Do you love me?

To set the stage... Caden often receives treats for being an exceptionally good listener or for obeying while we are out and about. I was beginning to realize that he thought he deserved a treat every time I said, "Good listening Caden" or "Caden I'm so proud of you, that was a good answer". He would instantly say, I need a treat or I need a sticker, another means of rewarding. So I decided to just give him a treat every so often just because and I prefaced it by saying, Caden because I love you so much I want to give you this treat. He loved it!

Well, yesterday on our way to church. We're singing in the car and out of the blue this conversation occurred.

Caden: Mommy, do you love me?
--Making sure I heard him correctly--

Me: What did you say?

Caden: Mommy, do you love me?
-- Feeling mushy that he would ask me that, bless his little heart!--

Me: (sweetly) Yes! Caden I love you so so so much.
-- Pause for effect--

Caden: Ok, I need a treat!

WHAT!!!!! :-) Wait a minute! That's not how it's suppossed to work! The little conniver. I couldn't stop laughing. Of course that only encouraged him. But oh man do I love my little guy!

Stories, stories

I know my posts are primarily about Caden, but he is the only understandable talker right now... so we have lots to post about him. Aliayah is walking like crazy and she is so fast. She loves to play with her brother and follows him around everywhere. She's quite the little drama queen already, which can be amusing and frustrating all at the same time. She will be one in less then a month. I can't believe she is that "old" already. I have pics posted on facebook of our recent outings... but here is just a few things that have occurred recentlywith Caden.

While looking at a Christmas tree at the library, Caden blurts out,

"Mom, mom come mere... it's a cracker man!"

I walked around the tree to see what he was talking about... oh a nutcracker. :-)

This one is only funny because it's past the moment. While eating lunch today (which took him an hour), I was strongly encouraging him to take more bites. I was losing patience very quickly as every meal right now is a fight. I picked up his fork and said,

"Caden this is your last chance, take this bite or you will have to get a spanking."

His repsonse,
"Mom, I dont want too.
I said no mom. I said no.

(pause)

Mom, you go to time out. To time out Mom." This was said while pointing very fervently to the time out chair. Yeah, funny now, but not so funny then.

Another library story... as soon as we walked into the library he found a Bob the Builder Christmas book. He grabbed it and said

"Lets go mom, give it to the lady and go home."

I guess that's all he wanted. I said I wasn't ready yet and told him to go back to the kids section and he could read it until we were ready to go.

Well, he missed the go back to the kids section part and plopped right down in front of the check out counter on the floor and started reading the book.

Of course reading the a Bob the Builder book can not be done without singing the theme song as loud as you can. "Bob the builder, can we fix it. Bob the builder, yes we can!"

At least the staff thought he was really cute and not loud and obnoxious.

I think we are going to making a scene more frequently, lets just hope I can find the humor in the situation. Speaking of making a scene, I have one more story, but it will have to wait for next time.... it's about a midget and Caden. Ya sounds like a joke... it's not.

The Climber

The following is an actual conversation that took place this morning. Setting the stage... I am upstairs in my room on the computer while the kids are downstairs in the play room, playing.

Caden: Mommmmmyyyyyy!!!

Me: Yes Caden.

Caden: Come mere

Me: I'll be there in a minute

Caden: Come mere, help me

Me: I'll be right there

Caden: Help me, I stuck

Me: Okay I'm coming


Silence for about 25 sec.

Caden: Mommmmmyyyyy!!!

Me: Are you still stuck?


Caden: Yes, help me



I take about another minute to finish up what I'm doing. Seeing as there is no urgency in his voice, he's not crying and he often likes to pretend like he is stuck so I can "rescue" him and pull him out. Often times he is lying in the middle of the floor with nothing around saying he is stuck. So I wasn't hurrying.


As I enter the play room, this is what I see.


Maybe next time I'll respond a little faster

Stay at Home Moms

Those of us who are stay at hom moms have probably heard from a working mom, "Wow, I could never do that. Kudos to you for being able to stay at home with your kids. I just wasn't made/wired like that." Now let me first say I fully respect working moms. It's challenging enough to stay at home, but to work and then come home and still have all the home stuff to do... wow, that's alot. But for us stay at home moms, here are my thoughts.

Honestly, I don't think I'm "made" to stay at home with my kids either! There are days (like today) where everything is challenging and cleaning up the breakfast dishes has taken forever, just in time for the lunch dishes to start piling up. It's only by God's grace that I am "made" to stay at home with my kids. It's a hard job, one you never really have a break from. I found myself grumbling and complaining this morning and saying, "I can't do this one more day." Then I saw my little ones playing together and giving each other kisses and joy filled my heart.

