The Miller Family

Caden and God

2011-10-17T15:22:00.002-05:00

We were driving in the car and the kids both had Tootsie Pops. As I look in my rearview mirror and like any good mom it's adjusted so I can see the kids not out the back.... I capture the following conversation.

Caden (looking out his window and up into the sky): "God, I need your help, can you please make me stronger so I can bite into this sucker."

With a look of confidence and determination Caden puts the sucker back in his mouth between his molars and bites down. Next thing I hear from the back

"YEEESSSS!!!! Thank you!"

Oh to have the faith of a child.

Busy

2011-03-08T08:30:00.001-06:00

Caden: Mom, what are we doing tonight?

Me: Nothing, we're just staying home.

Caden: You mean, Dad isn't going to work or to poker? And you're not going to work either??

Me: Nope.

Caden: We'll be home as a family, all of us????

Me: That's right!

Caden... much dancing and yelling of "YES!!!" ensued.

Can you tell we've been pretty busy.

Dancing

2011-02-28T12:27:00.003-06:00

My sister Caitlin and her husband Sam came over for a visit yesterday. Caitlin is a dance instructor and a member of Storling Company. She taught the kids some ballet moves yesterday and they have not stopped talking about it.

We went to the library this morning and made a stop at the bathroom. Aliyah is currently being potty trained so I was focusing my attention on her. Caden decided to use the restroom and went into the stall next to Aliyah and I. Here is the converstion that ensued:

Caden: MOM! I can't do it, this potty is too tall.

Me: Okay, hang on one sec let me finish up with your sister.

Caden: I can't, I have to go.

I began to hear noises one might hear as someone relives themselves. I quickly finished up with Aliyah and walked into the next stall.

Caden: Mom, I've got it. I just did relevé like Aunt KK taught me and I got it.

Glad he's a quick learner. Thanks Aunt KK.

Espanol??

2011-02-25T14:28:00.004-06:00

The other evening our family was dining at Wendy's. We were enjoying our meal and conversation when Caden points to a father and son sitting at a table close by...

Caden: Mom, those guys are Spanish.

Me: Really, how do you know that.

Caden: I just do.

Me: Were they talking in Spanish?

Caden: Yep, that's how I know they are Spanish.

Aliyah pipes in... (remember she's two, so I'm writing how she speaks)

Aliyah: Dose guys Spanish.

Me: Yes, they are.

Aliyah: I go talk them?

Me: No, stay here... they are eating their dinner and we won't want to bother them.

Aliyah: No I talk them.

Me: Please obey Mommy and stay in your chair.

Aliyah: I go tell them...

Me: What do you want to tell them.

Aliyah: CINCO!!!!!

Marriage

2011-02-24T20:01:00.003-06:00

Daniel: You know why I like you so much?

Gretchen: Ummmm, no? why?

Daniel: I think when I beat Mario I won't want to play it again.

Gretchen: Okkkay.... I guess you can trade it in if you want. But, what in the world does that have to do with why you like me so much?

Daniel: Well, cuz I can't ever beat you. You're my "game" but I won't ever be able to beat it. It makes life interestingly great. I won't ever get bored.

Gretchen: Phew, well I'm glad you won't be trading me in.

Love you babe!

You Just Gotta Laugh

2011-02-08T10:35:00.002-06:00

So Daniel is out of town for three days. I know that's not extremely long... but for us... it's long. The kids must have something built in to their systems that tell them to start acting up as soon as Dad walks out the door for a trip. It's only been 3 hours since he left and it's been CRAZY! Case and point... Aliyah doesn't want to walk from the car to the house by herself. It's 3 degrees outside, I get it... but my hands are full of grocery bags and I can't hold her. So instead of moving quickly to get inside because she's freezing, she stand outside in the driveway screaming and crying. Wonderful. Aliyah ends up in time out. A few minutes later I ask her to take her shoes to the shoe basket. For some unknown reason this proves to big a huge insurmountable task, much crying and fussing ensues. She gets warned that if she doesn't make a good choice to obey she will get disciplined. With extreme amounts of crying she turns to pick up her shoes banging her head on the wall then turning around to come to me and bangs the other side of her head on the door. SERIOUSLY! I just started laughing... I couldn't help it. I scooped her up and we decided to do the shoes together. I walk out of Aliyah's room to hear Caden yelling.... "MOMMMMM, MOMMMMM, MOMMMM." (extreme panic in his voice) I round the corner to see him peeing all over the top of the toilet seat. WHAT! He has never ever done that before. He told me he had to go so bad and just forgot to lift the lid. Once again, I just start laughing. What can you do. As I'm cleaning up the accident, Caden just keep repeating, "I'm so sorry mom, I'm so so sorry. It won't happen again. I'm so sorry mom." Oh motherhood.

Every Milestone Should be Celebrated

2011-02-05T19:23:00.007-06:00

Caden has been potty trained since 22 months. He is now almost 3 1/2 years old. We have yet to conquer staying dry at night. I know this is often something kids struggle with for a long time. We've been chatting with Caden for weeks now about how he needs to stop using a diaper cuz he's a big boy. Last night as I was putting him to bed, I mentioned again how he needed to stop using a diaper and just get out of bed to use the bathroom whenever he needed to. I really didn't think anything of it.

5:15am Caden's door opens. My body is startled awake and I think "No. Way. He is not getting up for the day."

