April
Wild Animals - April 27, 2008
Kaden and Dad bear their teeth for a little mouth to mouth combat...
Mildew - who knew?! - April 27, 2008
Teak does not turn grey in the sun or rain. It does not suffer from weather
damage the way we expected. After two seasons of sanding and oiling our once
stunning teak furniture, it looked a little worse for wear. And then we learned
something - teak is prone to mildew! So, after Craig spent Saturday sanding and
oiling, he started over again with a teak cleaner. Amazing. It took a lot of
elbow grease and we're still not done, but check out a few of the before, during
and after shots! The last one is post-mildew-removal, but pre-re-oiling...that
will have to wait for another sunny day!
All Grown Up - April 26, 2008
Okay - so the heading might be a little over-dramatic, but what else would
you say to a once-blob-like-babe that can go down the slide all by himself?!?
Another Sunny Saturday - April 26, 2008
We started our Saturday morning lounging in our PJs. Kaden practiced his
crawling and enjoyed his usual morning milk chug.
We spent more of the rest of the day outside. I repotted and and pruned all
the indoor plants and Craig brought out the patio furniture to sand and oil. We
knew the forecast for the rest of the week called for rain...but we decided it
was time to get the patio spruced up regardless. Kaden enjoyed taking his lunch
on the patio while watching both his Dad and the passersby.
Reading on the Go - April 23, 2008
Kaden is getting very good at pulling himself up to standing. He can pretty
much do it on anything sturdy - chairs, couches, walls, doors, cupboards,
legs...you get the picture. He can also crawl with things in hand. Dad was
lounging on the couch, but Kaden had other plans for him. He brought over the
book, hoisted himself up and showed Dad what to read!
Weekend Getaway - April 18 - 20, 2008
It was high time the Calvert Clan went to see Kaden's G.G. (a.k.a. Great
Grandmother), in Sidney. Of course, trying to pack with a mobile monkey is much
different than with a stationary one! At one point I had to resort to putting
him in his crib with some books while I loaded the car. Before I got wise though
he thought he would help me pack the toiletries. I guess he doesn't know yet
that we don't need to bring the TP with us!
Prior to picking-up dad on the way to the ferry, we snuck in our usual Friday
swim with Kaden's buddy Ellis. We promise it wasn't planned, but these two
buddies were sporting the same onesie that day. Too cute. I think the picture is
particularly funny as each kid is looking very curiously at the other one's mom.
Both of their expressions say "What are you doing, lady"...trying to make you
kids smile; that's what!
The ferry ride was fun as Kaden is now of an age where we can take him to the
kid's play area. Not only that, but we had to find a place to go as far away
from the cafeteria as possible. Kaden's pulled his ol' "choking gag" while we
were eating dinner. He flirted, smiled and waved to get the attention of just
about everyone around him just in time for a piece of meatball to go down the
wrong pipe! Our little choking-hazard cleared his blockage via his usual
routine...puking. I swear WAY more comes out than goes in. And this time is was
accompanied by sounds I think only dogs should make. Have you ever watched Stand
By Me? Remember the pie eating contest? 'nuff said.
Who let Kaden drive???
If he had his way we'd be doing 360s all day long!
We had a wonderful weekend with G.G. We relaxed, ate, slept, chatted...and of
course...read! G.G. pulled out a Kaden-sized chair that belonged to the family
(the shorter-side apparently) that was over 100 years old. He got a kick out of
sitting in it. Although I don't think we've captured it on film, Kaden will
often cross his legs while we read to him. You can see him doing it here on the
chair. What a riot.
Door Discovery - April 16, 2008
Kaden has discovered doors. He loves them - open - close - open - close. He
really likes the bathroom door on our main floor. Whether the light is on or
not, he'll go in and shut the door tight. While he waits for somebody to open it
for him he busies himself making "music" with the door stop!
