The Higgs' Happenings

Someone likes watermelon...

2009-05-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

This was just hilarious. Cade could not get enough of the watermelon we had the other day.... not even choking would stop him from his beloved watermelon.

Roots of Empathy Celebration

2009-05-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Cade and I have been participating in the Roots of Empathy Program. In short, this is a Canadian program that is proven to reduce aggression and increase emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion in children. We are lucky enough to be a part of the United States pilot program, so we are a part of a small group of mothers and children in the Seattle area to participate. Yesterday was the Mother & Child celebration and it was so fun! All the mothers and children, facilitators, teachers, and principals were there, as well as the news.
Well, needless to say, Cade had a GREAT time. Here are just a few videos from our time there....

As you can tell from that video, he's still nursing ;)

Like I said, the news was there and they put together a pretty nice story about the program. Here is the link:

http://www.nwcn.com/video/featured-index.html?nvid=366692&shu=1

There are many more videos from the celebration but in order to get something up on the blog, I will just post these two for now!

At Nick's Comedy Club...

2009-05-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

I have NEVER heard Cade laugh as hard as he was today with Nick. I only wish I could have captured the whole thing because it was going on for a long time before I could find the video camera. Always leave it to Nick to make someone laugh, one of the many things I love about him :)

Going for a ride...

2009-04-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

This is so funny. The toy that he is riding on is actually a walker but he went for a ride instead. I think that the best part of the video is how is looking at nick... just mesmerized! I love it!

The Proposal...

2009-04-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

This video was taken before we left for the Vashon Ferry. As you can tell, Doug was being very subtle about the whole thing! HA. We thought for sure that he got caught!

Here's the proposal! Please excuse the shaking camera, I was crying, go figure! Congratulations to Mr. and Soon-to-be Mrs. Higgs!

Cade's first Mariners game...

2009-04-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Cade, Tyra, and I adventured down to Safeco Field for Cade's first Mariners game! We played Detroit and didn't make it long enough to know if we won or not! Regardless, we had a great time! Thanks for your help Tyra! Here are a few photos:

Before.

During.

After.

Sleeping baby...

2009-04-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but record him taking his nap on this day. He had been sleeping so long, I figured I should go and check in on him. And this is what I found. He looked so peaceful but in such an uncomfortable postition. Turns out, this is his favorite way to sleep recently. Whatever works!!!

PS. There is no audio, so you are NOT going crazy :)

Cade running...

2009-04-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

This is just too funny... Cade has figured out how to run (with a little assistance). I think it's so funny because he looks like an Olympic athlete in slow-motion.

Another one?

2009-04-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Well, Cade has been a very busy boy this week. Aside from going to the zoo for the first time, crawling and climbing all over the house, and getting back on Pacific Standard Time, he cut his second tooth already! Two teeth in one week, poor guy! No wonder he hasn't been sleeping!

A couple videos from Hawaii...

2009-04-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

This is the most darling video. He is trying so hard to hold hands with himself in the mirror. I just love this!

This is a video from our ride on the Sugar Cane Train. We loved riding this as kids in Maui. It's an old-school train on wooden rails that transports people from Kaanapali to Lahaina. Kids just love it and of course, we had to share that experience with Cade. Here is Cade's first ride on the Sugar Cane Train!

A few Hawaii photos...

2009-04-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few highlights from our trip... there are many more but they are on Col's computer.

Our first day in Maui, didn't even make it to the pool yet.

Cade and I soaking up the sun!

Waking up from a VERY long nap. Can you tell?

Cade and I at the wedding, gorgeous setting... so gorgeous in fact, even whales were playing behind us!

Isn't he cute?

Enjoying the rose petals, my version of artistic :)

Cade and I at the beach for his first time. Not too sure what to think...

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!

2009-04-16T17:21:00.001-07:00

Hey all! Just a quick update on the wee babe. He got his FIRST TOOTH! It's on the bottom front left... Iwill update the blog with the photo when it becomes more visible. I can sure feel it though!

The funniest part is that I noticed it just as we were about to board the red-eye flight home from Maui! He's really growing up!

