Caedmon has a new way of melting our hearts! His latest new skill is saying "Dadada..." We don't think he realizes who it is yet, but he does know that we get excited and encourage him when he does say it. He was saying "Mamama" but now he spends most of his time perfecting this new word rather than practicing other sounds. We love hearing him learn to use his precious little voice!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Grandparent time!
Last week, Caedmon got to have some great fun with his Grammy, then also his Gramma and Dude. Grammy came and visited for a few days during the week, so she and Caedmon really enjoyed playing with the new toys that she brought (he's taking a nap with his glo-worm as I type this), reading books together, and just having fun "visiting." She also brought him these cute little outfits - he looks so grown up, sitting up in the grass with his big-kid shorts! We're so glad she was able to come, and hope that next time Pappa can join her!
On Saturday we went to Garland for the day. Gramma has been busy making their home a comfortable, safe, and fun place for a grandchild! Caedmon tried out the new crib, sat in the high chair that his aunts and uncles also enjoyed, and read a really cute new farm book with his Gramma and Dude. The big event for the day, however, was taking him for his first swim in the pool!
At first he wasn't quite sure what to think - probably because it took some time to get accustomed to the temperature of the water. For a while either Daniel or Dude held him, but then he became comfortable with sitting on the first step while someone supported him. He liked to catch the boats and rubber ducks floating by from this spot.
After a little while, we put him in a floating baby seat. He really enjoyed patting the "turtle," and when I put my tube close enough, he also patted and rubbed it with his hands. It must have been an interesting texture, he really thought that was fun!
Finally, right before it was time to get out of the water, Gramma gave him the chance to "swim." She held on to him and helped him glide him through the water, and he held his head up, even kicking and waving his arms a little bit. He seemed to think that was pretty great!
On Saturday we went to Garland for the day. Gramma has been busy making their home a comfortable, safe, and fun place for a grandchild! Caedmon tried out the new crib, sat in the high chair that his aunts and uncles also enjoyed, and read a really cute new farm book with his Gramma and Dude. The big event for the day, however, was taking him for his first swim in the pool! At first he wasn't quite sure what to think - probably because it took some time to get accustomed to the temperature of the water. For a while either Daniel or Dude held him, but then he became comfortable with sitting on the first step while someone supported him. He liked to catch the boats and rubber ducks floating by from this spot.
After a little while, we put him in a floating baby seat. He really enjoyed patting the "turtle," and when I put my tube close enough, he also patted and rubbed it with his hands. It must have been an interesting texture, he really thought that was fun!
Finally, right before it was time to get out of the water, Gramma gave him the chance to "swim." She held on to him and helped him glide him through the water, and he held his head up, even kicking and waving his arms a little bit. He seemed to think that was pretty great!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Banana Grabber
It's been a while since I've posted...but not because there hasn't been anything fun going on with Caedmon! He's growing into such a delightful little boy and every day is picking up new little skills and tricks. His vocabulary is growing (I hear "Ma ma ma ba ma ba ma! when he's trying to wind down for a nap, and he makes a squeaky gasping sound, which can either be combined with a laugh or a cry, depending on the situation.)
The last couple of days, I've put Caedmon in a booster seat with a tray while I'm cooking in the kitchen or while Daniel and I eat. He's gotten to be very quick about clearing his tray of toys, so out of curiosity, I put a teeny bit of a banana in front of him. He was fascinated, and became very focused on picking it up. It was really slippery and hard to grab, but he eventually got a grip on it, transferring it from hand to hand in the process, and finally got it up to his mouth. He seemed a little surprised that it tasted so good, but I think was pretty proud of himself, too!
We've also seen a return of the "oooh" face, which is delightful for me. This is an expression that Caedmon has had since he was a newborn, but disappeared for the last couple of months. Ususally we see it when he's really focused on something (here, the British Open) and sometimes, now, he blows in and out, kind of like a silent whistle. I think it's precious!
The last couple of days, I've put Caedmon in a booster seat with a tray while I'm cooking in the kitchen or while Daniel and I eat. He's gotten to be very quick about clearing his tray of toys, so out of curiosity, I put a teeny bit of a banana in front of him. He was fascinated, and became very focused on picking it up. It was really slippery and hard to grab, but he eventually got a grip on it, transferring it from hand to hand in the process, and finally got it up to his mouth. He seemed a little surprised that it tasted so good, but I think was pretty proud of himself, too!
We've also seen a return of the "oooh" face, which is delightful for me. This is an expression that Caedmon has had since he was a newborn, but disappeared for the last couple of months. Ususally we see it when he's really focused on something (here, the British Open) and sometimes, now, he blows in and out, kind of like a silent whistle. I think it's precious!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Snort?
