor said he is growing beautifully. She showed me the chart and where he stands and he is right on the marker. I talked to her about my concerns on how fussy Caden can be for the sitters when it's time to take his bottle. It seems like he has more bad days then good days where he won't take much. On bad days he may only drink 4-8 oz while I am away during a 10 hour stretch. On a good day he'll take about 13oz. The doctor believes it can be due to teething or because he prefers the breast. She said most BF babies act this way towards bottles. She also said not to be concerned because if he was really hungry he would definitely eat. In addition, he is growing perfectly and because he is mostly BF I should not count ounces. If he wasn't gaining weight, then she would be concerned.

I've been reading Babies First Year and read that you can start offering juice at this age, but I'm just not ready to give him juice. In all honesty I want to wait until he is at least a year old. The doctor was fine with that. She told me to do whatever I feel is best. I don't want to feed him meat out of the jars either. Eck! It looks disgusting. She gave us some pointers on making our own baby meat, so we can control what is in there. We agreed to go that route and to start introducing meats when he is 7-8 months old. She didn't seem to concerned that he wasn't eating a lot of cereal either. I've read that BF babies need cereal/oatmeal, green veggies and meat to provide iron after 4 months.

Caden just LOVES to show off for the doctor. She laid him down on his back and he immediately rolled over to his tummy with such strength. Then he started scooting towards the stethoscope she had laying on the table. THEN he started moving around in a circle on his belly. It was SO cute and she was thoroughly impressed with him. WTG Caden!! He did get one shot and only cried for less than 30 seconds. He is getting better each time we go.

Finally we discussed Caden's waking up during the night. He still wakes up 2-3 times a night. I read in Babies First Year he really should be sleeping through the night and should not need to eat during the night either. I know that he has trouble soothing himself back to sleep and likes to nurse. IMO, I am enabling a bad habit. It's just so much easier to nurse him back to sleep than to let him cry. The pediatrician said she agrees he is waking up to nurse and that is what comes with BFing and motherhood. She said if he is one years old and still doing this THEN we can talk. What? A year?? I really don't think I'll be BFing that long, but who knows. I change my mind all the time. It's a lot harder to stop then I thought. I dont' know if I am ready to lose that part of our relationship. Maybe he will self-wean by 9-10 months? Knowing Caden he won't. He is a boob man. No more doctors until he is 9 months old!

Over the last couple of days Caden has discovered a few things. The funny part is EVERY time I read something on my mommy site about what their little ones are doing - Caden does them within a week.

~He has discovered he can scream at the top of his lungs. He only did it one day this week, but it was so funny. He would scream like something was wrong and then smile.

~He is starting to pull on the diaper tabs every time I put a new diaper on him.

~Yesterday in the tub he discovered his "doodle and friends".

~Today he started panting like he was out of breath. Since Mommy and Daddy thinks it is so funny he won't stop.

I forgot to mention that I took today off of work. We had a rough night of sleep the night before and Ryan had to fix his breaks on his car today. It just made sense to stay home, sleep in, and spend time with Caden :) Although Caden did wake up twice last night he didn't wake up for the morning until 7:30am. Here are a few pictures from today.