NO! :-)

If you know my son at all, you would know that this boy loves the word "no." Whenever he's asked a question in which a "yes" or "no" response is appropriate, the first thing out of his mouth99% of the time is "nyoo." (His version of no...with a slight twang!)

Then many times, if its something favorable, he thinks for a minute, and after this initial response will then say..."yeah!"

For example: Me: Cayden, do you want some nums?!

Cayden: "Nyoooo."....."Yeah!" :-)

This brings me to a conversation we had had multiple times in the days leading up to Christmas...It makes me chuckle every time so I thought I'd share.

Me: Cayden, are you a good boy?!

Cayden: Nyoo. (shaking his head vigorously)

Me: You're not?? Are you a bad boy??

Cayden: Nyoo. (now laughing a little, and still shaking his head)

Me: Is Santa gonna come to our house?

Cayden: Nyoo. (now with a more serious face, eyebrows turned down, really contemplating

this one)

Me: Are you gonna get some new toys for Christmas?!

Cayden: Nyoo.

So not once did he change his mind to "yeah" for any of these questions...but he sure thought long and hard about what I was asking! And as it seems, Cayden is, in fact, a good boy. And Santa did come to our house. And Cayden did get lots of great new toys for Christmas! He makes me smile. :-) Such a little ham!

The Best Christmas Gift.

I can breathe.

I mean, I can really breathe.

The kind of breath that you can feel from the top of your head to the very tips of your toes.

And I am Thankful.

Today we received the very best Christmas gift. The One Gift that I was most hopeful for. It came early, not on Christmas morning, and wasn't wrapped nicely with a bow. But it made my whole heart happier than any material possession ever could.

We heard the news today that Cayden's genetic testing was all normal. My baby is safe, and his parents can breathe. Really breathe. The genetic counselor told me that these tests rule out 95% of all possibility of an Osteogenesis Imperfecta diagnosis, and then I told the genetic counselor that she made my Christmas. And then I cried. I hung up the phone, kissed my baby boy and gave him a good squeeze and told Meme the news - Of course I would have told Cyle first if he happened to be standing there watching me cry like Meme was! But he was at work. So then I called The Daddy. Cyle was as elated as I was of course, and told me a story of how he asked for a "sign" today and actually saw something earlier in the day that was his "sign" and he new everything was going to be okay. AND IT IS. This means more to me than I could ever explain in words. This means the health of my son, the future of our family and children to come, this means...we can breathe. So that's what we'll do. I know that nothing I might receive this Christmas will even come close, but I will cherish this season, and truly love and enjoy every minute I spend with my family and friends. Everyone has been SO SO SO supportive to us through all of this, and I know that our strength and Cayden's has been helped by all of the prayers and well-wishes. I could never thank all of you enough.

I'm off to breathe...and snuggle my baby. :-)

Merry Christmas!

...

Still Waiting...

A Bit of Good News!

Yesterday, Cayden had an appointment with his Favorite doctor...

the wonderful and brilliant Dr. Ballock!

This appointment was a follow-up to last months appointment, during which we were told that Cayden's club foot repair was being so well maintained that we would be able to take a trial "One month without his 'special shoes' at nighttime." So we did. And yesterday was the day we returned to have him check out Cayden's feet to see if going "braceless" for that period of time reversed any of his results.

And the verdict...

NO MORE BRACE!! Yep...We're done!

After 15 months of repair and maintenance of my boy's precious little feet, we're done. Of course, if in the future he needs a second surgery or has any reversal of repair we may need to go back to the brace. But I'll take it!!

I'm amazed by this for so many reasons. First, the fact that Dr. Ballock is so freakin' good that my baby's once so twisted little feet are SO much better (and so functional for him) in a mere 15 months. This "defect" that seemed like a nightmare to us for what seems like so long, is now hardly even an issue. Of course we'll see Dr. B every 3 months...just to check in! I'm amazed...and SO thankful. That's all :-)

But I cannot give the good doctor all of the credit on this one! I am so so so proud of Cyle and myself for being so very diligent in the things that we needed to do in order to succeed in this. We followed our instruction so well, and for that I'm thankful too (can I thank myself for that!?)! Needless to say, Cayden has been my little Champion through it all as well. He rarely made a fuss when The Daddy and I spent so much time strapping his poor feet into shoes that could NOT have been very comfortable. But it became routine and he did it. Night after night. So along with everyone else, I'm thankful that I was blessed with such a strong, tolerant and brave little boy.

