Caden, the blog hog

Some days I wonder what this blog would look like without its 3rd civilian. I'm sure it would be pretty bare. Nonetheless, that is why you keep coming back for a visit to Carnesville. Right?! Either way, it  will be interesting to see how things change over the next several months as our 4th civilian enters town. I simply cannot wait to stop calling Baby Carnes 'it' and start calling him or her, 'him' or 'her.' We leave tomorrow for vacation and could not be more excited. Britton and I went on a week long vacation to the beach the first year we were married and have always done something for our Anniversary, but we realized this is our first family vacation with just the 3 of us. We have been going with extended family to the beach, which is an awesome thing (built in babysitters, family time, etc.), but we are so looking forward to this time. Britton and I will also celebrate our 4th Anniversary while gone. Crazy how the time flies. We are hoping to finally find out if Baby Carnes is a boy or girl, so stay tuned for that awesome update. Oh how I can't wait for the warmer weather, good food, family time, and the sand between my freshly painted toes! On to Caden, the blog hog.

It looks like we're in a building, but we're actually riding the bus. This was a very rare day where everyone could actually sit down on the bus and no one was standing. Usually, we are packed in there like a bunch of sardines, so to get this photo across the bus was fortunate. Caden likes to ride the bus as long as he's with his daddy. He's too wiggly with me. I'm not sure what we'll do when we have a car seat again. I rather like hopping on the bus or in a taxi then jumping out.

Our house helper was gone one day, so we decided to go out for lunch with some of our friends. We went to this 'BBQ' place where we had roasted lamb skewers that were so very yummy along with this huge bread. Caden seemed to enjoy it.

We all thought this picture was hilarious as Britton chowed down on his bread with lamb skewer in hand. I'm glad he's not easily angered.

Right now in our language studies, we go out for an hour every day to practice language. Most of the places I go, we pass by this little restaurant that has a little girl a month older than Caden that lights up when she seems him. They always exchange a few smiles and draw a huge crowd. For some reason, every time we pass by there are new people interested in Caden, and they all ask how old he is then comment how tall he is and how big his feet are. At least he could care less about what they say.

Oh look! A picture without Caden! I received a lovely package last week with these beautiful presents in it from my parents for my birthday. I was so happy just to see the pretty wrapping paper that said in english, 'Happy Birthday.' It's the simple things in life.

This face cracks me up every time I look at it. I forgot my card to get in the door to our building this particular day, so we were waiting for Britton to get home. I'm pretty sure he's thinking, "Mom, stop taking pictures and open this door. I'm sick of waiting." The kid does not like to wait on anything. I'm pretty sure he got that from my dad. He's also wearing his 'Big Brother in Charge" shirt that Britton's mom got him.

I feel like this is kind of an awkward picture, but Caden does this several times during the day and it's sweet when he does. He won't always give us kisses, but he will always give the baby a kiss. He seems to understand something is actually going on in there that he must be extra careful with.

Britton and I both have some spending money every month, and I really wanted Dairy Queen this day. So, I treated them to a trip. We tried to get another picture of Caden sitting in the 'C' at the mall.

This kid loves an oreo blizzard. Lucky for him, his daddy is willing to share with him unlike his pregnant, not-willing-to-share mommy.

Adios Carnesville, hello beach!

Pa & Gou

Yes, a strange title. Allow me to explain. Pa and Gou are the 2 most precious things in Caden's life right now. Yes, food, sleep, attention, and his parents are perks, but life cannot go on without Pa and Gou. We have spent many hours looking for these 2 items because a screaming kid named Caden just can't go to bed without them. Allow me to explain. Pa is Caden's passie (he has had several, so fortunately there is no one special passie...there just needs to be one in his mouth). Gou (pronounced 'go'; sometimes gou gou...it's the local language here for the word 'dog') is his puppy dog that has turned into his baby (if you know me, you know what I mean). 'Pa' & 'Gou' are the names Caden calls them and consquently what we call them. Growing up, 'Baby' was my special something that I could not do without. A lot has happened because of her...my mom went to get her at 10:00pm one night after leaving her somewhere. She also received a ticket another time for running a red light after I left my baby at my sister's eye appointment only to realize it after pulling in our garage right when we got home. My mom was actually the one to send us this puppy at Christmas. It was coincidentally a free gift with his Christmas pj's...what are the odds? You try to give your kids sweet things they will be comforted by, and they care nothing about it. They only care about the freebie gift. Either way, Gou has made a special place in Caden's heart. One of his ears is already unattached from his head, and one of his eyes is falling out. He's loved. My mom keeps telling us to get a back up because she remembers the hard times she has gone through, but I keep telling her you can't replace that special item. I very rarely see myself in Caden, but this is one area that is uncanny how much I see myself in him. Again, if you knew me growing up, you will see it too!

