Caden’s new ride
Grandma Denise bought Caden a walker for Christmas. She decided to give it to him a little early so he could go ahead and start using it. At first I was skeptical as to if Caden was old enough, but just one week later he definitely has the hang of it. This has got to be one of the best inventions ever. Check it out…
Caden’s Fifth Month
This month started off a bit rocky, but has ended well. At the beginning of the month, he had stopped sleeping well at night and fussed most of the day. He even had a week or so of stranger anxiety where he didn’t want anything to do with anyone other than Adam and I, even the grandmas! Needless to say I was very concerned that we were going backwards, not forwards. About two weeks ago, Adam was out of town, and I had the worst day I have ever had with Caden. I was seriously at my wits end. I don’t know what changed, but Adam got home the next day and Caden was a different baby. He has been smiling and laughing often and far more of the day is spent happy than is spent screaming. Yea! Maybe we will have more kids 
This month Caden learned all kinds of new things. He is making lots of new noises and blowing spit bubbles. Shrieking is one of his favorite forms of expression. Adam keeps telling him that all the windows he breaks will come out of his future allowance He is getting very good at reaching for and grabbing objects. I can see a big difference in his fine motor skills. He now plays with the little ribbons on his toys and is interested in feeling everything, including the puppies. He still loves his play gym and bouncer, but now has a favorite new toy- a walker. In the last week he has learned to use it and now follows us around the house in it. It has been a lifesaver! Caden is a very active little guy, even when he is sitting still his little feet and toes are still constantly moving. I wonder where he got that from… I think his new found independence and mobility have really helped with his frustration level. It is almost as if he wanted to explore his world but was stuck in this body that didn’t know how and it made him very mad! Now he can roll over, grab things, and even go where he wants to. He still loves to take baths and loves to try to eat his rubber ducky and lick the inside of his bathtub (yuck!). He has started “hiding” from Adam and I when we walk up to him. He buries his little head in our chests and acts all shy. He is very good at peek-a-boo. We put a blanket over his face and he pulls it off and laughs. He also started to eat food this month. After attempting rice cereal at least 15 times I was shocked when he was ecstatic about eating squash. He couldn’t get enough! He grabbed the spoon and tried to feed himself and if we took too long between bites he would scream. He has tried squash and green beans and he loves them both. What a big boy!
I was much better at posting photos as I went this month, so this post just has a few pics. Enjoy…
Caden trying to help…
I can already tell that eating is going to be a messy endeavor. I was covered in squash too!
I’m not sure what I thought would happen if I put him down in the leaves…EVERYTHING goes in his mouth! Why wouldn’t leaves?!?
Family Photos…Finally!
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Looking back at the photos I can see such a big difference in Caden. He doesn’t necessarily look that much smaller, just much less alert and much younger. He was also not very into the photos that day. We did them right after he woke up when he usually is in the best mood and most smiley, but I don’t think we got a single smile the whole shoot. In fact, halfway through he fell asleep sitting up and we weren’t able to get him to wake up. Just like we tell our clients, we take photos of what is happening, we can’t work miracles and promise happy, bright-eyed babies. I guess that applies to our baby as well I already want to take some more since he is smiling and laughing on a regular basis now!
Katelyn and Caden staring at each other
Caden’s favorite place in the world…the front porch swing!
We did a mini engagement shoot since Caden was asleep. Only 5 years too late!
Caden, meet Santa…
Today Caden got his photo taken with Santa. I honestly hadn’t decided if I was going to take him this year or not. Gasp…I know I’m a terrible mother. Luckily, some girlfriends of mine were going today so I decided to join them. I’m glad I went despite the lines. Caden didn’t mind sitting on Santa’s lap. For once my usually very polar child was neutral in a situation. I’ll call it a success!!! Here are some pictures from the mall and then a mini photo shoot I did with him once I got home. He just looked too darn cute, I couldn’t help myself!!!
People in line kept commenting on how big my camera was. I had Adam’s D3 with the 24-70mm and an SB800. Not to brag but it was way better equipment than Santa had. I told Adam I was just like the annoying people at weddings who stand right over the photographer’s shoulder and take photos with their own camera. Oh well…I get a lump of coal this year
Caden just recently learned to roll over. It still surprises him (and me) when it happens.
Oh wait, he likes that!