Someone didn't want to go to bed...

2009-04-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

I just love this video! First of all, he just refused to go to sleep after his bath this night. To top that off, he was so full of energy that we couldn't even get a diaper on him. My very favorite part of this video is his new crawl, you just have to watch it to enjoy it. Cade may not enjoy this video much when he is older though...

Check it out....

2009-03-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

Here he his demonstrating his new skill!!! Watch and enjoy. He is getting big... and FAST.

Having a ball at dinner with Grandpa Denny....

2009-03-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Cade having a blast with Grandpa Denny at dinner... Sort of long FYI!

Talking and eating his toes...

2009-03-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

Teething much?!

2009-03-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Background information: His shirt was changed not long before these photos were taken. Now, he has always been quite the drooler but has really upped the ante in the past week. He is still darling and even more endearing with his drool stained shirts!

Beautiful baby on a beautiful day!

2009-02-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

It is a beautiful day here in Seattle; unseasonably warm and not a cloud in the sky. Cade and I took advantage of our lawn here at home and enjoyed the day. He couldn't help but soak in all the Vitamin D that he could...

Wearing Daddy's Hat...

2009-02-19T16:40:00.000-08:00

Cade just thought that it was absolutely hilarious that Nick kept putting his own hat on Cade's head. Not able to grab the camera quickly enough, I snapped these photos after most of the excitement ended but he still was looking so adorable!

As I keep looking back at these photos, I find myself seeing what he will look like when he is a big kid. You can just flash forward and see what he will look like when he is older. That sort of makes me realize that he's going to grow up so quickly and that I need to treasure every single minute we spend with him; the good and the bad (aka sleepless nights!).

Tired Boy...

2009-02-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

It appears that Cade's exciting day at the doctor's office took everything he had out of him. Here he is at dinner; he was so tired that he rested his head on one side of his seat the entire meal. He never once lifted his head, not even to take a drink out of his cup. Poor pathetic little baby...

Side note: he did perk up when it was time for a bath though :)

He wants his cup but is much too tired to even really reach for it...

6 Month Check up!

2009-02-04T16:55:00.000-08:00

Today was Cade's 6 month check up with Dr. Quinn. He now weighs 17 lbs. 13 ounces, which puts him in the 50th percentile for his age. He is 26 1/4 inches long which is just below the 50th percentile. In my blogging past, I had failed to mention his head circumference thinking it wasn't really that interesting but today we got a surprise. First, a little background on his head growth: at 2 months his head was in the 50th percentile, at 4 months it was in the 75th percentile, and today, at his 6 month check up his head circumference was in the 90th percentile! Looks like our little man has a big brain in there!!!

It sort of hit me today at his appointment that he is growing up... and FAST. Not only was it is 6 month check up today but at his appointment he used his last baby diaper. Sounds small and silly but it made me a little sad... soon he won't be in diapers, he'll be crawling, then walking and before we know it he'll be driving. I was talking with the doctor about how time flies and I believe he said it best when he said, "The days are long but the years are fast.".

Happy 1/2 Birthday Cade!

2009-01-29T14:49:00.000-08:00

Wow, time flies when you are having fun!!! Cade is officially 6 months old today. We celebrated by going to the park for the first time and taking a ride on the swings. He just sat back relaxed and PEOPLE WATCHED. That was his favorite part of the park experience, watching all the children play around him. Regardless, he had a fun time relaxing in the swing.

Isn't he big?!

Just haning out...

Now, I really debated adding these photos to the blog. I didn't want to get Cade in trouble already with his dad but...

Cade decided to try and take my car for a joy ride today, as he was feeling so big and manly due to his 1/2 birthday.

BUSTED... Doesn't he just look like he has been doing something he shouldn't have?!

He thought it was pretty funny to get caught in the act....

Cade meets Edgar (not Martinez, the cat)...

