All sorts of family connections

Hey all-- we're having a bit o' technical difficulties here, so the party pics will have to wait another day. Or two, or four. So here's an everyday play shot:

ALSO-- lots of fun stuff happening this week. I got a call from a long lost cousin in California just to catch up... another cousin is preparing to move TO Chicago (as is a cool sister from church, in a completely unrelated move that also involves the Holy Land, apparently) as a friend of mine *just* moved out of the Windy City, a BFF from childhood is IN town but we're having trouble getting together as I'm trying to prepare to go on an "international vacation." Oh, and my brother is studying for a real estate test. And did I mention my next writing deadline is now less than 2 weeks away? Yeah, busy week.

Oh, and the wee one had his 1 yr checkup... all is well. No "comparisions" or percentages to give you, but the nurse and the doc were happy, the babe is happy, and we're happy too. Now, off to sleep a bit before the next day hits! Here's hoping I get you some pictures SOON :) Pray for all the changes in my familys' lives, please.... thanks!

Still celebrating...

These are just some smiling memories from last week's trip...



to tide you over until we post Saturday's party pics!



wow, he looks like a natural behind the wheel! a 12 and 3 hand position, awareness of the instruments...

Happy First Birthday!!

We're in PA on Kaden's actual birthday, which called for birthday pancakes. My Dad used to make these- I think for sleepovers and other special days. A first birthday qualifies :)

Big guy now!

He really DOES like pancakes!

The end of a three hour birthday nap (hurray)!

Of course, the good effects were probably cancelled out by the 10:30pm bedtime.

But hey, there's only ONE first birthday

-even when we spend 2 wks celebrating-

and we haven't had a meltdown.

yet.

Can it be ONE YEAR already?

Seriously, was it a year ago that Jim was on a mission trip and I was in labor?
A year ago that we looked longingly down at a Very Small bundle of Boy Joy?


And now -- a year later--- this is our bundle of joy:

A moving, grooving football star.

Who screeches more often than we like, but those smiles make up for it!

Technically, it's not a year until Friday. But we're traveling and all, and I might be spending all my online time on the FB farm instead of blogging. It is summer, after all.

HEY! If you're not making it to one of his birthday parties, will you PLEASE email me a photo of you & yours wishing him a happy first bday? This week? Thanks, you are the BEST relatives ;)

Kade in Motion

Proof that he sorta walks and kinda talks...

Fast Facts Friday

1) We've got some g-diapers: a washable cover with disposable insert pads. First use- peed out,because the size was too big. Second use, smaller size- all good. Third use, at night- peed out. Fourth use- all good. We're getting the hang of it.


2) I just heard about "soapnuts" - natural, dried shells of nuts that you can use (and reuse) to do laundry, because they have a natural soaping substance /coating on them. So I placed an order. We'll see how that goes next week.

3) I made this sign for Kaden's door, and I love how he squeals with joy when we point it out "What's that say? It's Kaaaaayyyden" Squee!


4) I'm not sure if this is a mug shot or a photo ID. It's still quite possibly the cutest passport photo I've ever seen.

5) When Kade babbles, sometimes it sounds like he's saying "Bradpittbradpittbradpitt." It's hysterical.

6) We went to the mall yesterday, all 3 of us, after work. One, two, THREE couples and one salesclerk stopped us to talk to Kaden. Stopped us, people. To smile at him. And he smiled back. Nana thinks maybe he'll be president someday...