"About me"

"Well, what can I say? I am four months old today. Mommy acts like that's a pretty big deal, and keeps saying things like, 'I just can't believe it' and 'You're growing too fast!' I guess I am getting to be a pretty big boy. I went to the doctor for a check-up this morning. I weigh 11 lbs 14 oz and am 25 inches long. All the ladies were making over me, telling me how cute I am. I did kind of like it, so I just kept smiling at them. Mommy says all the girls will have to watch out for me one day, because I'm kind of a flirt. The doctor said I'm a little on the small side, so told Mommy I could start getting some cereal in my bottles. Sounds good to me- the more food, the better, as far as I'm concerned. I'm half-Davidson, half-Lawyer, afterall, and, according to Daddy, none of us are small eaters."

"Aside from all that, I'm just enjoying life and being outside all the time. I love feeling the wind on my face. I make all kinds of funny faces that make Mommy laugh. She's always happy in the mornings, too, because she says I'm such a good sleeper. She calls me her little cuddlebug and I kind of like that. Daddy calls me his little buddy and that makes me feel pretty special, too. I love spending time with Daddy and helping him do all sorts of things around the house. Big Sis is being a little nicer to me these days as well. I guess she's getting more used to me being here. She tries to move me around when Mommy's not looking, so I always cry so Mommy will make her stop. Sometimes, she lets me lay on her bed and reads books to me. I like that a lot."

"This past weekend, we traveled to see our awesome family. At Mamaw and Papaw's house, Big Sis was getting all the attention while I had to lay here and look at this toy..."
"So I decided to roll over..."

"Everyone was excited about that. I also found my toes last week and think it's pretty fun to do this..."
"Of course, Ella had to show everyone she could do it, too. She has a hard time letting me have the spotlight, even for a minute." :)

"At least Daddy always gives me his undivided attention when he comes home from work. I love sitting and telling him all about my day."

"I guess I'm a pretty lucky, little boy. Daddy, Mommy, and Big Sis love and kiss on me constantly. I heard Mommy tell Ella that kisses make me grow, so I'll take all I can get. Okay, that's all about me. Mommy says it's time to eat and no way am I gonna' be late for that! Bye for now!" :)

Weekend pics

We spent a few days with our families this past weekend. Chris took Monday off, so we could have a little extra time. We didn't have much planned, which was nice. We just relaxed and took our time going from here to there, yet still managed to get in some good visits.

First up, Evansville! When I told Ella we were going to see Chad and April in Evansville, she said, "Oh, Boy! I love Evansville!" As we got closer, she kept saying, "Is this Heavensville? Are we in Heavensville yet?" We couldn't bring ourselves to correct her because she just sounded too adorable.
She had her sunglasses and happy meal and was ready to go!
The cute, pregnant girl herself! Look at that belly!!

Cade sure didn't mind being doted on by Aunt April...
Or by "Aunt Katie"...

Cornhole!!

"Touchdown, Irish!" Uncle Jared is bound and determined that Cade's first words will be "Notre Dame", much to Daddy's dismay. :)

Ella enjoying a cupcake. Look how pretty this is! Almost too pretty to eat! Thanks for your hospitality, guys! We had so much fun and can't wait to return to "Heavensville".

We spent the next evening having a great time with Papaw and Mamaw. Thanks for the wonderful spaghetti and meatballs!! Ella gave Papaw a workout with all the wrestling. I love this picture!

On Monday, we had breakfast at Grammy and Pappaw's, then had a fun visit with Jen and her sweet kiddos. It was so good to see her and catch up, and we loved watching our little ones play together (we missed you, Annie!).

What a group! Looks busy, huh? :)

Can't wait to see everyone again soon!

Princess tent

We spent most of the morning playing in Ella's princess tent (thanks again, Aunt Pam!). Ella kept saying, "Hurry, hurry, save the princess!" She would run in the tent and hide, waiting for the "tickle monster" to "save" her. haha. Then she decided the tent was a princess school and she was (of course) the teacher. She's so creative and it's really fun watching her use her imagination.
Anxiously awaiting someone to come "save" her... :)
"Welcome to the Princess School!"

Teaching her animals...

Cade kept pretty entertained with all Ella's silliness. Daddy won't be happy, but he fit in pretty well with all the green and pink!

Being goofy together...

Am I a lucky mommy or what?!

Corn on the cob!

Pappaw doesn't think we can get fresh vegetables here in the "city", so he always sends some along when Grammy comes. They can be pretty difficult to find, so we're always appreciative, especially Ella. She loves her corn on the cob!
She was cracking us up last night with the way she was attacking it. Look at that face! haha!

Yum! Thanks, Pappaw!!

Lil' supermodels

The kids had their pictures made this morning and they turned out so great! Here are a few of my favorites.