2009-01-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, Edgar the cat, is a family relic. The story of how she became a part of our family is a little questionable, so we will leave it at that. What you should know is that Edgar is a girl. Alex named her after one of his all-time favorite Mariners players, Edgar Martinez. What he failed to realize (along with everyone else) is that Edgar was a girl, not a boy. She had (and continues to have) a fat pouch that nearly drags on the ground everywhere she walks which I believe Alex thought was her (his) genitalia. Regardless, we went on believing Edgar was a boy until we took him to the vet and learned she really was a girl. And that is the story of Edgar.

Now, Edgar is a bit of an adventurer. She made her way down to our house last night and ended up meeting Cade just before bedtime. Cade LOVED her. I don't know what he thought was cooler... the cat or her tail. This video is evidence of his excitement for her. Enjoy.

VOGUE

2009-01-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

Well, Grandma and Grandpa Strand returned from a short little jaunt to San Diego with gifts for Cade in tow! Amongst the cool items were a pair of shark sunglasses! He just loved having them on and looking at himself in the mirror! Of course, we enjoyed a good chuckle at his cuteness too!

Cade talking...

2009-01-22T20:58:00.000-08:00

This is one of those videos that you will appreciate if you are able to catch all the subtleties. Keep your eye of for them. I like this video for one because he has a fun manchu made of sweet potato! But mostly, I enjoy this video because there is a point when he seems to be talking with such conviction that you can't help but listen to the point he is trying to make!

Cade feeds himself... sort of :)

2009-01-22T20:56:00.000-08:00

This video is deliciously (pun intended) cute... as Cade is learning how to use a spoon! It is worth it to watch the whole video as the last five or so seconds pack a real punch. HA. Our little man is getting so big!

Standing...

2009-01-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

Another proud moment... Cade is able to stand by himself (while holding on to something)!!! He even gets adventurous and let's go with one hand, what a daredevil!

Daddy is SO funny....

2009-01-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

Nick can always get a laugh out of Cade...Isn't this precious?

Who is this guy???

2009-01-19T15:40:00.000-08:00

Well, for as long as I can remember Cade has been a BIG fan of Elmo. He really enjoys the Elmo Live he got for Christmas from Dennis and Michelle. The funniest thing is that you can tell he is really trying to figure Elmo out... Elmo is just about the same size as Cade, so you can imagine how confusing that probably is for him!

Laying the foundation....

2009-01-19T15:34:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone... I realized that we haven't posted a video of Cade's physical development in a while. Cade has been spending a lot of time on his tummy but not really knowing how to move from there, besides rolling. Well, on this particular morning, Cade figured out how to get his knees under him (very important first steps to learning to crawl!). So, here he is; laying his foundation.

Roots of Empathy classroom visit

2009-01-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

Cade and I returned to the Kindergarten class today as a part of our ongoing family educator experience in the Roots of Empathy program. Today the discussion revolved around how Cade has changed but the main focus was on sleep.

Here is a video of Cade playing with a sock that has a ladybug rattle on it. Last visit (about 5 weeks ago) he wasn't interested in this rattle at all. This time he was trying to play with it!

As a part of the sleep discussion, the children wanted to sing Cade a lullaby and see how he reacted.

Can you tell how excited he was to be there and see all his friends??!!!

Butternut Squash... YUM

2009-01-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

Well, adventures in solid foods continues with the introduction of.... BUTTERNUT SQUASH! Here is the intial taste test:

Cade tries peas... and likes them!

2009-01-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

The adventures in solid foods continue with the introduction of... PEAS! The last thing he tried was pears and he loved them, so decided to go for a vegetable and peas it was! He seemed to like the peas but only time will tell?!

Who can resist a baby with green mush all over his face?!

He's a reader!!!

2009-01-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

Cade has really been enjoying all of the fabulous books that he received for Christmas. He not only likes to hear the stories but he likes to explore the books with his hands, mouth, and eyes! Here is our sweet boy reading Eric Carle's Ten Little Rubber Ducks. As an educator with an advanced degree in literacy, you can imagine how proud this makes me! He has even figured out how to turn the pages on his own!

Also, doesn't this little photo spread make you appreciate the glory of digital photography?! I could take pictures of him all day long :)

Please note: Excessive drooling present in all photos.

Cade is sitting...

