Now...how do you teach him to actually do this? ;)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Proverbs 15:1
One of the books Caden received for his birthday was My ABC Bible Verses. We started with "A" this week...
Now...how do you teach him to actually do this? ;)
Now...how do you teach him to actually do this? ;)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Phase One
... of the Big Boy Bed:
The pack'n'play was taking a beating with Corban sleeping in it every night so we decided he should have a real crib again. Since we gave our spare one away to friends who had twins, we needed to convert Caden's toddler bed back into a crib. This meant we had to put Caden into a "real" bed.
Without too much planning, we started the process and then realized Caden might not like the idea that we gave Corban his bed. So, I started thinking of ways to make his new bed "cool". Stuffed animals! What kid doesn't love them?...and we sure have plenty of them.
It worked! He was so excited about all his friends on his new bed he didn't seem to mind that Corban had a new crib (a.k.a. his old bed).
Phase Two and Three will consist of adding the box springs, frame, and new sheets/blanket.
The pack'n'play was taking a beating with Corban sleeping in it every night so we decided he should have a real crib again. Since we gave our spare one away to friends who had twins, we needed to convert Caden's toddler bed back into a crib. This meant we had to put Caden into a "real" bed.
Without too much planning, we started the process and then realized Caden might not like the idea that we gave Corban his bed. So, I started thinking of ways to make his new bed "cool". Stuffed animals! What kid doesn't love them?...and we sure have plenty of them.
It worked! He was so excited about all his friends on his new bed he didn't seem to mind that Corban had a new crib (a.k.a. his old bed).Phase Two and Three will consist of adding the box springs, frame, and new sheets/blanket.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
11 Months
This is Corban's last month before he turns one. So in honor of him being eleven months old, here are eleven things I want to be sure and remember about this stage in Corban Stewart's life.
1. approx. 22 lbs.
2. 7 teeth
3. walking while holding someone's hand
4. can squat from a standing position
5. attempts to sing
6. still nursing 3x / day
7. drinks like a mad-man from a sippy cup
8. has a unique "old man" sound he makes
9. smiles at anyone...and I mean anyone (this makes for an attraction of African's if we have to wait anywhere in the car)
10. seems to never stop moving unless buckled in a chair
11. still thinks his brother is the best thing!
1. approx. 22 lbs.
2. 7 teeth
3. walking while holding someone's hand
4. can squat from a standing position
5. attempts to sing
6. still nursing 3x / day
7. drinks like a mad-man from a sippy cup
8. has a unique "old man" sound he makes
9. smiles at anyone...and I mean anyone (this makes for an attraction of African's if we have to wait anywhere in the car)
10. seems to never stop moving unless buckled in a chair
11. still thinks his brother is the best thing!
Monday, October 20, 2008
We Love This THREE Year Old
Caden's birthday is Saturday, but we already had his party...so for all purposes, he's three now.
Birthday friends: Gabriel, Caden, Asher, CalebHappy Party, Caden!
Instead of saying "birthday party" or "happy birthday", Caden refers to it as "happy party". We had an Elmo-themed party (thanks to Gamma and Nanna for the great decor!) complete with friends, games, presents, and cake. Even now, he continues to ask about his party...I think he wants another one. Sorry, buddy, you'll have to wait a whole year.Pin the "nose" on Elmo game
Dorothy's Goldfish Bowl: the object was to pass water from cup to cup and fill Dorothy's goldfish bowl in record time.
Birthday cake with a "3" candle
Elmo cupcakes for the kids
...and the presents
Reeves: ABC scripture book, The Lord Is My Shepherd
Millers: bean bag toss game (homemade...Caden loves it!)
Family: Bob the Builder shirt, Mr. Potato Head, big-boy bike
Dorothy's Goldfish Bowl: the object was to pass water from cup to cup and fill Dorothy's goldfish bowl in record time.
Birthday cake with a "3" candle
Elmo cupcakes for the kids
...and the presents
Reeves: ABC scripture book, The Lord Is My ShepherdMillers: bean bag toss game (homemade...Caden loves it!)
Family: Bob the Builder shirt, Mr. Potato Head, big-boy bike
Sunday, October 12, 2008
A few more...
Here's a few more of my favorites from our time with my parents:
Can we say tourist?!
