Cohen's 1st BD

Today we had a blast at Cohen's 1st BD party. Seems like yesterday he was still in his Mommy's belly! Brad and Carmen really know how to throw a celebration. The cowboy theme was complete with a full petting zoo, pinata, BBQ/hotdogs, hats/bandannas/sheriff badges for the kids and so much more! What a special BD it was for Cohen and we look forward to all the amazing things he will accomplish this year! Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Kaiser Farewell

What a huge blessing the faculty of Kaiser has been during the last 6 years! Charles had so many close friends and enjoyed working and learning from the staff while there. Yesterday after work, the staff threw a farewell party for him at Gringo's. About 50 people showed up in support of his promotion to Ehrhardt Elementary. We enjoyed the cards, gifts, and food...but most importantly the company of everyone there. Thank you Kaiser for being a part of our life and we wish you the best!

Family Dinner

Uncle Corey was in town, so we got to enjoy a family dinner at CoCo's tonight!

Charles as a Baby

Since Caelin is 6 months old now, I thought I would re-post a picture of Charles at 6-9 months of age. I have nothing else to say.

An end to another era

I have many things to be proud of in my short life. However, I must say that Breastfeeding is the hardest thing I have ever done. That's right folks...this post will be strictly about breastfeeding, so if you don't want to know about it, stop reading here! The commitment, love, patience and persistence is something I am very proud of. Everyone knows SOMEONE who has sacrificed in this way, so make sure you tell them "good job"! I have a new respect for anyone who has even ATTEMPTED to breastfeed their child! My Mom bought the pump when my sis was first pregnant in October 2006. In these last 5 years, this pump has worked countless hours for 4 babies. I would say that is a pretty good $346 investment! THANKS MOM!

I tend to be what some refer to as a Holstein cow. These are the cows that produce the most milk and I was lucky enough to be placed in that category. The average woman produces 20-30oz/day. On average I produced 60 ounces of milk per day (with a personal best of 74oz, hahaha!). This was a huge blessing with both my children, and while Caelin is only 6 months I am able to stop breastfeeding and still be able to feed her until she is a year old with my supply of frozen milk. Not only do we have a deep freezer full at our house, but also one at Gamee/Grampee's house. Our total number of 10oz frozen bags (the best we could count) is around 350 bags. These freezers are considered my trophy cases! I praise God for this blessing!

Here are the top 10 reasons I am proud this era is over:

10- I no longer have to huddle in my office, crawl in the back of our element, or sit on the floor in random places to pump

9- I am on my way to normal size boobies that are pain free!

8- I will be able to cuddle with my babies and not have to shift them around to avoid pain

7- I will no longer have to be tied to the pump (although we are good friends now) every 4 hours for an average of 40 minutes. What will I do with all this free time?!

6- I no longer have to carry around Lanolin like chapstick everyday

5- The days of washing out pump accessories are OVER

4- I will save money on milk storage bags (we were averaging about $30 month)

3- I will finally be able to sleep on my belly after almost 1.5 years. Whoot whoot!

2- Walmart will have a larger stock of cabbage for the public since I am not buying in bulk anymore

1- I was/am able to feed both my children on breast milk only (no formula) for their first year

Celebrating 6 months

Welcome to officially 6 months of age CAELIN...half a year, WOW! Caelin continues to be one of the happiest babies I have ever seen. She hardly makes a peep (unless she is hungry or wants her pacifier) and smiles just about every time you glance her way. She is a social little butterfly so far. Caelin enjoys repeating noises you make, and has been known to give Grampee quite a look if he grunts in a low voice at her! She prefers to be sitting up rather than laying down. I guess she thinks she might miss some action! She has started to really take an interest in her toys as well. Her favorite toy is a baby doll. Although it is about her size, she hugs and loves on it nonetheless. Sometimes we catch her looking at the face and “talking”, that keeps us laughing constantly! She also likes her colorful rattles that make noise and a sensory “hungry caterpillar” toy. She still insists on a pacifier in her mouth pretty much all day. The last few days, she has been chewing on her pacifier, so we are expecting to maybe see a tooth or two soon. She also started eating rice cereal on New Year’s Day! Cade got to be the first one to feed her the spoonful, although it was more like a shovel! She is not particularly happy to be eating from a spoon, but I think her interest is increasing as she is starting to grab for the spoon now! She still gets her 7oz bottles of breast milk at morning and night, but her day feedings include 5 oz bottles and an average of 2-3 oz of rice cereal/breast milk. Gamee has started calling her “Caelin baelin Roe” and we have all been caught singing it to her as well! Cade continues to love on her daily with kisses and asking to hold her. He tells her “I lub u Caelin”, “You’re SO CUTE”, and “Night Night Caelin, I go to bed”. He pats her head when he walks by her as if he knows what a big brother should do. Poor darling is never going to get out of this house between her Brother and Dad (and the shotguns). Caelin also thinks it is hilarious when Baylor barks or growls. She will laugh until she cannot catch her breath. She currently is right on target for clothes sizes wearing 6-9 month clothes, and size 1 shoes. We are excited that she is growing a bit more hair and it seems to be getting longer…so we might be able to clip a bow in it in a few months. As for her sleeping, she will nap about 3 times during the day for anywhere from 30min-1.5hours. At night, we have her bedtime routine starting at 8pm so she is generally asleep by 8:30pm. If we do not wake her up, she will sleep between 11-12 hours…YAHOO! We went to see Dr. Kravitz for her 6 month check up and all went well. She received 4 shots and her stats are below. She is growing too fast and we are amazed at what she accomplishes daily!
Height: 25.6 inches (44%)
Weight: 15.13lbs (46%)

Welcome 2012

It is a beautiful afternoon. Kids taking naps, windows open with 70 degree weather, and we are in the midst of cleaning the house and enjoying life. God couldn't possibly provide a more peaceful beginning to 2012. Tonight we are going to Gamee/Grampee's for a "new year meal" with cabbage and black eyed peas. Our family looks forward to all of the wonderful lessons, adventures, laughs, and surprises that this next year promises to bring.