5:16am Caden heads for the bathroom and uses the potty and head back to his room.

5:17am I'm so excited that HE DID IT, that I feel wide awake.

5:18am Caden steps on a matchbox car on his floor, slipping and falling right on top of a plastic saw.

5:19am I bolt from my bed as screams and cries come from Caden's room.

5:24am Caden is settled in bed.... and I am wide awake.

I did eventually fall back asleep and we celebrated at the more godly hour of 8am. This afternoon we went and bought Caden "big boy" nighttime underwear aka Pull-ups and a special surprise aka a airplane. He was so excited about his new big boy night time underwear that he's been asking to wear it all day. Right now he is sitting next to me asking to go to bed so he can wear it. I'm looking forward to another success. It's the little things, right?

Caden's First Snowman

On another note.... our daughter Aliyah is the sweetest little girl. Over the past couple of months we've dealt with a major case of the terrible twos. She's a very independent little girl and has no fear, this has lead to some very challenging situations. The past couple of days have been very rewarding. She has awakened every morning with a smile and a song. Throughout the day she has been very compliant with "Okay, mommy" and "Sure, mommy i do that." Her sweet spirit is starting to shine through and makes both Daniel and I so proud. She is growing up and already turning into an amazing little girl.

Our Amazing Little Princess

Superheroes

2011-02-04T14:15:00.006-06:00

Conversation between my son and my nephew.

Caden: Isaac, who is your favorite... Batman or Spiderman.

Isaac: Ummmm, (long long pause) I think.... (long pause) I think I like gray.

Caden: No Isaac, that's not a choice. Batman or Spiderman

Isaac: But I want to choose gray, that's my favorite.

I guess Batman and Spiderman must be new Crayola colors.

Isaac and Caden

Snow Day

2011-02-01T19:59:00.003-06:00

It's a blizzard, quite literally. I was a little skeptical with all the hoopla and school/business closings. This upstate New York girl grew up with lake effect snow, we didn't get snow days! Blizzard like conditions were the norm, or so I remember. But man, we got a lot of snow! Daniel stayed home despite the storm not starting till mid morning and I'm so glad. It changed very quickly to heavy snow that accumulated fast. Daniel very diligently worked upstairs in our office till about 4pm. I'm thankful for a husband that doesn't cheat the system and really did stay focused while working from home. I do wish at times he wouldn't be so focused and would come play with us... but I think I'll take a dedicated worker over a slacker. Way to go babe!

Memories from today:

Caden woke up from his nap, looked out the window and said, "Mom! There is so much snow. It better stop or there will be no snow left for later days."
We spent our snow day baking and playing. It was really nice not to try to get any household stuff done and just enjoy our day together.
We made a lemon cake and jello jigglers.
We had a movie night with VeggieTales
Aliyah had her fingernails painted for the first time. She keep looking at them and smiling then asking all three of us to look at them. It was so sweet. She is getting so big! I love my little girl.
Caden has a large chapped red spot on his cheek. I asked him what it was from and he said, "It's from my sleeve. I use it to wipe my nose and my cheek doesn't like it."

Yesterday during nap time, Caden decided not to sleep. He was very quiet for about and hour and half, but I have a rule with him that he has to stay in his bed for 2 hours. Excessive I know, but he's a clock watcher and a smart boy, and I want to give him plenty of opportunity to be able to fall asleep. I told him he could get up when the clock said 3,3,0. So he sat there for 30 min just watching the clock. When it finally turned to 3:30 he started yelling for me.

Sidenote: Caden doesn't get out of his bed. No matter how many times we tell him what time he can get up, it's very rare that he actually climbs out of bed. Instead, he just yells and yells and yells until someone comes into his room.

That day I decided to see how long the yelling would last. "MOMMMMYYYYYY!!!!", over and over and over again. Different voice inflections, different volumes, different pitches, and different variations of the word mom. Kinda of humorous... kind of. The clock was going on 8 minutes when I finally went upstairs. I walked in and stood in his doorway with my arms folded and a scowl on my face showing my displeasure with his yelling. As soon as he saw me he folded his arms across his chest and said, "Mom, I am very frustrated with you. You did not come when I called. I've been waiting and waiting and calling and calling and you did not come. I am very very frustrated." He had the cutest little pout on his face and was being so serious, I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing. I was laughing so hard I couldn't talk. He saw how "funny" he was and quickly got over his frustration... and helped me get over mine.