2009-01-05T15:23:00.000-08:00

All our dear Cade wants to do these days is sit up! If he is laying on his back, he tries to sit up directly from there. It has been fun to watch him slowly gain his balance while sitting. He has even mastered the art of catching himself with his hands when he falls!

Weebles wobble but they don't fall down...

You'd be shocked to learn that he is actually catching himself in this photo!

Just sitting up, no big deal ;)

Cade loves pears!

2009-01-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

Just yesterday afternoon, I found myself snacking on a delicious pear in one hand and holding Cade in the other. I couldn't help but notice that he was totally interested in tasting the pear. So, I gave him a little nibble (more like suck) and he was hooked. So instead of trying to get him to like rice cereal, he dined on a feast of pear for dinner fed to him by Grandma Col (GC). He devoured almost two pears for dinner last night! Col barely had enough time to dip the spoon in the dish without him fussing for more. It was so cute!

The video camera was out of batteries from the holidays, so you will have to feast (pun intended) on these photos instead....

Cade's first solid foods!

2009-01-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official, our baby boy is growing up...FAST! Just two days before the new year, he was introduced to the wonderful world of solid food! This video is a short clip of the original full length film. He first gets to eat rice cereal, as it is the least allergenic food, then he will get to graduate to more interesting and appealing fruits and vegetables. He seemed to like the cereal at first but has since shown a dislike for it...

Santa Claus visits the Higgs house!

2009-01-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some videos that we took on Christmas morning. It was the FIRST white Christmas that we can remember and what a special way for Cade to celebrate his very first Christmas. Santa Claus even came and brought our dear sweet boy some presents!

This video is proof of Santa's visit, as well as the white Christmas!

Here is Cade opening a present from Chris and Col:

Here is Cade checking out his new Elmo toy, thanks to Grandpa Denny and Michelle...

Here is Cade trying out his new authentic Australian Uggs from Uncle Al!!! So Cute.

Christmas at Grandma Sammies...

2009-01-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas eve at Grandma Sammies house. We enjoyed great food (as usual), laugther, stories, each other's company, as well as some thoughtful Christmas gifts. Thank you everyone for your generosity and for thinking of our family in these tough times!

Aunt Slugger with Cade in his new hand sewn drool rag made by Slugger herself!!

Col, Slugger, and Cade...

Nick, thinking really hard about something...

Let the present opening begin!

A bowling set from Slugger, Julia, Ben, Tippie, and Bagels...

A shiny gift from Grandma Sammie... wrapping paper is so cool!

It apparently tastes especially good too :)

Elmo, from Grandma Sammie, his eyes are delish...

Can you tell he likes Elmo?

This took about a dozen shots to get...

Cade and I...

The Great Snow of 2008

2009-01-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

First of all, many apologies for not updating our blog for so long. We have been away from home for most of the month of December... So now we play catch up!!!

Here are some pictures from the Great Snow of 2008. I have never seen so much snow on Mercer Island ever and the best part is that it just kept coming! It wasn't SO bad that we couldn't leave the house, it just made it a little more difficult. The only downside of the snowstorm was that the grocery stores were left depleted, so even if you did need something, they probably didn't have it. Luckily, we were only home for a couple days so this didn't pose much of a problem.

Cade seemed to enjoy the snow, although it was so cold it sometimes took his breath away. I think he was really impressed by the brightness of the snow!

Me and the wee babe...

Our snowy family...

Cade (the bear) and Uncle Pat...

Our backyard... you can see just how much snow there was by looking at our patio table.

The view from our bed in the morning... beautiful!!!

The front of our house, you can't tell but there are actually steps, the snow is covering them so it looks solid! HA!

Tasting Uncle Dougs hair

2008-12-23T19:09:00.000-08:00

Well, Cade was in for a NASTY surprise when he went for a ride on Uncle Doug's shoulders. He went for a taste of Doug's hair and found the hair gel to be a quite disgusting flavor! It was so funny! These pictures don't really capture the pure disgust Cade felt when he tasted it! Hahhahahha...

But he had so much fun on his first shoulder ride. Thanks Doug!

