Too Cool for School

It is so bright and sunny out here, we thought Kaden may need a pair of sunglasses. Most of the time we end up forgetting to put them on him, but when we do he doesn't seem to mind. As you can see from the reflection, we think it is hilarious!

The Sweetest Sound

Our little man had a real laugh for the first time today and, I must say, it is the sweetest sound in the whole world. Prompted by videos of laughing babies, Kevin attempted to elicit a giggle from Kaden by pretending to gobble up his belly. As if on cue, Kaden broke out into a giggle. The giggle increased to a full-blown laugh. He repeated this several times before becoming bored with the new game (but not long enough for me to grab the camera). I don't think I will ever tire of hearing the sound that completely fills my heart with love - the pure goodness of it cannot be overstated. I can't wait to capture it on video so that I can share this sweetness with you.

My Little Flirt

Kaden has become quite the flirt. It started one morning when he was looking at himself in the mirror. For the longest time, he simply stared and tried to figure out who the people were that were looking back at him. This particular morning, however, he smiled. When his image smiled back, he shyly tucked his head into my neck. This process continued for several minutes. If I could read his mind, I am betting it would have been something like this: "That is one good looking kid. He must like me 'cause he keeps smiling. I'll give him a little smile back and see what happens. Ha! Look, there it is again. I can tell, we're gonna be buddies." Not only does he enjoy flirting with himself, he adores charming strangers. Whenever we are out and about, he seems to have many admirers. Each person who comes up and oohs and ahhs over him is rewarded with a megawatt gummy smile. Sometimes the smile is preceded by a quizzical appraisal, sometimes he "checks in" with me to make sure we're o.k., but in the end he can't help himself...the charm just oozes out of him.

Five Months Old!

Month four was a big one around our house! Kaden had a lot of milestones:

Sleeping Through The Night

Like most new parents, when Kaden was first born we would rock or nurse him to sleep. It started with five minutes, then it took ten, then fifteen, and so on until we were rocking for up to an hour. While this was tedious, we didn't mind because once he was asleep he tended to stay that way until morning. In looking for a way to shorten this routine, our pediatrician suggested the book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." It is pretty much a "cry it out" book. We tried a couple of times, but after listening to him scream for up to thirty minutes we gave up. Then, for one reason or another, the rocking ceased to work. Kaden would fall asleep in our arms and then, as soon as we made the move to put him down, he would wake up screaming. We had all that we could take when one night, after letting Kaden cry for thirty minutes, he went hoarse. Both Kevin and I felt horrible, like the worst parents in the entire world. That night, Kaden would sleep only on my chest - needless to say, neither of us slept very well. Convinced something was really wrong (ears, stomach, strange and heretofore unknown spinal injury...our minds went all kinds of places), I took him to the pediatrician that next morning. The doctor told us what my good friends, Emily and Jenny, had been telling me for a while: my son is strong-willed and that I should kiss him good-night and not go back into his room until morning.

So, we did it. After our bedtime routine - nurse, bathe (every other night), getting dressed for bed, reading a couple of books, singing a lullaby, and saying our prayers - we put Kaden to bed fully awake. Kaden cried on and off for two hours until he finally fell asleep. It was, by far, the most difficult thing I've ever had to listen to. So difficult, it took a bottle of wine to get through! The next night, it was an hour. Then, a half hour. Now, most nights, he goes down with only a minor protest. He is consistently sleeping from 7 or 7:30 PM until 7:30 AM. These twelve hours of sleep make him a MUCH happier little guy!

Isn't he the cutest little snuggle bug?

Solid Food

At our four month doctor's appointment, our pediatrician recommended starting Kaden on solids (see previous post for video). We started with rice, but he didn't go to the bathroom for three days! We tried oatmeal only to have the same experience. The longest span was Saturday to Saturday! Needless to say, my little guy didn't seem too comfortable. So, we went back to basics. We've stopped giving him cereal on a regular basis and now only give it to him every third night or so. I figure we'll start fruits and veggies at the end of the month, hopefully he won't have the same issues with those. It certainly doesn't look like he is starving though, does it?

Rolling Over

One morning, while I was watching him try to get back to sleep, he struggled for about an hour trying to flip onto his stomach. He finally got there and fell promptly asleep. Now, he does it all the time. Every time we go in to check on him at night, he is in a different position. He mostly turns in circles, but sometimes he flops back and forth from his belly to his back. His play mat can't contain him - not only does he flip over (and over and over again), he has learned to crawl. Early you say? Maybe I should better explain Kaden's crawl. It is different from most crawls in that he is on his back. Now that I think about it, it is more of a scooch. He bends his legs, pushes off his feet, and repeats. In doing this, he can scooch all over the place. OK...so he's not really crawling, but he sure is moving. Makes it a little difficult to get him to stay in one spot for these photos!