When we give Caden his puppy, he immediately puts him to his nose and just smells him. I did the exact same thing. I use to give my baby to my parents when something was wrong and said, "Here, sniff Baby...she'll give you power." It's just a comforting thing. Baby always comforted me and smells like home. Everyone else thought she smelled terrible. I never understood them until now...Caden's dog smells awful. He does the same thing where he will stick his dog in my face for me to smell (especially if I'm sad or hurt...it's too cute), but he smells horrible! I think it's a mixture between dirt and slobber. Oh well, can't take away his love (note: I do give the dog a bath every now and then...of course, when Caden is asleep and has no idea Gou is gone). I used to suck on my fingers while sniffing baby...Caden sucks on his passie (or 'Pa') while sniffing Gou. Yeah, yeah, I'm sure the kid will have braces because of it, and we're trying to wean him off of the passie, but right now it keeps life sane, at least at bed time.

I also used to balance things...many things (anything from stuffed animals all the way to a rocking chair!) on my feet. Caden has been doing this for a long time. He balances anything from stuffed animals, to books, to his toy car. I think the rocker is coming soon.

Caden is growing so fast. He's now tall enough to open most any door, which opens a whole new realm of roaming. Of course, though, gou is right next to him, ready to escape too.

Pa and Gou...just precious. Caden also prefers wrapping his fingers around one of Gou's legs.

My little boy is so big.

Sound asleep for nap time with Gou wedged in his nose. This was today...I went in his room, and he was breathing in Gou's smell as hard as he could. Just too sweet. The blanket he is laying on was Britton's when he was little, and the blanket in the far right of the picture that he is covered up with was my blanket growing up.

If you are still reading, bless you. This was truly a reminiscent post that only a few people will probably smile at, but I love how something so simple as this is passed along with no effort. Call us crazy for allowing him to be so attached, but sometimes life just calls for a 'gou.' What was your Gou?

Mother's Day & The Big 2-6

At least I'm still in the same month as these special holidays. A little over a week ago. we celebrated Mother's Day and my 26th birthday. We had some friends over Mother's Day morning and had a sweet time together. In an effort to avoid all the mothers cooking lunch like normal, we opted out by ordering pizza from Pizza Hut. In our city, this is a real treat as it is more costly and just out of the way to get. Everyone just chowed down while chatting with one another and delighting in the break from cooking. That afternoon, Britton and Caden took me to Dairy Queen, another sweet treat and literally. When I got home, Britton and Caden gave me some beautiful roses (sorry, no picture) and wonderfully scented soap...that's really hard to find here. I got to use the soap that week when I went to a friend's house to take a bath. Yes, that's right, a bath. The people here only take showers, and our bathroom is really tiny to fit a tub even if we wanted it. My friend has a bathtub and has offered it anytime. I woke up really sore one day and took her up on the offer. It was so nice to soak and relax in a tub and use my lovely scented soap. Thanks friend for the relaxation and chat time! Back to Mother's Day. It was nice just to spend the day with my 2 men and relax. It's also nice to feel Baby Carnes kicking me all the time. He/she is quite active, and I'm reminded of the joys of motherhood yet again. I think my favorite part of the day (not to say I don't like other parts) is going in Caden's room when he is asleep and just looking at how he has grown. Every day he seems to fill up his crib more and more. I remember when we first got here, he couldn't even walk, and now, he's running everywhere and talking in 2 languages.