"Those are the rules"

The other night, I put Cade down for bed, thinking he was asleep. I was in my room getting ready for bed and he started fussing. Before I could make it back to him, I heard his big sis in there, trying to get him to calm down. This is what I heard:
Ella (in the sweetest, little voice): "It's okay, Buddy, it's okay. Mommy and Daddy are here and you're safe. There's nothing to be scared of."
(Cade's crying continues)
Ella: "Don't cry, Little Buddy. I know it's dark, but Mommy and Daddy are here and they'll take care of you. Calm down now, Sweetie."
(Still crying)
Ella (a little less sweetly): "Cade, it's okay! Stop crying, Buddy. This is your big, nice bed, and you're a lucky, little boy. You're safe and it's time to go to sleep. There's nothing to be scared of."
(Crying escalates)
Ella (very sternly now): "Cade, stop crying! You're very tired and it's time for bed! I know you don't want to go to bed, but you have to. Cade's not in charge. Mommy and Daddy are in charge, and they say it's time for bed. You might not like it, but those are the rules!"
Hahahaha!!!!!!!
And here we thought she never heard a word we said!! :)

Suncatcher

Check out the suncatcher Ella made for our kitchen window! It's beautiful!
She said, "Look, Mommy! It makes everything sunny!" :)

The only thing...

"...worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping baby." -J. Houldsworth

Lazy Sunday

We spent a lazy Sunday with Kyle, Kellie, and Payton yesterday. It was great to see them and celebrate the fact that both Kyle and Kellie got new jobs this week!! Yea!! Plus, the kiddos got some fun play time together.
Cade and Kellie relaxing outside...
Kyle and Payton taking a break for a snack...

"P Money" rapping and showing off his dance moves...

Check this one out! :)

For as much as these two pick on each other sometimes, there's a lot of love there, too!

Letting their bellies relax after a big dinner... haha!

So cute!

Come back soon, guys!!

Family visits

It's been a busy week around here, but we've had such a great time visiting with lots of family. We didn't make it home over the Fourth because I had to work, so Papaw and Mamaw came up to see us on Sunday and cooked us a great dinner. Thanks, guys, it was awesome!! And it was so good to see you, even though the visit was too short!
Grammy and Lexi also came up on Sunday to spend a few days. It's always so nice having Mom around. She makes my life a lot easier while she is here, letting me sleep in and put my feet up a bit. I appreciate her help so much and, of course, the kids get super spoiled when she comes to town. :)

We were excited to have Lex here, too. She and Ella are such big buddies and are constantly doing things that make each other laugh. They pretty much act like sisters and have a ton of fun together, despite their six year age difference. Sometimes they fight like sisters, too, but I guess that is all part of it. haha! Come back soon, Lex!

On Tuesday, my cousins Emily, Joli, Jalyn, my aunt Phyllis, and Emily's two boys, Aidan and Keenan, traveled up from Lexington to see us. We were thrilled to have them here for the day. Ella and Aidan have only seen each other a couple times, but took to each other right away. Still tonight, Ella was thanking Jesus in her prayers that Aidan and Keenan got to come to her house to play. :)

Look at them holding hands, aren't they the sweetest?

Lots of fun in the sun...

Joli and Jalyn are never happier than when they have a baby in their arms :)

We tried to round the little ones up for a picture, but this was the best we got (with me in the middle)...

I'm always so thankful when we get to spend time with family. I only wish it happened more often. You're all invited back anytime!!

"I could never do that!"

Tonight as we were playing outside, Ella saw a big beetle and ran over and immediately stepped on it. She stepped back to watch it, saw that it was still moving, and stepped on it again, even harder. Once she saw that its legs were still moving a bit, she jumped up and down on it several times. Finally, she saw that it definitely wasn't moving anymore (and was smeared all over the sidewalk), and said, "Look, Mommy, now he can't walk." I said, "I know, because you killed him." She looked at me in horror, and said, "Oh no! I could never do that!" Haha!!

3 months

I just can't believe Cade is three months old already. It seems like just last week, we were preparing for his arrival and wondering how we were going to do it with two little ones at home. He is a wonderful blessing and such an easy baby to care for. I hear people say that a lot about their second child, that they're so much easier than their first, and I can't help but wonder if the child is actually "better" or if the parents are just better at handling things the second time around. Either way, our life is still chaotic, but has also settled down in a way. We're getting this two kid thing down, and hopefully aren't too bad at it. :)

Back to Cade, he's just a joy and growing so fast. He seems so big to us, although people always comment on how little he is and are surprised when we tell them he's three months old. They usually mistake him for a one month old, until they see him hold up his head. He's got pretty good neck control these days and will just sit and look around. He's also starting to grab at things and can hold on to a toy for a few minutes. He constantly wants something in his mouth and has found his thumb on several occasions. Don't know if that's good or bad. Ella never was a thumb sucker. Anyways, he's very social, loves to cuddle, and will fuss if he can't see anyone, then stop fussing as soon as someone is in his sight. He's full of smiles and coos. We've had a few chuckles, but we're still waiting for that first real belly laugh. I'm so excited to hear it. I remember how Ella's first belly laugh brought us both to tears. What a sweet sound. Speaking of Ella, Cade loves his big sister and will just watch her in amazement for the longest time. I can't blame him, she is pretty entertaining. haha. He is sleeping so well, too. For the last week, he has been sleeping for six or seven hours straight at night. I told you he was an easy baby! Okay, I could go on and on, but let me just say he is beautiful, we are madly in love with him, and so, so proud to be his mommy and daddy. :)

Beautiful boy...
Holding his head up. Way to go, Buddy!

Trying to get his ring in his mouth. Loves that little ring, by the way...

This is him most of the time, with his sweet, sleepy smile. Seriously, have you ever seen anything cuter?!