Super Caden

My two-year-old is so entertaining. Aren't all two-year-olds entertaining in some way?! Caden certainly keeps us on our toes and keeps us laughing and nearly keeps us pulling our hair out, but ya can't help but love him. The pictures can say enough.

Sometimes, Caden will randomly pull his pop-up tent out of his room into the den and want to play out there. One morning, we were skyping with my parents and sister and brother-in-law and he pulled it out and wanted Gaga, Coco, Aunt T, and Mike in there too. So, we put the computer in there with him. That's the most people that's ever fit in there!

 Thank goodness for skype!

Caden got these pj's in the mail recently from my mom, and we've all had a good laugh at them. He's quite the superman! Taking off.

 Having fun.

Complete with a cape (that comes off when he's sleeping, of course!) 

  Obviously, this is not Caden, but this story certainly involves him. The fun thing about living in another culture is experiencing the different things they do. For instance, our house helper brought Caden in one day...more like rushed him in. I had just started studying for the day (it was already 3pm), and she had interrupted several times already. As she was rushing in making me nervous, I looked in her hand and she was holding a medium sized live goldfish. I was so surprised, I didn't know what to say, let alone in our local language. All I kept saying was, "We don't want that!" She ran to the kitchen, which I immediately wondered what she was about to do, then she got out my best mixing bowl and started filling it up with water. I was still yelling, "We don't want that!" She proceeded to tell me, "Caden wanted it!" to which I replied, "We don't want that!" She then pushed the handle on our sink over so hard to fill up the bowl with water that it blew off and sprayed water everywhere. I squinched my eyes as she threw the fish in the bowl. I then went to the bathroom to wash Caden's hands as I saw her walk briskly past me to put our prized fish on the kitchen table. Oh joy. I thought the saga was over and went to call Britton. When I came back into the room after being gone for 5 seconds, she was standing beside Caden as he stood on a chair at the table and threw an ornament he had pulled off our Christmas tree into my mixing/fish bowl. At this point, I wanted to scream and laugh hysterically. Once she left for the day, Britton took our new fish back down to its original fishing pond in our neighborhood. Life here is never dull!

 Caden looks sick here, but it's actually just really late (like 1:00am late). We decided last minute to have pizza with some friends at their house and watch a movie. We laid Caden down there, but once we got back he was wide awake. So, we put a movie on in hopes he would get sleepy again. He did.

 This is Caden's major crush, a.k.a our tutor. Caden is enamored with her. I mean really just smitten. There's an hour in the day that we let her watch Caden sometimes while we study by ourselves, and they just sit there together and smile. His first crush. Too sweet. Wonder what this will mean for the future?

 What a ham I have for a son. Love him.

1 month

Now that Grady's almost 2 months, I figured I should post a little about him being 1 month. Woah! He's almost 2 months?! I just feel like the time is flying by. I was looking at him today trying to remember how big he was (or little rather) when he was first born. They truly grow so fast! I had a few spare moments the Sunday that he turned 1 month while Britton and Caden were napping to take some pictures. Nothing professional, but I wanted to make sure and get him at this age. His first month he was sleeping up to 4-5 hours at night, waking up to eat, and sleeping the rest of the time. He was starting to hold up his head really well and becoming more observant of the things around him. He loved his hands (particularly sucking on them) and tried pushing off his feet when on his belly (which our house helper wonders why we put him on his belly so young). What a great first month and still growing!

When he's awake, he's always so alert. He loves the mobile in his bed, which is what he is looking at here.

all blue boy

So sweet. I could just kiss his soft skin all day.

Happy 1 month, Grady!

