Manistee Vacation

We were blessed to go up north to Manistee and stay with at my aunt's cottage this May.  I absolutely love West Michigan in the summer.  Madison, Kaden and I went up with my parents and Todd cam up later in the week for a long weekend.  The weather started off chilly but warmed up as the week went on.  Thankfully there is an indoor swimming pool so we could still have fun in the water.  Madison loved the water so we went everyday.  She however doesn't love the sand so it took some time and convincing to get to walk or play in it.  It was a fun week and a nice break from normal everyday life. 

Bike Fun

We had a nice weekend with great weather.  It was much needed after such a long winter and a spring that isn't sure if it's ready to stick around.  We decided to pull out the kids bike seat.  This was Kaden's first time since he was too little last year.  He had fun!  Madison loved it again this year too.
Madison is learning to ride her little bike so Kaden may get the majority of the rides in this.

Birthday Bash!

This year was the first of many joint birthday parties for the kids.  Since their birthdays are only two days apart, it made sense to have both of them celebrate at one time.  This year we did Mickey and Minnie.  Madison loves them and it was a great fit for Kaden's first birthday.  We had several family members and friends join us to celebrate and it was a lot of fun.

1!

Our little man is 1!!!
It's been a wonderful year with Kaden.  He has been the perfect addition to our family.  He is such a laid back kid and almost always happy which is a nice balance to our crazy girl.  Kaden is army crawling around the house and has started to pull up slightly on Maddie's bed and low chair.  He also gets up on his knees and trys to crawl normally.  This is great to see since he has been behind in this area.  The doctor said it has a lot to do with personality and since Kaden is so laid back, he may just take longer than more eager kids.  He is still far away from walking but he'll get there in his own time.
Kaden loves to play with Madison and read.  He is also happy to snuggle with mom.  He is working on several teeth, including his 1 year molars.  
Todd's mom was here on Kaden's birthday so we took her to see Meijer Garden's and then ate lunch at Twisted Rooster.  It was a fun day!

 

A few facts
Weight - 21 lbs 8 oz, 30%
Height - 31.25 inch, 89%
Head - 18.5 inch, 67%
Diaper Size - 4
Clothing Size - 12-18 Month
Sleeping - He sleeps from about 8:30pm until around 8am.

left: Madison 12 months, right: Kaden 12 months

3!

While Madison would love to be 5 so she can ride a bus and go to school, she was pretty happy to turn 3!  We started the day by going to story time at the library and then we went to McDonald's for lunch.  Todd was able to join which was great.  She played with neighbor kids and picked chicken for dinner.  She ended the day with a cupcake. 

Madison is doing well in Michigan.  Our cul-de-sac is filled with kids and there are two girls close to Madison's age.
Madison enjoys a large array of activities.  She loves to play outside, read, play with friends, play games, and do art projects.  Some of her favorite characters are Mickey, Minnie, & Winnie the Pooh.  Favorite movies are Finding Nemo & Frozen. 
Favorite tv shows are Peg + Cat, Daniel Tiger, Thomas, & Curious George

Madison 3yr Stats:
Height - 37 inch, 49%
Weight - 35 lbs, 84%
Clothing size: 3T - 4T

11 Months

This wiggly little boy didn't want to sit still or smile for the camera. He did however, show off his new trick of pointing.  A lot of times while pointing he will say "this".  It's very cute.
Kaden has started to "sing" which is adorable.  If Madison or I start singing, Kaden will start to say "ya ya ya" like he is singing too.  He seems to be very good at copying sounds and noises with his mouth.
Kaden still doesn't officially crawl.  He prefers to roll but he CAN army crawl if properly motivated.  If I hold my iphone closely in front of him and move it back, he will crawl after it.  He also army crawls more on the hard wood and mostly rolls on the carpet.  He has just decided that he can get around faster rolling so he prefers to do that.  
I'm now starting to plan for the kids birthday parties.  The past year has gone fast and I can't believe he is almost one!

                                                                                 Buddies

                                                                            fun with mom

                                                         Under the coffee table, very typical         
                           

A few facts
Weight - 20.5 pounds
Height - 29.5 inch
Diaper Size - 4
Clothing Size - 12-18 Month
Sleeping - He sleeps from about 8pm until 7 or 8am.

left: Madison 11 months, right: Kaden 11 months

From a 2 year old's mouth

Madison's vocabulary and sentences have come a long way this year.  You never know what is going to come out a two year old's mouth.  Since I have a terrible memory, I wanted to write down a few funny/cute things she has said recently.

- Madison: "I want to go to fashion school.  I want to ride a bus."  Kristin: "What do you do at fashion school?"  Madison: "Sing songs."

- Todd: "Madison, you know I love you, right?"  Madison: "Yeah, I love you too.  Mom, I love you too."

- "I want to grow bigger, and bigger, and bigger!"

- "I want to sit here; it's nice and comfy."

- Kristin: "Madison, did you do that?"  Madison: "No, Kaden did.  He's a naughty boy."

- "It's really nummy, mom.  It feels good in my tummy."

- "That's a hopgrasser." Pointing to a grasshopper.

- Me: "Madison, did you finish your chicken?"
Madison: "Yes"
Me: "Are you fibbing?"
Madison: (looking confused) "No, I'm not fibbing. I'm Maddie"
FYI, she was fibbing.

- Grandpa: "I've got your number, Madison"  Madison: "It's two!"

- Me: "Madison, we have a problem.  You're ears don't seem to be working."
Madison: "A, B, C, D, E, F G... they work."
Me: "Ok, then you better start listening."

- After asking several 'why' questions in a row; Me: "I'm think we are heading down a rabbit hole."
Madison: "I want to go too!"

- Madison: "Bunnies eat carrots."
Me: "Yep, what else do they eat?"
Madison: "Waffles.  Bunnies love waffles."

I'm sure there are many more, but those are the one's I can recall at the moment.  I'll add more as they come.