First Giggles

We finally heard Kaden giggle. It hasn't happened very often, and of course when it does it is in response to something goofy Kevin is doing, but it is the sweetest sound we've ever heard. We have yet to be able to capture this adorableness on film.

Tell Me About It

Kaden is talking to us about everything now. We have absolutely no idea what he is saying, but he seems pretty enchanted with his own voice. I have to admit, we are pretty enchanted too.

My Boys

A Rainy Day in Sunny San Diego

We have had some really rotten weather here this week...it has rained every day!! Very unusual for sunny San Diego. Being cooped up has been no fun at all, but it has definitely made us more appreciative of where we live! We are hoping that he sunshine returns in time for the weekend.

Since our outdoor exercise class has been cancelled every day this week, some moms and babies decided to get together for breakfast instead. Here is a link to a cute video one mom took of the babes.

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/1ac4d20f7182cd653904d4003af3c8cf/video/9482037

I think Kaden has found himself a girlfriend! The little girl he is snuggling with in the video is named Brooke and is almost a month younger than him - he couldn't get enough of her!

Owen - Willa - Will

Channing and Brooke - Kaden and Lucas

Kaden and his new girlfriend, Brooke. How happy is he?

Garry Meets Kaden

Kevin's best friend, Garry, came to San Diego to meet Kaden. The guys got in a couple of rounds of golf, a couple of nice dinners, and a night out on the town. Garry's lovely mother, Mary Waite, sent along a handmade, personalized, cross stitch towel for Kaden. Doesn't he look like a snuggle bug? Thank you, Mary, for the very special gift!

Kaden's New Trick

I am not sure if this is a new trick or a way to make his throat feel better, but either way it is pretty cute. The first time he did it, I cracked up; this brought a huge smile and many repetitions on his part. I wholeheartedly believe he is doing it for a reaction - he's a ham just like his Daddy. For some reason, the camera fails to capture just how adorable he really is!

Kaden's First Solid Food Experience

My editing skills clearly need some work, but I've attempted to clip together some pieces of a MUCH longer video of Kaden's first experience with solid foods.

While it seems a little early to me, at Kaden's Four Month Well-Check (at 18 weeks), the pediatrician recommended that we start solids. We first tried them on a Saturday, when Dad was home to help share in the experience. As you can tell from the video, Kaden was a little unsure of the whole thing at first. He soon caught on and couldn't get enough! No surprise there...our little guys LOVES food in any form. Gammi and Pop were able to share the experience via Skype.

Kaden Meets Uncle Sean

Kevin's older brother, Uncle Sean, came to help Kaden ring in 2010. Kaden took to Sean pretty quickly and loved just hanging out with him. Another Uncle that is going to make a great dad!

Sean had a very busy social schedule while he was out here. Between golf and Lakers games, it was hard to find the time for a photo op. This was the best we could do.

One of the University of Kentucky's baseball coaches was quoted in the Lexington Herald Leader as saying, "Son, the direction in which you wear your hat is the direction your life is heading." Let's hope he gives Kaden a break on this one.

More of Kaden and Uncle Paul

Never realized how much I dislike the sound of my own voice...no snide comments needed, thank you very much. Cute video though.

The 2009 Holidays

Ahhh family. My parents came out to spend Christmas with us and it was wonderful. Oh how we miss family.

On the 19th, we all attended an annual Christmas party thrown by our cousins, the Grants. It was our first night leaving Kaden with a babysitter - actually, friends who live down the street from us. We love you Michelle, Dave, and Andie! Kevin and I were a bit nervous, but Kaden did great; we were told he slept the entire time!

On the 20th we took a trip to the San Diego Zoo. I guarantee Kaden is going to love this place when he grows up - the adults already do!

The majority of the time was spent in the house snuggling. Kaden couldn't get enough of his Gammi and Pop and the feeling was obviously mutual.

On the 28th, Kaden met Uncle Paul. I can already tell Kaden is going to be a "guys guy" as he loves hanging out with the boys! Every time Paul was in the room, Kaden would just stare at him. I think Paul fell in love a little bit too! Judging from Paul's interactions with Kaden, he is going to make a great dad...someday. I think we all knew that though.

A visit to Old Town.

An amazing day at Coronado.

The boys watching the game - Go Eagles!

Four Months Old

OK, so by the time I am writing this it's more like four and a half months, but the Holidays and family visitors have kept things a little busy around here.