I'm right. I can't do this another day, but through God's strength, I can. I wouldn't want to miss out on all the little things. Staying home is hard and tiring and there is always more to do, but staying home is a priviledge and one I won't trade for anything.

I will thank God that I am "made" for being a stay at home mom and try my best to enjoy all that entails.

God give me the patience to love my kids through everything and enjoy my "calling" as a stay at home mom. Thank you for the opportunity to be here day in and day out with my kids.

Time Away

This week Daniel and I celebrated out 5th wedding anniversary. We were able to take three days and trek our way to Hermann, MO. It's about 3 hours east of Kansas City, and is considered "wine country." Now while I know it doesn't hold a candle to Napa Valley, it was absolutly wonderful. We took our time driving, stopping when we wanted to see or do whatever we wanted. Those with kids know, you don't stop if you don't have to. Getting to the destination in a timely fashion is all that matters on a roadtrip. So to be able to take out time was a lot of fun and seemed to set the tone for the whole trip. We stayed three days and two nights at Hermann Hill, a bed and breakfast in Hermann. It was absolutly wonderful... relaxing... refreshing. We did a few wine tours and wine tasting. We took alot of naps, and slept in in the morning, and stayed up late at night, took a bike ride. It was simply wonderful. You forget as a mom how important it is to be a wife as well. Being a mom can wear you down so much that you forgot or simply don't have the energy to be a wife. It wad great to just be able to focus on my husband and remember what it's like to just be a wife and not have the mom demands at all. Did I mention how wonderful it was?? :-) It was the perfect amount of time away. By Friday evening I was ready to hold my babies again. We started our trip home only to have one of our bikes fly off the bike rake as we were going 73mph down the highway. Not the best ending to an incredible weekend. The wind was really really strong and it caught the bike just right and ripped it off the bike rack. Thankfully no one was hurt, and the bike was in decent shape considering the accident. We were able to retrive it.... unfortunatly we had borrowed the bike... yeah not fun. Sorry Scott!!! But other then that our three days away were amazing and rejuvinating. It's amazing that we've been married for 5 years already. It's been the best 5 years of my life and I look forward to what the next 5 years hold for us.

To my son

Caden,
You are two years old! You never cease to amaze us and sometimes we forget how little you really are because your vocabulary and your antics seem much older. Your love and excitment for life just oozes out of you all the time. You get such joy out of the simpelest things. The other day while I was watching a cooking show you came and sat down next to me... very close... and laid your head on my shoulder and said "love you mom." I cherish those moments. I love your tenderness and yet at the same time you are all boy. You love to run, jump and climb. You've recently started testing the climbing limits and I have found you in interesting places and your toys sitting way up high on different pieces of furniture. How you or your toys get to those places... I think I'm glad I don't see. You love roughhousing with your Dad. Growing up in a family of girls I have to hold myself back from saying "be carful, that's enough, or slow down." I'm not very good at that. :-) You also love to help daddy fix things, you will go grab your tools so you can be a part of whatever he is doing. You ask alot of questions and if I don't know the answer you will always say. "Ask daddy when he home." Your dad is the all knowing one. I am your security and your comforter right now. I love those moments when you just need a hug or you want me to hold you. They don't last long, but I love them just the same. You love your sister Aliyah and you are constantly giving her kisses and hugs. You love crawling around on the floor with her and calling her name to get her to follow you. It makes you laugh and her squeal in delight. You try to get her to roughhouse with you, but that usually results in crying for her and a bit of frustration for you. Someday soon you two will be running and jumping everywhere, but for now I'm glad you're the only extremely active one.
You have been looking forward to your birthday for a while. When I told you your birthday was coming up you looked at me very seriously and said. "Birthday, that means presents, cake and balloons." Yes it does. It's those types of comments that makes us laugh and smile in disbelief. You are one amazing little boy. Today you made me dinner with your new kitchen set and you set everything so nicely on a try. You put a hamburger, water, carrots, and ice cream out. I was very impressed with all the represented food groups. When I went to "eat" the ice cream, you stopped me saying, "no mom vegetables first." WHAT??? Where did that come from? I guess some things I am telling you are sticking. So I "ate" the carrots and then the ice cream.