A Sunday

2011-01-30T20:11:00.003-06:00

I love Sundays. I love Sundays because they usually involve sports and a nap. Somehow Sunday naps are different then any other nap during the week, or even on a Saturday. They seem cozier, sweeter and just more restful. I was really looking forward to my Sunday afternoon nap today. Daniel lead worship this weekend, which makes for a very busy morning. There are three services at our church, which means Daniel is up and out of the house by 6:30. Directly after church Daniel had a basketball game, so we ran out to grab some lunch and rushed back for the basketball game. I love to watch my husband play basketball. But watching basketball with two very active toddlers is not really that much fun. I can't relax... I worry about Caden throwing a ball onto the court during play, or Aliyah dancing her way to center court completly oblivious to the players running around her, or one of them tripping on the bleachers and falling to their death. See... can't relax. Needless to say because of this I missed THE ACCIDENT. I heard a collective gasp and I look over to see my husband laying on the floor very slow to get up. He was touching is mouth very tentatively, I thought he had chipped a tooth. Then I saw blood, lots and lots of blood. He was quickly helped into the restroom and the team followed him in. I sat in the stands wondering if I should run like a very concerned wife right into the restroom, or calmly wait for a team member to come get me. I wisely choose the latter. Here's what had happened... Daniel was scrambling for a loose ball and fell onto the floor as a very large opposing team member fell on top of him slamming his face into the court. An old scar on Daniel's chin was reopened by the force of the blow. So... my beautiful Sunday afternoon nap... yeah, didn't happen. Instead we spent two 1/2 hours in urgent care. But I choose to see the positive and enjoy the fact that I got to spend a few hours with my husband without kids and very little interruption. It was as pleasant as an urgent care experience could have been. Six stitches later, we came home. Thank goodness for parents who live close and could take the kids home for nap time. It wasn't my ideal Sunday... but it was a good one nonetheless. It's been a Sunday of being thankful for the little things and realizing how much I am blessed with.

A memory I want to remember:

When I came home from getting my hair cut, a cut that included bangs... Aliyah just kept staring at me. Then she walked up and said, "Haircut Mommy?" "Yes, mommy got her haircut." She slowly climbed up on my lap still looking at me very inquisitively, then reached up and pushed all my bangs away from my forehead and said "OH, hi mommy." Such a sweet baby girl. I love her with all of my heart.

An Update

2011-01-29T07:36:00.002-06:00

It's my goal this year to blog more. I don't always have lots to say, but writing memories down is important. So, that's my plan.

Our household has gone through big changes over these last six months. I started working part time. It's been wonderful! I work for a pregnancy resource center. I wasn't looking for a job it just kind of fell into my lap. I am the event coordinator. It's the perfect blending of a my skills and a passion for saving the lives of babies. Not only is it my job, it's my ministry. The kids have adjusted amazingly well. I only work out of the house two days a week and the rest I do from home. It's perfect. The kids spend one full day with Nonnie and one half day with a friend of mine. It's a perfect set up. I am so blessed to be working for such a great ministry and to have amazing friends (AMY) and family support that allows me to follow my heart.

A little update on the kids...
Caden is one amazing little kid. He is so inquisitive and so smart. He loves everything boy...army guys, wrestling, exploring, superheroes and sports. He loves to read and learn. He is so ready for preschool, but he just turned three. So I've been teaching him a little at home and trying to stay ahead of him. He has an amazing memory. If we're going grocery shopping I give him a few things to remember and he always reminds me. Helps this mommy brain out alot!

Yesterday I told him that the snow was a perfect consistency to go make a snowman. We've had a lot of snow, but it was the fluffy kind, not good for packing. Now that it's melted a little it's perfect for packing. So I said, "Caden, the snow is perfect now for making a snow man. Let's get our snow stuff on and then "WE" can go outside." He ran around the room screaming with excitement. I left the family room to go gather up the snow stuff. When I walked back in Caden was sitting in front of the television pulling the WII off the shelf. I asked him what in the world he was doing and he said, "I'm taking WII outside!" WHAT?? "Mom, you said you'll get our snow stuff on and WII can go outside, I'm taking him with us." I couldn't stop laughing. He hears everything!!!!

Aliyah is Miss Independent. She is so active, rarely sitting still. She is all girl. Loves to dress up like a princess and play with her babies. She had grown up so fast. Sleeping in a big girl bed now. She loves to sing and she loves to talk. She gets overpowered alot by her very social and talkative brother, but she's starting to hold her own. She can be quite the cuddle bug at times and I love it. She loves to ride her bike. She also loved to wrestle with her dad and play chase. One of my favorite sounds, her laughter. Makes me smile just thinking about it.

I think that completes my update. I'd update about the hubs... but there really isn't anything new to say. He enjoys his job and he's still a completely amazing and wonderful husband and father. :-)

Thinking and Trying

2010-07-23T15:03:00.002-05:00

Caden and I sitting here on the couch. He's staring off into space, eating a Rice Krispy Treat and drinking water. I'm checking my email and catching up on blogs.

Me: Whatcha thinking about?
caden: (long pause) WordWorld
Me: Really... what about Wordworld
Caden: (again, a along pause) Just about Wordworld, that's what I'm thinking about. Nothing else mom.

I love my kids.

It was getting a bit crazy and I was feeling a bit burnt out, then Daniel took off 2 1/2 weeks between jobs. Now I feel refreshed and ready to pour into my kids lives. It's still challenging, but my "I'm done" attitude is put on the shelf for a while. I've been really working hard on changing my attitude and remaining positive despite what the circumstances are around me. It's hard work, but such a better place to live.

This week has been interesting. Not only was I flying solo again after 2 1/2 weeks of bliss, but both kids contracted Hand Foot and Mouth disease. What a way to come back from vacation! At the beginning of the week as I was cleaning the house and feeling a really bad attitude growing and growing, I started to pray, saying "God, I'm really trying to have a good attitude here, could you help me please!"

And the response I got, "No, you're not. Try harder." WHAT!!!! Are. You. Kidding. me! Try harder????

But then I really thought about it. He was right (go figure) i wasn't trying all that hard. In fact I wasn't trying at all. I think I just thought that if I thought I was trying, then I would be.