We took these last ones just before my parents left...
Can we say tourist?!
We took these last ones just before my parents left...
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Hellos and Goodbyes
One of the blessings of living in Africa is having people in our homes for extended stays. Although some people are fearful of being a burden on us, it is actually quite the opposite...we LOVE it! The part we don't like is having to say goodbye and send them home. We have done more of this in the past two weeks than we prefer. We enjoyed our first group from GracePointe (our sponsoring congregation from Montgomery, AL) and then April's parents arrived just as they were leaving. We are now saying goodbye to them and our hearts are full. Our boys might go through a social withdrawal when we arrive back home. So where does this leave us? Treasuring the memories we have made and looking forward to the new ones on their way with the next set of visitors. Come see us, we love it!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Oh, Caden....
It's the story that every mom tells...
It's the story that every mom dreads...
He smashed his finger in a screen door. His fingernail immediately turned purple. Now, he has no fingernail. Caden enjoyed showing everyone his "puwple feener" while it lasted...but this momma is just glad it's healing.
It's the picture of the 2nd born thrown in just for fun...
It's the story that every mom dreads...
He smashed his finger in a screen door. His fingernail immediately turned purple. Now, he has no fingernail. Caden enjoyed showing everyone his "puwple feener" while it lasted...but this momma is just glad it's healing.
It's the picture of the 2nd born thrown in just for fun...
Friday, September 19, 2008
I Used to Make Fun of My Older Brother For This...
...but now I do it, and so does my first born...
Let's face it people, crossing your legs like a woman is actually quite manly!
Let's face it people, crossing your legs like a woman is actually quite manly!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Marty, Louise, & 4T's
Here are a few pics from our time in Tabligbo with the Koonce fam. It was truly blessed in so many ways! We prayed together, worked together, had fun together, and basically just lived together for 4 straight days. Even with 4 boys and a somewhat regimented routine (uh, Marty), we very easily integrated into their family and work.
Here are Caden and Trevor being silly. They are the closest in age in our families (almost 3 years and 7 years), but light years apart in practice. Trevor had a classic quote when he told April: "There seems to be alot of stress in your family". Don't we know it little dude! We'll just wait patiently for our little friend to be the married father of two little boys traveling for a week straight before we issue our rebuttal :)
Tucker is great. Smart, funny, loving and self-aware; this kid has it all. Here he is playing with Corban which he did alot over the 4 days. We loved having the extra set of hands, thanks Tucker!
Here is Tan the Man messing with Caden at breakfast one morning. Tanner is hilarious and a joy to be around. We were struck by the depth of his personality and his relationship with and understanding of God. He also made fun of Brett when he fell off of Marty's bike (a funny story), which is oddly endearing!
We somehow came away without a picture of Taylor, but we will just say this: There is a chance that you have never heard of this kid, but it won't last. He will be famous for something one day, and it's gonna be fun to watch him decide what it is. The look on Tay's face when he is determined to do something is seriously intense!
Here is sweet Louise with our second born strapped to her back. Louise is an easy friend; never assumes, always loves, and makes anyone and everyone feel welcome. She loved having Corban around, and we were glad to have a few minutes here and there free from a clingy 9 month old! 
As for Marty, well, what can we say? Doesn't the plaque on the wall announcing him as Outstanding Young Alumni from old HU say it all? Seriously though, we love Marty. We've come a long way relationally since 2003 when we were interns, and we are better people for it. He is inspiring to be around, and the life he leads points everyone he comes into contact with towards relationship with God. Forget the fact that he counts peanuts and is obsessive about being exact when measuring kilometers; Marty we just love you man, and your family along with you. Thanks for a great week guys!
Here are Caden and Trevor being silly. They are the closest in age in our families (almost 3 years and 7 years), but light years apart in practice. Trevor had a classic quote when he told April: "There seems to be alot of stress in your family". Don't we know it little dude! We'll just wait patiently for our little friend to be the married father of two little boys traveling for a week straight before we issue our rebuttal :)
Tucker is great. Smart, funny, loving and self-aware; this kid has it all. Here he is playing with Corban which he did alot over the 4 days. We loved having the extra set of hands, thanks Tucker!
