Thanksgiving 2008...

This Thanksgiving, our family sure has a lot to be Thankful for; welcoming our dear sweet Cade into the world, our family and friends, our health... among MANY other things!!!

Well, Cade enjoyed his first Thanksgiving! He slept through most of it, except for when it was time to eat.... he decided it was time for him to eat his Thanksgiving feast too! Here are just a few photos from the day... more to follow!

He's stuffed...

And standing...

Hanging with mom...

Cade discovers leaves...

So many leaves, so little time...

His fist was his favorite part of the meal...

The Bizzles...

Roots of Empathy...

For those of you who don't know, Cade and I have been participating in a program called Roots of Empathy. Basically, it is a program that has been proven to reduce aggression in school-aged children by raising emotional/social competence and increasing empathy. The basis of the program is that over the course of a school year, one classroom will follow and be a part of the growth and development of a local infant... CADE! The children learn to track the child's development, as well as label his/her feelings. Through this, it is proven, that the children will be better able to label their own feelings and become aware of other's as well!

Here's a link to the program's website, so you can get a better understanding if you wish:

http://www.rootsofempathy.org/index.html

We are so lucky to be a part of this pivotal program!

This past week was our third visit to the Kindergarten room at the JCC. This class holds a special meaning for me as well because most of the class are children from my room last year. So they not only do they know me but they sort of knew Cade as well... as he grew in my belly!

The children decided that they would like to write letters to Cade this week and they are so cute! I just uploaded a few for you to enjoy... I have also translated for those of you who have yet to perfect the fine art of reading a five-year old's creative spelling!

I hope to bring the video camera next time we are visiting so you can see, not only how much the children love our visit but how much Cade enjoys seeing all of them. It is truly amazing!

Dear Cade,

I like biking. Does Kirty been giving you bike rides? I love you. Do you love me Cade? Love, Aidan Ben-Or.

Dear Cade,

I like to bake. Do you like to bake Cade?

Love, Esther

Dear Cade,
I like to color. Does Cade like to color?
Love, Risa

Enjoying some time with dad...

The musicians in the family are enjoying a little one on one time!

Sing us a song piano man...

Here are the family's most talented musicians...

Sleeping in his crib for the first time!

Had to do it... Here is a short video of Cade sleeping in his crib for the first time. If you watch carefully, you can see him smiling in his sleep (which he does often!)!

Full Belly...

Here are some pictures from the other morning... They were taken after his breakfast (as you can tell by his full belly!)!

Nakie (sort of) baby photo shoot...

Cade was feeling extra comfortable in his own skin today, so we let him play!!! He had a blast rolling and squirreling all over his blanket. He was practicing holding toys, laughing, and just being silly. Isn't he wonderful?

Happy Boy

Standing up with little assistance...

Double fisting...

Show off...

Cade is quite proud of his new found talent; holding on to toys with both hands! This morning he was looking extra cute because he was being a show off in his diaper! Who doesn't love a baby in diapers, right?! If you look close, you can see his biceps forming and the sweet little fat rolls on his thighs! So CUTE!

Cade's hands find a purpose!!!

Today, Cade was enjoying himself as usual on his playmat... except today, all those neat toys that dangle and taunt him served an all new purpose! He grabbed the toys and actually pulled them down! Here he is holding the toys he grabbed (with both hands I might add!), looking so proud and overjoyed at his new accomplishment. What a stud!!!

"I did it, I finally did it!!!"

"And they're all mine!"

"You want this?"

"Too bad, can't have it, they are all mine!!!"