Christmas Presents....

Dear Cadence,

Momma just wanted to make a list of what you got for Christmas and who it was from... I hope I don't forget anything, but here it is...

From Mommy and Daddy:
3 onesies
one shirt
Little People Farm House
Bath toys
And lots more toys

Santa:
The Jungle Book movie
The Fox and The Hound movie
lots of toys

Cuda and Diesel:
6 Books

Gramma (Laura):
Toys

Auntie T:
Sing Along movie

Auntie K:
Care Bear

Auntie Dee:
101 Dalmations movie

Uncle Ryan:
Tickle me Elmo

Auntie Courtney, Uncle Quinton and Izeyha:
Pajamas
Bath Toys

Gramma and Grampa (Kelly & Larry):
Lots of Toys

Auntie Britt:
Princess table and chairs

Uncle Dillon:
Toys

Uncle Justin:
Toys

Auntie Katie, Auntie Amanda & Uncle Cole:
Monkey Pillow

Auntie Diane & Uncle Jason:
Dora the Explorer Ride on Car

Great Gramma & Great Grampy:
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs movie
Clothes

Papa & Oma:
Baby Carhartts

Auntie Granny & Uncle Kenny:
Teddy Bear

Auntie Cheryl, Uncle Derek, Connor & Sarah:
Elephant toy
Pink baby blanket

I think that is the list... I hope I didn't miss anyone! But none the less, Monkey you got spoiled! Such a lucky little girl! Momma loves you baby girl!

Love Mommy

New Bed...

Dear Cadence,

So for the past couple months you have been sleeping in our bed... you one night decided that you hated your crib and would scream if we took you close to it. Anyways... it has been a long couple months of sharing the bed with you, I do love to cuddle, but we all sleep better when your in your own bed!

So yesterday Great Gramma and Great Grampy brought over a new bed for you. It is a big girl bed, but you sleep in it soooo much better then the crib. Momma need to get a railing for the edge of it, so that you don't fall off but for now pillows around you will work too.

Last night you fell asleep on Daddy at the computer, so he put you in your new bed and you slept for a couple hours. I think in total you woke up 3 times, had a bite to eat and then went back to sleep, it was great. Momma got a good sleep and so did you, however it did seem weird to not have you beside me in bed. But none the less, Momma is very proud of you and I love you!

Love Mommy

Merry Christmas and Happy 9 Month Birthday!

Dear Cadence,

Well today was your first Christmas and your 9 month birthday! We had a great day... it was very busy, but very fun! First we got up this morning and you opened all your presents from Mommy, Daddy, Cuda, Diesel and Santa. You got lots and lots of stuff! Tomorrow Momma will write a list of everything that you got and who it was from!

Next we went to Papa's to have Christmas morning breakfast and open more presents. And again you got spoiled! Papa and Oma got you some really cute Carhartt overalls, Momma thinks you will look great in them! You got to visit with all your Auntie's and Uncle's and even your little cousin Izeyha. It was a lot of fun and you were such a good girl.

After Papa's, we went over to visit Uncle Jason and Auntie Diane, to give them the gifts we got them and congratulate them on their engagement. We also asked them to be your Godparents and they said YES! Mommy and Daddy think they will do a great job at being godparents and an auntie and uncle to you.

Then we went over to Great Pa's house to have a quick visit and give Pa his gift. They were having an open house all day... so there were a few people over. It was a very quick stop before we were off to Gramma and Grampa's house, where we had a GREAT Christmas dinner, and you got lots more gifts too. We played some games, visited and had a great time.

Our last stop of the night was Auntie Granny and Uncle Kenny's house. By this point you were so beyond tired and cranky, but you put a smile on your face a had a quick visit. You opened your present from Auntie Granny and the two of you played with it.

All in all you did great today! It was an amazing Christmas and Momma enjoyed every second of it! You pretty much managed to open everyone of your presents on your own... but had to stop and eat a bit of paper from each :) And now you are sound asleep in bed and Momma is going to join you. I love you so much baby girl and I hope you had a great Christmas!

