great neighbors!!

Doug and I have the greatest west side neighbors. Joel and Kerri are friendly and kind. Kerri has rescued me many times when I've been baking and realized I was an egg short or needed more oil. They brought us dinner when they found out Doug's mom was sick and we'd been at the hospital a lot. They say nice things to us about Caden and are always up for a little neighborly chit chat. A little while ago our doorbell rang unexpectedly. It was Kerri with a plate of cookies and a note telling me to a have brighter day today. All that just because I mentioned I had a stinky day at work yesterday. THANKS HURDS!! You're the best!!

I hate my job

Today, it (my job) cost me more than I make because I lost a good friend whom I was just starting to get close to. Nothing can change it or fix it. And it just plain sucks for me personally and professionally. I fear that not only did I lose this realtionship but that there will be additional fall out and damage will be done to other relationships at work. I hate it! I hate it! I hate it!

Caden says

Caden says some of the funniest things. Here are a few . . .

"Mommy, I'm hiding from you under the kitchen table." He's very into playing "hiding". He thinks he's hidden if his eyes are closed or he's under a blanket or the kitchen table.

"My belly hurts. It needs a drink of water so it can go to sleep." I don't get this one, but as soon as we get him a drink of water he calms right down and goes to sleep.

"I tired. I need clean pajamas so I can go to sleep." Like his mommy, this boy likes to be clean, though most days he's filthier than I could have ever thought possible before having him, but he REALLY loves to wash his hands and brush his teeth.

"I gotta check my cherries; see if they're good." Referring to the now empty cherry tree in our front yard.

"You stank!" Not very nice, but something about the way he says it makes us laugh.

" I want the door just a little bit." For you non-native Cadenese speakers, this means that he wants his bedroom door open just a crack at night.

back to the grind

School is back in session and going full speed ahead. Today was the 5th day of school and I already feel behind with my "TO DO" list. I work hard all day long; I really do, but at the end of the day it seems I have even more to do than when the day started. At least it's never dull.

Caden is really enjoying preschool at Newton Medical. He's learning a lot. Last week he learned several nursery rhymes: Hey, Diddle Diddle; Little Jack Horner; and Hickory Dickory Dock. He was quite proud to recite them for both set of grandparents. This week the theme is ABCs and they've been working on name recognition. Caden can identify all the letters in his name (plus many more), though he still sometimes calls the "N" M. Today he brought home a baggie of milk jug lids each with a letter of his name is glitter on the top so we can practice "spelling" his name. His teachers say he's well-behaved, affectionate, and easy going, so so far so good!

Doug has been busy working and enjoying the Olympics. He's really into beach volleyball, but that's only because golf is not an Olympic sport. He lives tomorrow for Raleigh, North Carolina for 4 days of training. He's most excited about the fact that on one leg of his trip he got a free upgrade to first class. I told him not to get used to it.

That's what we've been up to. Nothing too exciting, but our school routine is definitely back in full swing now.

It's a . . .

BOY!! That's right, Doug, Caden, and I will become the proud uncle, cousin, and aunt to our nephew/cousin on December 26. Tim, Melissa, and Tegan went for the first glimpses of the baby on the sonogram today and apparently Baby Livesay has all the right parts to be considered a man. Happy Birthday, Mama Melissa!! Your little boy is on his way and he'll melt your heart!! I know my little man melted mine. :)

bike ride

Caden has owned a bike for over a year now and he's really been wanting to learn to ride it. He got really interested and over his fear about 3-4 days ago. Well, preschool is good for something. I picked Caden up today and was surprised and pleased to see him pedaling a bike all over the play area outside at school. He was desperate to practice on his own bike at home. So Daddy took him out for awhile this evening. I'm happy to say that though he needs some assistance at times and lots of encouragement, Caden has a new mode of transportation mostly mastered. Here's the video of him showing off for me after several trips up and down the street with Doug. Forgive my videography skills; they're terrible!

Could the grin be bigger or prouder?

First Day of Preschool

Today was Caden's first day of preschool at Newton Medical Center. He was so excited last night to go to school this morning. His cousin, Tegan, is in his class which is good because I think he'll adjust better knowing a familiar face will be around. Doug took Caden this morning and I cried as they drove away. I've always taken Caden to daycare and it was hard not to drop him off today. After a few tears as Daddy left, Caden had a GREAT day!! We're very relieved. I picked him up and he seemed so happy. His teachers, Miss Gina and Miss Melody said he did well. Miss Gina made us a photo collage of his first day. What a wonderful surprise for Mommy this afternoon. I had proof my baby. . .eh, big boy did fine. He's growing up.

Happy boy before school this morning!

Photographic proof of Caden's first day of preschool

It's difficult to see in this photo of a photo page, but this

shows Caden during circle time, nap time, play acting in

Little Miss Muffet, playing dinosaurs with Tegan, and
holding a C for Caden. What a SUPER day for my boy!!