Yesterday, I was feeding Caedmon some applesauce (which he thought was great) and we were being silly and playing while he ate - and I realized that his sniffle-face has developed to occasionally include a snorting sound! It's not as clear in the video (it's at the end), but in person, it sounds like he's fake-snoring. He thought it was pretty funny! So did I!
4th of July weekend
We made the drive down to Hamilton to celebrate the 4th this year. As always, it was fun to see our family, and even more so for Caedmon as he is increasingly aware of what's going on around him. He really had fun with his cousin, Kayla, and took a special interest in what she was doing (and what toy she had!) They were adorable together!
It was too hot to do much outside, but we did squeeze in a quick trip out to feed the catfish in one of the tanks and visit great-uncle Alan and great-aunt Nelda. And, Caedmon learned all about cooking steaks from his Papa! He got to perch in a lawn chair in the backyard and supervise for a little while, and also squeezed in some more play time with Kayla.
Grammy enjoyed time in the house with Caedmon on this trip. They got to play with lots of fun toys on the floor, and loved looking at some new books that she had gotten for him We're thankful that she encourages a love of books...something we hope he carries with him throughout life!
It was too hot to do much outside, but we did squeeze in a quick trip out to feed the catfish in one of the tanks and visit great-uncle Alan and great-aunt Nelda. And, Caedmon learned all about cooking steaks from his Papa! He got to perch in a lawn chair in the backyard and supervise for a little while, and also squeezed in some more play time with Kayla.
Grammy enjoyed time in the house with Caedmon on this trip. They got to play with lots of fun toys on the floor, and loved looking at some new books that she had gotten for him We're thankful that she encourages a love of books...something we hope he carries with him throughout life!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Adventures of a 6-month old
Our little boy is growing up so fast! We've had a lot of fun the last week or so, as he has new experiences and takes new steps - literally, sometimes - always learning! Caedmon is now quite the sitter-upper, and balances himself as he plays with his toys on the floor, sits on the couch between us, and even sits straight up in his bouncy seat. He wasn't sitting straight up a few days ago when this photo was taken, but he had swiped at the spoon as Daniel was feeding him mashed avocado, which splatted and stuck right in the middle of his forehead! I'm sure it's good for the skin.
This past Saturday morning was nice in the shade of our front yard, and while we tested out our sprinkler system, Caedmon did his own tests on them. He's never seen sprinklers this closely before, so this was his first chance to stick his hand in the spray, first with our help, then on his own. He's still making the wrinkled-nose, open-mouth sniffle-face, which is what the next photo captures.
And, we are officially mobile. Caedmon apparently remembered how to roll from his tummy to his back (the evening before his 6-month check-up!) so now he can roll, and roll...and gone are the days when we could put him on a blanket on the floor, go to another room, and come back expecting him to be in the same place. He also seemed to make a connection today about how to get where he wants to go in his walker. We've had it for a month and he's always enjoyed being in it, usually staying busy with the toys on the tray. However, I let him play in it today while I loaded the dishwasher, and all of a sudden, he was right beside me trying to grab the dirty dishes. When I moved him back to the middle of the room, he scooted right back, arms out, reaching for anything he could get his hands on.
I watched his little feet to see just how he's getting around, and sometimes he puts one foot in front of the other, and sometimes, he moves both feet at the same time...kind of like slow-motion hopping. Pretty cute!
I watched his little feet to see just how he's getting around, and sometimes he puts one foot in front of the other, and sometimes, he moves both feet at the same time...kind of like slow-motion hopping. Pretty cute!
Monday, June 22, 2009
The River
Last week we took our annual trip to New Braunfels to spend a few days with the Schwarz family. Caedmon had a great time getting to play with lots of different family members and seeing new sights. And, although he didn't "do a float" with the group, he took his first dip in the river! The first day was just to get his feet wet...literally.
The water is pretty cold, and Caedmon wasn't quite sure what to think about it at first. The next day we tried again, this time easing him in gradually until it was up to his waist. This photo shows Caedmon in a tube (supported, of course, by Daniel) with four generations of Schwarz men!
He didn't seem to mind the water; I think it helped that his dad and Dude were right there in the river with him. The tube was a big hit - he kept returning his attention to it, patting and touching it.
Of course, we also had a lot of time to relax and play outside in the shade! Caedmon loves checking everything out - grabbing the grass with his fingers and touching it with his feet, picking up sticks and leaves and trying to eat them, and listening to the birds and people on the river. He even got to go on a walk with his PawPaw (great-grandpa) early on Saturday morning!
I didn't have my camera to capture every new adventure, but it was a neat introduction for Caedmon to a family tradition that we look forward to continuing. We were really thankful that Daniel's whole family was so welcoming and excited to have our little guy there. He got loved on a lot by everyone!