It's been a roller coaster these last 16 months...but when we receive good news after working so hard, everything seems to fall into place and I'm reminded of the joy I've been blessed with!

"I did it!!"

Thankful...

Today I'm thankful. Everyday I'm thankful. I'm thankful for my family - my loving husband who has given me everything I've ever wanted; my beautiful baby boy who lights up my life on a daily basis.

I'm thankful for our support system...our families and friends who've made our lives better just by being there.

This year, I'm most thankful for healthy days, bare feet not burdened with casts or braces, smiles that come so frequently, the innocence of a child, helping hands around the house, squeals of happiness, and belly laughs. These things, and many more, make my life amazing. And with the sights and sounds around me on a daily basis, I am constantly reminded of how lucky I really am.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Picture Post!

Cyle and I were looking through tons of old pictures the other night, each of them bringing back such vivid memories of the exact moments they were taken...I never want to forget.
Here are some past pictures that never quite made it to the blog.

Enjoy!!

One of my favorites...Cayden - 1 month old

Sept. 2008. Cayden, 2 months, taking a quiet rest.

An all-time favorite: Daddy and his boy, 3 months.

December 2008. Cayden's first taste of snow! Thanks to daddy's snowball-making abilities!

Cayden, 5 months. Such a happy boy.

Seven months...still smiling!

Such curiosity! He learns something new everyday!

These last few have all been taken of Cayden at 15 months. He continues to amaze me daily, and make me smile more often than I ever have!

Absolutely precious to me. Love the contentment and the little crossed feet.

Halloween 2009 - My cute little monkey!

A trip to Van Wert...and a bowl of Grandpa's chocolate pudding!!

Playing with one of his very best friends!

And this is the face I wake to daily..."Good morning Mama!"

And that's what I call LOVE.

Did you know?

So I know these last few posts have been filled with words, not many pictures, but it's all important stuff that I need to get out! I promise I'll post lots of GREAT pictures in the next few days (it's currently 3:30am, and I'm at work, without access to my photos...But I just can't stop thinking about my baby tonight so I thought I'd put a few of my thoughts here...)

Did you know?... My son has such a FUN personality!! Like everyone, he's got his moments...the ones in which tantrums are thrown and cries are heard loud and clear. But the majority of his day is filled with laughter and playing and such a curiosity about everything that goes on around him.

Did you know?... Cayden loves, loves, loves to dance with The Mama! His all-time favorite is Mickey's "Hot Dog Dance," but really anything will do. I hoist him up on my left hip, and we start to dance...I hold his arm out in true 'ballroom' fashion. If for some reason I let go of his hand, he quickly reaches for my finger to hold onto again...Then he laughs...from deep in his belly. And my heart smiles.

Did you know?... My big guy can give the correct responses when asked what sounds the following animals make...every time!: Monkey, Elephant, Doggie, Cow, Duck, Lion, Bear, Birdie, and even Snake! That's talent! He sure loves his animals!

Did you know?... Cayden has a new love for Trains. His eyes light up when he sees them, whether in real life or on tv. We have to cross a set of tracks basically every time we leave our house, and without fail, as we drive over them I hear from the back..."Mama? Choo-Choo!!" And more giggles.

Did you know?... This boy has a way of brightening my day...each and every day. He's got so many little quirks that are unique to only him, and I can look at him from across the room and pick up on them in an instant. And immediately I find myself smiling, without even realizing I am. I fall in love again every passing day...and I'm a lucky girl...

Quick Update!

So this afternoon Cyle, Cayden and I took a trip to the Cleveland Clinic to see a Genetic Specialist. The appointment was long...and involved lots of family history and questions asked. After all of our answers were given, and a family tree created, Dr. Moran did a full assessment. The verdict...

We Wait.

Blood work was necessary for the testing that she recommended, so those mean 'ol lab techs poked my poor, tired baby 3 times. This testing can take weeks to months to complete, so now we've just got to wait. We are to continue to give Cayden the tender, loving care we've been giving him, and to follow up if there comes any point in time when injury is suspected.

The testing:

The bloodwork will be tested for a variety or genetic abnormalities; one being Osteogenesis Imperfecta (O.I., Brittle Bone Disorder), which if he ends up having the doctor seems to suspect it to be the most mild form ::sigh::.

Another possibility is what's called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which effects the joints and ligaments rather than bone. This is a possibility due to the hypermobility of Cayden's joints, and this syndrome often has some of the same physical symptoms as that of O.I..