Before...

During...

After...

Alex and his dirty 'stache come to America!!!

2008-12-23T19:05:00.000-08:00

Here is the long awaited arrival of Alex (and his dirty mustache) to America. We did miss him so! Cade was quite excited to finally meet him!

Cade opens Christmas presents in Portland!!!

2008-12-22T20:17:00.000-08:00

We had a great time in Portland like we always do!!! We got to spend a lot of time with family which was awesome!!! Cade even got to open some Christmas presents there from Grandpa Denny and Michelle. He LOVED the crinkling sound the gifts made and he especially enjoyed exploring them with his mouth! The first video is him opening his first gift, and the second is of him getting a little fibrous taste of wrapping paper. Grandpa Denny found it especially funny that Cade felt the need to "taste" all of the new clothes they got him! Thanks everyone in Portland for your hospitality and help, it was greatly appreciated as always!

Roots of Empathy, Visit #4

2008-12-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

Today was our fourth visit to the Kindergarden class as a part of the Roots of Empathy project. This week we discussed emotions; happy, sad, scared, and angry. We talked about how I can help Cade when he is having these different feelings. They in turn talked about how they can help their friends or family when they are having those same feelings. There is 3o minutes of video to root through, so I just posted the "Hello" and "Goodbye" songs for now, which is Cade's favorite part.

CWS CPA/Logger...

2008-12-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

Here is my dad cutting down the Strand Family tree... followed by a victory dance!

A tree with legs...

2008-12-07T20:33:00.000-08:00

This has to be the hardest that I have laughed all year. Poor Nick, was carrying this enormous tree and all I could do was barely hold the video camera I was laughing so hard. I almost peed my pants, in fact I just may have it was that funny. I am debating sending this in to America's Funniest Home videos. I just can't get enough of it. Watch it a couple of times... it's like wine, gets better with age! hahhahahah. Enjoy because I sure do.

Christmas Tree adventuring...

2008-12-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

As per our family tradition... we headed out to the wilderness (re: Christmas Tree farm) to cut down our very own Christmas tree. Chris and Col joined in the adventure. Cade even got to go on a wild ride with Col driving (ie. in the baby carrier). It was very fun and we ended up with a perfect tree for Cade's first Christmas!!!

Nick, Col, and Cade standing in front of one tree choice... this is the recession tree. Bare and no need to spend money on decorations. Needless to say, we kept looking!

Kirty, Cade, and the Mag...

Me and my cold baby boy...

The love of my life...

I love these boys...

Nick holding the trees on the back of the car...

This picture was taken just before the video... Nick carrying our tree.

Cade Meets Santa...

2008-12-06T07:43:00.000-08:00

Nick had the day off, so we took the prime opportunity to meet the man, the myth, the legend himself... SANTA!!! Cade was appropriately excited (as usual) and dressed to impress. Grandma Col even got in on the adventure.

Here are just a few of the pictures from this day... Santa picture to follow when it is received.

Me, my sweet baby boy, and his flavorful reindeer (explanation to follow)...

The Bizzles...

Cade standing on a box with dad...

I just LOVE this picture... my boys!

Happy baby....

This is funny! They gave Cade a stuffed reindeer after he met Santa and his favorite part you ask? The antlers. They are delicious, duh.

Still munching...

Cade looking extra precious...

2008-12-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

Cade was just seeming to be extra darling on this morning... silly and smiley! I guess I am biased but could he be any cuter???

I just LOVE the way his feet are turned in toward one another in this picture...

Always smiling :)

An excellent display of kung-fu moves...

Cade's Four Month Check Up!!!

2008-12-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

It's official, Cade is four months old and that meant another trip to the Dr. Quinn to see how he is progressing!!! He now is 25 inches long and weighs 15 lbs. 4 oz... which is over double his birth weight! He was in the 50th percentile for both his weight and height, so he's doing good. In addition to some shots, we also learned that he can start solid foods soon... videos and pictures to come on that when it happens!!!

Cade's first assisted steps!

