Yes, we are still here

...but not for long! We're moving next month and life has been plenty full. However, I did get put on call for work, so here's a quick post with some updated pictures. Caden is 18 months now (whoo hoo for Nursery!) and so much fun. His most recent accomplishment is learning how to do a somersault by himself, which he loves to demonstrate for us whenever we ask.

Earlier this month Caden and I got to go visit family in Utah while we left Jess home to work on his thesis. We had a blast with family but happily returned home to Daddy after two weeks. Caden's talking continues to get more and more understandable and Baby Boy #2 is growing right along with his older brother. No name in sight, so any reasonable suggestions will be considered.
I hope to repent from my blogging hiatus, but no promises! Jess will be defending the middle of next month, then it's packing time and moving to Cincinnati.

Videos for Uncle Robby

Because my brother Robby asked for these, here are some videos we took a month or so ago of Caden. Sorry we don't have anything more recent. I'll try to get some of him talking, but he stops whatever he's doing when he sees the camera. I'm pretty sure he starts drooling anytime he sees technology!

Since last we posted...

Well, since the last time I posted anything was almost 3 months ago, plenty has happened. Caden runs, walks up and down stairs, is starting to talk and is learning how to climb (I'm not so thrilled with the last accomplishment!). Caden says "please", "ball", "up", "down", "hi", "help", "yes" and of course "no" and has signs for many other words. My current favorite is his sign for "stinky". If we say the word or if something smells, he smiles and waves his hand in front of his nose.

Caden LOVES the snow, so all of the winter storms that we have been getting are heaven for him. Walking to and from the car are his favorite part of the day. Every day we can tell that he understands more and more of what we say, and he gets better at following simple commands.

Here are just a couple of pictures from the last couple months. We've been pretty bad about taking pictures, so we didn't have many to choose from.

Here is Caden in front of the Christmas tree in Washington at Grandpa and Grandma Rose's house. We spent a week and a half there for Christmas during Jess's school break. Although he still wasn't really into Christmas this year, at least he was more involved than last year (at 5 weeks old)!

Caden loves to ride on Daddy's shoulders. Gouging out his eyes is just an added bonus!

Caden on Grandma's balcony, loving the snow!

At the Historic Carousel in downtown Spokane

After Spokane, we flew to Utah to hang with Grandpa and Grandma Watts for just over a week. Here we are on a snow night at Temple Square.
This is the first and only time Caden has fallen asleep in his highchair. One moment he was chewing peas, and the next he was slumped over like so.
To more recent photos, here's Caden getting a horsey ride from Daddy.
Caden loves to climb on his little car and push himself around the room. Yay for self-propulsion!
Caden trying on Daddy's beanie.
Our sweet little guy is the perfect mix of cuddles and playfulness. We love when he comes over to "tickle" us, or how he blows his nose on a kleenex then wants us to do the same.

In other news, Jess accepted a job!!

Starting July 5th, Jess will start an Educational Leadership Program with Siemens. For those that don't know (I didn't) Siemens is a global company in all 50 states that was founded and is based out of Germany. This program is a 2-year rotational program that will take us to 3 different locations for 8 months each. At the end of the 2 years, it will be a normal position with the company. The rotational part is to expose him to different areas of the company and put him in a fast track to management. We don't know where we'll be during those rotations, but we do know for sure that one of them will be international! We're excited and nervous (mostly me) for the opportunities ahead of us. Our dreams of "settling down" in one spot are being put on hold again, but so many adventures have now opened up to us. Besides, by the end of all these moves we are going to be pro packers/movers!

Caden turns 1

Our baby is not so much a baby any more! He's walking all over the place and getting into anything he can reach. He is such a busy little boy and so much fun right now! At his 1-year check-up, he was 23lbs 4oz and 30 1/4 inches long- both 75%. He's had 3 haircuts and may need another trim soon. He is down to one nap a day, which I actually prefer as long as he gets a good nap. He loves to toddle over to us and give us a big hug, then he's off to play more, so we're trying to enjoy the cuddles as they come. We love our sweet little boy!

The bear cupcakes I made for the little shindig we had for him. We just had some friends come over to visit and eat dessert. Cupcakes for the kiddos and those that wanted them and oreo cake for the other adults.

I think he was unsure of why I was so focused on him eating. Since we usually only do that when it's something he doesn't like, he probably thought something was up.

Look at the pure joy in that face!

Our Walkin' Baby

Saturday morning I was sleeping soundly after working a night shift, only to be woken up by the sound of laughter from my boys. Shortly thereafter, Jess comes bursting in the room. "Watch this!" he exclaims as he sets Caden down.

Caden figured out that he could walk without Mom or Dad's help! He skipped taking one or two solo steps, and went straight across the room. So, for those that can't see it in person, here's a video we took tonight of him walking.

October 2010

Here are a couple of super cute shots of our super cute little boy. He is busy cruising around our apartment, using everything he can to help him stand and walk. Nothing on his own yet, but he is starting to get a little more adventurous. That includes diving headfirst into a bathtub that he himself has filled with COLD water, diving headfirst off the arm of the couch, and diving headfirst...oh wait, of off anything and into anyplace. We think a helmet sounds like a good idea right about now.
Besides being mobile, one of his newest favorites is table food. Lasagna, chicken pot pie, and broccoli/rice casserole are all big hits so far. It's starting to make dinner time much easier, which I am grateful for, since it's usually the only time we spend together as a family. Jess is BUSY busy with school/work and job interviewing right now, and Caden keeps me plenty busy along with my callings and working at the hospital part time.

Caden splashing himself at the Columbia Park Zoo

Mommy and Caden at the Feast of the Hunter's Moon

Caden LOVES the bath!

At a cornmaze in almost 90 degree weather in October. Caden endured it quite well, even if he did just want to get out of the wagon and move himself.

Sign Language

We are trying to teach Caden a little sign language. So far, this is all he repeats back.

(By the way, we haven't taught him no, and we hardly ever say it to him. I don't think this bodes well for the 'terrible twos')