Caden's Favorite Bible Character

I bet Abednego never knew how funny he'd be to an almost 2-yr old boy. We're now considering that as an option for this new baby boy.

A Taste of Spring

This past Friday, we had a BEAUTIFUL day and decided to take a walk outside for a little photo shoot. We had to set the tripod up, and I inadvertently cut off our heads, but I think I like it better that way. :) I think this might be the 1st belly picture I've had too. Sorry new baby. But here I am at 30 weeks!

Caden's new outdoor passion is gathering pine cones and sweet gum balls. We have both in abundance.

BAM! That's right.

One of his treasures. I love the look of pure joy on his face.

I have to say, I am ready ready ready for spring. We had buttercups bloom this past week, and that always makes me itch even more for warmer weather, but I suppose after spring comes sweltering summer, so I won't wish my time away. :)

The day Before the BIG snow. :) And then, I'll stop with the snow pictures

The day before the snow really came, we got quite a dusting, and we got to play over at Uncle Ty and Aunt Nell's house, which means time with Coda (Co-ca), Caden's most favorite dog ever.

From the very beginning, Caden was VERY distressed about the snow getting on his shoes.

Pointing it out to Cookie in case she didn't see it

Finally had it with that snow on his shoes.

Uncle Ty came to the rescue with the plastic pool

The End

SNOW!

I'm sure most of you have not even heard the news that it snowed in Texas. (please insert sarcasm here). :) It was pretty shocking though, and perfect timing, seeing that it allowed my mom to stay a few more days and play with us.

Caden wasn't too sure about the cold white stuff at first, but he made an uneasy peace with it.

It's a little hard to tell, but he's getting in position to beat the tar out of the snow on that branch.

Sometimes he plays with real toys, but he mostly prefers things like this tether ball on a string.

We don't have a real dog, but Caden does have a love for animals that he did not get from me. Every time we go outside, we have to visit his yard art dog and frog. I think they get more hugs and kisses than Adam and me.

High-stepping through the back yard.

I know by this point at least his hands were about to freeze off, but he just loves to swing.

and sing...simultaneously. This Little Light of Mine is always his first request.

Followed closely by The Wise Man Built.....this is the Oooooooh part right before the rains came down.

Some time after the swinging, we hit a tiny meltdown, but it was nothing some balls couldn't fix.

Accompanied by some sticks

And here is my creepy snowman. I'm pretty sure I looked like a "special" kid out there finishing it by myself while Cookie took Caden in, but it's just so much fun to play, whether you have a kid to blame it on or not.

A Good Practice Baby

So, we've been a bit apprehensive about how Caden will react to having to share Mommy and Daddy with a new little creature come May. Needless to say, we were quite excited when we found out Drayton would be arriving in time to be a practice baby. We intend to take full advantage. :)

The first session went quite well. Caden was VERY excited about holding Drayton in his very own lap (wap). He is very generous with his kisses.

He was also sure to give a careful inspections, counting body parts and making sure all were impervious to pokes and jabs.

However, one thing he cannot tolerate is a yawn. Cookie swooped in just in time to save Drayton from a fierce backhand.

Delighted again.

When he realized we cheered for kisses, he got a little overzealous, and we felt it might be in Drayton's best interest to bring this practice session to a close.

Caden did not agree. There was more he wanted to accomplish, and fervent pleading soon turned

into utter despair

Thank goodness the praying bear was there to take Drayton's place. We were thinking of auditioning new practice babies, but decided that Drayton will fit the bill just right. What a lucky baby.

A Lesson in Coloring

Picking out the proper color palette should be of primary importance to any serious artist. It demands study and a practiced eye.

The moment when said artist discovers that perfect color can be a joyful epiphany...almost worth the hours of searching.

The skin can prove to be a wonderful tester of the purity of any art medium. Do not discount its usefulness as a tool.

Clothing often restricts creative freedom and should be considered optional. Creative coloring poses should also be encouraged.

It is sometimes necessary to readjust and rethink. That color that you discarded in the beginning could be just the touch your work of art needs to be a masterpiece.

When you just can't seem to figure out what it's missing, a good friend's opinion can help.

Or maybe just comfort.

Even if you follow all of these rules, the finished product may leave you with some mixed emotions. Never fear. There will be new masterpieces to create tomorrow.

Drayton Scott Ford!!

So...lately, this is what I've been getting to hold. :)

Ty and Janelle had Drayton Scott Ford this past Sunday, and he's a tiny (well, if 9 lbs is tiny) little red, hairy man, and he's so cute!