Love Mommy

Merry Christmas Eve!

Dear Cadence,

Today is your first Christmas Eve! We are going to Gramma's house to have dinner and play some games! Everyone should be there and it's going to be lots of fun! Momma can't wait to watch you open your gifts tonight and then more tomorrow...

Mommy and Daddy love you so much Monkey! Merry Christmas! Your the best gift we have ever had!

Love Momma

4 Days Until Christmas

Dear Cadence,

Well the countdown is on... it's 4 days until your first Christmas! Mommy still has some presents to wrap and more gifts to buy. Next year I will not leave everything to the last minute! But none the less, I'm so excited to dress you up in your cute little Christmas dress and watch you open all your gifts. It's going to be a great Christmas!

So over the past little while Mommy and Daddy have started some "Christmas Traditions". First off, we went to a tree farm and cut down our own Christmas tree, you pretty much slept the entire time, but that's ok. Next year I'm sure you'll be running around the tree farm. The we came home and decorated our little tree... We also went to the Stanley Park Christmas train! It was a lot of fun, but very cold out and you were a little grumpy. And today we are going to make your first gingerbread house!

While we were at Stanley Park, Mommy and Daddy took you to the Aquarium. It was our first time going and yours as well. We saw belugas, seal, sea otters, dolphins and lots more cool creatures. Mommy and Daddy had a great time there and I think you enjoyed yourself too. I love you Monkey!

Love Momma

Busy busy weekend!

Dear Cadence,

Momma had fully intended to write this on Monday, but they week just seemed to fly by and now it's Friday... anyways here it goes!

Of course we look so forward to every weekend, now that Daddy is back to work! It's great when the weekend comes along and we get to spend the time together as a family. But last weekend was CRAZY busy. On Saturday... we got up early and went out in the cold to take some family pictures. You did great!!! And then we went to Mack's 1st birthday party, it was a lot of fun and I think you made some new friends. After all that, went to Gramma and Grampa's house to have dinner and play games with everyone. By the time we got home, it was after 9pm and we were all SO tired.

Then came Sunday and Alexy's 1st Birthday party. Which was also A LOT of fun! It was great to watch you play with all the other kids and for Mommy and Daddy to be able to talk with the adults. After the party we went to Aunty Cheryl's to have a big family dinner. It was the first time that you met your 3rd cousins, Maya and Ava. And of course you got to hang out with little cousin Izeyha. Even though it was such a busy weekend, we had so much fun.

Now for this weekend.... time to get ready for Christmas! Mommy is so excited to watch you open your presents on Christmas. So anyways, this weekend we are going to cut down our first Christmas tree (we are hoping to make this a family tradition) and there are hay rides and a petting zoo at the tree farm. Then maybe on Sunday we will go to the Stanley Park Train (another tradition we plan to continue)!

All these "firsts" are so exciting! And Mommy is looking forward to all of them. I love you so much Monkey!

Love Mommy

Santa

Dear Cadence,

Last weekend, Mommy and Daddy took you to see Santa! You did great! You waiting so patiently in the big line up and didn't even cry when you saw him. We thought you just might close your eyes and have a sleep on his lap. Momma will post the picture and video soon. I love you Monkey!

Love Mommy

Talking

Dear Cadence,

Today you said Dadda for the first time! Daddy is so happy :) We love you Monkey!

Love Mommy

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Dear Cadence,

Well it's official.... your 8 MONTHS OLD! I can't believe it!!! But Mommy wanted to wish you a Happy 8 Month Birthday!

Unfortunately on your b-day, your not feeling very good and it's pouring rain outside! But Momma is going to cuddle you on the couch all day long! I love you so much Monkey! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!

Love Momma

Almost 8 Months Old....

Dear Cadence,

WOW! I can't believe that you are one day away from being 8 months old! It's amazing how fast the time has gone by! And I can't wait to the next 8 months and ever 8 months after that! I love you so much baby girl!