But I was only thinking about trying hard, I was actively trying. It was all in my head. So I started actively trying to stay positive and guess what... it worked! My bad attitude went away and the kids and I had a great morning cleaning the house.

I love my kids!

Growing Up

2010-05-11T20:04:00.002-05:00

Conversation in the van with Caden.

Caden: Mom, when i grow up I going to be a mommy.

Me: No silly, only girls are mommies. You can be a daddy.

Caden: No mom! I want to be a mommy

Me: Caden, you can't be a mommy. Only girls are mommies, you're a boy so you have to be a daddy.

Caden (with tears welling up in his eyes): Mom, I want to be a mommy not a daddy.

Me: why?

Caden: I want to grow big big big and be a mommy so I can drink coffee every day.

Kids say the darndest things! :-)

Red Faced and Laughing

2010-03-21T21:44:00.002-05:00

Tonight we had the pleasure of attending a JBU choir concert. They are doing their spring tour and it started in Kansas City. We all went out to a local church to hear them sing and to hear my younger sister Johanna sing a solo. She was amazing!! The choir was good too, but she was amazing. I'm so proud of her!

We got there before the concert started and we were chatting with the Musgrave family. They have a 12 year old son, Dave, that is friends with my youngest sister Laura. Caden has been around Dave a few times and has had so much fun with him and has since dubbed Dave as "my best friend." Needless to say Caden was so excited when he saw Dave. He asked to sit with him and would not stop talking about everything and anything. Even when we asked him to be quiet he wouldn't quit waving and saying "Hi David." And he was still sitting right next to him. Dave's a good sport to put up with the friendship of a two year old.

So onto my red faced moment... The concert was about to start and Caden was now sitting with us. We started cramming food into his mouth hoping to keep him quiet for at least some of the concert. Caden is a talker and likes to talk to everyone and doesn't understand why there are times talking isn't allowed. That is a forgein concept to him despite our best efforts. Even his whisper is loud. So the food was working... until I saw the "i have to go to the bathroom" squrim begin. Daniel quickly took him out to use the restroom as the choir was lining up at the back of the auditorium to make their entrance. They came back down the main aisle as one of the pastors was introducing the choir.

Caden comes running down the aisle, gets to where his "best friend" David is sitting and yells out for all to hear "David, I did it!!! I went potty!!!"

Oh Lord the mortification! I just had to laugh and say "Yes,that's my son." He wanted to share his excitment with Dave and apparantly the whole church.

Spring??

2010-03-07T14:38:00.002-06:00

I am sitting here in my family room staring at the clock just waiting for the kids to wake up from their naps. No this is not what I typically do during nap time. Usually I'm praying that the kids will sleep extra long, as nap time just seems to go by very fast. But today is different... you see here in Kansas City we have had over 90 days of temperatures under 40 degress. Translation... we've had snow on the ground or coming down from the sky for about 3 months. WAAAAYYYY TOOO LONG!!! Today it's sunny and warm. The sky is blue and I can actually hear the birds. So here I sit waiting and waiting for my kids to wake up so we can go play at the park. So instead of spending my time just staring at the clock, I thought I'd update.

Caden: He is such an amazing two year old. He is in a very independent "I can do it" stage. But not in a bad way. I ask him to help in any way and he typical response is "Sure mom I can do that." It just makes me smile every time. He is just so excited about life and finds such joy in everything he does. He is a talker, and it's amazing the things he comes up with and it's amazing the things he repeats. Yeah, we're learning to be careful with what we say as we never know when he will repeat it. He loves his sister so much and the first thing he wants to do every morning is go get her up. Funny how that can't wait to be with each other, but then they drive each other crazy being together. It's fun to watch him become more of a little boy and not just a toddler any more.

A Caden story: During nap time one afternoon Caden was taking an especially long time to settle down and go to sleep. I had already been in his room twice to remind him not to play and to go to sleep. I went in again with a stern look on my face ready to give the final warning before a more serious punishment was administered. I stood over his bed my face close to his and said, "Caden, this is your last chance. No more playing, no more talking, no more singing. You need to close your eyes and go to sleep. Do you understand?" He looked at me and said, "Ooooo Mom I like your earrings. They new ones?." I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing and said, "No Caden these are not new earrings. Did you hear what I said?" Caden replied, "yes, I go to sleep... but Mom I like you earrings, they very nice." I walked out of the room laughing and laughing. Kids do say the darndest things.

Aliyah: Wow, talk about being independent. She wants to do everything by herself and she wants to do it when she wants todo it. We have a stubborn one on our hands . Yet, she is such a joyful little thing, of course when she wants to be. :-) She laughs and smiles all the time and loves being a "big girl". She's been walking since about 10 months and now at 14 months she pretty much runs every where. She is so fast I can't take my eyes off her for a min or I lose track of her. She is a little daredevil and isn't really afraid of anything. From throwing her body off the slide, or trying to walk down the stairs like a big kid... she will try anything. Especially with an older brother to copy.... we have our hands full with her. She loves to dance and run around the house which is just a joy to watch. She has become our entertainment and it's so much fun.

The new news with us...
Daniel is currently looking for a new job. He has really succeeded in his current job but began feeling like this wasn't what he wanted to do for years and years, and the upward mobility was very limited. So we've entered the job search world again. Thankfully we're not jobless, which makes searching a little easier. But it's still a daunting task, so prayers would be apprecaited.