Back Home

It's hard to believe all that has happened in just 3 weeks. It feels like it's been way longer because so much has happened. We basically landed in our city and hit the ground sprinting (which was not hard for Caden because he sprints everywhere he goes). We finished setting up our apartment and doing a few fixes around the house our first week. We attempted having some kind of regular schedule including language the second week but that turned out discouraging as we discovered the weight of all we're doing plus 2 kids as well as breaking in a new house helper. Last week was definitely our best and semi-normal week. We started on a better language schedule. Our house helper improved leaps and bounds and the kids were on a better schedule. Each week keeps getting better and better. Now we're just waiting for Britton's parents and grandmother to come on Sunday!! That's so hard to believe they're just 'coming for a visit.' I'm so excited to get to show someone our home and where we live. Here's hoping the weather will be good and not depressing. And here's some snapshots of our first few days home.

Our first week back our awesome friends made us dinner every night so I wouldn't have to cook...such a blessing! Man, looking back, I know I would have blown up if I had to go shopping all over for food and find the time to fix dinner. I think that has been the biggest blessing since we've been back. It was also so great seeing them after being gone for 2 months. The greatest part was their kids adoring Grady. They were both SO excited to see the baby and kept wanting to hold him. I laughed because Caden would just stare at them like, "What's the big deal?! It's just a baby...come play with me!" The cutest was 'P,' who would just hold Grady while squealing and smiling the whole time. She was so gentle. I love that Grady is smiling in this picture!

The other 'P' also loved Grady and kept saying 'hold baby.' I think the kids' sweet moods made all the parents consider more children...right?! ;o)

While in Thailand, Caden started climbing out of his pack and play. Well, we knew we would have to take off his railing to his crib once we got back because it's a much further drop than a pack and play. We took it off our first day back, and Caden has done great with it. We think he fell out once, but he's never been scared and seems to really like it. Our biggest problem is that, obviously, he can get out of his bed very easily now (and often). Every night, he likes to get up and come out of his room (simply because he can). He has had many forms of discipline as a result of this, but at least he's gone from getting up 10+ times down to once.  I realized today that though it's such a blessing how adaptable Caden is, it is also unfortunate because it has made him very adaptable to different punishments. Last week, we started putting him in the corner for time-out because he kept getting out of the bed. At first, it was torture for him. Now, he just plops down in the corner and seems to quite enjoy himself. Caden is learning a lot about obedience right now. We are learning a lot about patience :o) He has also been coming into our room in the morning when he wakes up and stands right by my face, which freaks me out. I think this is payback for all the times I did that to my mom. Caden has also started peeing in the potty at his request. We didn't want to start potty training until we got back from our next trip in January, but Caden has taken quite an interest. Every night after his bath, he wants to use the potty. He holds it while he cleans up his toys in the tub and gets dried off. As soon as we put him on the potty, he pees. He tries to poop too but usually doesn't have to, so generally just some gas comes out. Now, aren't you so excited you read this huge paragraph so you can learn all about Caden's sleeping and potty experiences?! This is Caden's first night in his big boy bed.

Those first few days, I had to get Grady's room set up. The family that lived here before us had 3 girls that lived in this room. It was so cute with pink and green walls, but it was not very fitting for a little boy. The walls got painted blue while we were gone, so nothing was in his room when we got back after midnight. It didn't take long to set up, and it's now Britton and my favorite room in the apartment. This is his pack and play along with his cute 'Grady' decal.

Wall decals go a long way to make a room cute. Love it. I spend a lot of time in that chair!

We have an extra bed so that guests can have somewhere to sleep (we have another bed in another room too that has 2 mattresses we can unstack for guests as well). This bed also comes in very handy when  I want to lay down if Grady is being fussy at night (which is very rare fortunately...at night anyway). I'll post more pictures of our new apartment later.

With all the busyness going on those first days, I quickly realized this stuff didn't have to be done. It did eventually get done, but I didn't want to let time fly by and miss spending time with my kids. I had to give myself several 'time-outs' to make sure to give all my boys some attention. I love Grady's confused look here with the huge dimple in his forehead. He's holding his head up great and is starting to coo and smile at me when I make different noises.

Welcome home!