Month three was a difficult one in the Flynn family. Kaden was a most unhappy little boy for the majority of the month. A lot of it had to do with his reflux, which on Christmas Day we started Zantac to help control, but a lot of it had to do with our failure to set any sort of schedule for him. Kaden was eating whenever he wanted, playing for hours and hours at a time, and sleeping whenever he felt like it (which was not often). This made for one cranky little baby. Kevin and I, as newbie parents, were beside ourselves with worry thinking something may be seriously wrong with our little man. Unfortunately, it took about a month to figure out that all Kaden needed was some serious sleep and, shockingly, a bit more food. With the help of two amazing women, Emily Stuart and Jenny Lahey, I feel confident that month four will prove a little easier and we will have a much happier baby boy!

At Kaden's Four Month Check-Up he weighed in at 15.5 pounds and measured 25.25 inches - right between the 50th and 60th percentiles for both.

Kaden found his thumb. He enjoys chewing on it rather than sucking, and he can't seem to find it at night when he really wants it, but it has completely replaced the pacifier - he wants nothing to do with those anymore.

Kaden loves to be carted around in the Baby Hawk or Ergo. Lately, this is the only spot he'll take his evening nap. When he is awake, I love how he peeks out at the world.

Tummy Time is improving, especially if he has something fun to observe. Pop brought this musical Nutcracker and Kaden is mesmerized by the rhythmic drum beating movement and soothing classic song. Actually, right after this photo was taken he rolled over onto his back for the first time!

Kaden loved this singing puppy that Gammi sent him. Prior to the camera being turned on, it almost seemed as though he were dancing right along with it. Of course, we weren't able to capture that on film.

Much to my chagrin, and much to his father's pleasure, Kaden L-O-V-E-S television...especially sports. He'll do whatever he can to watch, even if it means watching upside down.

Month three brought a lot of new changes. Thanks to the help of the Bumbo, Kaden has much better head control and easily sits up when he is supported. He has also learned to anticipate things - whenever he sees me fidgeting with my shirt or preparing a bottle, he kicks his not-so-little legs in excitement, knowing that food is soon to follow. He also anticipates a tickle or a kiss with an open mouth and a great big grin or giggle. No major giggle episodes yet, he just lets out a little laugh - maybe we just aren't funny enough for him. He is "talking" up a storm; sometimes in response to us, but mostly when he is alone with his friends Mylo, Mr. Whozit Whatzit, and Sophie. He is also showing frustration when he can't do something - usually it is when he is attempting to get something into his mouth but just can't manage to get it there. If I had to pick out a favorite activity of his, it would probably be gnawing on my fingers. Seeing that most days he produces a quart or two of slobber, I think he is in the beginning stages of teething. He continues to love being outside, and with 70 degree weather in January I can see why. It is amazing how quickly being outdoors can soothe him when he is cranky. Mostly though, he loves observing the world from his stroller; he is so curious and takes in everything. He is mesmerized by the ocean while I continue to be mesmerized by him.

*A friend informed me that there is a company that converts blogs to book form. Therefore, this blog is also going to serve as Kaden's baby book. Why do I mention this? I mention it as a warning: there will be a lot of information (especially in the monthly updates) that no one but a mom cares about. Read at your own risk.

Kaden's First Christmas

To be honest, Kaden treated Christmas morning just like any other day of the year. For us adults though, it was a fun (and, might I add, beautifully warm and sunny) day. Even though no cookies or milk was left out for Santa, he managed to make it by our house anyway. Misjudging how tall Kaden is, Santa left a Fischer Price Jumperoo - his little legs don't touch the floor thus defeating the whole purpose. I'm sure Santa was thinking ahead; with the speed this little guy is growing, he'll be ready for it in no time.

Christmas morning

Pop and Kaden enjoying some play time before opening presents. Kaden gets a real kick out of Pop calling him a "kitty" and tickling his face.

Going through Kaden's stocking.

Kaden's stocking contained a two-pack of Mylicon - Santa must have been thinking of Mommy and Daddy with this gift. Kaden and Dad posing with a personalized stocking from Papa and Ba Noi and a favorite new friend, "Mylo," from his Missouri Grandparents - Aaron and Sandy Fenster.

Kaden got a TON of new books from Mom and Dad, and Gammi and Pop, and some great new toys from Aunt Vicki and Uncle Rich.

Snuggling with Gammi - Nana D's new name. We can't quite figure out what Kaden should call her. When the time comes, I bet he comes up with a name all on his own.

Gammi and Pop brough a lovely silver rattle engraved with Kaden's initials and birth date. I had one just like it when I was little and it has all kinds of little teeth marks on it. This will definitely be a keepsake.

In what is fast becoming a Christmas tradition, we had dinner with our cousins who live down the street. With Uncle Paul in Puerto Rico; Jenna, Thomas, and Boris in Cambodia; Leslie, Alex, and soon-to-be baby in Brooklyn; and the other Koshgerians in Pennsylvania/D.C./NYC, we all wished the rest of the family could have joined us. Maybe one of these years...