20 Months

Cade, 

Monday you turned 20 months old, I can't believe it. You are growing so fast. You are on the verge of talking in complete sentences and running, jumping and screaming your way toward 2. 

You are such a good older brother and try to help out whenever you can. You love "doing dishes", vacuuming, sweeping and picking up. I will take that a long as it will last. 

You love to play outside, and will drop dead before you let us bring you inside. You also love to read books. We spend hours a week reading books. I didn't think you would ever sit still enough to read one hour a week. You love your Aunt Emma's new horse Joe, and get excited every time you even think you can go see him. I think you might be as crazy about him as she is. 

You moved to a different room at school on Monday. It has been a good change for you. More one on one time, older kids to help you hone your skills, and more outside time. I'm glad we had a chance to move you because we have yet to come pick you up to find out you had been bitten. That was rare in your other room.

Love Mom

1Month…Take 2

Dear Cole, 

This week you turned 1 month old. We survived our first month as a 4 person group. There were a few time it was touch and go (too much brotherly love). Everyone is adjusting well to the change. Usually the first word from Cade when he gets home is "baby" not "momma". He really likes you a lot. I think he likes you so much because you brought pacifiers back into the house and he can have a hit every once and awhile. 

You look a lot like your brother. There are bets on your hair and eye color-that maybe they will be different. There are other times I think you don't look like him. Time will tell. You do all the things a new baby does, but you do it better because you have to sleep through the toddler screaming. 

Love Mom

408 Months

Dear Cade and Cole,

Today I turn 408 months old.  Cade, usually I write to you on your monthly birthday . . . that hasn't happened since 12 months (7 months ago!).  Cole, this is all new to you and someday I hope to be more constant with the writing so you both can look back later and know a little bit about how things were for you while you were growing up.  Or maybe it is more for me, so that I remember some of the little things that happened while you both were growing up.

ANYWAY, today I turn 408 months old!  That seems like such a high number.  Does 34 seem lower?  If you had asked me at 24 where I would be in 10 years I would have said that I would be living in St. Louis working for or running my own landscape company, single, enjoying life in a big city.  It was once said of me that I was "sarcastic and single, and probably would be for a long time."  I am none of those things - well maybe still a little sarcastic.  Here I sit in a small town of about 5,000 people, married with two, working for a company doing something I have never educated myself for or really have an interest in other than it allows me to go to work and come home and be completely present when I am at home (something I can't say for any job I have really had).   It is funny really to think that somethings that I never really pictured in my life have come to be, and things that I was working toward have never come to be.  A lot of people look at that as failure, or disappointment that I didn't get what I "wanted", but the reality is I have everything I could ever want - I just didn't know I wanted it.  Now I could never imagine my life any differently - nor do I see myself doing any of those things I thought I would do.  You both and your dad are the best presents I could ever ask for - and I get them every day.

Cade,
You are still growing and changing by huge strides all the time.  You are not just walking - you are running, jumping, and galloping.  You know so many words - and any day now you are going to string them all together and start carrying on conversations with us that we understand.  You are energetic, rough, tough, and LOUD.  The saying "boys are noise with dirt on" really describes you.  You have a very strong opinion about everything, and you have a strong will.  You will need it in your life as you go on to do amazing things.  While I don't always appreciate your strong will, I know it is important for you and for us. 

Cole,
We are still getting to know you.  Like all 3 week olds you pretty much just eat and sleep.  Every once and awhile you wow us by opening your eyes and giving us the best looks.  So far you are pretty laid back.  I will sure miss being around you all day when I have to go back to work in a couple of weeks . . . not really sure what to do about that.

Love, Mom