The New Blog Hog

Having a new baby around has added a few pictures to my camera. It's amazing, though, how the second child doesn't quite have as many pictures as the first. It's not because I don't think he's as cute, but because time just slips away or my hands are way too full to take pictures. Some moments will just have to remain in my mind. For instance, last night when we had our family devotional time, Caden was the sweetest he's ever been with Grady. He wanted to hold him and smiled at him. I've never seen him so sweetly happy. He gave Grady eskimo kisses (which is probably why we all have colds) and stayed the most still I think he's ever been. I desperately wanted a picture of the 4 of us huddled around on the bed, but that is a sweet moment that will just remain between us. Caden has been such a good big brother so far and has been so gentle and helping with Grady. I'm just waiting for him to lash out at the baby...that will be fun. Caden has certainly dominated our blog for the last 2 years, but I think Grady can steal a little time and attention.

This was the first really good picture of Grady's eyes. My mom took it on her phone, mainly because of what he's wearing. Britton was not very happy that I dressed Grady in this, so the next day I dressed him in a Gamecocks onesie. Needless to say, that didn't make my dad very happy. These men are hard to please!

You might remember Caden's golf shirt that he loves. Well, my parents also got Grady a golf man onesie. So funny.

He knows how to sleep, and boy am I thankful!

I love his cute little monkey outfit and big yawn.

He's dressed and ready for fall in 90 degree weather! This hat was actually the hat that the hospital gave us when Caden was born! I had my mom bring it just to compare them. This was also the onesie that Donna gave Caden when he was a baby. It was perfect for Thailand.

Just looking at him here makes me cold as I sit shivering with my sweater and leggings on, but it was plenty warm enough in Thailand for him to sit nearly naked. In fact, he quite enjoyed being naked.

This was right before Grady's first bath. As I stripped him down, he attempted once again to put his fingers in his mouth. This time it was his thumb.

I remember Caden's first bath, he screamed most of it and then screamed loudly afterward until he was completely bundled up. Grady didn't whimper once. He seemed to rather enjoy it all, even in this small kitchen bowl. I couldn't find anything else in the guesthouse to put him in, so this would have to do. And it did! I love his face. He often stares very hard to the point that it looks like his eyes are going to pop out of his head. My new nickname for him is 'Bugsy' (if you've seen Bedtime Stories, you know what I'm talking about). I also love how it shows how freakishly long his toes are. That runs in the family (although Caden has short toes and his pinky crosses over the one next to it...it's straightened out a lot since birth. Who knows where he got his toes?!).

He fell asleep pretty quickly after his bath. Once again, he loves those mittens around his face. Some kids like passies (like Caden). Some kids like to suck their fingers or cuddle with a stuffed animal. My kid likes to wear mittens. That will be fun at sleepovers :o)

If you've ever watched a baby sleep then you know it's quite entertaining. You might find this video boring at points, but I'm sure all the grandmas will enjoyed every movement. A picture is great, but a video is always better. This is Grady's first video debut! It was just after I fed him, and he was sacked out. He smiled several times and had all those weird eye movements and jerks in his sleep. He also snored. He was two and a half weeks here.

Welcome Grady to your new life of fame!

Thai Time (Part 9) - Going Home!

On October 28th, we finally got to return to our city. We had a great time in Thailand overall, but we were ready to get back. Our favorite things were the food, getting to drive our own vehicle, seeing my parents, extending our family, seeing the sun, and times just to chill out. We stayed busy with tons of paperwork and appointments, but all that is behind us. It's nice to be back in our own home. I'm still getting used to life as it was just with a newborn now...that consumes a lot more time to say the least. I'm realizing how busy I can get and how bad that is for my soul, marriage, and other relationships. Learning to balance having 2 children, a house helper, a tutor, and making meals can be a daunting task when I also desire is to build relationships with people here. Many days can be frustrating, but like every season of life, the Lord redirects my heart and helps me change in the midst of change. I can't get so busy that I let each day slip by without actually enjoying it...what a horrible way to live. My new goal is simply to live in each day and delight in it in some way. I'm always reminded that I can't worry about tomorrow because it has enough worries of its own. It's easy to feel like I have to plan weeks and months in advance for certain things, but I cannot let living life here effect my quality of life. All that to say, going home is full of challenges but is a blessing each day.

