Pool Paw-ty & Family Time

This last weekend Daniel was at his last Indiana National Guard in Indianapolis. Cadee had a sleepover at my mom's house Friday night while I worked late at the library. Saturday Mom and I took Cadee to the community pool to watch the dogs swim. She really enjoyed watching the dogs, I can't believe how much control she has over her head and neck. Everyday  I see more progress in her ability to focus on movement around her. Makes this mama proud!

I love seeing my mom with her grandbaby!

Sunday my sister came to town and we visited Grandma in the nursing home, before I had to go to work. Then Daniel got home just in time to join us for church in the evening. All in all a great weekend with family!

Hand in Hand, Stroller and Stroller

A year ago our Sunday school class of young married couples, was just that... young married couples, now we are young families.

Tom & Ramona, a daughter in December 2011

Daniel & I, a daughter in May 2012

David & Courtney, a son in July 2012

Cadence (5 weeks old) meets Samuel (2 days old), July 4th, 2012

Tim & Heidi, a son in August 2012

Cadence (11 weeks old) meets Hudson (1 week old), August 15, 2012

Ben & Lindsay are next!

a baby coming in December 2012

It's nice to be with other young couples who are starting their families at the same time as us.
Friendships to last a lifetime.

Ethan Turns 1

Several weeks back I was delighted to receive a birthday party invite to the one and only Ethan Allen. Then it occurred to me... could it be... he's one already?!?!? How does a year go by so fast? Will Cadee's first birthday sneak up on me to? So today Cadee and I hitched a ride to the party, while Daniel stayed behind working on my truck in the driveway.

Elmo themed with bright primary colors we had a ball! Cadee was all giggles looking around until after her bottle then she decided it was nap time. Meanwhile, Ethan was stripped down to a diaper and was given a very red cupcake. Note to self: don't let Cadee where clothes when frosting is around. Best idea ever Whitney!

Cadee made the rounds visiting with my good friend Emma Rose, who I went to elementary and middle school with. I was so delighted to go to her wedding last year and be able to introduce Emma to Cadee today. Pam, who I work with at the library, is also Ethan's grandma. Cadee was passed around like usual. 

 Seeing Ethan with Cadee just makes me almost wish she was just a bit older to play with him. I know that time will come and they'll get a chance to get to know one another more in a few weeks when Whitney watches Cadee while I'm at work.

After napping through the party, as people were leaving Cadee was wide awake and all smiles as we headed home.

Only 9 months until she'll have a party of her own!

Ember and Cadence

Daniel and I are so blessed with great neighbors, Juston and Candace. Our dogs have always gotten along, and us couples going out together or sitting around the bonfire has been wonderful. Their family grew in the fall of last year and Candace decided to stay at home with Ember. Now she watches Cadee for us a few days a week, and I'm glad Cadee has someone to play with, a great friendship in the making.

Some Like It Hot- On a cool August evening

 

 I trimmed Cadee's fingernails for the first time Saturday afternoon. She didn't like it very much at all! Big crocodile tears and screams loud enough the neighbors could have heard. Afterwards I tried to cheer her up with using my camera. Noticed later it looked like she was showing off her trimmed nails in this photo and I had to laugh. Such a silly girl!

Last night was the free movie in the park, showing "Some Like It Hot." I had never seen it before and you just can't beat free entertainment so we bundled up and headed down there. It was a very clear night and I saw two shooting stars but know there were a lot more because of the meter shower that was supposed to be visible after dark. Dressed Cadee in layers and added a blanket and knit hat to keep her warm, as it was only 55*. Glad we took an extra camp chair she was out and slept through the whole thing!

 

 

Bonfires and Michigan

In the last two weeks we finally had enough consistant rain to have the Elkhart County burn ban lifted. We mowed for the first time since Cadence was born, 10 weeks ago! During normal summers we have bonfires a few times a week but with the burn ban that didn't happen. We were happy to be able to enjoy some time around the fire and it wasn't blistering hot outside either! Cadee was very content sitting in the backpack I wear to have my hands free. We just strapped it around a camp chair and she was happy. She's growing so fast, I'm afraid I'll miss something. We noticed how much she likes to watch movement, especially the Olympics that have been on TV. I think that is why she was so happy outside with us watching the fire dance around. The dogs weren't happy being tied up.

After the fire, before bed Cadee got a bubble bath. I just love a clean smelling baby!

On Sunday, 70 days old, Cadee officially visited her 3rd state, Michigan. Daniel, Cadee, and I loaded up the truck, picked up my parents and we headed north 3 hours to Grand Rapids for a family reunion. Amy was looking forward to seeing how big Cadee had grown since she stayed with us for a few weeks, but got called into work and didn't get to join us at the park. It was a quick visit for the time we spend in the car but it was good to see family. Left to right: Uncle Mark, Aunt Cindy, my Dad, Cadee and I, my Mom, Grandma Brink, and Daniel.

9 weeks and counting

Cadence turned 9 weeks old on Sunday, July 29th and we decided to try something new... putting her to bed in her crib in the nursery. She slept 6 hours straight both Sunday and Monday night, so I disembled the Pack-n-Play in our room and we haven't turned back. Some nights are better then others but so far we've all slept better, thank you to the inventor of baby monitors! The pictures below are as Cadee was waking up from a nap, she was stretching and moving all around.

As it was, we also had another first this week. I returned to work and Cadee stayed next door with Candace and Ember on Monday and Tuesday. It hurts my heart to go to work but I know she's in good hands and that I can count on Candace to take pictures of the girls enjoying each other. Best friends in the making!