We are so proud of who you are even at the young age of two. We are so proud to be your parents and we look forward to all that is in store for your life. Happy Birthday Caden!

Birthday Boy

My little muchkin... brand new baby

One year old

2 years old

Happy Birthday Caden! We love you so very much!

More pictures to follow from his birthday party. Also, there will be another post tomorrow... I wrote a whole letter to Caden and then went to post it and somehow lost it all. Frustrating! So, i'll have to rewrite it tomorrow... it's too late tonight.

July Update

There have been a few changes in the Miller household as of late... all kids related of course.

Caden is 22 months. and came up to me last Wednesday and asked to go pee-pee on the big potty. I was shocked! We had been reading "potty" books for months and had put the "big boy" potty out for a while. We let him use it when he wanted but never pushed the issue. When he asked, I was thrilled. So I decided that day I would start potty training. We were on a "big boy" theme... on Tuesday we took down his crib and put in a big boy bed. So when Daniel got home we made a big show about going to the store and picking out big boy underwear. He was so excited to get home and wear them. He has done so well. We've had one accident at home since Wednesday... and an almost accident at the library. He does great at home, but I have to remind him when we're out that we can still go to the potty. I don't think he understands that other places have bathrooms. I do still put a diaper on him for naps and bedtime, which I think has helped him (and I) feel successful with the potty training. He is doing amazing!!! He stops whatever he is doing to say "Oh, mommy potty" and then he runs into the bathroom. He is getting so big. Tonight at dinner we asked him if he wanted to pray... we had been coaching him with his prayers for a while... but tonight he did it all on his own. Here was what he said... "De-dus , ta tu mommy, daddy, ye-ya (Aliyah)... help me... dis I know, Bible tell me so. Amen." It was the cutest thing ever!
Aliyah is 7 months now and is crawling everywhere. She pulls up on everything and is trying desperatly to walk. I am not ready for that yet, and I hope it doesn't happen too soon. But she loves to hold onto our hands and walk around the house. She has been sleeping through the night for about 10 days now which has been amazing!

When I write all this it feels so small in insignificant,but to a mom it's all major milestones. Enjoy these moments in life as I know it all passes by quickly.

The cutest ever...

Okay, so I really stink at keeping this updated. But my time at the computer is limited. Not only do the two little munchkins keep me busy, but Aliyah's room is also the computer room. So my time on the computer is limited to the 4-6 hours a day she is awake. Which isn't the most ideal time to be writing away... of course that's what I'm doing now! Oh well... enjoy the photos.


Getting ready to go swimmimg


The two little munchkins, getting so big


Aliyah, 5 months


Daniel and the kids

All about Caden

Caden and I were eating lunch today in the kitchen. I started pointing to the letters we have on the fridge and asking him what they were. He doesn't know all of them, but he knows quite a few. I pointed to the "Q" and asked him what it was. He said "Q" which he pronouces more like "coooo". Very cute! I was about to point to another letter when Caden said "Mommy... AHHH cooo, AHHH cooo." I started laughing so hard. Caden was telling me that the "Q" sound was the same sound that was made when we sneeze and say"Ahchoo." Hilarious!

Caden continues to crack us up and stun us with his intellect. (Brace yourself, cuz I'm going to brag on my kid for a bit) Caden is 18 months old and can say his numbers 1-10 and recognize them all. He also knows some of his letters verbally and by recognition. His vocabulary is amazing and he takes direction very well. He loves to help with the laundry and with cleaning. He's quite the little boy now and we are enjoying him immensely. He is in love with his Daddy and copies him all the time. He is always pretty amazed at the thing Daniel can do. Caden will look over at me with eyes wide and a smile on his face and say "mommy... Daddy!" Like he can't believe Daniel and his amazingness. If only I could write better and really capture the essence of our little boy.... but I guess a pictures will just have to suffice.


Playing with his sister

Laying down with Aliyah

Watching Daddy paint the play room

Started the potty training train of thought (Aliyah thinks its funny)

Putting Mimi's hat on... not quite right

The Kids

Just a few photos (for you Erin :-))


Caden with one of his favorite toys.


Caden right after Daniel threw him up in the air, and he landed on the couch.



Our little princess, all smiles.