We were able to squeeze in a family photo before leaving. I have a feeling those are going to be harder to take now.

 We went on one last tuktuk ride for Caden especially since he was wearing his tuktuk shirt. Of course he had to turn around and wave at all the people.

 happy little boy (with a scrape under his nose when he pulled the stroller on himself...kid always as a bump, bruise, or scratch)

 We were pretty crammed in this little so-called vehicle. Britton sat in the empty spot with the stroller at our feet. Grady is in the sling on me.

 Our refrigerator was full of Caden's creativity (he had some help from us)

 We also had a baby shower while there! Britton's mom, grandmother, aunt, and friend were so sweet to think of us and send out an invitation for people to give us stuff for Grady. After Grady was born, we were able to skype and have an online shower. Such a great idea. I can't wait for Britton's parents and grandmother to get here for us to see everything in person!

 Once Britton finally finished all the paperwork for our visas and everything came back for us to leave, I told him to get a foot massage since he let me do that just before Grady was born. I walked around the mall with Caden in the stroller and Grady in the sling and did some shopping. I'm pretty sure Britton enjoyed it especially with his mask on! He had no idea we stopped by to take this picture.

 We had 3 flights on the way home. Unfortunately, Caden had just gotten his first 2 year molar and had some drainage in his nose and ears. The air pressure did not help at all. The second flight he screamed most of it until he finally passed out for a nap. Grady did fabulous the whole trip. He slept the whole time except for eating. Since Caden is 2 now, he has to have his own seat, which stinks for cost but is great for extra space. I love my 2 boys sacked out here. Man, I do not miss plane rides. Can't wait to get on another one in January (*note the sarcasm)!

 Goodbye Thailand. You will be missed, although I'm sure we'll be back again (no implications of another baby on that statement!).

Thai Time (Part 8) - Saying Goodbye

Are we really still in Thailand?! Man, this post feels like it happened forever ago...probably because it's been almost a month since it happened. The rest of my parents' trip was so great. We ate some amazing food and just chilled out. It was so very hard to say goodbye again, but we all agreed the worst was over. We've already started trying to plan when we'll see them again. I just about wanted to cry every time Caden would say byebye Gaga, byeby Coco randomly each day after they left. Thank goodness for skype and facetime. Looking at these pictures makes me miss them so much. Here's some snapshots of the rest of their trip. 

 

Going to Giorgio's for dinner. Just precious.

 Every morning, my parents took Caden out to get some of his high strung energy out of him. He loved his time out with them, and he also loved the shirt they gave him (shown in this picture). The shirt looks like he has a mini golf player body. Caden started asking to wear his golf shirt. In fact, one night when I was putting his pj's on, he said, "No wear pj's, wear golf shirt." I then asked if he wanted pants, and he said, "No pants...golf shirt." So, he slept in his golf shirt with no pants. He's becoming quite opinionated.

 learning to snap a ball with his Coco

 Caden's favorite thing to do in Thailand was riding a tuktuk. Every since we got back, every night he wants to pray for a tuktuk ride. I think my mom went on 5 or so rides while there (she liked them too!). My dad wasn't a huge fan of them because you breathe in a lot of exhaust, but for Caden, he'd do anything.

 I think we might have to get him a tuktuk for Christmas.

 They had a little Grady time too. He was a lot more mellow than Caden to say the least.

 attempting a group shot

 So precious as we ride to Caden's favorite restaurant in our neighborhood, Sojo's. He still says, "I eat at Sojo's." I love the shirt he has on that my parents gave him. It's a picture of a half-eaten cookie and says 'smart cookie' underneath.

 happy grandparents with their happy grandsons

 Love and miss you dearly. Can't wait to see you again!

Happy Birthday Caden!