So of course we'll do some more research, and drive ourselves crazy until the day we hear results, but I'm going to vow to try to stay positive - he'll be fine no matter what it turns out to be...if anything. :-)

Keep my strong, feisty little man in your thoughts please!!

I'll update again once we hear anything!

Tears and Worries

Sorry it's been awhile. With Cyle down and out after shoulder surgery, a sick and cranky baby, and Meme out of town for the week, trying to work and take care of the babies and manage to blog has been quite a challenge. We had a rough week, Cayden had high fevers for days on end...but the last two days have been MUCH better! Things were finally looking good! Cyle got the good news that his healing was progressing much better than they thought it would, and therapy was changed to once a week instead of three times weekly. And he'll probably be able to go back to light duty at work after his post-op follow up with the surgeon on the 22nd! That's great news! (I always knew he was strong and resilient!!) So things have been looking bright, and really thought nothing of Cayden's 15 month check-up with his pediatrician today.

But tonight I sit here with a heavy heart and tears hanging from my lashes.

After a great check-up, including shots and measurements, my baby boy was happy and drinking some juice while The Mama talked with the doctor. I had a few questions for her (yes, I am a pediatric nurse, but sometimes knowledge goes out the window when dealing with your own children) regarding some constipation problems, and the way his little teeth were growing in. Constipation issue was resolved rather easily and quickly. His teeth, however, opened up a door of fear and a rapid heart beat for Mama. Since the day Cayden was born, we've kept a close eye on the color of his eyes. They have always had a grayish tint to them. I have brought the issue up to both the pediatrician as well as our orthopedic doctor in the past, because we knew that this could be a sign of what is known as "Brittle Bone Disease." In the past, I have been told that the doctors were "not concerned with that right now" and "we'll just keep an eye on it." Which brings me to his teeth. Since Cayden's first two bottom teeth have come in, I've noticed that they also are not as pearly white as I'd like them to be. Just as his eyes do, his teeth seem to have a dusky tint to them, and they seem to be coming in really slowly. So when the pediatrician and I discussed this today, she quickly suggested that I follow up with a Pediatric Geneticist, as well as a Pediatric Dentist. The dentist I'm not so concerned about. It's the genetic testing that needs to be done that frightens me most. Genetics will prove whether or not he has this Brittle Bone Disease, some other disorder, or perhaps nothing. And then maybe the dentist will tell me that he simply has enamel problems or something of the less drastic sort.
So of course, I get home, Cyle and I talk a bit about it, and immediately start the research. It turns out that this Brittle Bone disorder, which didn't seem like a problem before, may in fact be the culprit. According to multiple medical sites on-line (I know, I know. You can't always trust the world-wide-web. But I'm freaking out here!) Cayden has four of the seven most common symptoms of the disorder.

So my mind in churning, my insides are aching.

This boy has been through far too much already. I just really want peace and health for him. I don't want him to have to endure any more pain, problems or disorders. Is that too much for a mom to ask for?!

So I'm calling to schedule an appointment in the morning. Until then, my mind and heart will race. I'm trying to tell myself to not worry yet, we know nothing at this point. But that's impossible.

We'll keep you updated. I pray for peace and strength for my big baby boy.

Guest Speaker!

Hi, it's me, Meme!  Taking a moment to do a guest appearance on Our Boy Cayden!  The Wilkinson Family is here at my house for a few days because of Cyle's surgery and Bridget's work schedule!!  Since she is working 7pm to 7am, I am on baby patrol!  It's good to have them all here!  Cyle's surgery went well, and though he is in a bit of pain, he is doing fine!  Cayden keeps wanting to be so near him, he just loves his Daddy so much!!  Cyle has had a physical therapy session already, with lots more to follow.  Tonight is Bri's last night at work this week, so I am sure they are heading home tomorrow afternoon.  Here are some pictures... Daddy and his boy.  :~)

Movin' and Groovin'!

Here's a peek at Cayden cruising at Grandpa's house this past weekend. He loves his walker and is getting pretty good at it - he does laps around the house, while squealing with absolute delight! (Just wish Grandpa was home to witness it!!)