2008-12-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

This video had to be cut because it was quite long (Thanks Doug :))...so here is just a part of the fun we experienced this morning!!!

Can you see his biceps and back muscles flexing? Adorable!

Just chit-chatting...

2008-12-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

Cade and I having a conversation... quite a talkative little man, huh?

Thanksgiving 2008...

2008-11-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-25T19:22:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-17T10:50:00.000-08:00

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

Sing us a song piano man...

2008-11-17T10:43:00.001-08:00

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

Sleeping in his crib for the first time!

2008-11-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2008-11-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

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!!!"

Chatty Kathy... I mean Cade!

2008-10-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

Cade sure has been learning how to talk recently... on this morning, he couldn't stop!!! It was so darling!

Three Months Old Today...

2008-10-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

Cade is officially three months old today! In fact, he was so excited to be turning three months that he woke up at 3 in the morning to celebrate, LITERALLY. Rather than being woke up with tears to eat, I heard giggling coming from his crib. There he was giggling his little heart out in his crib at 3 am.... so cute (and no, he does not appear to be too tired at all today). Here are some pictures from today, couldn't pick a favorite, so here are a few:

"You talking to me?!"

Just chillin'.

"Hhhhmmmmm."

"That's the funniest thing I've heard all day."

Vogue.

The Man Couch...

2008-10-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

Here are Nick and Cade bonding over some baseball on the man couch. Cade couldn't be bothered to look at the camera, he was far too engrossed in the game on tv.

The Higgs head to Craven Farms...

2008-10-19T09:03:00.001-07:00

We had a lovely day at Craven farms... picking out pumpkins to carve.

Cade and I having a conversation about our nation's current economic status...

2008-10-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here we are having a very in-depth conversation about the state of our economy... tee hee.

Extra Extra Read All About It...

2008-10-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Cade slept for 6 hours... STRAIGHT, last night!!! I'm not sure if it's because he is under the weather or just because he is starting to sleep for longer periods, but it was AMAZING. Although his 6 hours of peace ended at 2 am...
We'll get through the night someday! Yipee for Cade!

Cade sitting in his big boy chair...

2008-10-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

This video is so funny to me. Well, after you finish laughing from initially seeing him sitting in his big boy chair, this video has a bunch of funny little things in it. First he sneezes and chokes himself (not funny, but a little), then there is a sweet dance move with his head (you can't miss it, almost looks choreographed), and finally an accidental punch to the face. You may have to watch it a couple times but it is SOOO worth it. Cute baby boy!

Another short but sweet video...

2008-10-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

He is pretty happy here, can you tell???

Short but sweet...

2008-10-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Well, this is just a short clip of what I get to enjoy every single day!!! His personality gets bigger and better as each day passes... and we are loving it!

Cade makes a friend...

2008-09-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

While enjoying a little tummy time, Cade happened upon someone he had never met before: Winnie the Pooh. He was quite interested, even mesmerized, by his new friend. Here they are meeting for the first time!!!

Cade's two month check up!

2008-09-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

Cade had his two month check up today! And boy was it exciting! He has grown to 11 lbs. 1 oz. and is 23 1/2 inches long. He also got a plethora of shots, which didn't seem to phase him much. Here is what he did in the mean time at his appointment:

Played with dad and the "Very Hungry Caterpillar"... you can tell he was really enjoying that.

Then amidst all the excitment, he just plain wore himself out and had to take a little snooze right there on the exam table. So cute!
He is in great health and meeting all the developmental milestones that he should be! We are so proud of our wonderful little (not so much) boy!

Happy Anniversary to the Bizzles!!!

2008-09-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a year! We are so excited and proud to be celebrating our one year anniversary... as well as Cade turning two months old!!! It has been one busy year for us but we sure wouldn't change a thing about it. It is amazing to be celebrating our one year anniversary as a family of three, YIPEE!

When two...

Becomes three!!!

Happy little 8-week old!

2008-09-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Cade is officially 8 weeks old yesterday. He spent most of the smiling and laughing!!! So sweet...

EXCLUSIVE!!! Caught on video...