Babes with babes and babes-to-be - April 13, 2008
Babies are in the air. The group below has already produced one play-date
for Kaden and three more are on the way! We have been getting together lately to
discuss all things pregnancy, birth and baby related. Craig was away the last
time, but he hid in the basement this time ;] We decided to take a picture so
that the next time we get together we can show that we're down one belly,
but up one baby!
Fun in the Sun - April 12, 2008
Glorious...and yet a tease. This weekend the temperature soared to at least
21degrees...and I think that was in the shade. We took advantage of it. Except
for Kaden's naps, when only he went inside, I don't think we spent any time
inside on Saturday. We pressure washed the patio, repotted some plants, pruned,
bought and planted new plants, went for walks, and ate and played outside! Of
course, now that Kaden is mobile we couldn't just put him on his play mats, but
the pack 'n play did the trick. He had toys and food and drink and was pretty
content to watch us work. He also practiced his standing. He can pretty much
pull himself up on anything these days. At the end of it all we kicked back with
some well-deserved beer. Never having tasted it, Kaden already fancies himself a
beer man. What fun to get Dad's cold drink.
Morning Play - April 10, 2008
Post-breakie and pre-nap, Kaden and I often spend time just playing in the
house. He discovered my keys sitting on the chair the other day. They kept him
quite amused taking them off and putting them back on the chair. He was somewhat
inspired to try to stand using the chair for support, but then he discovered he
could also crouch and hide the keys under the chair. What fun! Either way, he is
working on his balance as he practices kneeling and using his hands for other
things than just support. We've also taken to spending part of our morning
looking out the front window. Kaden loves to point out the birds and wave at all
the passers-by. The last photo was to see if I could capture the goose-egg Kaden
got on top (yes on top) of an existing bruise. With mobility comes
skin-toughening apparently!
Kaden practices his kneeling...and hiding...and climbing...
Banging around - April 9, 2008
Kaden has always been an active eater. He often rocks in his
highchair. Occasionally the rocking signifies "turn on the music" and often his
"all done" is quite enthusiastic, but in general, he's just a little busy body.
I'm not sure how it is at all relaxing, or good for digestion, to eat this way,
but he does. Here is just a little example of Kaden's table tricks.
Sneaky-sneak - April 7, 2008
What can I tell you...if he can crawl, why shouldn't he be able to climb
stairs?!? Kids really are amazing. Kaden loves the stairs. He loves them more
when you chase after him and pull him off...or when you've got your back turned
and you think he is happily playing with something else...but he also climbs
them in times of 'need' as well to go upstairs for diapers, naps, baths, etc.
Look at him go!
The Wanderer - April 6, 2008
We bought a backpack to tote Kaden around. We love our stroller, but we
figured it would be pretty hard to push it up the side of a mountain. We're
excited about taking Kaden day-tripping this summer and maybe even overnight
camping (car camping of course). But having the backpack will be fun to go for
day hikes around the city and the surrounding mountains. Craig is determined to
take Kaden up the Chief this summer. It is a thigh-burner just outside of
Squamish. A lovely hike really, but given our current state of fitness it will
be interesting. Of course, starting ultimate frisbee next month might just shock
our bodies into action! Kaden was a little suspicious during this initial
test-drive, but he loves it now. He crawls into the front hall, finds his shoes
and points at the back pack..."let's go"!
Lovely Locks - April 5, 2008
It took some convincing, but I finally relented and decided to get rid of
Kaden's mullet and his old man hippy hair over his ears! I figured it was time
to give the rest of his hair a fighting chance to catch up! You can see the
before (where I was actually able to make a braid) and the after with his little
preppy cut!
Downward Dog - April 3, 2008
On his quest to stand, Kaden is turning into a little yogi. He can often be
seen practicing downward dog on his learning table.
This is just the beginning of starting to stand.
Jack Johnson - look out! - April 2, 2008
Kaden loves Craig's guitar. He loves when Dad plays it for him and he loves
to give it a little strum himself. We're starting a music class later this month
that is lead by a woman and her guitar. It should be fun!
Our little monkey likes to "strum strum strum"...a la Dr.
Seuss...