Our Lil' Fire Kid

 4 1/2

loves preschool*cannot wait for kindergarten

loves to learn

can count over 100

beginning to read words*beginning to spell

his writing is improving constantly

happy

has an incredible imagination*has created an entire "world" (he is Fire Kid)

still all boy

loves to wrestle with dad

stays away from all things "princess"

plays with Ninja Turtles and mom's iPad (he thinks it's his)

watches out for Carty

does not like it when Carty "annoys" him

the best big brother

so loved.

Through Mommy's Eyes: Letter #7 (Birthday Letter)

Dear Caden,


When we found out that I was pregnant with you, the ultrasound tech thought you were a tubal pregnancy.  After I was prepped for surgery, the doctor who was supposed to perform the surgery was hesitant to perform the surgery because he was not 100% sure that you were a tubal pregnancy.  We will be forever grateful that the doctor did not perform surgery that day.  We can not imagine our lives without you.  You are full of life, love, & laughter. . .lots of laughter! Happy 4th Birthday, Caden Cree!


Love you to the moon and back,


Mommy

We celebrated your 4th birthday with family and friends at Bounce (Photos by Uncle Ryan (Thank you!))

Caden's First Trip to the Dentist

Last week, Caden went to the dentist for the first time.  At first, he seemed a little bit nervous but he said he didn't need to hold my hand (sniffle sniffle).  He did an excellent job while the dental hygienist cleaned his teeth.  She said he was her best patient of the day.  He was extremely interested in examining his x-rays; he had the hygienist show him both his top and bottom teeth (baby and permanent).  Not only was he excellent during his own exam, he entertained himself during my exam as well.  Our little man is growing up on us!

No cavities!

Three-Year-Old Well Check

Unfortunately, Caden had to go to his three-year-old well check on his birthday.  There was not another available appointment until September and this little man needed to get his vaccinations in order to attend pre-school this fall.  His nurse said he was the most cooperative three-year-old that she has ever seen.  

Then, Caden decided to put on quite the show for the doctor. . .

We had to find a new doctor for Caden because his doctor is on leave, so this was the first time meeting his new doctor.  When she came in the room, he decided to crawl on the floor and make animal noises.  She asked us if he "had a few words." If you know Caden, he has quite the vocabulary for a three-year-old.  We were so embarrassed! He decided to finally talk to her when she gave him a new dinosaur book.  She was surprised by how well he really does speak. 

I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunities to embarrass him during his teenage years. . .

Stats:

39 1/4 inches tall (90th percentile)

38.8 pounds (95th percentile)

"I want to wear my hat like this!"

Caden Turns "Free"!

Caden has been telling everyone that he will be "free" on July 20th.  We celebrated his 3rd birthday today with family and friends.  He is definitely not a baby anymore.  He didn't even need me to help him open his presents this year; he ripped through them like a pro.  We are so grateful for our family and friends who celebrated his birthday with us--Caden is sure one well loved little man!

Happy 3rd Birthday Caden Cree!

"I'm a Big Kid Now!"

This boy is potty trained!


We didn't waste any time; we started potty training the first day of summer break.  We tried potty training last summer, but Caden wasn't ready so we decided to wait until he was closer to three.  He has been completely dry for two days now--we are so proud of him!

Our handsome little man!

Milestones: The Frog Potty

Today was a BIG day at the Work home! When I got Caden out of his crib this morning, he asked to use the "frog potty." He asked me to read him a book and then told me he needed privacy.  When he was finished, he came out of the bathroom and cheered, "Yay! I did it!" I cheered with him, but we always cheer when he tries (he has been trying for a couple of months now with no success).  Later, when I was getting ready for church, I noticed that he really did go.  I called Caden and Daddy into the bathroom and we clapped and cheered louder than we ever have before.  He was so proud of himself.  I was planning on waiting until Christmas Break to potty train him, but as always, I think he has a different plan. . .

(P.S. This photo was taken before I knew how to adjust the white balance on my camera. . .or even what that meant. . .so forgive the "yellowness"!)

It always helps to have a good book. . .