Happy Half Birthday!

I can't believe it! Caden is six months old! We had a good report from the doctor. He is 15 lb. 12 oz.and 25.75 in. long. This puts him in the 25% on the growth chart in both catagories. This is good because at his last visit he was 20%. He's still making good progress! The doctor also said he is above average in development. This makes me happy because 12 weeks in the NICU has not caused in developmental set backs. Nathan said that Caden did 5 of his "tricks" all in a row for the doctor right at the same time he had started asking Nathan questions about Caden's development. He said, "Daddy," clapped his hands, waved, sat up by himself, and grabbed a paper and pulled it towards himself as if he was showing off for the doctor.

It's amazing how quickly he changes and learns. Just within the last couple of weeks I can tell a difference in the way he plays with his toys and "travels." For example, he has some little stuffed fishes that he likes to scoot around a gather up. And he is getting on all fours now and rocking back and forth. He'll be crawling in no time!

The first picture is of the first time Caden sat up by himself while playing with a toy about a week ago. This is his favorite toy for the past month. The second picture is of him sleeping with his bottom in the air in his robot pj's. He loves to sleep on his tummy even though I try to keep him on his back.

The First Word

It's official. I've lost. Nathan and I have been "training" Caden to say Mama and Dada in hopes that our name would be said before the other. Last Monday Nathan called me after I got off of work to make the big announcement that Caden had said "Dada" a few times. Of course I said I didn't believe him. But then when I got home, Caden started babbling away. He had definetly discovered the "d" sound and was on a roll. Then sure enough, "Dada." The two syllables together and separate from any other sounds. He repeated it several other times. Nathan ran victory laps around the house gloating while Hailey chased him. It was quite a show. Of course I was pouting in defeat.

Then Nathan says,"Oh, by the way. Caden rolled over from back to tummy today." I couldn't believe I missed another first! Caden's been rolling over from tummy to back for quite some time. He had been so close to rolling over the opposite way for about a week. He finally made it!

It was a big day at our house!

Easter Bluebonnets

Every Easter for the last few years my family has gone to take pictures in the bluebonnets on Melody Lane. The kids get dressed up in their Easter clothes for the occassion. It was even more special for me this year because I had a little one of my own to take to the bluebonnets! Caden did a great job smiling. And sweet little Hope is always trying to give him a hug. Check out the picture where her arm is around him. They are already buds!

Milestones

Wow! It's been a while since I updated the blog. It seems like so much has happened over the last few weeks!

1. Caden finally doubled his birth weight last week! He's 14 pounds!

2. On March 8, Caden starting clapping! Now he won't stop! He claps all day long! I'll lay him down for a nap, and when I go to check on him he's just clapping away!

3. My favorite first happened yesterday. Caden started giving kisses! He grabbed my face and slobbered all over me. He did this several different times. This morning he gave me another kiss!

4. For the last few weeks he has been able to push up when he's on his tummy. He's getting so much stronger.

5. Toys! He is really starting to love toys. He has always enjoyed playing with toys, but now he is taking a more active role. He's learned how to push the buttons and move the parts. He likes anything that talks or sings.

6. We participated in our first CF Foundation fundraiser. Nathan joined the Memorial Hermann Wellness Center's team for a field day where teams competed against each other in games such as tug-o-war. It was a beautiful day! I've included a picture of Caden at the event. Man his hair looks red in the picture! He has some red tones to his hair, but he's not a true red head.

7. Speaking of hair, Caden has already had 3 haircuts within the first 4 months of his life! Tomorrow he'll be 5 months old and he's due for another haircut! His hair has also changed colors several times. It was dark brown, then it lightened up a lot. Then it started looking red, and now it's a light brown.

The Weekend Is Over :(

The past couple of weeks have been a bit crazy. I went back to work. It's difficult to be away from Caden, but we're making it work. The good news is Caden is still just as happy as can be! It doesn't matter if he's with me, Nathan, or Mamama, he seems to always have a good day. He is truly a good baby. If he's not sleeping or eating, he's either playing or content to just relax. He's not really fussy unless he's falling asleep or asking to eat. I'm thankful for his sweet nature.

Last week we had a special treat. Didi, Nathan's mom, was able to come to our house and keep Caden for the day. They had a great time together.

Star, Stephen, and the kids are officially back in Houston. Madison is enjoying her new school. She was so cute when I talked to her on the phone. She was excited about her first day, but had one major concern. She was in a panic because she did not know cursive like the other students. I was the hero when I offered to share my handwriting book with her.

Star, Jackson, and Hope came down to see my grandmother when my mom was keeping Caden. When they walked in Hope, who's 11 months old, squealed in excitement when she saw Caden. She was in Star's arms and was desperately reaching forward to hug him. They let Hope give him a hug. She put her head on his chest and grinned. All the while Caden had a huge smile on his face. I can't wait for them to get to play together. They're already buds.

Next week Caden goes to the doctor. I can't wait to see how much he weighs! It's been 3 weeks since we last checked. His double chin is getting bigger, and he has some lines on his thighs where rolls will soon appear. I have a good feeling we'll be pleased!

A Day of Fun

Yesterday was a big day! Caden went to his very first birthday party at Gymboree. It was Clara's 2 year birthday. The picture is of Caden, Carson, and Laney. Carson, Jaime's little boy, is Caden's buddy. Carson has been playing in Caden's room since the summer. He likes Caden's "big cars." Laney, Nikki's little girl, is the "older woman" that Caden has his eye on. She sure is pretty!

After the party we went to see Nathan at the firestation for the very first time. Caden enjoyed "driving" the fire engine. I know Caden will enjoy visiting his Daddy at work as he grows up!

A Great Week

This past week has been a lot of fun with Caden. He has been changing so much. He laughs longer and harder when he's tickled or when he thinks we're "funny." It just makes my heart melt. He also started rolling over from tummy to back! He's such a big boy. We can tell that he is even more attached to us and more aware of us and his surroundings. It's fun to watch him grow.

We went to get his picture made for the first time. He was a superstar model. We have the cutest pose where he is flirting with the camera. I'll try to scan it in so I can post it.

We've also gone to the doctor a couple of times this past week. All reports have been good. Today he was weighed and he is now a whoppin' 11 pounds 3 ounces!! He gained a pound in 5 days. This makes me so happy because our big goal right now is to catch him up to his ideal weight.

One last thing, this is an exciting time for my family because Star (my sister), Stephen, Madison, Jackson, and Hope are moving back to Houston on Valentine's Day!!!! Stephen is going to be the music minister at First Baptist Houston! Everything has fallen into place perfectly. It is definetly a blessing from God! I can't wait for Caden to get to play with his cousins more often!

I've included a picture of Grandmama (Caden's Greatmama) holding Caden for the very first time. Unfortunatley she is unable to leave her house so she has not been able to see him while he was in the hospital. It was so much fun bringing him over for the first time. There's also a picture of his Aunt Star and cousin Madison.