Love Momma

Dear Cadence,

It's been soooo long since Mommy has written to you, I guess life has been busy. Well Daddy got a job now and is working long long hours, but he is very happy to be working. It sucks having him gone for so long everyday, but at least this way Momma gets to stay home with you.

Mommy didn't really tell you about your first Halloween yet, just added some pictures, so here's what we did... Well you dressed up as a pumpkin, the cutest pumpkin Mommy has ever seen. And we went to visit Gramma and Grampa and of course all your Aunts and Uncles. Uncle Justin took some really cute pictures of you out in the yard. After that we went to see Great Grampa Pa and Gramma Laura, you helped GG Pa hand out candy to the kids. Then our last stop was Papa's house. It was a pretty busy night... but everyone loved your costume! Next year we might go to a couple houses and you can trick or treat!

In this past month you have changed so much! You can sit up on your own now, without a problem (however Mommy still puts some pillows around you, I think the hardwood floor would hurt if you fell face first on it!). You've figured out how to escape from your bumbo and your bouncy chair, sneaky girl. The day you escaped from your bumbo, Mommy was just walking into the living room and caught you just in time by the back of your shirt, otherwise you would've fallen between the couch and the table (off the table) and I don't think that would feel too great!

You've been talking so much lately, by talking I mean babbling, but it's still pretty cute! And boy do you ever enjoy watching cartoons, Mommy's not sure this is such a good thing, but it entertains you for a while so Momma can clean up the house.

But that's it for now, your are currently watching TV and getting bored of it, time to snuggle with Momma. I love you more then anything Monkey!

Love Mommy

Cadence's First Halloween

Love you forever!

Dear Cadence,

As I sit here and watch you sleep, I can't help but cry! I love you so much! And I thank god everyday for allowing me to be your Mommy. You truly are an amazing little girl and we are so blessed to have you in our lives.

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living,
my baby you'll be.

Now onto the updates...

Well your 7 MONTHS OLD! I can't believe it! It seems like it was just a few days ago that Daddy and I were swaying back and forth in the hallway and my water broke. It's amazing how fast the time goes... what an amazing 7 months we have had!

Not only can you roll over now, but you can sit up and you eat solid food... what a big girl you are! And about the food... you seem to love it all! Rice cereal, bananas, peaches, blueberries, apple sauce, peas, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans. The only thing you have been unsure of, is real bananas... I guess they aren't as sweet as baby food nanas, but we will work on it.

The other day we took you to the Pumpkin Patch and got your very first pumpkin. It was so much fun! You and I went on a tractor ride and all 3 of us went through the corn maze... we saw all the farm animals and all the pumpkins. Even though you had a little cold, we had a great time. Then when we got home, you and Daddy carved your very first pumpkin. Well mainly Daddy carved it, but you supervised!

We took another trip to the Shushwap to see Great Gramma and Great Grandpa. And you got to meet Selene, Larry, Zach and Damien... it was a lot of fun. You seemed to think Great Grandpa was pretty cool... you guys sat and talked to each other and played.

That's it for now baby girl! Mommy loves you more then anything in the world!

Love Mommy

Something New...

Dear Cadence,

Mommy has been bad and hasn't written to you in a while, but that's mainly because we have been busy. So much has happened in the last couple weeks! Here are a few of those things....

-Well the BIG news... you turned 6 MONTHS OLD!!! Mommy cannot believe it! It seems like just yesterday you were a little tiny girl and now your so big! I have enjoyed watching you grow so much. So Happy Belated Birthday Monkey!

-You started eating solid foods! The foods started out with just cereal for lunch, but now you eat it at lunch and at dinner time. You also eat other types of baby food... On Sept.26 you tried green beans for the first time and you loved them, Sept.29 was sweet potatoes, also one you enjoyed and Oct.3 you had peas. I'm not so sure you like the peas as much as the others, but you still eat them.

-On Oct.5th you started to roll over!! Mommy and Daddy are so proud! And now there's no stopping you! You can roll from your tummy to your back and from your back to your tummy... and we love to watch you roll around.

