Thanksgiving

I am so thankful for this little boy.

Once again, Uncle Sean and Julie came out to visit us over Thanksgiving.  We are so appreciative that they do, as it is such a treat to spend this special time with family.  This year, we did a whole lot of nothing.  It was a relaxing weekend for us, but may have been a boring one for them.  The highlight for Kaden (other than seeing Sean and Julie, of course) was putting together a tool bench they had gotten him for his birthday back in August.  It was sitting on top of the armoire in our bedroom for three months (because Kaden received entirely too many birthday gifts to open one more), and our patient boy waited, and waited, and waited.  It was a perfect gift for our "hands-on" little one.  He loves tinkering and figuring out how things work.  He also loves helping his Dad around the house with whatever "fix-it" chores need doing.  Uncle Sean brought out hand-knitted sweaters for both boys from Ba Noi.  Kaden has really liked his and wears it with all sorts of outfits.  He's got his own style!

What Kaden was thankful for this year:  Bed, Dinner, Toys, and Monkey.  While Kaden was thankful for dinner, he made sure to tell me that he didn't like the kind of turkey that walks, only the kind I buy at the store (deli turkey).  Sure enough, after trying the roasted bird he asked if he could have a few slices of what he was used to.  

Kaden's school has a Thanksgiving program every year and this year he was old enough to star in the show.  The children practiced three songs...and practiced, and practiced, and practiced.  Kaden sang them every night before bed (while standing on his bed for the full effect of the stage) and I knew he knew them by heart.  The day of the program, the kids looked as cute as could be with their turkey hats.  The singing, however, was quieter than anticipated.  I think they all got a little stage-fright with the sanctuary full of parents with cameras.  It was a darling little program though and Kaden was pleased as punch that he got to participate.

Songs:  He Has The Whole World In His Hands; The B-I-B-L-E; and Turkey Time Is Here Again

Harrison - Four Months

Well, right after his three month update Harrison started talking and hasn't stopped chatting since.  He babbles almost all day and it's the cutest little thing you've ever heard.  Sometimes I think he's actually trying to carry on a conversation with us.  We also heard his first giggle.  On November 8th, in response to his Daddy's foolishness, he let out a tiny little giggle.  They've only grown in size and frequency.  He loves when his Dad makes up a silly game; when I make silly faces, kiss his belly, or dance with him; and when his brother sings the "Good Morning" song (although when he's older and understands that he's being compared to a monkey, I'm not sure he'll be so amused).  We are still waiting for him to roll over, but considering his heft I'm not surprised it hasn't happened yet.  The progress on his toticolis is excellent.  He has full range of motion and almost full strength on his left side.  The therapist said that his head has shaped up nicely and she will not be recommending a helmet for him - yay!

H hasn't liked car rides - until November 11 when we moved his car seat next to Kaden's.  Now that he can see his big brother he is completely content.  I can hardly believe how fast he's growing.  I relish all the snuggles and, lucky for me, he is a snuggle bug.  He wants to take all his naps in my arms and, when I pick him up, he throws his little arm around my neck and squeezes in close.  If he is having trouble falling asleep in his crib I give him kisses and stroke his head, he presses my hand up against his face and falls into a peaceful sleep (the trick is then removing my hand without waking him).  I'm still trying to figure out out how such a little thing, who has been in my life such a short time, can make my heart feel as though it will burst with love.  

17.1 pounds - 25 inches

A quick little beach photo shoot for our Christmas Card/H's Birth Announcement.  We had professional family photos taken (we do it every two years), but the photographer wanted to charge us an extra $100 for a digital image of H.  We decided that H is so cute that we didn't actually need professional photo, so one evening we walked down to the beach for a DIY shoot.  We were SO right!  We call the lounging photo his sexy pose - it cracks me up every time I see it!

Harrison met a friend tonight, Baby Sam.  Sam is seven months older than H, but I think they will be best buds in no time.  Kaden and Sam's older sister, Bella, have been friends since they were the babies' ages and the Scheres are a very special family to us.

Gammi sent H a monogrammed silver rattle and it is his favorite teething toy.  I know, teething already???  How cute is that pudgy little belly that his shirts can't keep controlled.

We had a very special visitor this month - Uncle D from New York!  He was in LA visiting friends and drove all the way down to San Diego for one night to have dinner with us and meet his newest nephew.  It was great seeing him!  It is uncanny how much Harrison resembles him.  I think it's the eyes and the nose.  It must be, because Harrison's smile is all his Dad's.

Waiting for his four-month Well Check at the Doctor - little did he know shots were right around the corner.  He's a brave little baby.  He cried, only briefly, and then snuggled into my arms and fell asleep.

Flying High

Knowing he'll always land safely in his Daddy's arms.  

Bath Time Fun

I love these boys!  So fresh and so clean!  

KY

Kevin's travel to Canada for work took me and the boys to Kentucky for two weeks.  It was a wonderful fall break and the two weeks allowed us to spend lots of quality time with family and friends.  

The basement.  A favorite spot for both my boys.

A walk in the country.  We discovered a ladybug that Kaden wanted  to keep as a pet.

A morning encounter with Mar-Bear-Brown

Kaden loved snuggling with his Pop.

My loves.

Gammi and Pop marveling at their newest grandson.  He looks like his Pop, no?

A bike ride in the country.

An old friend, Larkin Lair, is a fire fighter in Lexington and allowed us to come visit him at the station.

Pop took Kaden to the Dump and it was almost better than Disneyland!

Miriam and her girls were in town and my heart was so happy that our children got to see one another.

We went to Keeneland one cold but beautiful day and Kaden loved watching the horses.  He bet the number five horse every time - because his silk was green and that is Kaden's favorite color - and each time the horse at least showed.  My lucky guy!!