Cub Car Rally

This past weekend was our ward's cub car rally.  Both the boys are now in cubs and were very excited.  They have spent quite a bit of time with their dad getting their cars ready.  It doesn't seem to matter how much time we're given to get our cars ready - a lot of work still is happening the morning of race day!  I was informed that "you don't put the wheels on until race day".  It was a bit crazy around here, and Ashton and I had to run to the store for electrical tape - but somehow they finished on time.

Then off to the church to race.  The boys had lots of fun racing their cars.  Ashton is very competitive and was a bit disappointed his car wasn't as fast as he expected - but he handled his disappointment very well.

Cadence was super interested in what was going on.

Ashton got an award for the shiniest paint job, and 4th in his age group.  Bowen got an award for most innovative design.

After awards were given out they ate hot dogs, chips and juice.

A fun time was had by all!

Thriving

It has been two weeks since we started supplementing Cadence with formula.  It appears to be working.  Two weeks ago Cadence weighed 7 lbs 8 ozs, yesterday Cadence weighed 9 lbs 10 ozs. She's getting cute little rolls and filling out.  I thought I had better get a picture of her in a newborn outfit my mom bought.  I think it will be the last time she'll be able to wear it.

Look at the size of that tummy!

Dancing the Flamenco!

Calling her BFF - it starts young.

Thanks Grandma for my cute outfit.  Maybe my new little cousin due in October will be a girl and I can pass it on to her.

Perks

So I mentioned in a previous post that we have started to have to supplement Cadence with formula as she hasn't been getting enough nutrition from breastfeeding alone.  I must admit it kind of upset me at first, but there are some definite perks!  This being the best perk of all ...

Day Off

What do your kids do on a day off from school?

Here is what mine did today ...

Baby Blessing

A couple of Sunday's ago we blessed Cadence.  In our church father's bless their babies with a name and a special blessing when they are infants.

In Cadence's blessing Jason blessed her that she would know that she was a child of God and a precious daughter in Zion, and that this knowledge would be a comfort and strength throughout her life.  He blessed her with a great capacity for kindness and that others would feel of her love for them. Cadence was blessed with the desire to learn of the gospel, and that the light of Christ will shine brightly in her life and act as a compass as she makes decisions. That she will serve her Father in Heaven in any capacity that she is asked.

It was a beautiful blessing and we were grateful for so many family members that were able to join us.  My mom, Rachel, Jared and their family, Dave, Char and their family, Jared, Amber and their family, Jason's mom, Mitchel, and Jill and her two boys.

After church we came back to our home for lunch.  We served beef barley soup, potato soup with toppings, buns (that mom brought), veggie platter (that Char brought), and lemon lime delight salad, with creme puffs and carrot cake for dessert.  Such a beautiful day for a beautiful girl.

Cadence in her beautiful blessing dress.

What Cadence did throughout her blessing.

I bought her a keepsake bracelet that she can hopefully pass down to use for her daughter's blessing someday.

Starting to get a bit annoyed.

Getting hungry.

Getting really hungry.

Really mother don't you think you have enough pictures!

NO MORE PICTURES!

Alright - one last picture.

What a sweet girl - but she sure lets us know when she's not happy!!

Cadence's Digs

When we found out we were pregnant we talked to Bowen about moving out of his room and sharing with Ashton so we could turn the room closest to ours into a nursery.

We weren't going to find out the sex of the baby so we painted in a gender neutral colour and purchased a dresser, side table and rocking chair.  We still had our crib and a wardrobe.  I decided to wait until the baby was born to accessorize.

I love how Cadence's room turned out.  I only have one addition to make - I plan on putting a big wooden C beside the owl pictures over the crib.

Love the nursing and reading corner.

So many sweet and adorable clothes!

Home Sweet Home Cadence - we love you soooo much!