The water is pretty cold, and Caedmon wasn't quite sure what to think about it at first. The next day we tried again, this time easing him in gradually until it was up to his waist. This photo shows Caedmon in a tube (supported, of course, by Daniel) with four generations of Schwarz men!
He didn't seem to mind the water; I think it helped that his dad and Dude were right there in the river with him. The tube was a big hit - he kept returning his attention to it, patting and touching it.Of course, we also had a lot of time to relax and play outside in the shade! Caedmon loves checking everything out - grabbing the grass with his fingers and touching it with his feet, picking up sticks and leaves and trying to eat them, and listening to the birds and people on the river. He even got to go on a walk with his PawPaw (great-grandpa) early on Saturday morning!
I didn't have my camera to capture every new adventure, but it was a neat introduction for Caedmon to a family tradition that we look forward to continuing. We were really thankful that Daniel's whole family was so welcoming and excited to have our little guy there. He got loved on a lot by everyone!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Caedmon faces
Caedmon and I sat outside this morning for a little while, and it was such a nice morning we decided to have a little photo shoot. Here's our big boy, sitting up (with support in these photos, but in the last week he's really improved at sitting up by himself!) and being cute for the camera!
We have also added a new expression to our repertoire...and despite how it appears, it's a happy one. Caedmon was eating squash in this shot, and for some reason he would wrinkle his nose and breathe in and out through it, almost like he was snorting. So it's kind of a laugh...we're not really sure what to make of it at this point. Surely he didn't learn this from either of his parents!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Guacamole!
It's been a little while since I've posted, and it seems like Caedmon has grown up so much since then! We've been having a lot of fun...here are some quick updates on what he's been up to lately.
As this post's title suggests, we've diversified Caedmon's menu to include new foods, most recently avocado. He really disliked it the first time I gave it to him, but as with other new foods, has eaten it with gusto on following attempts. (He is eating sweet potato in this photo, but I thought it was too cute not to share!)
After his bath one evening, Daniel gave Caedmon the opportunity to see his reflection in the bathroom mirror up close. We often show him his reflection in the mirror and he always enjoys that. I guess, though, that one of us is normally still holding him, so it was a novelty for him to see "another baby!" face to face! He had the best time patting the glass, smiling, and talking to his reflection.
Caedmon is getting to be very skilled at grabbing things - not only is he accurate when he reaches out for something, but he's very quick. He's also increasingly curious, so anything within his reach will likely make it into his hands, and if possible, his mouth. For example...Saturday night, he discovered that if he stretches far enough, he can touch the fish on the mobile on his swing. Now whenever I put him in the swing, he immediately starts stretching and straining to try to grab them. It makes me wonder if the swing's usefulness as a soothing place for him to rest is gone...as it becomes yet another challenge to be conquered!
Even tiny objects are no match for our boy's little grabbers - he had no problem catching the cross on Daniel's necklace as it dangled over him during playtime! A fun game for now - but the symbolism really struck me. What more could we want to teach him, than to keep that firm grip on the cross.
And, not only are Caedmon's hands of ever-increasing usefulness to him. He's also getting to be quite good with his feet! I've noticed that if I hang a toy over his feet when he's on his back, he'll sometimes kick it, but he also figured out how to use his feet to maneuver an object until it's within reach of his hands. While in his play gym last week, I watched him carefully and deliberately use both feet to move the ball suspended above him until he could get his hands on it too.
As this post's title suggests, we've diversified Caedmon's menu to include new foods, most recently avocado. He really disliked it the first time I gave it to him, but as with other new foods, has eaten it with gusto on following attempts. (He is eating sweet potato in this photo, but I thought it was too cute not to share!)
After his bath one evening, Daniel gave Caedmon the opportunity to see his reflection in the bathroom mirror up close. We often show him his reflection in the mirror and he always enjoys that. I guess, though, that one of us is normally still holding him, so it was a novelty for him to see "another baby!" face to face! He had the best time patting the glass, smiling, and talking to his reflection.
Caedmon is getting to be very skilled at grabbing things - not only is he accurate when he reaches out for something, but he's very quick. He's also increasingly curious, so anything within his reach will likely make it into his hands, and if possible, his mouth. For example...Saturday night, he discovered that if he stretches far enough, he can touch the fish on the mobile on his swing. Now whenever I put him in the swing, he immediately starts stretching and straining to try to grab them. It makes me wonder if the swing's usefulness as a soothing place for him to rest is gone...as it becomes yet another challenge to be conquered!
