Cade: 8 Months

At 8-months-old, this baby is starting to really change.  I would consider Cade to be a curious, stubborn, and laid-back little guy.

Whenever people see Cade, they immediately mention his good looks.  Once interacting with him, 95% of people say, "He's so chill/relaxed/easy-going."  And now sitting with him, "He's mobile, huh?"

Cade wants to move sooooo bad.  He can go from sitting to a crawling position, but doesn't quite know how to move his body forward.  Once he falls on his belly, he gets a little frustrated.  But, his persistence leads to him rolling around until he relocates completely.

Cade relocating.

...And if you're sitting next to him, he will climb all over you.

His unofficial measurements are around 26 inches long and close to 17 pounds.  He wears size 2 diapers and 9-month clothing.  He's got a little chub on his legs, but NOTHING like his Big Sis.  He is definitely small compared to her at this age.

Sleeptime is still pretty successful.  With a morning and afternoon nap, this guy sleeps just as much as he needs.  Sometimes the naps are an hour and a half, sometimes 30 minutes.  Either way, he balances them out and wakes up happy until the next sleep time.  And if naps weren't that great in the day...he usually falls asleep during his last feeding at 7:30.  And still makes it to 7:30 the next morning!

Cade doesn't fall asleep on you anymore, unless we are out and about and there's no choice.  When we close the blinds and turn his sound on, he reaches for his bed.

This kid eats everything.  Sometimes I wonder if I am giving him foods that are too advanced, but hey...Doc said anything besides peanut butter and honey.  So...everything else it is.  He does great picking food up with his fingers and feeding himself.

Some new Accomplishments and Fun Facts as an 8-Month-Old include:

He will mimic grunting noises.

Everything must be dropped on the floor.  Everything.

He loves blankets to sleep with.

We go for a walk everyday and he enjoys watching his sister play.

Each month, he shows more enthusiasm for bath time.  So much enthusiasm in fact that he falls face first in the water several times.  Doesn't bother him.

He loves playing with door stoppers.

Cade is a garbage disposal with food.  I have no idea how he packs so much in his tummy and still begs for more.

He's a gem.  Looking forward to full mobility...I think.

Cade: 7 Months

Our little guy is growing so fast!  We attended a one-year-old birthday the other day and I couldn't stop thinking...we are headed that way.  As much as I want this guy to grow to be more independent, I want him to be our baby forever.

When people see him they always say, "He's a BIG boy!"  Unfortunately, on the baby scale...this guy is more on the small side.  He's waiting on his growth spurt...to be a Pro Athlete of course!

He has worn a few 9-month clothing selections, still mostly 6-months.  He is definitely running out of clothes, so we have a growing boy.  Still in size 2 diapers.  I bought shoes for him for Easter: Why?...Why do they make shoes for babies?  I think they are just to look at and go, "Awww..."  Functional?  Not.  At.  All.

Speaking of Easter, we had a great day to celebrate Jesus!  This little guy watched the opener for church 3 times: lazers, fog, loud, LOUD celebrating...This guy loved it.  We went over to Gimmee and G-Pa's house for the Easter Egg Hunt.  Cade enjoyed playing with one egg.

Cade nurses 4 times a day.  If there is food around, he will act as if he hasn't eaten ALL day.  He even knows the sound of chopping, mashing, the oven!  He loves EVERYTHING.  Meals include things like: sweet potatoes (his fave!), peas, green beans, quinoa, banana (another fave!), blueberries, oatmeal, cheese, Puffs...how boring to actually list everything.  Moving on.

The last feeding of the day is 7:30 (if he can make it) and bedtime between then and 8 p.m.  He wakes in the morning between 7 and 7:30 a.m.  He'll maybe wake once for the paci (Hallelujah!).  And another praise...NO MORE SWADDLE!

Sister and Cade had a back-and-forth sick time this month, lasting about 2 weeks.  The flu and an ear infection for this little guy.  It was no fun for anyone. Happy we're past that.

Cade had his first road trip this month.  We went to San Diego to watch Auntie Demi's track meet (she was outstanding by the way). His go-with-the-flow mentality came in handy on this trip.  He did great!

Some new accomplishments and fun facts as a 7-Month-Old include:

He loves to bam, bam, bam his hands on anything. (Notice in the first picture at the top of the blog.)

If you ask him to say, "Dada"...he will immediately repeat.

He recognizes words and sounds like: Dada, bam, shake, eat, more, milk, Mama, Lyric, Delilah...

Cade's favorite toy is a ball. (Great start for Pro Athlete...)

At snack time, he can pick up all his food on his tray by himself.

When he toots, he laughs every time.  Typical guy.

Cade rolls around everywhere!

He wants to crawl so bad.  Always leads to a face plant.

Cade had his first time in the pool.  Loved it!

(Still have yet to get him a swimsuit...)

If Mommy walks in the room, no one stands a chance.

He loves to spit.

Looking forward to more smiles and hugs from my Handsome Boy.  

Cade: 6 Months

Halfway to ONE!  It amazes me how quickly times flies.  I continue to cherish everything baby about my boy as he continues to grow towards Big Boy.