On October 17th, a week and a half after Grady was born, we celebrated my not-so-little-anymore boy's 2nd birthday! It felt like he was celebrating his 5th birthday because of how much he's grown in the last year. He's now saying simple sentences and becoming more and more independent every day, which is great and terrifying at the same time. He said byebye to his passie and his baby bed (now just has a guard, not the whole railing). He's also taken a huge interest in poopooing in the potty...right now, he will pee in the potty and pass some gas (thinking he's pooping), but at least he has an interest! I've been trying to brainstorm many things I love about my firstborn son.

I love...
...how he says 'I love' not 'I love you.'
...how he just touches your face with his lips and makes no sound or pucker when kissing
...how he runs everywhere. He never walks.
...how he peels his pb&j apart and eats each side one at a time
...how he touches head to foot of a pack n play (he's so big!)
...how he squeezes my neck so I'll kiss him on his neck so that he gets chill bumps on his legs
...how he tries to communicate (he'll switch back and forth between our local language and English)
...how deep his voice is
...how he says 'house' when he sees the letter 'h' instead of saying 'h.' He also says 'zebra' when he sees the letter 'z.' All other letters he just says the letter.
...how he loves to help around the house
...his sweet smile and laugh that melts my heart and makes me stop whatever I'm doing
...his temper tantrums (this sanctifies my heart and teaches me how to be a parent!)
...how he loves people and waves at them or shakes their hands (he teaches me to be more outgoing)
...my life with him in it.

I couldn't be more grateful for the life of this little boy and can't wait to see how the Lord grows him each year. What a privilege it is to be his mom. Here's some pictures of our celebration.

With all that was going on from having a new baby, I wanted to make sure that Caden knew this was a special day for him. We had streamers hung from his bedroom to the main room of the guesthouse we were staying in. We also had 72 balloons blown up (with the courtesy of the air provided by Britton and my dad) all over the floor. Caden ran in, stood for a moment staring at the balloons, then charged into them.

 He started catching on something was special.

 My mom brought him this special Winnie the Pooh and Tigger hat to wear while we all wore the pointy party hats. Caden really wanted to wear Britton's belt, so we wrapped it around him twice. He was so happy.

 I made his favorite, pancakes, for breakfast. This was my attempt to make a '2' pancake. No worries, he ate 3 other regular pancakes...little piglet.

 I also made him this funfetti cake. I wanted his cake to be easy but fun and that was nowhere to be found here! So, my mom brought this from the states. I should've known better than to set the cake out until it was time to be eaten. The whole time Caden ate his pb&j, he said 'Cake!'

 Happy Birthday Caden!

Coco feeding him some yummy cake

 Grady celebrated too!

 Woah at the presents! Thanks to all my family who sent these with my parents. The kid certainly had plenty of love. In fact, by the time he got to the end to open the one present from us, he didn't care about it and had to open it after his nap...typical!

 ripping into the paper...Britton taught him well.

 my parents got him this pop up tent that he loves! It's a fun place to play. In the corner was our gift to him, a new book bag! We wanted to get him something that he could use and seemed to be a good transitional gift into being a little boy. I wish I had thought more ahead and ordered one from the states, but I thought Thailand would have plenty to choose from! The only ones available were this popular character I've never heard of and spiderman...so spiderman it was! We also got him a fun coloring book with stickers, crayons, a spiderman bag for the crayons, a tigger stuffed animal, and winnie the pooh bandaids since he loves bandaids (all that was in the bookbag). He looks so big now and so cute when he walks/runs around with his book bag bouncing up and down on his back.

 After Caden's nap, we went to the pool then ate his favorite for dinner, pizza. The place we ordered from has the best pizza and happens to be called Coach's pizza. A few days later, we had enough of all the balloons in the room and decided to pop them. Caden wanted in on the action and loved popping all of them with a pencil. I'm pretty sure he would have just been content with all the balloons for his birthday, but I'm certain he had a great time and a great 2nd birthday.

Here's several videos of Caden discovering the balloons, singing Happy Birthday, and opening presents.

 

 Happy Birthday, my sweet boy!