-Mommy, Gramma, and Great Gramma took you on a road trip to Kelowna for the weekend, to visit everyone. You were such a good girl! You met Brandie, Wendy, Shannon, Kylie, and all the puppies... oh and Uncle Wyane. And you got to see Aunty Ruth and Aunty Chris again. It was so much fun, but Daddy missed you so much while we were gone and he sure is happy to have you home!

Well I can't think of any more exciting things that have happened! Mommy loves you more then anything in this world baby girl!!!

Love Mommy

I'm So Thankful!

Dear Cadence,

Mommy just wanted to tell you how much I love you and how thankful I am to have you in my life, in our life!

I was just reading another blog about a little boy named Issac, he was born and dies on October 7th 2008. And as I read over the blog today, I just thought about how lucky Daddy and I are to have you here. No matter how many early mornings we have or late nights, no matter how much you may cry and scream some days, Mommy is just so thankful to be a part of your life!

I love you smile, your giggles and wiggles! I love how you stick your little tongue out when you cough and how you stiffin up your arms when you have a hissy fit! I love how you just screech out of the blue, happy or mad. And how you look at Daddy with those big blue eyes, that look of love! I love how as soon as Daddy starts to talk, your looking around the room for him. I love playing peek a boo with you and how you stick out your bottom lip when you are just about to cry!

To be honest, Mommy loves everything about you! All of it... the good, the bad... I love it all! Thanks for being you, Monkey!

Love Mommy

The things I do as a Mom!!!

Dear Cadence,

While I was washing floors and doing laundry today, I put you in your Jolly Jumper and turned on the tv... in hopes that you would stay amused while Mommy got things done. This however did not last long at all. So, since Mommy wanted to keep you in the JJ, I sat down on the floor in front of you and wiped out my boob to feed you... LOL!!! As you stood in your JJ and happily ate, I thought to myself "Oh the things I do as a Mom!"

The funny thing is, Daddy always comments on the wierd things I do. Like if you barf and there isn't a cloth within arms reach, I jusy simply wipe your mouth with my hand and wipe the barf on my pants. Gross? Yes! But you gotta do what you gotta do! And baby puke really isn't that bad!

Of course theres always the times that Daddy walks in and I'm picking your nose, he thinks it's yucky! But you can't get the boggers out yourself, so I have to help you. The things I do as a Mom!!! And then when I bite your finger nails off, I guess I could use the nail clippers, but biting them off is so much easier! Well he thinks I look like I'm eating your hand.

Moms do crazy things for their kids, I guess it's just because we love you so much! Before you were born, I thought baby puke was so nasty! Now it seems to be something that I always have on me and it's doesn't bother me a bit! I still think baby poop is gross, but Mommy won't hold it against you when you poop all over her! I love you Monkey!

Love Mommy

Everything....

Dear Cadence,

It has been over a month since Mommy last wrote you a letter... time sure does fly by! Well in the last month lots has happened!

We moved into a new house in Maple Ridge... just a one bedroom basement suite, but it's OUR own place and Mommy is so happy to be here! You have your own space in Mommy and Daddy's room, enough space for all your stuff and even your crib!

You turned 5 months old! Mommy cannot believe how fast you are growing, your such a little character now! Always smiling and laughing, Mommy loves you so much! It's so amazing to watch you grow and change everyday.

You love to try and sit up now, and with the help of a couple pillows you can sit up and play with your toys. And you sure do love toys and books. If your not trying to sit up, your trying to stand, with our help of course. Seems like you love to stand, but I guess you have been that way since about a month old.

Mommy just can't et over how much you change each and everyday! Whether it's smiling, laughing, trying to hold yourself up or just being so damn cute!!! We are so blessed to have such an amazing little girl, even when your a little grump, your just so cute!!! Mommy loves you so much and I look forward to watching you grow!

Love Mommy

5 Months Old... a few pics!

4 Months Old... Just a few pictures :)

Sleeping

Dear Cadence,

Mommy was just reading my friend Kortney's blog about Alexy's sleep schedule and I thought I would share about yours...