The serious face

Climbing

Today started early, and took an interesting turn. Caden woke up at 6:45 and I went in and said it wasn't time to get up and put books in his crib and left the room. Daniel got up and went downstairs to get ready for the day. I fell back asleep and at 7:15 I heard a knocking noise and a little voice saying "come in", it happened twice and I thought Daniel was knocking on Caden's door. I was getting a bit frustrated cuz the knocking was loud and I didn’t want Aliyah up yet. So I walked into the hallway and saw Caden’s door still closed. I thought maybe he was knocking on the wall and answering himself. That’s when I heard little feet on the floor behind the door. I opened the door to his room and there he was, with a big smile on his face and a "hi mommy." He had climbed out of his crib!!!! I have no idea how. I wanted to video tape it today at nap time just to see how he did it, but I didn't want Caden to think it was okay. So, tonight when Daniel got home, we lowered his bed the final level. There is no way he is going to get out now! :-)

Refreshed and revived

This past weekend was amazing... but let's start with Friday, the day from hell. Caden woke up at 6:30am and would not go back to sleep. Aliyah didn't have the best night that night, so I was very tired. I decided to try to give Caden two naps since he's been waking up so early. In order to make sure he went to sleep I got in the car to go to Old Navy to pick up some Valentine's Day shirts, thinking Caden would fall asleep in the car on the way home. Well as seasoned parents know things don't typically go as planned with kids. Caden fell asleep on the way there... so I went through Starbucks drive-thru got a cup of coffee and drove home. 25 min drive for an overpriced cup of coffee, but I had to get something!

I was excited because both kids were asleep and it looked like I could lay down for a while. As soon as I got Caden in the house, he woke up... and never went back down ALL DAY LONG!!!! He was cranky, fussy, and generally just a handful. Aliyah added to that by wanting to eat every two house. Thank you 6 week growth spurt! I cried off and on all day long, just wanting the day to be over.

Finally Daniel came home, I was trying to settle Aliyah and get her to sleep and he walked around the corner with a gorgeous bouquet of roses. I just burst into tears and sobbed and sobbed. That began the fabulous weekend. We watched my sister's kids that night so they could go out and it went surprisingly well for having two toddlers and two infants.
That night Aliyah slept for 6 hours straight (for the first time) and then for 4 1/2 hours. Caden didn't get up until 7:30 and Aliyah didn't get up until 8:15. It was heavenly! Then all day Saturday we shopped for minivans. It was the perfect way to spend Valentine's day, at least for me. Daniel and I had so much fun, crazy I know. The kids did great, which was a huge blessing, and I felt very rested. We finally purchased a minivan at the last place we looked at. The best Valentine's gift ever! Then we rushed home to get ready for our Valentine's date night. We dropped the kids off at my sister's and went out the eat. It was absolutely wonderful. Sunday was just as pleasant with a leisurely morning and a long nap for both Caden and I.

This was definitely a Valentine's Day to remember. A bouquet of roses, dinner out, a minivan, a card and a nap... I don't think it could have been any better. Thanks babe!

To all the Moms...

Every since bringing Aliyah home, Caden has not been sleeping well. He wakes up once or twice during the night crying and then wakes up after only 9-10 hours of sleep. He usually wakes up crying which typically means he hasn't had enough sleep. He also doesn't nap for very long, usually only about 1 1/2 hours.
Before Aliyah was born we had nights and days like that but they were few and far between. He was going down at 8pm and sleeping till 8 or later and taking 2-3 hour naps in the afternoon. Any one have any thoughts about how to get him back on the old schedule? Do you think it's just because of all the change going on? He has been great with Aliyah and hasn't expressed any signs of jealousy or anything. He just loves on her a ton and always asks about her if he doesn't see her.
It's just getting exhausting for me to be feeding a baby every two- three hours in the night and dealing with a crying toddler (which Daniel usually handles, but it still wakes me up) and then getting up at the crack of dawn. Any thought or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Aliyah Drue Miller

So, I'm not very good at posting... but at least I post with the important thing. :-)

Aliyah Drue Miller was born on Dec 30th . It was a "easy" labor... (if labor can be referred to as easy)... my water was broken at 7:30 and labor began about 10:30am. Then after 13 min of pushing, little Aliyah entered the world at 6:23pm, 8lbs 3 oz and 21 inches long. She has been a great baby thus far and I pray it continues. Caden is adjusting remarkably well. There have been no signs of jealously, and he kisses and hugs her as much as he can. It was a bigger adjustment to have me gone for 2 1/2 days then it was that Aliyah came home with us. Caden is still leary of being apart from me, so pray that that changes quickly. It's a little hard when Aliayah needs me and Caden constantly wants me and noone else. Other then that... things are great in the Miller house and we loving having a little girl in the family.