We had a fun weekend in Van Wert, visiting with friends and family, even meeting the newest to the Goins clan! Little Gweny is precious! Cayden had a blast playing with all of his little friends, Evan, Ella, Hadley (of course!) and Mae! It's always great to see everyone! :-)

Cyle spent a lot of time hunting this weekend, trying to get his deer killed before he undergoes surgery Monday. He has torn the major ligament in his shoulder and will need it repaired. He is scheduled for surgery Monday at 11:45 - so keep us in your prayers!! With lots of help from Meme and Papa, and other family and friends, we'll get through it! I'll just be living with a one-armed gimp for a few weeks until he recovers! I guess that means double-duty for me on the diaper changing front! It doesn't bother me...I just hope he's back to his normal, strong and capable self soon! We'll be spending lots of time at Meme's the next few days, so check out her blog for pictures (we all know that when her gems are around, the camera is charged and at hand!). :-)

Storing Memories...Cayden - 14 months

I've recently decided that I will use this blog to store memories (as I have been doing all along by way of pictures and stories), and will begin to update monthly with milestones and successes that Cayden has achieved. I will do my best to accomplish this using both words and pictures, and of course will also continue to post as I have been.

In the past few days, though, I have been looking at my growing boy, wondering where the time has gone, and reminding myself that I have to be better at keeping track of all that he has done and learned thus far. I want to do this so I can look back at it in years to come and see what he was doing, and when he accomplished certain things. I also hope to refer back to these posts when we decide to add to our family with another little bundle of joy...not to compare, just to satisfy curiosity and to see how each child will be different.

So, I will try to keep this up as best I can, with frequent updates of his growth and learning, and please remind me if I ever start to slack!

Here it goes!

• My baby Cayden is growing before my eyes. There are days I look in on him, sleeping soundly in his crib, and realize now, at 14 months, his once tiny body covers over half of the crib's length.
• I am amazed every single day with his new developments. Cayden, at 14 months, has a great little vocabulary! He is beginning to be more and more verbal and wants to share his thoughts all day long. He now can say the following words (okay, well I know that these are the words he is trying to say at least. As a mother, you just know. Others may not pick up on them, but they are perfectly clear to me!): Mama. Dada. Baba. NeNe (Meme). Papa. Binky. Diaper. Book. Ball. Rowdy (Row-Row). Choo-choo. Sock. Go. Yes. No. Sarah (RaRa). CaCa (when something is gross or bad). And he makes a wicked car sound! Vroom-Vroom!!
• My boy, at 14 months, LOVES taking baths! We simply mention the word "bath" and he's off to the bathroom! He squeals with delight and scoots his little booty right to the tub!
• He is standing with absolute ease now. At 14 months, he pulls himself up and cruises along the furniture. Each day he is getting more daring and taking more risks...sometimes pulling the "no hands" trick then promptly plopping down to his butt. He is growing so fast, and striving for that independence that walking will bring.
• At 14 months, Cayden can identify many animals and we work daily on matching animals with their appropriate sounds. The ones he likes best are: Lion...ROAR! Bear...ROAR! Birdie...Tweet-Tweet. Cow...Moo! and of course, Monkey...Ooh-Ooh, Ah-Ah-Ah!
• He eats like his father. I swear these boys will one day eat me out of house and home. Now, at 14 months, Cayden is eating all table food, and his absolute favorite is a grilled cheese sandwich, with some shaved ham on the side! He has bottles of milk a few times during the day, before naps and bedtime of course!
• Cayden enjoys brushing his "chompers." At 14 months, Cayden has two teeth on the bottom, four coming in up top!
• Cayden loves to play. At the ripe old age of 14 months, he has mastered the art of the Sit 'N Spin! He loves to play with cars, and balls, and anything that involves hitting something! He uses his plastic baseball bat with authority! Hitting balls and other toys and cracking himself up constantly!
• He throws a mean curveball! My 14 month old can throw a ball clear across the living room...with BOTH hands!
• Cayden is very smart. At 14 months, he is able to identify family members in pictures. If you happen to be in his repertoire of vocabulary, and we have a picture of you, you can guarantee he's screaming your name from time to time :-)

Cayden loves life. He is a very happy boy (98% of the time!) and smiles so often. and when I see this big boy's smile, my heart smiles. I look forward to seeing that for a lifetime to come, and hope to share much more with you in the future! (I hope you get to see his smile often too!!)

So that's it for now. The last 14 months have been filled with immense growth and learning, on all of our parts! But to watch my Cayden grow is the greatest thing ever...I wish nothing but the best for my baby boy! Until next month....! :-)

Here's a video of my big guy having fun!

I L-O-V-E My Booty!

Yes...I love my Booty.
Not my physical, anatomical Booty....But this one!

Tonight he wanted to help me with the laundry!

He really wasn't being much help (made quite a mess!) But he was trying so hard and looked so darn cute!Then after all of his hard work, it was time to get ready for bed...which includes brushing his "chompers!"