Well I always have people asking me "What time does she go to bed? How long does she sleep at night? What time does she go for a nap and how long is each nap?" To be honest Mommy never has a consistent answer for those questions... everyday is different.

When you were "little" (you still are little, but when you were younger I guess) you would go to bed at about 8:30pm each night and sleep until 4am, at which time you would eat and Mommy would put you back to bed. Then you would wake up again at about 7:30am, eat and come into Mommy's bed. This same thing happened pretty much each night until you started to teeth, and then all bets were off! And naps during the time before teething were pretty regular... you seemed to have a nap each morning at around 10am, then two more before bed time.

And now we have no schedule at all!

-You usually go to bed anytime between 8:30p-11pm... depends on how you are feeling and if you have napped during the day. Since sleep=sleep, if you don't nap much during the day, then you are very hard to get to bed at night.

-Mommy will put you into your bed with your sucky and hold your hand until you go to sleep. Some nights you want to be rocked to sleep, but most nights you just want to hold hands and sometimes Mommy will sing to you a little bit.

-The first time you wake up during the night can be anytime between 1am-4am (this is new... you used to sleep until 4 every night) But at this 1st wake up, Mommy will feed you and put you back into your bed. The next time you wake up, I usually bring you into bed with me and feed you and then we go back to sleep and cuddle.

-And then you usually get up around 730am-830am... depends on the day.

Well Mommy had so much more to say, but I totally lost my train of thought! Once I get it back, I will continue. Until then I love you Monkey... and Mommy loves to snuggle with you at night time, even though so many people think co-sleeping is bad! Mommy loves our snuggle time!

Love Mommy

4 Months Old

Dear Cadence,

It has been a while since Mommy wrote to you, it's been so hot out! So anyways... in the last week and a bit you turned 4 months old! You are growing so fast! You have started to laugh more and more each day and Mommy & Daddy love it! When you were watching cartoons with Daddy the other day, you were laughing at the kids on the tv. And you have also started trying to roll over, you can get half way and then you flop back onto your back, it's so cute. Oh and Mommy noticed yesterday and you have started trying to eat your toes... you grab your foot and bring it right up to your mouth.

Some other things that have gone on in your life are... Gramma had neck surgery the other day, she is home and feeling great! She only had to spend 2 nights in the hospital! And this past week we have been having an extreme heat wave... it has been anywhere from 36-42 degrees! It's nice to have sunny day's, but it's way too hot out. Mommy & Daddy bought a big pool, so we have all been spending lots of time in the pool.

Well that's all for now... you just woke up from your nap and I think it's time to eat. I love you Monkey!


Love Mommy

Gramma goes in for surgery...

Dear Cadence,

Today at 2:30pm Gramma went in to get neck surgery for the 5th time, hopefully the last time. We will go and visit her later on tonight...

On another note, you will be 4 months old in 2 days! Mommy can't believe how fast you are growing! It seems like you are changing everyday! Mommy and Daddy love you so much Monkey!!!

Love Mommy

Dear Cadence,

It has been a long long time since Mommy wrote you a little note... Sorry Monkey, but we have been busy I guess. Well here are some things we have done in the last month...

-We bought you a Jolly Jumper... which you seem to really like. You haven't quite figured out what it's for, but you have fun in it.



-We went back to Alberta for the Family Camp out at the farm... it was a lot of fun. Uncle AJ and Uncle Croix were there and lots of other people. We sat in front of the fire, went on the quad and played all kinds of games.

-You started to giggle... which is the cutest thing in the world!

..... Mommy will have to come back to this post

3 Months Old... just a few pics

Happy 3 Months

Dear Cadence,

You turned 3 months old yesterday... Mommy can't believe how fast you are growing! You are 12 lbs now and changing every day!

A couple days ago, Mommy bought you a Bumbo seat... you seem to love it and it helps you strengthen your neck. You even sat in it and watched Uncle Ryan cook lunch today.

Well Mommy just wanted to say Happy 3 Month Birthday and I love you so much.