Later in the week was my birthday. Mine and Britton's Anniversary is coming up, so he has quite the month planning stuff. On the day of my birthday, we had language study, but Britton was creative and utilized our required time to go out and practice language to also double as a good time to get a massage :o). A 1 1/2 to 2 hour good massage here costs us about $10 each :o). There is conveniently a great massage place in our complex that we also went to for Britton's birthday. We practiced our language with our friends while enjoying the relaxation of a massage. That night we got KFC so I wouldn't have to cook. Again, it might not seem like much, but the day was simply wonderful knowing I didn't have to prepare anything. On Saturday, we went shopping but struck out trying to find what we were looking for, so I went back out on Sunday by myself to shop. I love my son, but it's nice to get to go out without him because I get so much less attention from people saying how cute he is and wanting to take his picture. I also get to avoid any temper tantrums due to tiredness or hunger. I finally found the genuine crocs store I was looking for and delighted in listening to the American music I heard while looking. Once Caden woke up, we went to a restaurant supply store where I got some more stuff for my kitchen. All in all, 2 great holidays made special by my 2 great men.

Caden was not exactly in the smiling mood, but I had to get a picture with him on Mother's Day.

He was really sweet though in giving me a bunch of kisses and hugged me for a long time.

On Mother's Day, I was 19 weeks. Wow, nearly half way already! The time is flying!

At the mall, getting dairy queen. We tried taking a photo with Caden sitting in this 'C,' but Britton is kind of covering up the opening of the C, making it look like an 'O.' Oh well, the ice cream was yummy :o)

On my birthday, our sweet friends came over for lunch and brought me my favorite chocolate cake she makes. She even sacrificed her precious American ingredients to go in it...truly made with love. That cake lasted maybe 2 days.

These pictures are off my ipod, so not great quality. This is the morning after my birthday. He was actually snuggly, so we just sat there together enjoying the morning.

That night, I tried a new dinner creation. I made homemade bagels then made them into pizza bagels. I really liked them...my toughest critic, Britton, thought they were ok. The most fun part was making a picnic out of it. I laid a blanket down, and we watched a movie while we ate. Of course, it would not be our family, if Caden didn't step on the remote at the very end of the movie and mess up the dvd player. That's how life goes :o) I was able to fix it after he went to bed though...and also fixed one of our speakers, so something good came out of it :o)

This was 2 days after my bday and actually my mom's birthday! We were at a friend's house when he grabbed this dog (his favorite) and made this hilariously goofy face. He looks like a real toddler. Happy Birthday Mom! I was half my mom's age for 2 days. When I was born, my mom was 26, then 2 days later had her birthday when she brought me home from the hospital. Funny that now I'm the same age and pregnant with my 2nd child.

Had to get a shot of him in his first big brother shirt that Britton's mom sent us. I said his shirt should say, "First Born in charge." Right now, he thinks he rules the house because of the constant attention he gets from our house helper and tutor. We have to try very hard to remind him he is not the center of the universe. His hand is blurry because he is waving really hard after I told him to say, Happy Birthday Gammy! He said 'happy' then waved.

And finally, my main gift I got to pick out...a new pair of crocs that are really comfy. Ready to go!

Thanks to all who made these days special and Happy Mother's Day to our wonderful mothers who are so supportive and loving to us no matter where we are in the world. We love you Tammy (aka Gammy) and Donna (aka Mimi)!

Outside Fun

Since we are in language class all week, we try to take the weekends to get out in the city and enjoy the beautiful weather. The last few weekends, we have enjoyed some fun sights around town. Here's some snapshots.

This is a time Caden and I were out taking a walk to the river. Our city has a perfect breeze to go along with the sun.

All over our city are these cool smooth stones next to stairs. It's a great slide for kids....and Britton :o)

Next to the stairs was this beautiful tea house. We didn't have any tea there, but it was a beautiful place to take pictures.

This was another day that we went to KFC. Our city's only western 'fast food' is KFC and Pizza Hut. Although limited choices, it's always nice not to have to cook.

We have a park about 15 minutes from our apartment that Caden loves and so do we. It's free admission (although all the rides cost money) and huge for Caden to run around. We came here the first time back in December when it was super cold and most of the rides were closed, but it was nice this time to come when it was warmer and all open. As soon as we walked in, this guy was trying to sell a bubble machine (of which we did not buy), and Caden absolutely loved chasing the bubbles.

