Summer fun

A week or two ago we went to an Acton Family Network (AFN) event, which was great. Caiden had a great time splashing in water table, and I found out about the AFN babysitting co-op. We have been matched with a group which has several families with kids around the same age. After we meet everyone we'll be able to start participating. I think it will be a great way to get to know some families around here.

And this past weekend we made a trip to visit Grace, Tony, and Ian. We all had a great time!

Playing with new puppy Jane

Popsicles with Ian. Caiden had never had a popsicle, and he loved it. These were homemade by Grace, out of just Kefir and  frozen fruit. It took the kid about a half hour to eat (which is awesome, he kept quiet and still while he ate), and it snapped him out of a somewhat crabby mood. We'll be making these at home.

want a yick?

We had a not so fun summer day last week- 30 minutes after I got to work on Thursday I got a phone call that Caiden was throwing up. We had a couch potato day... a treat for Caiden. I think to him it was worth it. Dan and I appreciated it a little less. Lots of throw up and, well, other stuff that needed to be cleaned up. There was a middle of the night bath involved.

Climbing problem

Caiden has gotten quite good at climbing. He can get up on his learning tower, a kitchen chair, the sofa, etc all on his own. That would be great, except he doesn't stop there. Once in his tower, he gets up onto the kitchen counter. From a kitchen chair, onto the table. From the couch, up to the arm rests. And he doesn't just stand when he reaches the top- he dances. We have frequent discussions with him that couches/chairs are just for sitting on. The message doesn't seem to be sinking in.

Shy guy

Caiden is turning into a shy guy. I wouldn't say he has ever been particularly outgoing, but these days he turns into a clingy, hide-behind-mom's-legs kid when introduced to new people.

Here are some photos from early July when he was at Nanna Nan's house and met Aunt Elizabeth's good friend Meg and Meg's niece Annabelle, who is the same age as Caiden.

Is it safe to come out?

He warms up eventually though. He seems to be intimidated by older kids, so it takes a little longer for him to get comfortable.

Short funny story

Last weekend Caiden and I hit the Acton Discovery museum. After exploring the museum in and out, Caiden discovered a drain outside. He went searching for something to throw in there, and found a stony path. He grabbed a handful of rocks and brought them over to the drain, put them down next to him, and started throwing them in. Within seconds, he had company. Every little boy nearby came over to take part. His rock pile vanished! He looked a little miffed and went to go get more rocks, only to have the same thing happen again. And again. Poor guy, barely got to throw in any himself. He was basically just refilling the pile for the other kids. I couldn't help but laugh.

Look carefully, you can see his rock pile!

Mish mash

Some random tidbits from around here.

Reading books is fun! He'll follow you around carrying a book going "boo? boo?" His current favorite is Where the Wild Things are. Fitting :)

Dancing is exhausting. It's been a while since he has fallen asleep on my lap... he must have been tired!

Chatting on the phone- Caiden will chat into the (broken) phone for several minutes at a time. He walks around gabbing to himself. Every now and then we hear "awwo?" followed often by "bubba?" or "momma?"

A good look for anyone

Veggies are better with sauce to dip them in

Toddler workouts

Caiden stays on top of his exercise.

He likes doing dips on his learning tower

Playing soccer. Note the air he is getting these days.

Playing basketball

And of course, dancing. He will dance just about anytime he hears music.

Taking a spin (in Mom's shoes)

He thinks it is hilarious!

Sorry for the sideways video....