Love Mommy

Happy Father's Day Daddy

Dear Cadence,

Today is Father's Day... Mommy made Daddy a nice breakfast while the two of you cuddled on the couch. Then we went to Uncle Roger's house for a bbq with everyone. Well Mommy is going to go to bed... I love you Monkey.

Love Mommy

A Few Updates

Dear Cadence,

Mommy has been so busy watching you grow, and girl you are growing so fast! I just wanted to tell you about some of the things you can do now at almost 3 months old...

-You taught yourself how to whine about a month ago! Sometimes Mommy thinks you just like the sound of your own voice. When your starting to get bored of sitting in your bouncy chair or laying on your play mat, you will start to whine and stick out your bottom lip. You have a great pouting face.

-And with the whining, came talking. Sometimes in the morning you talk for hours... just laying in bed with Mommy, telling me stories. Of course they aren't real words of anything, but Mommy loves it! You like to talk to Daddy when he comes home from work too...I think it's his favorite time of the day.

-Within the last month you have started to smile too, it's so cute! You smile at everything, Mommy, Daddy, your big brothers and anything else you lay your beautiful blue eyes on. No matter how bad of a day Mommy or Daddy may be having, all you have to do is take one look at us with your big blue eyes and your cute little smile, and it makes all the bad go away. We love you so much Monkey.

Well Girlie... you have many more talents, but as I'm writing this the whining is beginning and it's time for you to eat. I love you baby girl.

Love Mommy

Our Mornings...

Dear Cadence,

I just wanted to let you know what we do in the morning.... kind of "our" routine at the moment lol.

Well at about 6:45 am Daddy leaves for work and usually you and I are still asleep, Daddy says we look so cute all snuggled together. (I forgot to add that every morning around 5:30-6am you wake up to eat and like to come back to bed with Mommy) So after Daddy leaves we usually sleep until 8am, you wake up to eat and smile at Mommy, then go back to sleep for a little while. And it seems as though you always like to fall asleep on Mommy's lap... so I just sit in bed and watch tv while you sleep, I guess that's Mommy's time to relax!

Mommy loves mornings! I love being able to sit in bed and snuggle with you, just the two of us and hang out! I love you Monkey :)

Love Mommy

2 Month Pics

Baby Olivia Jael

Dear Cadence,

Last night at around 8:30 pm Aunty Juanita gave birth to Olivia Jael. She is 8lbs 6oz and very very cute!

Missing Alberta!

Dear Cadence,

When we got home last night from your Baby Shower, I was looking at some pictures on a friends facebook page. They were pictures of Sylvan Lake, and I couldn't help but cry! I miss it soooooo much! Sylvan Lake was the perfect little town for you to grow up in! We lived a 5 minute walk from the lake and all the little stores, it was amazing! Mommy and Daddy will take you there one day and I'm sure you will love it as much as we do!

Well after crying about the lake pictures... another friend had pictures of the farm. The Farm is where Gramma Irene and Grampa Herman live and it is amazing! Mommy and Daddy wanted nothing more then for you to be able to enjoy the farm as much as we have! It is such an amazing place... there is always so much to do and it's very relaxing! They have 3 horses, Roxy, Duchess, and Jackson and lots of chickens.

I guess I'm just feeling a little sad and really really missing Alberta. We moved back to BC to be closer to family, but I really hope it was the right move! Sometimes I feel like maybe we made the decision too soon and should've waited a little while longer. But everything happens for a reason and I hope we did what was best for you. Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

Love Mommy

Baby Shower/Anniversary

Dear Cadence,

Yesterday we had a BIG baby shower for you. There was about 40 people there and they all came to see you and welcome you into our family, what a lucky little girl you are. And man did you get spoiled.... it seemed like Mommy opened gifts for 2 hours, there were so many gifts! You got toys, shoes, play yards, bath stuff and enough clothes to last you damn near until your 5 years old. Mommy is so thankful that we have such amazing family and friends, and that you get to grow up with them all. What a lucky little girl you are.