Cade loves being around people, but unlike his sister at this age...he actually likes to interact and play with you.  If you smile at him, he most likely will smile back immediately and then keep his eyes on you to see if you'll smile again.  He is constantly locking eyes with Mommy wherever he is.  (Which I love!)

Cade is 26 3/4 inches long (50th percentile) and weighs 14 3/4 pounds (5th percentile) Tiny little guy!  He continues to wear size 6 month clothing.  I actually just put the rest of his 3 months away.  Definitely a smaller baby!  The good thing about getting bigger is that the outfits are much more dashing and complementing to his handsome self.

We just put him on a 4 hour schedule which is still a little shaky.  He starts his feedings at 7/7:30ish and has his last feeding at 7:30 p.m.  He has breakfast, lunch, and dinner (includes a solid food, followed by nursing).  He has done really well with solids.  Everything is mostly blended up (which I make in my Vitamix!), but this last week I have given him a bit of regular oatmeal and some pieces of baby pancakes (egg+banana).  In the highchair, he gives you a limited time to get everything together before wailing.

(Green beans and quinoa...yummmm.)

He has a morning and afternoon nap.  In total they add up to about 3 hours for the day.  I think the catnap before dinnertime is long gone.  After his last feeding, he is usually out immediately or by 8 p.m.  Sleeping through the night for months now, but if he wants the paci back, he will let you know...again, and again, and again sometimes. (Enter Mommy sighing.)  He still has one arm swaddled.  I need to gain the courage to take it away during naps.

Cade was sick this past month for about 2 weeks.  Him and his sister kept tag teaming on who would be sick that day.  Poor guy ended up getting an ear infection.

Two teeth have popped through this month.  So cute!

Some new accomplishments and fun facts as a 6 Month Old include:

He can sit up by himself, but still needs you to sit close by due to balance issues.

He likes to shake things.  If he has a rattle in his right hand, he will switch to his left and then shake like crazy.  (Sometimes enough to throw it across the room.)

He can also stand up by himself holding onto something.

If you put him on the floor he rolls back and forth all over the place.  When I turn around, he is never where I first set him.

Still love, love, LOVES bath time and when you change his diaper.

His fave foods are sweet potato and banana.

Going outside will make him stop crying.

His sister makes for the best company.  If she's not nearby...he will look around for her.

This guy fills me with so much joy.  Love our little Cader-Bader!

Cade: 5 Months

At 5 months old, Cade is a cool little dude.  He still has his moments, but for the most part this guy continues to be pretty easy going.

Always so happy!

Cade weighs 15 pounds and is 24.5 inches long.  He may be a little guy, but he definitely has some chunk on his legs.

He wears size 2 diapers and he is wearing size 6 month clothing.  A few of his size 3's still fit.

Time between feedings is anywhere from 3 to 3 1/2 hours.  Cade starts his day at 7/7:30 a.m. and is sleeping around 8 p.m.  Naps consist of a morning and afternoon.  The third nap is usually shorter depending on how the other two went.  He still gets help with a swaddle.  But good news! He can stay asleep once he gets out.  Still not ready to get rid of it, but we are on the right track.

Still sleeping with his arms out!

He loves his milk!  Solids have been introduced into his day (just for his dinnertime feeding). Anything from rice cereal, peas, carrots, sweet potato, avocado, and the banana....oh my, he loves the banana.

We represented our Dallas Cowboys for the Superbowl.  Cade loved partying at the Taylor's.

Cade loves being outside.  It's an immediate way to get him to light up.

Some new accomplishments and fun facts as a 5 Month Old include:

Mama's Boy to the max.

He has official found his legs.  He loves, loves, loves to stand.  Tears usually turn to smiles if you put him in front of the mirror to stand.  

Belly laughs when tickled and to any funny noises.

He is finally adjusting to his carseat.  Only complains 20% of the time now.  

He loves kisses and cuddles.  

(I have a pic almost identical to this one with his big sis when she was 5 months old.)

He hides his face when he is being bashful.

This boy loves being naked.  

Bath time: Officially without an infant bath now. He kicks his sister the entire time.  

Looking forward to more cuddles and smiles leading up to 6 months.  

Cade: 4 Months

Our little man is 4-months-old.  He is so fun!

Cade is 25 3/4 inches long (36th percentile) and weighs 13.7 lbs (10th percentile).  He doesn't look as little as his numbers measure.  He's a happy, healthy, and small baby.

He wears 6 month size clothing most comfortably.  Still not getting rid of all his cute 3 month styles yet. :)  He got some really great outfits for Christmas.  This guy is going to be lookin' good.

Speaking of Christmas: Great day!  For Christmas Eve, he played Jesus at 3 of our 10 services.  There was a live nativity scene.  So cool! All our practice paid off: He didn't cry.  Phew!  He received lots of clothes and money to go towards finishing his nursery.  It's looking so good!  Hopefully by next month, we will have pictures to prove it.

Joy to the World!