(no. he usually doesn't use an adult size toothbrush, but he got his paws on it and was having so much fun being a Big Boy!)

Sorry the pictures are kinda blurry - taken with the cell phone camera. Still so enjoyable to me!

"But Mama...!"

Cayden: Mama! I'm a growing boy! I'm ready to eat now. See?!

Mama: Okay, Boots. Just give me one minute. And you be careful!!

Cayden: Buuuutttt Mmmaaaammmmaaa! I'm ready NOW! Mama, I'm HUNGRY!
Mama: Oh my goodness! You're CRAZY!! You be CAREFUL!

Well...a growing boy needs to EAT!

Labor Day Weekend

For Labor Day, our new traditions as a married couple have included a visit to good 'ol Van Wert to see family and friends and to attend to Van Wert County Fair!

Now, normally, I wouldn't be the biggest fan of spending more than just an hour or two at any given fair...but this is different!

Each year, Cyle's Aunt and Uncle park their large, and air conditioned mobile home right inside the fairground entrance. It comes equipped with an outdoor awning, and radio, and multiple tables and chairs....and plenty of room for coolers filled with adult beverages! So we go, and spend hours sitting and drinking, and people-watching (which in Van Wert county, and many other fairgrounds, is entertainment to the MAX!). The guys play cards, the girls chat and catch up - and the kids play all day!

This year Cayden had a great time playing with his cousins that he unfortunately doesn't see very often. As you may have seen a few posts back on MeMe's blog, Cayden isn't a big fan of grass...so it was PERFECT! We laid out a blanket, and he stayed right on it! t was like he was in his own gated play area...without the need for a gate! Hilarious!

Here are a few shots of Cayden playing with Laine and Grace. Little Emma was running around too, just couldn't catch her for a picture! They shared all of their fair-won toys and were great little babysitters! (I'm excited to put them to real use when we move back there one day!)

When the fun at the fair was over, we headed to Grandpa's to get some rest! Cayden loves the hardwood floors throughout the house...especially now that he's getting the hang of this mode of transportation:

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Up, Up and Away (soon enough, I'm sure!)

In the last month or so, Cayden has been pulling himself up on EVERYTHING! He stands up to one chair, and cruises around the room going from one piece of furniture to the next. For awhile, he wasn't quite sure how to fall effectively, without hurting himself. So there were times when he was ready to be done standing, but would just stand there whimpering, and would need some assistance to sit down.

But he's learned.

Now when he gets nervous, we just have to say "Sit down on your BUTT!," and he sticks his little booty out behind him, lets go and flops down onto his diaper-padded rump!

I'm really proud of how well he's picking things up! He's up on everything and soon will be walking...I think! We shall see!! First, up on the ottoman, then climbed to the chair and got SUCH a kick out of himself!Here he is...being a TOTAL NUT! He has recently learned how to do this "rocking horse" type of move. He arches his back and rocks back and forth (rather violently!) and just cracks himself up!
Next, he decided to combine the climbing with the rocking...dangerous situation! I was standing by...

Never made him nervous! He loved every minute of it!
On a not-so-happy note...Cayden woke up this morning with a terrible cold. He's dripping from every hole in his face and is just so sad looking! Normally, when this boy sneezes, he laughs afterward - thinks it's the funniest thing! Today, he's sneezed so many times that he's given up on laughing afterward...It's not so funny anymore :-(

At one point, we were playing on the floor together. Cayden crawled to me (ON HIS KNEES! that's new too!!) and just laid his head on my lap. What a poor little sick baby! :-(

First Hair Cut!!

This afternoon, Mama and Meme took this big guy (with crazy hair!) to get his

  very first haircut!!

I had a feeling that this would be a little traumatic for Cayden, seeing as how he is not a big fan of loud, buzzing noises or new things - so I brought Meme as reinforcement!  Plus, I knew she'd have camera-in-hand! :-)

Here's my sweet little baby before....

During.... 

Yes, he cried from start to finish almost :-( 

But she worked quick!

And after...

I walked out with one handsome big boy! He looks so much older!  And I'd have to admit, I miss his little curls already... 

But boy, what a Stud! 

That was hard work!

8/23/2009

In His Own Time...

For the past month or so, we've been wondering when our little man would start to pull himself and maybe even walk. My poor little arms have a difficult time carrying this big lug, and my back gets more sore with each passing day! So we've been hoping, wishing for our big guy to get up and start to go on his own. I've accepted that Cayden may be a little behind with standing and walking due to his history; club feet, surgery, casting and even a broken leg :-(. So I decided to stop asking questions and stop pushing he issue and to let him do it in his own time.