Well not only was yesterday your Baby Shower, but it was also Mommy and Daddy's 1 year wedding anniversary. So much has happened in the last year... Daddy got a new job at Finning (but then he was laid off), we bought a new truck, we got another dog (your BIG brother Diesel), Mommy and Daddy welcomed you into the world, and we moved back to BC from Alberta. I'm sure LOTS more has happened, but those are the important things. Our life has changed so much in the last year and Mommy is so happy that your here now and can enjoy the years to come with us. I love you baby girl.

Love Mommy

ps. right now your sleeping on the bed beside Mommy and I can't help but smile everytime I look over at you. Your the most beautiful little irl Mommy has ever seen and I feel so blessed to have you in my life and to be your Mommy I love you more then words can say! Sweet dreams baby girl!

2 Month Shots :(

Dear Cadence,

Today Mommy had to take you to get your 2 month shots and it was horrible! You cried and cried and cried.... Mommy was so sad! All I could do was just hold you tight and try to comfort you. MY poor baby!

For the rest of the day, Mommy plans to just relax with you and snuggle... it was a long morning for you and I think you need some loves :) I love you Monkey!


Love Mommy


ps. Today is Uncle Ryan's Birthday!

Happy 2 Month Birthday

Dear Cadence,

Mommy can't believe that you are 2 months old already! Your changing so much each day and getting so big!

I think today we just might have to go outside and enjoy the sun... it's been very hot out for the past few days and today is the day we will enjoy it. Maybe a trip to the park or the beach... but for now Mommy needs to get a move on and get the two of us ready for the day ahead!

Mommy and Daddy love you Cadence Mae and we are so proud of you.

Love Mommy

Sunday Morning TV

Dear Cadence,

This morning you and Daddy sat on the couch and watched Extreme 4X4.... it was the cutest thing Mommy has ever seen. Here are some pictures of you and Daddy...

Mommy Loves You!

Dear Cadence,

Mommy hasn't written to you in a long time, I guess it's because I have been so busy enjoying you being here with me. I really don't think I can truly put into words, the love that both Daddy and I have for you. Your our little angel, our miracle! No matter how many times you wake Mommy up in the night or fuss... I just take one look at your beautiful face and can't help but smile. I love you so much Monkey!

Mommy wanted to let you know about the things that have happened so far in your life... Well when you were just about 3 weeks old, we drove from our house in Sylvan Lake Alberta to Surrey BC, to visit family and introduce you to everyone. It was a long 12 hour drive and you did great! Then Mommy and Daddy decided it would be best if we moved back to BC, that way you would be able to grow up with family around. So we made the long drive back to Alberta, packed our stuff and drove back to BC. On every trip there and back you were so good... we felt so bad having you in the car seat for so long, but you are a trooper. Now we are back in BC and hoping to find a nice place for us to call home.

On May 10th Mommy had her first Mother's Day... Daddy cooked me breakfast and the three of us spent the day together. I can' imagine being anything but a mommy right now... I feel so blessed to have you in my life and be able to watch you grow. And growing you are doing... you are 9lbs 7 oz now.

Well I guess in the last 8 weeks we have done a lot with you. There have been a couple trips to the beach, walks with your furry dog brother's, we went to Shuswap so you could meet Great Gramma and Grampa Lamothe, you met your Great Great Gramma, and everyone else from both sides of our family. You've become so much more alert and started to smile at us. And your so strong... you can hold your head up all by yourself, of course your still a little wobbly... but Mommy and Daddy are still proud of you.

Mommy just can't tell you how proud I am of you and how much I love you. Every morning I wake up to your beautiful little face and I can't help but smile. Your such an amzing little girl and Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. I can't imagine life without you... it feels like you've always been here with us. Mommy is so excited to watch you grow... your first words, first steps... all your first and seconds and thirds :) We love you so much Monkey!

Love Mommy

Pictures of our litle Monkey

Happy One Month Birthday :)

Dear Monkey,

Well you are one month old today and Mommy can't believe how fast time has gone by. You are growing so much each day!