Mother's Day 2014

This Mother's Day I'm overwhelmingly grateful.  I still can't quite believe that I am so blessed.  I'm so thankful I have the privilege of being Ashton, Bowen, Kenneth, and Cadence's mom.  We of course are sad we don't have Kenny to raise in our home now - but I know someday we will be all together as a family. My children bring me so my joy (as well as a little frustration).  I love all their different personalities, and I love every stage they go through.  Ashton is very mature and I enjoy our talks and he is such a great help to me.  Bowen is so funny and always makes me laugh.  Cadence loves to be held and I enjoy endless cuddles with her.  I feel complete and content - something I've not felt for quite a few years.

We had a nice Mother's Day.  Our nephews Dane and Bennett had spent the night and we were able to take them to church with us.  They had fun going to nursery and primary.  After church, and the boys were picked up by their mom, we had a yummy lasagna dinner with chocolate cake and icecream for dessert.  It was nice to be home and to just relax and spend time together.  We watched a movie as a family and then Dane and Bennett were back and it was time for bed.

I'm also very grateful for the moms in my life. I love and appreciate Jason's mom, especially for raising such a great son.  I'm grateful for all my mom does for me and my family.  She is my best friend and if I have a concern or problem I know I will always get good advice.

Happy Mother's Day!

Our First Month

One month old - really!!  I can't believe our precious little Cadence is one month old already.  Yesterday May 7th marked her one month birthday.  It has been a month full of joy, laughter, tears, anxiety, pain, - every emotion it seems.  My recovery from the c-section has been difficult.  First with a spike in my blood pressure and a visit to the ER.  Gratefully that seems to be under control.  Then about a week and a half ago I got an infection in my c-section incision, but a round of antibiotics seems to have solved that problem and I am feeling much better.

Cadence is a sweet little baby.  She has been having some trouble putting on weight.  To help her with this we had her tongue tie clipped as her tongue was very tight.  Then with my being on antibiotics she got thrush in her mouth so it was painful for her to nurse and I found my milk supply lowered considerably.  When we went for her appointment on Tuesday we found she hadn't gained any weight in a week - not good.  So we have decided to supplement her with formula.  It was hard for me to admit I didn't have enough milk for her as I exclusively breastfed the boys, but I need to do what is best for her and give her what she needs.  Since starting the extra feeds she seems much more content and I even got 6 hours of sleep last night (not all at once of course, but I'll take it).

Despite all the problems, and endless doctor appointments I have never felt more complete, and content and happy.  What a blessing she is to our family.  The boys are still completely in love, and are a HUGE help to me.  I've starting teaching piano again and Ashton is often found with Cadence sleeping on his chest during the time I'm teaching.

May 7th - One Month
Weight - 7 lbs 8 ounces
Is spending more time alert and looking around
Beautiful dark blue eyes
A bit jaundice still
Goes directly from content and quiet, to screaming and down right mad (no in between)
Loves to be held

As her name suggests, Cadence is a perfect ending to complete our family.

One Month Old

Baby Shower

My friend Marisa was kind enough to offer to throw a baby shower for Cadence.  I was grateful as I don't have anything for a girl.  The theme was as cute as a button and she made adorable invitations to hand out to friends of mine.  The shower was held last Saturday.

We all had a great time.  There was a great turnout and everyone was so generous with the presents they had for Cadence.  She is going to be one fabulously dressed girl.

Marisa had gone to so much work.  The food was incredible.  I must admit I even had 2 pieces of cake.

My friend Mindy had made a cookie bouquet.  Notice on the one cookie it even has Cadence's name on it.  So cute!

We visited, held the baby, and of course opened presents.

When I opened Marisa's gift all I could see was tissue paper and a piece of string with a note saying pull me.  As I pulled clothes came out as if hung on a clothes line - such a great idea.  I totally want to copy it at the next baby shower I go to.

Mom and Rachel were able to come up.

Thank you Marisa for all your hard work and for throwing Cadence and I such a beautiful shower.  As well as a big thank you to all my friends for your generous gifts.  It was a wonderful afternoon.