Big Changes



Here you are on your last day as the only baby in the house!



Tomorrow we get to meet Baby Luke! We are a mixture of excited, anxious, nervous, and ready. I have to admit, I've been a bit emotional today, mostly because I know that our new addition is going to bring about BIG change for Cade...change that I know he's not prepared for and is too young to understand. I know that there is no greater gift we could give him than a baby brother, but I still worry about all of the emotions he's going to go through and I can't help but be a little sad knowing that today was his last day as the only child in the house. It's also strange to think that my baby is about to be the BIG brother. I know he'll be the best big brother ever and I'm so excited to see him take on this new role. Cade's ability to tackle change never ceases to amaze me. Over the past three weeks he's moved into a new room, given up his paci, and started to use the potty and while none of these changes are as great as the one he's about to experience, they prove that I typically worry when I shouldn't. And while I am totally stressed over how Cade will deal with the new baby, nothing makes me happier than picturing the two of them laughing, playing, and growing up together as the best of friends.

40 Weeks and Counting

Come on out Baby Luke...we're so excited to meet you! You were due two days ago, but it looks like you're so cozy in there that you decided to extend your stay. I'm not complaining, the extra time at work has been very helpful and we've gotten a few more things done in preparation for your much anticipated arrival here at home. And, it's kind of fun knowing that those first signs of labor could hit any time now. Your big brother Cade is very excited to see you too! He often points at my tummy and says, "Baby, hi, hug!" That's his way of saying that he wants to tell you hi and give you a hug. He sometimes hugs my tummy too and a few times he's even offered you a drink of his milk from his sippy cup! Last night we ate eggplant parmesan (they say it helps to bring on labor) and walked around Discover Mills at a way-too-fast pace in an effort to get things going, but no dice. We know you'll make your debut when you're good and ready and we'll be patient until then. We can't wait to meet you Luke!

Bye, Bye Summer

Summer is officially over.  I went back to work last week and Cade went back to Ms. Debbie's (Debba, as he calls her).  We sprinkled a few visits to Ms. Debbie's over the last couple of weeks to help him get back into the swing of things there...and so I could get a jump start on the school year.  Overall, he transitioned very well!  He cried the first few times I dropped him off (and I did too), but now he's upset when I come to pick him up!  :) 

My favorite part about summer was getting to spend every day with Cade.  I know it's the last summer that it will be just him and me so I really tried to soak it up.  We spent most of our days at parks, Gymboree, Everland or Catch Air (indoor play places), with friends, or simply running errands.  We also had our share of hang-around-the-house time which we spent painting, reading, or playing outside with Cade's wagon, chalk, and bubbles.  Cade has grown so much this summer (literally...gaining a little over 2 pounds) and socially as well.  His language has really taken off and it's so fun to be able to have a conversation with him...sort of.  :) Over the summer I watched him become quite a comedian, develop a love for Mickey Mouse and trains, discover how fun it is to shout "HI!" at every stranger that passes in public and watch their reactions, nurture his smooth dance moves while boogying down to the Hot Dog Song, and become so much more independent.  More about our summer changes to come!

We ended our summer with a trip to Hilton Head.  The Ewanowski-Burrous clan was gracious enough to invite us to tag along on their vacation again this year - which we are so very thankful for!  We had so much fun and to say that Cade enjoyed the beach would be the understatement of the century.  Our first night there we walked down to the ocean and Cade went crazy!  He was running into the water (in his regular clothes, mind you), splashing around and screaming...had to be the happiest kid on the planet.  I think Todd and I both teared up a little at the sight of pure joy in our sweet boy.  He had not a fear in the world of the water...ocean or pool.

While our summer adventures are over, we're looking forward to the new adventure that awaits us in less than two weeks...Baby Luke!  The countdown is on!