Even tiny objects are no match for our boy's little grabbers - he had no problem catching the cross on Daniel's necklace as it dangled over him during playtime! A fun game for now - but the symbolism really struck me. What more could we want to teach him, than to keep that firm grip on the cross.
And, not only are Caedmon's hands of ever-increasing usefulness to him. He's also getting to be quite good with his feet! I've noticed that if I hang a toy over his feet when he's on his back, he'll sometimes kick it, but he also figured out how to use his feet to maneuver an object until it's within reach of his hands. While in his play gym last week, I watched him carefully and deliberately use both feet to move the ball suspended above him until he could get his hands on it too.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Farm Boy
Over Memorial Day weekend, we took Caedmon for another visit to his Grammy and Pappa's house. He had such a good time! On this trip, we made it out to the farm - a place so full of wonderful memories and a rich family history! Caedmon's great-great-grandfather purchased the land and raised his family there, followed by his great-grandfather. It is where my dad, Caedmon's Pappa, grew up, and although I never actually lived there, it's where I did a lot of growing up too. I know it will be a special place for Caedmon!
He had a great time just looking around (wow, he'd never been able to see so far before! no buildings or cars or anything!) and breathing in the clean, fresh morning air!
We were watching the cows grazing in this pasture. Caedmon took a load off and rested for a while on the fence.
We checked the cows and looked for any new calves, looked at the tanks to see how much water they had after some wonderful showers, fed the catfish in two tanks, and even saw some wild geese! What an adventure for our little guy. And of course, he had lots of playtime with Grammy and Pappa at their house. Grammy had just gotten some new books that he really thought were pretty great!
It was a full weekend for Caedmon! He's been a good napper since we've been back - I think he played really hard during our visit!
He had a great time just looking around (wow, he'd never been able to see so far before! no buildings or cars or anything!) and breathing in the clean, fresh morning air!
We were watching the cows grazing in this pasture. Caedmon took a load off and rested for a while on the fence.
We checked the cows and looked for any new calves, looked at the tanks to see how much water they had after some wonderful showers, fed the catfish in two tanks, and even saw some wild geese! What an adventure for our little guy. And of course, he had lots of playtime with Grammy and Pappa at their house. Grammy had just gotten some new books that he really thought were pretty great!
It was a full weekend for Caedmon! He's been a good napper since we've been back - I think he played really hard during our visit!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sweet Potatoes
This week, we branched out and Caedmon had his first taste of sweet potatoes. I think the pictures speak for themselves.
He grimaced with every bite but kept opening his mouth for more...and since our first try, he's eaten them with much more enthusiasm.
He grimaced with every bite but kept opening his mouth for more...and since our first try, he's eaten them with much more enthusiasm.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Mother's Day, a jumperoo, and other fun things
How could Mother's Day be anything but precious with my sweet little family! I'm so thankful for Daniel and Caedmon. I'm beyond blessed to have my husband and son, and can't imagine wanting to do anything other than what I am right now!
My first Mother's Day was so sweet. Not only was I treated to a nap, dinner, and flowers, but Daniel and Caedmon also made me a card - our baby boy's first art project! He presented it to me complete with little chew marks and a drool spot. (Daniel let Caedmon choose the color markers - red was his first choice!)
This weekend we worked out in the yard, the weather was beautiful! Caedmon thought it was a great time, sitting in his bouncy seat observing as Daniel and I trimmed and raked.
Since he's supporting his head and neck so well, we also got a jumperoo for our little boy. This photo was taken it right after I assembled it (pre-8:00am on Saturday...we don't yet know about sleeping in!) and Caedmon was already ready for his first nap of the day, so he wasn't terribly enthused. Since then, though, he's thoroughly explored all the toys and bounces a little bit from one foot to the other. He doesn't like to stay in it for more than a few minutes at a time just yet; I think as he's able to hold himself up more easily he'll enjoy it more.
My first Mother's Day was so sweet. Not only was I treated to a nap, dinner, and flowers, but Daniel and Caedmon also made me a card - our baby boy's first art project! He presented it to me complete with little chew marks and a drool spot. (Daniel let Caedmon choose the color markers - red was his first choice!)
This weekend we worked out in the yard, the weather was beautiful! Caedmon thought it was a great time, sitting in his bouncy seat observing as Daniel and I trimmed and raked. 
Since he's supporting his head and neck so well, we also got a jumperoo for our little boy. This photo was taken it right after I assembled it (pre-8:00am on Saturday...we don't yet know about sleeping in!) and Caedmon was already ready for his first nap of the day, so he wasn't terribly enthused. Since then, though, he's thoroughly explored all the toys and bounces a little bit from one foot to the other. He doesn't like to stay in it for more than a few minutes at a time just yet; I think as he's able to hold himself up more easily he'll enjoy it more.
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