Me?? Well, I finally feel like I have a handle on being a mom. Having two kids 15months apart... wow! it was a tough first year. But now, it's great! I've started focusing a bit more on myself... it's amazing how quickly you lose sight of taking care of your self when you have two small children. I'm currently working on getting back into shape. Which I feel like is the mantra of many moms but so far I've lost 14lbs in 8 weeks. And I have to say... I'm pretty proud of myself. Now I'm focusing on starting to run again and hopefully will sign up for a 5K soon to give myself some motivation.

So that's the update on the Miller family, I'll post some pictures of the kids soon as they are growing and changing very fast.

Do you love me?

2009-12-14T09:15:00.003-06:00

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

2009-12-03T13:43:00.002-06:00

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

2009-10-21T14:41:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-15T09:05:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-05T20:31:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-21T09:54:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-18T22:13:00.006-05:00

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

2009-08-03T19:47:00.002-05:00

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...

2009-06-16T17:02:00.003-05:00

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

2009-03-27T14:48:00.006-05:00

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

2009-03-19T22:34:00.004-05:00

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

2009-03-04T20:25:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-16T08:49:00.003-06:00

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...

2009-01-13T08:33:00.000-06:00

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

2009-01-03T20:33:00.004-06:00

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.

My Little Charmer...

2008-10-14T16:11:00.006-05:00

Caden has quite the personality. He is Mr. Friendly. He loves waving hi to people and knows no strangers. He has this little charmer grin and head tilt he does when he knows he's being adorable. I happened to catch it on camera today. He was wandering around the house eating an apple, his new favorite snack. I looked up from the computer to see him sitting on the steps just munching away, looking very proud of himself. Here's the little charmer himself.

What I saw as I looked out the computer room doorway.

The charmer pose.

Caden's First Birthday

2008-10-06T16:52:00.005-05:00

This is long overdue... as Caden turned one on Sept 18th. But better late then never, right? We spent a Saturday afternoon at the Deanna Rose Farmstead in Olathe, KS. Caden loved seeing all the animals and just walked around in amazement. Then on Sunday we went to Nonnie and Papa's house and had cake and ice cream and opened presents. Caden enjoyed his cupcake, but had a stomach ache later on that day. :-(

Here's just a collage of our birthday celebration.

Tagged

2008-10-06T16:43:00.003-05:00

I have been tagged by Erin.

1.When I'm upset about something I clean, and I clean agressivly. It's get out of my way and let me clean.

2. I hate when any of my food touches on my plate. I like everything to be separate and in it's own spot.

3.I can read a book in a day and a half, if I'm really interested in it. Unfortunatly because I speed read I rarely remember what happens in the book, and sometimes will pick up the same book and read it again without realizing until I'm quite a ways in that I've already read it.

4. When I travel in the car, everything has to be in a specific spot. I can't leave until everything is organized and accounted for. I have completely unpacked the car just to re-pack it again so I know where everything is.

5. I can't think of any other wierd habits I have. So I guess that's it.

I tag... well no one. Sorry!

Lawn Mowing & Creative Parenting

2008-09-15T19:19:00.004-05:00

This evening we had a dilemma... how could Daniel mow the yard and still spend time with Caden. Well, we came up with a solution.

Put Caden in the backpack...

Protect his ears with noise cancellation headphones and VeggieTales...

And be sure to capture it all on camera.

Some photos

2008-09-02T20:27:00.003-05:00

It's pretty much been normal around the Miller house the past couple of weeks. Caden is growing so fast. It's amazing how much he understands. He wants to communicate and has done very well in learning some sign language. He knows "more", "all done", "milk/bottle", and "eat". When he gets frustrated and tries to tell us what he wants he just does all the signs he knows over and over. It's quite funny.

Caden loves playing in his pool.

My two studs!

He loved sitting on this saddle. Can you tell by the grin?

Look, no hands!

Just hanging out watching Sesame Street.

Cape Cod

2008-08-16T07:34:00.005-05:00

We are back from vacation and getting settled back into a routine. Caden did amazing on the trip. The plane rides were a bit trying at times, but that was to be expected. He loved listening to his music on headphones, which was a life saver. We spent 10 days at the Cape camping with my entire family and two other families that we used to vacation with every year when we lived in New York. It was the first time we were all back together in 8 years, I think. It was great. We spent most of our time at the ocean. Caden loved the sand but was a little hesitant to get close to the water. He would fuss when we would bring him near, even fussing when someone he loved like Daddy or Mommy or his grandparents went near the water. He would point at them and fuss then point up the beach to where our blankets were. I think he was afraid the water was going to hurt them. But after two days he warmed up to it and started playing in it. Mind you, this water is cold I think the warmest it got while were there was 67 degrees. Frigid!!!

A few days after we got back from the Cape we got back in the car and drove down to Arkansas for a Miller family reunion. It was alot of fun. But I think we all were ready to just be home. Caden for sure was tired of traveling and being confined to a seat. He is starting to walk now and developing quite the entertaining personality. He keeps us busy. :-)

Enjoying his music!

Looking good in mommy's sunglasses

Nonnie, Papa, and Caden

Loving the sand

Me and Caden

Daniel and Caden having fun in the sand

Comfy seat by the ocean, courtesy of Daniel

The three little ones, Alistair Grimes, Caden and Isaac

Nonnie has the magic touch

Watching the fisherman bring the fish. Caden was mesmorized.

