Kindergarten

I'm absolutely certain . . .

 

That if my heart decided to leap out of my chest . . .

 

 

And go to kindergarten . . .

 

 

It would look exactly like this . . .

 

I'm SO proud of this kid. Happy first day of big-kid school, K man!





This Summer

Life's been hectic and these hot summer days have flown by unimaginably fast.  There's a lot going on and some very major challenges await us in the coming months but for now there's this . . .

 
 

 

 

 

 Good times!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!

Kaden turned 5 today and we spent the whole day together celebrating . . .

And the smiles . . . oh, the smiles! Our hearts just soared all day.   We love you so much, sweet boy!

Father's Day 2013

I cannot even begin to tell you . . .

 

how much I love these faces.

 



Happy Father's Day to the best man, friend, husband, daddy on Earth!

School's Out For Summer!

 

Today was Kaden's last day of school.  Since his birthday is only a week away, his classmates sent him off with a cupcake party. 



Meanwhile, home at the ranch . . .

 

Both of these pictures were taken today. I swear.  Did these two come up with some kind of photo ear-pulling signal when I wasn't looking?  Siblings. They already have their secrets.

Happy Days

These are happy days . . .

full of exploration . . .

learning . . .

 

 

smiles . . .



and, for one little girl, accessories.

 

 





This girl goes crazy for hats, bracelets and sunglasses. She doesn't get it from me and I find it so adorably, wonderfully her. Even more endearing is that she's otherwise pretty rough and tumble with a good baseball arm and a wicked soccer kick. She's a girly-girl-tomboy. I love it.

 

And Kaden is blowing me away on so many fronts. School has been a really great thing for him and he seems to truly like it. He starting to walk around school like he owns the place, even balancing a backpack. Check him out . . .

 

My little caterpillar is becoming a butterfly.  He seems to have really bonded with Sarjeet, the woman spotting him in the videos.  Did you catch how he looked up to her and reached for her hand when he saw the big kids coming? I love to see my boy connecting with others. Progress. Major.

 

Yes, these are very happy days.

Spring Update

I'm really trying hard to remember that it's officially Spring because it still feels like winter -- temperatures in the 30s and coughs/sniffles that we just can't shake.  I've neglected the blog but with good reason, our home has been a non-stop infirmary for well over a month. It's been Survival-Mode City here, folks.  But that doesn't mean we've not had fun and smiles and milestones.

I think it's time for a photo recap:

So, yeah, there's been lots of this . . .

But even these shots are related to big milestones. Kaden has successfully transitioned to his first big boy bed. It's a twin with lots of pillows and plush jersey and velour linens so he gets enough sensory input to feel relaxed, comfy and cozy. He loves it. And we love being able to take turns snuggling up in bed with him. As for Sydney, she's learning to express herself so well.  When she gets congested she says "I sickie inna face."  I kid you not.  Whole sentences brimming with her own unique way of putting things. It's so, so adorable. Another gem is that she's taken to saying "thanks much" instead of "thank you."  Where did she get that?

And when everyone was feeling a little better, we got a little of this . . .

Did I mention the tooth fairy's been visiting us lately? Kaden lost his two bottom front teeth (another one has gone since this photo was taken). They were the first teeth that grew in at around 6 or 7 months old and they were the first ones to go to make room for his adult teeth.  My gosh, it's all going by so fast!

Kaden's starting to look so grown up . . .

And so, so much like his daddy.

Aside from getting sick a few times, he's doing really great with school.  He's doing far more independent walking and just seems more engaged with others and the environment. He also seems to be gaining confidence and more willingness to try things that are hard for him.  We've seen lots of really joyful smiles on his face lately and that, my friend, is awesome.

 

Sydney is also learning so many new things . . .





like feeding herself (she absolutely insists);

brushing her teeth (still not a favorite);

and even starting to practice (clothes on) with the potty.

And have I ever mentioned what a character she is?

 

So, despite a rough month, we're still happy and smiling.



Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!

2 Years Old!! It takes my breath away.  My baby is a big girl! A sweet, smart, funny, quirky, strong and beautiful little lady . . .

And despite a very sleepless night before (we've all been pretty sick recently but that's a story for another time), she woke up happy and ready to celebrate turning TWO.

 

Minnie and Daisy joined the celebration . . .

And Sydney got her princess on . . .



 



She had a really great day of love and smiles and fun and presents. And when daddy got home it was time to get dressed up in her brand new patent leather "birday shoohs" that she LOVES and has been practicing wearing for a week.  Ready to party!

(a few side notes about this pic - as much as I would love to put a pretty barrette in her hair or put it in pigtails or basically anything other than having it all down in her face - Sydney is NOT havin' it. She's really very unequivocal about it. Another thing she's unequivocal about: pacifiers.  She's not ready to let go.  Do you see the death grip she has on that back-up paci? Oh, my sweet girl!)

 

Happy Birthday, Sydney Belle! We love you, Sweetpea! 

 

SCHOOL!!!

Today, my friends, has been a VERY big day for this family . . .

 

It's official - Kaden is a school kid! He's ready! He's excited!  And according to early reports from his teacher, Miss Debbie, he's already doing great! 

 

We are SO PROUD of you, Kaden. You're gonna ROCK pre-school!