Here is Tan the Man messing with Caden at breakfast one morning. Tanner is hilarious and a joy to be around. We were struck by the depth of his personality and his relationship with and understanding of God. He also made fun of Brett when he fell off of Marty's bike (a funny story), which is oddly endearing!We somehow came away without a picture of Taylor, but we will just say this: There is a chance that you have never heard of this kid, but it won't last. He will be famous for something one day, and it's gonna be fun to watch him decide what it is. The look on Tay's face when he is determined to do something is seriously intense!
Here is sweet Louise with our second born strapped to her back. Louise is an easy friend; never assumes, always loves, and makes anyone and everyone feel welcome. She loved having Corban around, and we were glad to have a few minutes here and there free from a clingy 9 month old! 
As for Marty, well, what can we say? Doesn't the plaque on the wall announcing him as Outstanding Young Alumni from old HU say it all? Seriously though, we love Marty. We've come a long way relationally since 2003 when we were interns, and we are better people for it. He is inspiring to be around, and the life he leads points everyone he comes into contact with towards relationship with God. Forget the fact that he counts peanuts and is obsessive about being exact when measuring kilometers; Marty we just love you man, and your family along with you. Thanks for a great week guys!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
To Tabligbo We Go
Just wanted everyone to know that we have been in Lome' and Tabligbo, in southern Togo, for the last week. Internet is limited, and we will be back in contact sometime next week :)
We are being incredibly blessed by our time here with the Koonce family and we are so thankful to God for their true friendship!
We are being incredibly blessed by our time here with the Koonce family and we are so thankful to God for their true friendship!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Friday, September 05, 2008
Friday Funnies
OK, so there's nothing really funny about this first picture (except maybe his huge cloth diaper bottom, ha!)...just wanted to show you what Corban can do. He unlocked that cabinet and opened it by himself. 
Here come the funny pictures of Corban's new face....
What's even funnier is that Caden can get him to make this face better than we can. It's hilarious when they are both sitting at the table making these faces and then cracking up laughing at each other. I can only imagine we have years ahead of us with these kind of dinner table experiences....can't wait!
Here come the funny pictures of Corban's new face....
What's even funnier is that Caden can get him to make this face better than we can. It's hilarious when they are both sitting at the table making these faces and then cracking up laughing at each other. I can only imagine we have years ahead of us with these kind of dinner table experiences....can't wait!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Labor Day Weekend...2001
We were here...
What a wonderful 7 year journey this has been with my best friend. We're still writing our story, and it's getting really good!
What a wonderful 7 year journey this has been with my best friend. We're still writing our story, and it's getting really good!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Let It Rain!
I was in the back of the house as it started to rain this afternoon. I heard Caden whining, "No, no!" A few seconds later, Antoinette (our houseworker) came to tell me, "Caden just ran outside in the rain and refuses to come in." I told her it was OK as long as it was just rain and no thunder/lightning. I, being the good blogging mommy, grabbed the camera and ran to the door.
If only we all had Caden's attitude about rain...run and enjoy it before it's gone!
Within a few minutes, he was completely soaked. Love it!
And a few more reminders of why I chose to be a stay-at-home Mommy...
I love that I am at home to catch these moments exactly as they happen. It's hard work that is rewarding when you witness the joys of childhood!!!
If only we all had Caden's attitude about rain...run and enjoy it before it's gone!
Within a few minutes, he was completely soaked. Love it!
And a few more reminders of why I chose to be a stay-at-home Mommy...
I love that I am at home to catch these moments exactly as they happen. It's hard work that is rewarding when you witness the joys of childhood!!!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
9 months
smiley Corban
laughing Corban
typical Corban
Our blue-eyed babyAt nine months, Corban is...
crawling like a champ
a jumping maniac
pulling up on everything
cruising
trying to do everything by holding on with just one hand
trying to be as tall as he can with his reaching skills
taking toys from his brother
never meeting a stranger
smiling at everyone
19.47 lbs. (8.85 kilos)
29.5 in.
50th percentile for weight & height
nursing and eating lots of baby food
still sporting 4 top teeth and 2 bottom ones
always chewing on his fingers
saying dada and other fun sounds
waving bye-bye & signing "all done"
(using the same cute opening and closing of hands)
scrunching up his nose for a funny face
simply a joy!
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