Our sunset picture. :-)

The News...

2008-07-24T17:29:00.003-05:00

So I realize it's been a while since I've posted anything. I have tons of pictures to put up, but very little time to do it. Caden is growing like a weed and is getting into everything. He is a very curious little boy. He loves his daddy so much. It's amazing to see the bond already starting to form. We're about to leave on vacation with my whole family. We'll be camping in Cape Cod. Pray for us if you think about it, as camping with a 10 month old is going to be challenging. Caden isn't the greatest sleeper, so I'm hoping the noise and the sun in the morning won't be too much. Daniel and I are also hoping to get some relaxing in. We'll see how that goes.

For the news, we found out on Monday that baby #2 will be girl. We are so excited!!! Now comes the hard part, picking out the name. :-)

I'll have lots of stories and lots more pictures when we return from vacation, until then...

Catching up

2008-05-27T21:08:00.006-05:00

Caden is now crawling... and boy does he move!!! We were able to catch most of the first crawl on video. Daniel has also taught Caden how to shoot the basketball. He loves to play with the ball. So here are some video and pictures for your enjoyment.

First time trying avacado.

Caden enjoys a good game of basketball.

Practicing his shot

His first two teeth are in.

Caden showing us he can crawl.

Daddy teaching Caden to shoot the ball.

My little sister Johanna also graduated from high school last week. She will be attending John Brown in the fall. YEAH! So proud of her.

The family... without the babies.

The sisters.

Details and a Sonatina

2008-05-13T22:21:00.005-05:00

For those of you looking for a few more details about Baby #2... here you go. We wanted our first two children close together, but this was a little closer then we were expecting. Baby #2 is due Dec 21st. So they will be 15 months apart. We were a bit shocked at first, but after the initial Holy Cow!!!! faded away the excitement began to set in. We are very very excited to be having another baby. We will be finding out the sex of the baby, but that won't be for another 10 weeks or so. I've been feeling pretty good. A few days of nausea, but nothing major. With Caden, the morning sickness didn't start until 17 weeks and then I had to be put on medication because I couldn't keep anything down. Praying that doesn't happen. So there's not much to the details, but there they are. I leave you with our musician extraordinaire.

Caden is getting ready to play some serious music.

In the middle of his sonatina, serious concentration.

Any for your listenting pleasure, Caden's sonatina. Enjoy!

Some exciting news...

2008-05-05T21:26:00.002-05:00

I would go into a whole story and all sorts of details, but I think Caden can explain it well enough in this picture.

Due Date: Dec 21st

Dada

2008-04-23T13:29:00.004-05:00

Caden has been making lots of sounds for a long time, but this was a first. I was able to call Daniel on the phone as he was saying dada for the first time. It was so fun!!!

Laughing...

2008-04-12T13:19:00.004-05:00

Notice, he never stops jumping. :-)

Caden enjoys snack time.

Mesmerized by Baby Einstein.

A little more mobile

2008-04-08T10:31:00.004-05:00

Caden is getting ready to crawl. He has face planted numerous times in attempt to reach for something. He can't quite figure out how to get his legs up underneath him. He will stay in crawling stance if I place his legs correctly but he's unsure what to do after that.
Last week we went to the library and I had put him on the floor while I looked at the books on the shelf. Before I knew it he had reached out and tried to get the bottom shelf only to face plant right into the shelf. The lip of the shelf went right up into his mouth cutting his gums. Of course I was on the opposite side of the library from the bathroom... so we trucked our way across the library with all eyes turning towards us... me carrying a screaming crying baby with blood gushing from his mouth. Yeah, it was great! :-)

He also had his first bout with a cold and fever. He was alot more cuddly and a lot more fussy. You can tell in some of these pictures that he wasn't feeling the best. He's still getting over the runny nose part, but at least most of the fussiness is gone.

Loves tummy time now.

Not sure what to do.

Not feeling well.

This morning I was working the computer and had Caden on the floor with a few toys. I heard some rustling and looked over and found this.

He was having so much fun!!

What mom??

The Wind Storm

2008-03-31T09:59:00.004-05:00

Kansas City was hit with a windstorm this morning, winds were at 70mph in some places. Daniel, Caden and I were laying in bed listening to the winds and commenting on how fierce they sounded. All of sudden we heard a loud crack. Daniel and I jumped out of bed and ran to our bedroom window. But we didn't see anything. So we didn't really think anything of it. Daniel started getting ready for work and I went into Caden's room to change his diaper. Then the doorbell rang. All I thought was, Oh crap!... I went downstairs and answered the door and our neighbors from across the street were standing there. And behind them was this...

The tree barely missed my car. Thank goodness. And had it fallen any other way our house, our neighbors house, or other cars would have been seriously damaged. Praise the Lord nothing was damaged and no one was hurt. That was our exciting start to the morning. :-)

Easter Weekend

2008-03-24T18:10:00.004-05:00

Happy Easter to everyone... a little late. Our weekend was filled with activity. Daniel lead worhip at all 5 services our church was having... and I supported him from home. :-) We spent Easter Sunday with my parents and sisters and our old family friends, the Barons. It was a great time, eating and talking and more eating. Unfortunatly I didn't get any photos of us as a family, STINK! Oh well, next time.

Caden has learned to clap. He does it non-stop. He also love to eat his hands.