2008-09-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

Well, technically he has been rolling over from his stomach for the past couple weeks but we just haven't been able to catch it on film... until yesterday! Actually, Kirty was just taking a video of him in his race car jammies (thanks Chris and Col) before he outgrew them and he did it!!! He is reaching new milestones everyday and it is SO exciting to watch. Hope you enjoy!

CEO for the day...

2008-09-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today, Cade expressed his entrepreneurial appeal as he worked as CEO of Seattle Deposition Reporters for the day. He displayed great diversity in his skills and abilities around the office.

Here he is working with Grandma Col around her office... (check out his new kicks, thanks Michelle).

Here he is working the camera with mom (quite the charmer, don't you think?)...
He is quite efficient at the stenography machine, even the old school one...

He displayed excellent people skills as he answered the phones with finesse...
He also led a board meeting (here he is sitting at the head of the table)...
Here he is scanning some important exhibits on the photocopy machine... very serious documents, clearly.
Oooppps... he almost got shipped off in the mail. Good thing we caught that!!!
All in all, it was quite a productive day for him! You can imagine how tired he is!

Cade tries his hand at riding a dirt bike...

2008-09-17T15:40:00.002-07:00

Following in his father's footsteps... Cade took a stab at riding a dirt bike for the first time. We wouldn't call it a total success but there is still time.

Cade smiling with Denny...

2008-09-17T15:40:00.001-07:00

Here Cade is having a grand ol' time with Grandpa Denny...

Baby Smiles...

2008-09-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

Cade began smiling and laughing this week and he just can't seem to get enough of it!!! Here are just a few of those adorable grins...

Before...

After...
Don't you just love his little side smirk?!

Happy Due Date Cade!

2008-08-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today is Cade's official due date!!! Instead of just being born he is almost a month old!!! Kirty is thanking her lucky stars that she still isn't pregnant right now and that we get to spend our days with our wonderful little man!

We made it four whole weeks!!!

2008-08-27T14:59:00.001-07:00

Cade is offically four weeks old, yesterday!!! My how time flies! At nearly a month old, Cade has totally mastered sleeping all day and partying all night! He spends his awake time doing all sorts of things, like holding his head up, trying to "stand up", spitting up, and smiling.

Here is a sweet photo of Nick and Cade doing some work... Cade appears to be slightly distracted by something!

Nick got a video camera for his birthday, so we will hopefully be posting some videos on here soon!

Aside from Cade turing four weeks old, Nick celebrated his 27th birthday (Happy Birthday Biz) and we celebrated four years together!!! What a month!

Cade is a week old... and he is FREE AT LAST!

2008-08-06T19:19:00.001-07:00

Well, after what felt like a lifetime, baby Cade is finally free from his phototherapy prison!!! His jaundice has finally passed, so now we get to hold him and love on him all day long. What a great way to spend his one week old birthday!

Besides eating, he spends his days... sleeping. Here is the photo evidence:

Baby Cade arrives...

2008-08-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Well, just like he had been through the entire pregnancy, Cade is all about doing things on his own terms. Like when we wanted to get a sneak peak of him during a 3-D ultrasound...he covered his face and turned around. No such luck. The birth was no different. He decided to arrive four weeks and two days early so that we could meet him. We were totally unprepared... but couldn't be more excited!!!

The labor was fast and furious. We went to the hospital, not sure if Kirty was in labor or not, next thing you know, her water breaks and they are rushing us to a delivery room. Luckily, we had to hold off labor for a short bit while they administered antibiotics, so that our family could be there for his arrival.

He is absolutely perfect in every way... all 7 lbs. 4 oz., 21 inches of him. From the way he "boxes", to his strength, the way he grins...everything he does is amazing. We are totally mesmerized.

He has had a bit of a tough go in these first few days... he is jaundiced and now has to spend all of his time on a light therapy bed. We are hoping this will pass quickly, as you can imagine how hard it is to not hold him and love on him all day long!!!

Thank you so very much to everyone who came to meet him, who came to stay and help us with all of our needs, and to everyone who has given us their congratulations and well wishes.

We love you all! More photos and posts to come... hopefully!