And before we knew it....

This boy is climbing on EVERYTHING! Within the past week, he has started to pull his chubby body up onto everything, attempt to climb the stairs, and stand against toys to play for awhile! It is so exciting! No steps quite yet, but I'm not saying a word! He's a tough little man and he likes to do things his own way, that's for sure. I think it's gonna happen in the near future though! :-)

Here's the booty, in mid-air, climbing over this box of diapers to get to his mess of toys!

Up to his knees (which he's NEVER liked to do)!

And before my eyes, he was up on his two strong legs!

And my favorite of all...this is how I find my big guy in the mornings and after naps! It's official...he's not a baby anymore. We've got ourselves one Big Boy! :-)

As Promised!

Here are some videos of my dancing baby...as promised!

In this first video, Cayden is playing basketball - Every time he makes a basket, this toy plays a song! Cayden get so proud of himself and dances to the song every time!

In this one, Cayden's hanging out, eating some Cheerios when WordWorld starts up! This is his all-time FAVORITE!! Let the dancing begin!

On this day, he was really going to town! Another of his favorite cartoons, Between the Lions, brings out the dance in him!

"The Most Dancing-est Baby"

Today Cayden and I stopped at the Lesjak Planning Corp's annual car show, and sat with Meme at a booth right next to the DJ. Cayden was enjoying the music, as usual....when all of the sudden, over the microphone we hear...

"WOW! That is the most-dancing-est baby I've ever seen!"

Yes. The DJ announced to everyone at the car show that my big baby boy LOVES to dance! Now, as his mother, this I've known! Every time a song comes on, and my boy hears music of any sort, the dancing begins! And boy does he have one great signature move!! Every single time I see him groovin', I think to myself...wow, this boy really does have his Mama's genes, and we've got the same blood flowing through our veins! I love love love dance, and always have, and it's so funny to see my little Booty has got the same grooving abilities! I know down the road that dance will not be a major hobby for my big boy (I'm gonna have to pray for a baby girl next!) but it sure is fun to watch him let loose from time to time! :-)

I'm gonna work on figuring out how to add video to my blog, then I'll definitely let him entertain you with his moves!!

I have a ONE YEAR OLD?!?!

(Okay, okay...before you started yelling at me about what a slacker I am, I KNOW! I'll admit it. I take full responsibility and have absolutely NO excuse!)

So now onto the good stuff...

as of July 19, 2009, I officially have a one year old!

I cannot believe it! It just sounds so weird! He's no longer a certain number of months old, which I had really gotten used to. He's ONE! It just feels so different! (Is this normal?! - for all of you mothers out there?)

Anyway, we had a great celebration on his birthday at our lake house in Indiana. Grandpa was there of course, Aunt Joy and Uncle Michael came, Meme, Papa, Uncle Dan and Dagmara made the trek for the celebration. It was so nice and I just know that Cayden had a great time! I'm sure it was just another day for him, but extra special because he got to have fun with all of those great people and tear wrapping paper off of boxes (his favorite)!! We started with presents and boat rides! And finished off the day with a cookout and CAKE! Cayden was not a big cake fan. But he got through it!

Thanks for coming, guys! We had a great time! Hopefully we can get everyone out to the lake again soon! Here are some of the pictures I snapped throughout the day!

Cayden opening his first birthday present from Sarah and Molly, Aunt Beckie and Uncle Donny! We were sad they had to leave the day before the party but LOVED spending the week with them!

Next came this great gift from Uncle Dan and Dagmara! First Cayden was excited to rip the paper off!

It looked like so much fun he decided to climb on top of the box!

Once he got it all opened up he really had fun! The balls shoot out of the top of this thing - it NUTS! Now I find these balls all over my house! (Thanks Dan!)

We then took a nice leisurely boat cruise, with cocktails!

Then Papa showed off his youth and agility with some skiing! This guy's good! :-)

Cake time! He just didn't quite know what to think!

He grabbed at it, and took a few little tastes...but that was it!
After all was said and done, I had one big, tired boy!

My big boy is so special in so many ways...I wouldn't change him for the world. Every year will bring new blessings and different struggles, I know. All he goes through makes him stronger, and I'd say I've got one tough cookie! :-)

At 7:15pm I held my baby boy close and whispered in his ear, "Happy Birthday!" It was such a great moment...and a perfect ending to wonderful year.

Happy Birthday Booty!! My big one year old!!