Spring Break in Round Rock

We were able to get away the first half of Spring Break and head to Round Rock to visit the Parks side of the family. First of all, let me say...those who know my family well already know how crazy it gets with just us 6 adults. BUT NOW, we add 3 kids: Mackenzie (4.5yrs), Cade (19 mo), and Jax (4 mo). So, Jax basically sits and watches the chaos (occasionally lifting one eyebrow of approval/disapproval) and Mackenzie and Cade spend their time running around and adding to the "music" of the house. They are so funny to watch and I love how well they play together. Mackenzie has learned that since Cade is only a few pounds lighter than her, she can no longer pick up "Baby Cade"...so instead they RUN! It is hilarious to watch Nana chase them and play "ice cream shop" in the floor, and Papa turns down his hearing aide before picking up Cade to show him tools in the garage. Cade also got many rides on the John Deer in the backyard. One day while we were down, the Dad's took the kids fishing at Lake Travis, and the girls were able to go through some clothes that we are passing from Mackenzie to Caelin. Needless to say...we are SET on clothes all the way to 3T at this point. I have spent 2 days just washing and ironing and hanging them in her closet. Not to mention I had to buy 70 MORE hangers just to hang everything up. And this doesn't even include the sleepers or onesies! We are so blessed!

I can't wait to add Caelin into the mix this July. Just think, at Christmas this year, we will have 4 kids, ages 5yrs, 2yrs, 1 yr, and 6mo! Bring on the Chaos! Here are some pics from Round Rock!

Grandma's Boots

My Grandma Watts (who Caelin is taking the name "Roe" from) was a bit of a cowgirl to say the least. She grew up on the farm, doing what all her other brothers did and fit right in. Well, one of the things I got when she passed away was a pair of her old boots. Originally, I thought I might be able to wear them, but they were too small and the leather was already stretched too much to get them stretched more. So, Cade had fun playing in them one morning and modeling for us. He is such a ham and my Grandma would LOVE the thought of him playing with them! Here's pics...

And the award goes to...

GAM-EE!!! During the day while we are at work, Gam-ee has slowly introduced the potty chair to Cade. In an effort not to push him, we have had it casually lying around both houses with a potty book he can ONLY read while on the potty. Since Cade loves books, he was interested to sit while reading his book! On Wednesday of this week, he actually went on the potty one time! He was just a surprised as Gam-ee and Mommy/Daddy LOVED the bragging phone calls we got at work from Gam-ee and Cade. My lil man is so smart. Of course, I thought, this probably won't continue for a while...but that was NOT true! Yesterday, Cade went 4 times on the potty!! Gam-ee had him with no pants on (yes, you will love the little hiney in the pics below. He would squirm and point to his wee-wee when he needed to go, and then they would both run to the potty! I am so impressed with my lil man. It may take a while to get fully there, but I am just so blessed we have hit the milestones we have in such a short time! Way to go Cade, we are so proud of you! You are such a smart boy!

PS- Gam-ee gets the AWARD for being so diligent and getting us this far! THANKS!

Caelin's half way here!

According to my Doctor, I am halfway there! This week marked 20 weeks (although I think I am really 22 weeks), and I have some exciting stats to share!

Mommy Stats-
BP: 100/70
Weight: I have gained 12.5 pounds since the start of this prgnancy. 4.5 lbs have been this last month! So, here comes the exercise!
Urine Tests: normal
Bloodwork: All negative for any syndromes or disorders

Caelin Stats-
We of course had the sonogram last week and the Doc reported that all Caelin's measurements came back as perfect! The sonogram showed that Caelin weighed about 11 ounces which is in the 90%. She is a big girl (or I am farther along than they think) and we plan to have another sonogram around 32 weeks to look at measurements and see if the scheduled C-section will be moved up. At this point, the due date will stay on July 7th!

Other Notes-
Caelin is getting bigger with me! She has kept me up for 2 nights kicking and moving! Last night, I actually SAW my belly move for the first time! Daddy can feel her move everyday and she is one active little gal! I don't mind staying up with her though, makes me feel good to know she is having a blast with life already!

Finally, here is what BabyCenter.com said that Caelin is doing at 20 weeks:
"Your baby weighs about 10.5 oz, is about 6.5 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel! The length of a long banana! She is swallowing these days which is good practice for her digestive system. She is also producing Meconium, a black sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in her bowels and you will see it in her first diaper."

Klein FFA Show

This past Saturday while Nana and Papa were still in town, we took Cade to Klein's FFA show. All 4 Highschools participated in it, so it was quite large! Cade had a great time touching all the animals and making their sounds. My favorite was when he went to touch a bull on it's back and it stood up. My little man jumped and looked at the bull like he was saying, "I was JUST petting you pal!" He is so funny. I love how Cade has no fear, he will try anything (although scary for me at times) and loves to do new things. It is impressive how he remembers details for days and weeks after. The mind of a toddler is truly amazing. If you ask him, "Did you pet the sheep?" he will laugh and say yes. Nana and Papa had a great time walking around and showing Cade the animals. He was so excited he didn't know which way to go!

I feel like this somedays too!

Daddy goes Hunting

Charles went with a group of guys from our church (True North Outfitters) a few weeks ago to go Pheasant hunting. Cade and I had a great time snuggling, running errands, going to the park, and making cookies! Daddy came back with 7 pheasants and we have had some amazing BBQ birds for dinner. They are actually quite yummy when smoked! Here are some pics of the guys

Cade's first Haircut

Today was hard, but very exciting. I had been dreading cutting Cade's hair since I can remember, his red curls in the back reminded me that he was still "my baby". Well, he is now 18 months with a mullet and curls that have overgrown his ears. So, since Daddy was going for a haircut, and all Grandparents were in town, I thought this was the time to do it. So after work, we got the nerve to take him to Sports Clips. He loves sports and I knew the decor of the place would help distract him. Turns out he needed no distractions! We first watched Daddy do it and talked about how it would be "Cade's turn" next. When it was his turn, he sat in the chair like a big boy and never moved. The stylist even said he was the best she had ever seen for a first haircut. Now, Mommy on the other hand cried for a bit while trying to take pictures, and Daddy just stood by proud and kept talking to Cade. We were so proud of our angel! After the haircut, we all went to Baskin Robbins to celebrate! I am missing the curls, but he is SO HANDSOME!