Future Farmers of America

Grandma Fry made one of these barn and animal sets for each of her grandkid's families. There's a BUNCH-- and we were very blessed to get one since she moved on before Kaden was born (thanks, Mom!).

We put two of the smaller chicks away in his baby box, so that he can play with the set freely and we won't worry that he's wrecking an heirloom.

How cool is it to see him discover and play with Grandma's Barn?!

Adventures Beyond 22 Inches

We've had a busy week, Kaden and his keepers. First was the passport application... which had to be done "in person." Further proof our boy is a prince? He was allowed to sleep through the entire interview whilst BOTH parents had to answer!

The 2 funniest things were his actual passport photo (which I forgot to copy for your viewing pleasure)... and the answers on the application form. Quite a few times I had to ask: "Um, what should I write here?" For example: occupation. (Child, she answers and then chuckles. Though they should be able to figure that out from his photo.) Height? (Whatever he was at your last doctor visit, she says. Even though he'll obviously grow by the time you use this.) I look blankly at Jim-- we had brought a plethora of papers with us, but not the well visit forms. "22 inches" Jimdad says authoritatively. (Later, he confesses he made it up. Actual current height- 28 inches.)

I felt like I was making things up, too. Hair color? Written answer- brown. Actual answer: light brown on most days, but sometimes a little lighter. Eye color? written answer- hazel. Actual answer: depends on what he's wearing and how the light hits them. THIS is his security and ID document for the next 10 years???

If you've been keeping track, the babe is TEN months as of last Sunday. I've realized that Baby Einstein videos will slow the move-at-all-times tendency. That doesn't make for straight on smiles, though. But if I take 22 pictures, eventually he comes through!

He's also making good use of those 22 or 28 inches. I'm guessing he can stretch 'em out to, oh, maybe 40 inches or so? At least that's what it seems like as we continue to babyproof higher off the ground!

And while I haven't gotten any good photos of it, quite a few times this week he's been STANDING all by himself! It's for maybe 3- 12 seconds, but still. As the week's gone on, it's happening more and more often. Today at a friend's house, he used their kiddie picnic table as his own personal jungle gym-- climbing up, sitting down (the correct way!), standing on the bench, standing on the table, climbing under, getting stuck under... all with me close by, of course, but man. That kid likes to explore!

He takes after his mother...

Of course, we didn't stop to get photos of him ripping out pages from our travel guide....

Daddy Quotes

1) I'm in bed reading, and Jimdad's asleep next to me. He lazily reaches over and pats my hip a few times. The second time he does it, he says "I got you, buddy". At which point, I ask "Excuse me?" He opens one eye, looks at my suprised expression, looks down at his hand and then chuckles. "I was dreaming about holding the boy" he says and goes back to sleep.

2) Overheard during the bedtime routine: "Lordy, Lordy, give me patience. (pause) Or just let this boy sit still for TWO minutes so I can put on his PJs."

3) From the kitchen "Well, I can find you by following the path of destruction, huh? A spoon here, a -- hey, is that your drawer? Get out of there!" Then, after picking him up, Jimdad holds him up to the ceiling and says "One of these days, I'm going to velcro your back and just stick you to the ceiling" At which point Kaden laughs, and they have a manly hug.

How to.... (baby style)

... enjoy a day at the pool:

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... Pray the rosary:

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... have a good laugh:

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... take a morning nap with Dad: