This guy...

is the father of my child? But even after looking at this picture, I'm so, so thankful that he's my husband. Take tonight for example, day 3 of training for my race and it's 10pm, and I haven't run yet. Hmmm, not looking good. But there's no way I could get off track already on just Day 3. I could not miss this run. But it's way too late to take Cade along. I packed up Cade and drove him up to Matt supervising at open-gym and got my four miles in running home from the gym. It was a little scary because it was dark but it's Olathe, not Compton. However, my wonderful husband kept popping up on my route sporadically getting out of his car to cheer for me and make sure I was alive. What a great guy. A little affirmation is always nice.
Blast from the past pics continue...
And here I am in college with some flowers that Matt sent to me for no reason at all.

Now I'd probably be mad if he sent me flowers for no reason. I'm all for romance but it's not really in the budget, and flowers die. Buy me food or something instead. Oh how marriage changes everything. But I wouldn't change a thing.

Biker Babes?

This one's actually a little more embarassing. Another date-party in 2004. Matt LOVED going all out with his themed outfits. He's wearing leather chaps here. Those were the days, huh Dear?

To go or not to go...

Our 5th anniversary is quickly approaching and Matt's hoping for a little trip. A Cade-free trip. I really don't know if I'm down with that. I mean, who will wake up in the night with Cade? Shouldn't it always be me? Won't he just hate it and freak out if it's not me who comforts him in the night? I know there are plenty of people who would love to take care of him for us to get away for a night...I just don't know if I'm ready to get away yet...

While I ponder this dilemma, since it is our anniversary week, why not bust out some old photos? We'll just start with a G-Phi Barn Party shout out for now...I'll try to scrounge up some other juicy ones...

September, 2004
And no, it's not a wig. That is Matt's real hair. He, he, he.

Triathlete?

After today perhaps Cade thinks he's in training for a triathalon. He made his first trip to the pool and went on his longest run yet, 4 miles!

Easing on in...

Doesn't he look thrilled? I thought he was going to fall asleep in the water he was so "chill" about it all. Could be his deep, inner hate for the hat?

It was a cloudy afternoon so we thought we'd give it a try. He didn't cry...but he sure didn't act like he loved it. He just seemed...confused.

I have swimsuit anxiety. I just wore an old suit and Matt promised me I didn't look like someone who is oblivious they need to upgrade to a one piece. But the more I think about it...that's way too loaded of a question for Matt to ever answer honestly.

Cade remained pretty mellow for the whole pool experience. Little does he know, he will learn to love the pool...because I love the pool...and I'm a teacher...catch my drift?

After his nap he was a little more lively. He's such a smiley guy now. I love when he reacts to interactions with people by giving a huge smile. Why is it whenever I go to capture that smile on camera, we end up with this? I swear he was smiling .2 seconds ago!

The best I could get so far...but I'll keep trying! :)

Return Trip to GB

Funny how I went on three really nice trips last summer: Disney World, Carolina beach trip, and New York City. This summer the only vacationing we've done is to The Bend. And I'm ok with that. While it's not exactly a tourism mecca, it's great to be surrounded by family...and, of course, sleeping in is always nice. :)
This trip was action-packed! MaKenzie had her senior pictures taken so we had a family session with that. My mom has been planning our outfits for months. This was a much-anticipated event since my mom says our family hasn't been photographed professionally (not associated with a wedding or church directory) since the early 90s. To keep things interesting, Dad threw his back out and had to go to the emergency room delaying our photo shoot a bit. After he was drugged/numbed up we were able to continue. Despite all this the pictures turned out great and now we'll have to spend a small fortune to buy all the ones we like.
And in Keeley family news, Matt's sister, Cindy, had her baby! She was 5 days overdue and we were so glad to meet him before we had to return to Olathe.
Cade sitting on his cousin (still in Cindy's belly) and playing with Grandpa Mike.

Cade's neck is getting so strong! He loves to look out over your shoulder and take in the world!

Getting in some exercises with Beth and Keith

Never a dull moment...impromptu badminton tourney. Thank goodness I didn't have to play.

Cheering section

Working on sitting up on the pillow

But actually...

slowly rolling off of the pillow...


Walking around with Dad...

A Tribute to Cade's many Aunties! A gift from Great Aunt Mindy.

Cade HATES getting his clothes changed. He requires a pep-talk before pulling shirts over his eyes. He freaks out.

Cade meeting new cousin Lukas!

Matt and Cindy and their boys

Just napping together. Seems like such an age difference now, but not for long I'm sure!

Grandpa Mike and Grandma Jan with their grandsons

Nothing hurts like...

Running!!! Except maybe running with a stroller...

Cade and I are in limbo whether we want to be runners again or not. We're testing the waters since I'm toying with the idea of training for another half marathon this fall.

I have realized that I love, love, love our jogging stroller. Cade seems to love it too. He's super-content whenever we go out in it. I've been trying to stay pretty close to home since a melt-down could occur at any moment. But so far, so good. Therefore I get a little braver each time venturing out a little farther and for a little longer.

Pros of the stroller:
-The front wheel locks for running but unlocks for easier turning in day to day use
-It rides really smooth and seems to just glide in front of me making me never, ever want to use a stroller with those tiny plastic wheels
-You can pretty much bring anything you want with you on a run when you take a stroller (I keep bringing my phone and camera...but I should probably pack more useful things like water and a spitty rag!)
-This allows for quality time with Cade. We've had some good talks. He always compliments me on my running outfits and is very encouraging. :)
-I feel very cool jogging with it.

Cons of the stroller:
-Must slow the pace way down for curb hopping
-Messes with my form to have to keep an arm on the stroller
-Safety strap on wrist is annoying
-Pretty much just having to push something while running

Hmm, let's think about cons of training in general.
-It is hot. Very hot.
-Will be pressed for time once school starts again anyway even without spending time running
-It hurts.

Pros:
-Will help me fit into dress pants for school (This one is QUITE motivating!)
-Will have a healthier heart?!
-Gives me a sense of accomplishment
-It hurts!

We'll see about this...

Progression of Parenting

Parenting is a crazy journey. I can't decide if reading books about it helps or hurts. After all of my pre-baby research I decided we weren't going to use a pacifier. (Umm, see picture above).

Cade arrives and the progression is something like this.

Seems like it would be okay to use one during the fussy time in the evenings to get us through. (A few weeks pass).

And maybe in the car when we're traveling. Alright, maybe in the car, in the evenings, and at camp to buy some time in between feedings. Definitely, not when he's trying to fall asleep or in his bed. (A few weeks pass).

Okay, well maybe when he's trying to fall asleep but not in his bed all night (remove it when it falls out when he's asleep).

I've since had to purchase a few more pacifiers. One for the car seat, one for the diaper bag, and one for his bed. Yep, at ten weeks, I surrender. Now it's pacifier anytime and every time he seems to need it. And I'm sure he'll still turn out fine. :)

Because this is the alternative. Hands in mouth at all times!


Yes, note that the plaid shorts continue. He has 7 pairs. One for each day of the week? But aren't they so cute?!

Birthday Weekend

I just know it will be a sad, sad day for me when Cade is old enough to not want to wear what I pick out for him. Until then...

Maybe by that point Matt WILL want to wear what I pick out for him? Surrender, Matt, surrender.

We made a weekend trip to Tulsa to visit my grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. Cade loves his Papa.

Pam and Zach got some smiles as well.

Look at these tired eyes...don't fight it...just go to sleep...I wish I could!

Papa and I took a shopping trip to get us some new running shoes, which I'm sure we'll both use for pretty much just walking. :) What a hip great-grandpa!

Sunday was my 27th birthday. Thanks to all who called, texted and sent Facebook messages. It's nice to feel so loved on the big day. It was a calm, restful day. Just what I needed.

I told Matt I am turning over a new leaf in my 28th year of life. I'm going to work to...judge less and love more. Be more patient and less selfish. Matt's reply was that perhaps I should just focus on one thing this year...

Taking a Gamble...

I had to break a cardinal rule of parenting tonight by waking up a sleeping baby. I had no idea how this would turn out, I mean how would you like to awaken to your tiny little buns being dunked in the tub?

But Cader is a champ. He was all smiles...which again, we're not that great at actually capturing on camera yet.

He was much more "chill" than normal actually. Perhaps interrupting the evening nap for a bath will be my new tactic?

Thank you, Aunt Gentry, for serving as the bath time photographer.

Rockin' the plaid shorts earlier this week at basketball camp, just like Dad does. Matt is obsessed with plaid shorts. Plaid shorts and Air Jordans are the only clothing items he ever wants to buy...and really, you can only have so many.

The fingernails got a little long and now he woke up this morning looking like he's been in a cat-fight! Ouch!


Sidenote: I'm so, so tired. I have been super grouchy lately. And a little emotionally unstable. So I must go to bed. Good night!

2 Months

I heard that you should take your child's picture on a mat or blanket to see how much they grow from month to month.
One Month

Two Months

Oops, either Cade is shrinking or I'm pretty sure I had the blanket turned the other way last month. I'm an idiot.
Maybe our rocking chair shots will be better?
A look back at One Month

Now Two...note to self...try for similar angles next time.

We were feeling a bit more somber today than last time.


Why do our "sessions" always end like this no matter how old we are?

Weight: 10 lbs 9 oz, Length: 23 1/2 inches

Happy 4th!

It just wouldn't be a National holiday without some sort of holiday photo shoot around here! We're so glad my parents could come up to visit!

And how bout my 2 favorite guys? Aren't they super cute?

But wait, Matt says, my cool belt buckle should be showing.

No wait, I should be touching it. Now it's perfect.

Cade says that Olathe Independence Day celebrations are a bore. I agree. From now on we'll retreat to the Bend where we can actually shoot off fireworks in town.