Mom and Karen

Johanna and Katelyn

Pam, Caden, and Laura

An Update and More Pictures

2008-03-11T14:58:00.005-05:00

Not much going on in the Miller household. Caden will be 6 months next Tuesday. He's getting alot more active and I wouldn't be surprised if he starts crawling soon. He loves to be outside and we've been enjoying the few days of sunshine and spring weather we've had. That's about all. Sorry it's not very exciting. Enjoy the pictures.

Enjoying Bathtime

Learning the play with Isaac.

My adorable nephew, Isaac.

We went to Arkansas last weekendto visit Mimi and Dawdi and Uncle Frank, Aunt Angie and Dylan and Austin. It was a really great trip. Daniel helped the guys with building Frank and Angie's house. It was a beautiful weekend and we had a picnic at the park. On our way back to Kansas City we stopped to see Zach and Erin and their kids. Unfortunatly we didn't get any pictures. It was great to see them too!

Caden and Dylan

Caden and Austin

Caden's first time in a "real" swing... he was unsure at first, but seemed to like it in the end.

Funny Faces, photo cortesy of Austin.

Rolling Over

2008-02-28T13:53:00.002-06:00

Caden rolled over for the first time unassisted. I didn't catch the first one, but I caught the second time!

Lots of Pictures

2008-02-22T08:50:00.007-06:00

Somedays I get a little camera happy. So enjoy the photo mantage.

Caden really likes his tongue and will just site around and play with it sticking out, really quite funny looking, but adorable.

Caden always joins us in bed in the morning until we are completly ready to get up. Yesterday he was so calm and just sat in bed for a long time even after we were up. Notice the bed head!

Isaac and Jen came over yesterday to hang out. They boys played very nicely together.

Caden has found his toes and loves to stick them in his mouth.

And lastly, Uncle Kevin came over for dinner last night.

Pics of the Muchkin

2008-02-19T09:05:00.005-06:00

Daniel and I were able to go out for Valentine's Day. It was great! We went to dinner and then went and got coffee and gelato. Caden did great with his first babysitter that wasn't family. Caden's been teething and we've had good days and not so good days. The other night he decided that sleeping wasn't an option, so for two hours I tried everything I could. It was quite the night. Daniel's job is still going well. Pray for more listings and more sales. I'm looking for some part time work that I can do from home. We'll see how that pans out. That's prety much all I have to report on.

A little Photo Shoot with Caden... can he get any cuter!!!

His first big owie... I had sat him down on the floor while I put his Johnny Jumper on the doorframe, and before I knew it he had toppled over right into the leg of the piano. He cried and cried, I felt horrible!

The Tongue

2008-02-12T16:07:00.000-06:00

Caden loves to put things in his mouth, but he doesn't like to use his hands to do it. He'll just aim his face at whatever he wants and go for it. Really quite entertaining to watch.

More Laughs with Daddy

2008-02-06T12:56:00.000-06:00

For some reason Daniel and Caden have this bond when it comes to laughing. Daniel can always get him to belly laugh. It's hilarious. This went on for about 5 min... wish I could have caught it all on camera, but you know how that goes.

A few visitors...

2008-02-06T12:43:00.000-06:00

We have had a fun past few days. Isaac and Aunt Jen came over yesterday cuz their house is being worked on and it was too noisy for naps. Isaac and Caden had their first go at eating celery. It's a great snack, cuz it's cold, but Caden not having any teeth yet can't bite anything off. He loved it! Yes, he did gag himself a few times, but at least we know his gag reflex works. :-)

They had fun trying to grab each other. And stand up... it was so funny to watch them interact.

Caden has just learned to sit pretty much unattended. He needs some cushion behind him in case he topples over, but he's doing really well at it. Since he can sit up now, I gave him a bath in the sink... he didn't quite get why he couldn't grab the water.

Today, Aunt Laura came over. She had a snow day, but Grandma didn't so we volunteered to watch her for a few hours. Caden loves having undivided attention.

Carrots

2008-01-31T10:14:00.000-06:00

Caden started on more solid foods last night. He's been eating cereal for about a month now, but last night was his first go at carrots. He thoroughly enjoyed it.

Me and my Little Buddy

A Few Laughs with Daddy

2008-01-29T13:02:00.000-06:00

Walking

2008-01-28T13:24:00.000-06:00

We went for a walk yesterday, it was beautiful outside. Just a few pics...

Refreshing

2008-01-28T09:34:00.000-06:00

So we have returned from Branson. It was a wonderful trip! Caden did amazing!!! I was a little apprehensive about being a one hotel room for two nights, as Caden sleeps in his own room here at home. But without further ado, here is the story.

Before we left I was researching the hotel to find out more about it and what it had to offer. I found out that the rooms had tubs. I was so excited becuase there is nothing more relaxing to me then a nice long bubble bath. I even went out and bought some bubble bath for the event. :-) When we got to the hotel... no bathtub! SO FRUSTRATED!!!! My wonderful husband decided to call the front desk and ask for a room with a tub. They said no problem and came up to help us move. When we arrived on the 9th floor and opened the door to our new room... it was amazing. They had upgraded us to a condotel. Which means we had a living room, kitchen, huge bedroom and two bathrooms. One of the bathrooms became Caden's room. It was so wonderful. Thanks to Daniel for asking!!!

The conference was great too! Some of the content was similar to things we have heard or read before, but the tools that they gave us were really good. We're excited to start using them. :-)

Here are some pics of our wonderful hotel room.

