Park

We are into our third full day of stay-at-homeness. I have visions of Pinterest-inspired craft projects, but honestly, I'm just trying to get back into the swing of being with Cayden full time. Today was easy going for us. Indoor playing, outdoor playing, "movie" watching. I would love for Cayden to sleep in past 615 or 630 in the mornings, for selfish and practical reasons. Selfishly, so I can sleep more. Practically, so when Beckham gets here and is sleeping in our room - he's not blasted out of his bassinet by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, or Imagination Movers. 

Cayden has been doing pretty well with sleeping in until 630. Sometimes he's up a little before that, but I try not to go and get him until that time. Speaking of sleeping - I must document the fact that he took a THREE HOUR nap today. What?? I guess it was just a big nap day for him, my expectations are zero for it happening again. But it was nice - I actually finished a book, and then nodded off myself for about 20 minutes. 

Kristin and I decided last night that we should find a way to get together today. She texted me for a park date this afternoon, and Cayden was still asleep. As soon as he woke up, I went into his room. He was a little cranky - and was fussing a little, but then he looked at me and said, "Park." Why yes, we are going to the park. I hadn't said anything to him about this prior to him going to bed. He was pumped. He was very willing to have his diaper and clothes changed. He even grabbed his sunscreen for me to apply as I was getting my shoes on. It's really funny the stuff he knows. 

 The big slide. It took a lot of coaxing, Millie going down first, and more coaxing, but he finally did it. Much to his surprise and joy - there was a rain puddle waiting for him at the end. 

 He does love water. No matter where, or what kind. I had to jump in and keep him from licking the slide - gross. 

 For a brief moment Millie and Cayden sat on the bench - by the time I got my camera at the ready, they were off and running. 

 At the next bench, I was more prepared. However, to get two kids to look at the camera and say Cheese at the same time is a joke. 

Millie was more willing to participate in photo opportunities than Cayden. To his defense there was a guy mowing his yard across the street. He is captivated by mowing. He asks three times a day about mowing. 

36 Weeks, Strep Throat, and Everything Else I Need to Mention

Here is what I know: I'm 36 weeks pregnant today. I'm ready for Beckham to be here. I'm ready to sleep better (hypothetically), bend over more easily, breath, not get out of breathe, not feel like a whale, etc. I'm ready. I went to the doctor today and I'm dilated to 1.5 - big woo. I seem to be about the same as I was with Cayden, which makes me think that this kid will also be induced. Four weeks to go!!

Cayden had strep throat a few weeks ago. We are fairly certain he caught the bug from The Little Gym, considering that he doesn't go to daycare, and is generally not around a lot of other little kids. It was pretty pitiful. All he wanted to do was cuddle with me on the couch and watch Peppa Pig. At one point he fell asleep on Jennifer, while we were contemplating calling the on-call nurse. If you know Cayden at all, or have kept up with this sporadic blog, you know this is not him. After a round of antibiotics, and a rash, he came out on top. He slept in our bed for the first few nights which was cumbersome. Heath was out of town, and honestly, I don't think Cayden likes our bed very much. He can't get comfortable, and heaven knows I can't either. But, we are good now!

He weighs almost 32 pounds, and is 35 inches. He insisted I measure him today. He has the memory of an elephant. I warn you to not make promises to this boy, because he will hold you to it. Case-in-point: The other night he wanted to "Paint." It was too late, so I told him we could paint in the morning. Eleven hours roll by, and he is up at 6:15. No joke, other than Mama and Dada, the first words out of his mouth were "Paint?"  He kills me~ He remembers where we buy stuff. He got stickers at Target the other day, and when I gave him a sheet today, he said, "Target."

His new love is movies. I find this hilarious because he will watch a movie for about 10 minutes. This does not keep him from getting the movie basket, choosing one, and insisting I put something in about seven times a day. It is usually Tangled. I will also mention that he is persistent and insistent about everything. 

He is starting to understand the concept of waiting. In the drive-thru at ChickFila, "wait." We "wait" while the movie gets started. We wait for lots of things. 

There are things that he chooses not to remember how to do, or understand what you are saying. These usually revolve around picking up toys. He can't seem to help out in this department. UNLESS - you have just said he could watch a movie, and he has to put the other movies away first. He can do that. 

We start swim lessons next week, and I know he will be pumped. We went swimming at Jennifer's over Memorial Day Weekend, and he all but jumped in off the side of the pool. Today was our second day together at home for summer break. I'm trying to make the most of it and enjoy it all because within weeks it won't be this way anymore. I also can't seem to imagine not going back to school in the fall, so I can't bring myself to call myself a stay at home mom, yet. 

Picture time!

 We've been doing a bit of painting. The sad thing about these two pictures is that they were taken the day he was running a 100+ temp. No smiles, nothing. He did eat the paint - made out of food coloring and sweetened condensed milk. 

 We've also been playing with buckets of water. He loves it. Really, who wouldn't? I did break down and buy an inflatable pool, but haven't had a chance to get it up and running. 

 Dumping out all of the water is the most fun - but then fun stops when the water is gone. 

 Stickers are also a big hit. 

 I like this picture because you can see the chaos of our backyard. Outdoor chair pillow, four-wheeler, boy in truck, ball, etc. 

 If you follow us on Instagram you will often find pictures of Cayden and his crew. Today we piled them up, and he wanted a book. I asked if he was going to read to them, and he shook his head yes. He also pointed for me to leave the room. I complied, and grabbed by camera to catch a peak around the corner. 

Most prized forgotten treasure: The Pumpkin flashlight. 

While Cayden's vocabulary is increasing, so is the frequency at which he repeats stuff. Yes - He has already repeated Crap and S*&T. We are getting better at censoring ourselves.