Cade has his last feeding around 7:30 p.m. and sleeps through the night until 7/7:30 a.m.  No complaining here. Just to make sure he doesn't get hungry in the middle of the night, he gets a 2 ounce milk topper after nursing.  Full belly equals happy baby right? Most nights, he calls out for Mommy wanting his paci back.  Hopefully that will end soon.  He currently takes 3 naps a day with a catnap in the evening.  Naps range from an hour to two hours.  

Cade still would rather spend his time interacting with you rather than play with toys.  He is very patient to gain your eye contact, and when he gets it…smiles galore!  Anything in sight is an opportunity to grab ahold.  If he's successful, the item will go straight in his mouth.  He's definitely teething.  A tiny bit of his lower tooth has popped out! (It actually did a month or so ago, it just hasn't really come out more since.)  

His favorite activities include:

Sitting in the Bumbo seat.

Playing with his toes.

Bath time is always fun and playful! (Big sis always has to join him even without any room.)

He also loves reading books, kicking on his play mat, and screaming.  Yes, we have screaming communication.  Happy screaming, but very loud.  

He opens his mouth for kisses.

Cade also loves diaper changing time.  He tries to grab your arms while changing him.  All smiles the entire time.

Looking forward to new exciting milestones: sitting up, standing with help, and laughing more.  But trust me, we are not in any rush.  

Cade: 3 Months

Cade is no longer a newborn…(Enter Mommy crying).

At 3 months, this infant is absolutely wonderful.  He has such a predictability about him that makes for quick adjustments towards happiness.  Sure, he fusses and cries, but only for a particular reason, which most of the time is being tired.  He loves people and eye contact, enjoys interacting with all things around him, and shows curiosity through all his senses.

Cade has graduated to size 2 diapers and wears 3-month size clothing.  Several people mention how long he looks.

His sleep patterns continue to get better.  Between feedings he is up for up to 1.5 hours and naps around 1.5 hours.  Still sleeping more between feedings than being awake.  At night, he has his bedtime feeding at 8:30 p.m. and sleeps until 7:30 a.m. I give him a dream feed around 11 before I go to bed to maintain milk supply.  He sleeps the entire time.  Zzzzz…

If you want to get Cade to sleep: Watch for tired cues, swaddle him super tight, give him the paci and a few pats on the tush, then lay him down with soft blankets for him to snuggle his face into.

This is Cade squirming his way down the bed.  This happens every night.  Eventually he calls out for help. (He should be at the top of the bed with his head in the blanket.)

SIDE NOTE: My children love swaddles.  They. Are. Magical.  Bryan and I are determined to invent one that actually works 100% of the time.  Shark Tank, here we come.

His favorite activities include: Watching his sister be silly, interacting with people, reading books (not literally…yet), and bath time.  He actually enjoys tummy time as well.

He is obsessed with the ceiling fan.  On or off.  Just hold him under it, and it's full-on focus.

A great time to interact with him is while changing his diaper.

He rolled over from tummy to back this month (11 weeks).  Following in his sister's footsteps…or roll steps??

We had a great time visiting with Aunt Demi, Grandma Judy, and Grandpa Gerald for Thanksgiving.

We look forward to Christmas next month!  I think Cade has a good chance of receiving good gifts from Santa because this kid never pouts.  Happy early-birthday Jesus!

Cade: 2 Months

At 2-months-old, Cade continues to live his life with ease.  Which in turn, also makes life much easier for us!  I find myself hugging and kissing him constantly.  There's a definite different "feeling" with a son.

This boy is 23 inches long and weighs 11 pounds.  He's below average in both measurements, but is a very healthy baby.  Out of newborn clothes and into size 3 months.

It's only been 2 months and it is amazing to watch all the exciting changes happening.  Cade is much more alert.  His senses are in high gear as he listens, watches, and feels the world around him.  He is such a happy baby!  His favorite activity thus far is looking right in your eyes and chatting with you.  Also, he shows great independence when being placed on the rug or his bouncy seat.

I prayed for a better sleeper and I think we got one.  He is awake for about an hour and naps 1.5 to 2 hours.  He enjoys his bed and isn't too difficult to get back to sleep if he gets startled mid-nap.  At night he wakes up once for a feeding.  Good news: He went 8 hours between feedings 2 nights in a row.  Yes, we are getting closer to a full nights rest!  Big Praise!

He likes being swaddled during sleep times with sound (white noise) and a paci.

Cade is really starting to use his voice and the smiles are endless.  Like his big sister at this age, his most common phrase is "ahh-goo".

Cade saying, "Ahh-goo".

No excessive spitting up.  More praise!

A couple favorite activities include: Bath time and interacting with his sister.  He thinks she's pretty great!  (Besides the moments that she lays on him and puts her crazy curly hair in his face).

Halloween was pretty mellow for this 2-month-old.  He hung out in the stroller and a few family members arms as we walked the block for trick-or-treating.

Looking forward to Thanksgiving and spending time with family.  Everyone enjoys his mellow demeanor.  Most common way that people describe him: "Easy-going".

Cade makes my job easy as his Mommy.