Kaden is crawling!

Well, our little boy is finally crawling!  He's been working on it for about a month now, taking step by step, falling over, pulling himself across the floor with his elbows, and hopping around like a frog.  Thanks to March Madness and a lot of time downstairs watching basketball with Daddy on the big screen, Kaden got a chance to roam all over the basement without running into furniture like he usually does upstairs.  On Monday last week, he just decided it was time, and started crawling across the room.  Throughout the week, he's ventured his way into every room in our house.  The gate to the basement stairs has officially gone up, and I'm finding myself wondering why I wanted him to crawl in the first place! :)  I turn my head for a second, and he's in my bedroom closet eating my shoes... lovely.  The fun begins- every crumb and cord is attractive to an 8 1/2 month old boy.  He's so much happier now that he can quickly crawl across the room for a toy, and he's becoming more and more independent.  Where did our little boy go? 

Girl's Weekend in Pittsburgh

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a long time... it seems as though updating my blog has been put on the back burner.  Anyway, I promise to be more diligent in posting and giving you updates!  This past weekend I went away to Pittsburgh, PA for a girl's weekend to meet up with my best friends from NJ.  We've all been friends since elementary school, and still keep in touch and try to get together in NJ over the holidays if we're all in town.  One of my friends stayed in NJ, one is in PA, and two of us are here in good ol' Michigan!  We decided to meet in Pittsburgh as a "middle spot" but future girls' weekends will be in better locations.  While we were there we spent lots of time talking and catching up, rode the Duquesne Incline for great views of the city, went shopping, got pedicures, had a baby shower for one friend, made crafts (guess whose idea that was?!?!?) and ate lots of food.  It was nice to get away and spend time with friends.  Andy and Kaden enjoyed some guy time back at home while I was gone, and Andy did a great job of being "Mr. Mom" for the weekend!  :)  

Our Little Santa

Much to the surprise of our friends and family, we dressed Kaden up as a little Santa for his Christmas picture.  Yes, I know... we don't believe in Santa, but I just couldn't resist.  Our kids will know that there is no Santa and probably make a few little ones cry in preschool over it.  However, we firmly believe that Christ is the center of Christmas, and that should be the focus.  Anyways, we're enjoying the Christmas season over here, and feel the joy that comes from Christ's birth.  So far Kaden's first Christmas season is great.  We'll see how the 12 hour drive to NJ goes next week! :)

Graduation

Last night I officially graduated with my Master's Degree in Reading from Grand Valley State University.  It felt so good to be done, although definitely not quite as exciting when I graduated from Calvin College with my undergrad.  It was great to celebrate this accomplishment, and I'm glad I'm done....for now.... :)

Thanksgiving

Kaden was so cute on Thanksgiving day.  We had such a nice, relaxing day spent with family.  When reflecting back over the year, we couldn't help but be thankful for the amazing blessings he's given us- especially our precious baby boy!  God is good!

Eating cereal

Kaden has begun his quest of eating cereal.  I must say he's  not quite sure what to think of it yet.  Most of the time the cereal comes right back out, or he laughs and babbles and it flies everywhere.  I'm sure he'll get the hang of it eventually!

Telling our story

Hi everyone! Well, we decided to join the rest of the world and open up our doors to you via the wonderful world of the web. This blog was started to keep you updated on what's going on in our lives and watch our precious boy Kaden grow up (much too quickly!). Enjoy!