Caden's first ride was a water ride. It went nice and slow and had a little ramp (in the background) to go down. Caden seemed to really enjoy it.

I love my smiling little boy.

Next stop was the teacups that Britton and Caden had all to themselves. Who needs Disney?!

close-up. I love these men.

The carousel was the only ride open last time, and Caden enjoyed it then. So, we let him ride it again and he enjoyed it once again. It amazes me looking back at the picture I took in December of him riding this same horse...he's so much bigger!

We rode one more ride that was a little faster, and the moment we got off, he started to cry. At first, we thought it might have scared him, but shortly after, I was convinced he just wanted to ride more rides. I guess we spoiled him with 4 rides. Had to get a classic crying photo. Time for a nap.

On the way to the park, Caden proudly walked holding mine and Britton's hands. It was sweet and cute (wish I had a photo of it), but on the way home, he wanted nothing to do with our hands. After refusing and standing his stubborn ground, Britton decided to move things a long by hoisting Caden on his shoulders. He seemed to enjoy the world better up there.

Had to include a short video for you. This was leaving the park with Caden walking/running around. I love when he's about to run into some people that he just looks up at them and waves...such an outgoing little boy. Of course, the people enjoy practicing their english by saying, "Hello."

 

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Dancing with Caden

While the 'Chatting with Caden' video will probably out-do most videos, here's a few videos streamed together of him dancing, playing with daddy, and laughing. Here's some background on each video.

Video 1: Caden dancing to David Crowder's, 'No One Like You.' Any time we dance, we have to start with this song to get him going...it's like it's his cue to start dancing.
Video 2: Dancing in the den to the same song, although this time, he's wearing Britton's gamecock hat. Here lately he will go get the hat and put it on to dance. I think he thinks he's more cool if he wears it. Some of his movements are funny because he's trying to mimic Britton. He will raise one leg when Britton is kicking both of his. He also loves to pump his arms.
Video 3: Body Slamming. Britton started a game with Caden where he 'body slams' Caden on the couch (safely) then runs to Caden's room and hides. Caden proceeds to go find him, then they body slam and hide again, etc. I especially love the end of this video where Caden hits Britton accidentally.
Video 4: More body slamming. I'm pretty sure Caden tries to say 'body' referring to body slam.
Video 5: Caden laughing. Clueless Britton videotaped this one and didn't understand the concept of blocking the light. I even tried to move Caden out of his shadow, and he proceeded to move with me. Silly man. So, sorry for the darkness, but he's still cute laughing up a storm.
Video 6: More dancing with Caden to his favorite song. Are you sick of hearing it yet? You should be here!
Have fun watching and dare to dance with Caden?! :o)

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Easter 2012

Since we're well into May now, I figured I should post about Easter :o). We really just had a great time as a family and worshipping with friends.

Caden has a little car that some friends let us borrow, and occasionally, he wants his daddy to ride it so he can push him around. It's quite a sight.

Britton's mom sent us a big package with some easter stuff in it including this milk flavored duck. Caden had fun chomping away at it, and I had fun helping him ;o). Use those 14 teeth buddy!

Also in the package were these cute bunny ears. This is the first picture that I think Caden has ever looked like me when I was a kid. It's reassuring.

I was feeling well enough to host Easter for our friends, and we had a great spread of food as usual. Do not be fooled...I had lots of help! I made Chicken Parmesan and everyone brought everything else!

These were my favorite...the cutest and best tasting devilled eggs I've ever seen.

One of my friends had brought some easter eggs over for her daughter to play with and accidentally left them. That night I used a few of the left behind eggs to have a mini egg hunt for Caden. Thanks Friend for forgetting :o). He actually did really good finding them. I think I could have challenged him more.

The hunt went very quick.

nothing will fool him.

"I got them all. Now what?" Go get a bath!

Britton picked out these beautiful flowers  to decorate our home. They were indeed beautiful to look at but extremely potent to our noses.

I'm so thankful for times together, and most of all, time to remember our risen Savior.

Happy Easter!