This was Caden's "room"

The Little Muchkin's first hotel stay

Photo Shoot

2008-01-22T10:48:00.000-06:00

This is what happens when you try to do a photoshoot with Caden and Daniel. Tried to get Daniel to keep his eyes open and Caden to smile all at the same time. And these are only a sampling of the numerous shots that were taken. It was crazy funny!!!

I think Caden cooperated better by himself.

A little better...

2008-01-21T15:30:00.000-06:00

Well things are looking better. Caden has gradually increased his sleeping from 6 to 7 and last night 9 hours or sleep. YEAH!!! He did wake up twice last night, but for less then 5 min and went right back to sleep. YEAH!!!! He had a doctor's appointment on Friday and she said I was doing everything right and it was probably just a phase he was going through. Needless to say I think she was right. Caden weighs 15 lbs 7 oz now and is 26" long. This week we're taking a trip to Branson for a marriage conference. We'll get to see Zac and Erin and Jackson and Krista. Very excited!! That's all for now.

Frustrated

2008-01-18T10:58:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I take back what I said in the last post. Caden is not sleeping throught the night... well he was, but he's not anymore. He has decided that waking up every 4 hours is a good idea. But this makes his parents not very happy. I have tried everything... well that I can think of. Anyone have any suggestions?? I did start him on rice cereal a few weeks back and about 2 weeks into it is when he stopped sleeping well. So I stopped the rice cereal thinking maybe that was causing problems. Nope, not it. I thought he might be teething, but he's fine during the day. Happy and playful. Nope, not it. Maybe it's because we don't turn the humidifier on any more. Turn it on. Nope not it. We're feeling pretty frustrated. We have to let him cry it out for about 15-20 min every time he wakes up until about 4 or 5am when I go in to feed him. Keep us in pray, lack of sleep is not fun.

Christmas

2008-01-07T11:00:00.000-06:00

This is long overdue... but here are some photos of Caden's first Christmas. We spent a few days prior to Christmas in Arkansas and then spent Christmas day with my family. I was sick the entire time we were in AR. I lost my voice for two days and had an awful cough, Daniel then got it from me. We like to share. :-) Daniel is still trying to get over his. He lead worship this weekend at church, we had to pray him through, but he made it and did a great job. This was his first time to lead in the main service by himself. It was a great worship time.

Caden is now sleeping through the night... well except for last night. He decided he wanted to get up every 4 hours. But other then that he goes down at 8pm and wakes up to eat around 5am then back to sleep until 8am. It's great! He is such a joy. He "talking" non-stop now. He's lay on a blanket and just jabber away, even screaming with joy. It's so fun to listen too. He's just getting over his first cold. He's a good "sick" baby. He doesn't get real fussy, just tend to zone out and want to be held more.

So tired... he loves this bear!

Bathtime, I think he might be getting a little bit big for the sink.

The cutest baby ever!!!!

Caden and Isaac

The three newbies to the Merwin Christmas, Sam (Caitlin's husband), Caden and Isaac. They were all matching and it wasn't a planned thing.

Aunt Angie and Caden

Austin and Caden

Dylan and Caden

Supporting Daddy's fantasy Football Championship Game

Loving the tongue

Christmas Giggle

2007-12-25T09:09:00.000-06:00

It's always fun to get a "first" on video! It's faint, but you can hear Caden's first little giggle!

2007-12-11T18:46:00.000-06:00

Caden got excited when we mentioned going to see Mimi and Dawdi Miller!!

The Beginning...

2007-12-10T20:50:00.000-06:00

Well, here we go... thought this would be an easy way for family and friends to stay updated on all the happenings in the Miller Family. We'll do our best to keep this updated.

News... let's see... Caden is now 3 months old and growing like crazy. He is a very happy baby and is so much fun, cooing and "talking" and blowing bubbles. He's starting to engage and interact more. He recently found out that he has hands. It's been really entertaining to see the light bulb go off every time his hands cross in front of his face.

Daniel has had an amazing year at work. He has worked really hard and God has really blessed his efforts. Daniel has been co-leading a worship team for a while and just recently was asked to lead his own team. It's a pretty big commitment, but one he loves to do. He is starting on a basketball league soon, pray for his health. :-)

I'm loving staying at home. It was a pretty big adjustment in the beginning, but I'm keeping myself busy. There is an oppotunity for me to work from home with one -two days on location, pray that God would direct us in that decision. With all the time I have at home... :-).... I'm baking alot. I've always enjoyed baking but never really felt like it after returning from an 8 hour day. Caden sits in his swing or lays on the counter watching me. It's been fun. I'm trying not to fatten us up for the winter, but we'll see how it all pans out.

We spent Thanksgiving with my family this year and then left the following morning to visit my extended family in New York. It was a great trip. I also had my high school ten year reunion while we were there. It was alot better then I thought it would be. Seeing family was great as well. Caden did great on the plane ride. I was very nervous about it, but he was a stellar passenger. He did cry on the return flight but only for 5 min or so. We'll be in Arkansas for the days leading up the Christmas and returning to KC on Christmas Eve. Almost the entire Merwin side of the family will be traveling to KC for Christmas. This has not happened in a long time. I guess that's all the news for now. We'll keep posting.

A few pics of our time at Niagara Falls

Here a few pictures of the little muchkin.