Mommy just wanted to say Happy Birthday and I love you :)

Love Mommy

Cadence is Here :)

Just wanted to let everyone know that Cadence was born on March 25th 2009 at 11:17am. She was 5lbs 13oz and 18.5 inches long. When I get the chance I will be sure to post my labor story and more pictures! For now I am just going to enjoy my baby girl.

38 Weeks 1 Day

Dear Cadence,

At about 5 am this morning Mommy was in so much pain! I woke Daddy up and off to the hospital we went. When we got there I was 3 cm dilated and my cervix was thinning out. The contractions were strong and about 2 mins apart. They admitted me and we filled out all the paper work and what not in between contractions.

At around 7:30 am Dr. Hulyk came in to the hospital to check me... I was still 3 cm, but your head was down a little more and he could feel the sack of waters coming down. He told us if things kept progressing, then he would think about breaking my water in a few hours. So after hours of contracting, walking, showers, baths, and sitting on the birthing ball.... my contractions SLOWED DOWN :( Dr. Hulyk came in again to check me and there was no change. He decided that breaking my water at this point was too risky and figured I should go home and rest.

So here we are, at home! Mommy and Daddy cleaned the house, feed the animals, walked the dogs and now I am going to try and have a nap! Hopefully within the next few hours we will be back in the hospital and you will be coming out. We love you Cadence.

Love Mommy

38 Weeks

Dear Cadence,

Again Mommy is posting this a day late... but better late then never. Well Mommy went into labor at around 6pm and at about 11:30 pm we went into the hospital. My contractions were about 5 mins apart and my cervix was 2cm dilated. Mommy spent some time in the bath, trying to progress things, but there was no luck. They sent us home at about 1 in the morning.

When we got home, Mommy and Daddy both tried to go to bed... but it only worked for Daddy. I tried laying on the couch, but was in too much pain. So Mommy had shower after shower and then a couple baths. After that I went into your room and sat in the rocking chair for a while. Mommy was able to fall asleep, but only for about 25 mins.... and that brings us to the next day :)

Love Mommy

37 weeks 7 Days

Dear Cadence,

Last night Mommy was so sleepy and didn't get a chance to write to you.... so here's what yesterday consisted of....

We woke up this morning to close to 8 inches of SNOW! Mommy was not very happy, considering when I went to bed there was grass in the front yard. But i guess that just goes to show us, how crazy Alberta weather can be.

Mommy was told by a friend to eat Viva Puffs and that for some reason, those cookies helped to put her into labor with her first baby. So off to the store Mommy and Daddy went to buy some Viva Puffs! When we got home I think I ate 4 of them, and I'm still waiting to go into labor. Who knows if it will work... but they sure do taste good.

Oh I almost forgot... Mommy and Daddy bought blinds for your bedroom window today! Your room looks so cute and we can't wait to show you. Last night we were sitting on the couch and Daddy was saying how he can't wait to hold you and give you a kiss. Daddy is so excited to meet you... I think you have the best Daddy in the whole world, you are one lucky little girl! I love you Cadence, more then words can say... you are such a blessing to us and we can't wait to enjoy life with you.

Love Mommy

37 Weeks 6 Days

Dear Cadence,

Today Mommy has been feeling really sick. I have been light headed, dizzy and nauseous... just not feeling like myself at all. So I called Alberta Health Link to get some advice and the nurse told me I should go into the hospital to get checked. So off to the hospital Mommy and Daddy went. When we got there they hooked me up to the fetal heart monitor and the other thing that watches for contractions. Your heart rate was great and you were moving around a lot... and there were not any contractions. So they sent Mommy home.

Now I'm feeling a bit better, just very sleepy. Mommy is going to try and have an early night tonight... hopefully catch up on some sleep. Both of the dogs are already sleeping at my feet... crazy boys. But hopefully Mommy gets better and has time to enjoy the sun tomorrow. I love you Cadence.

Love Mommy

37 Weeks 5 Days - First Day of Spring

Dear Cadence,

Today is the first day of Spring.... WAHOO!!! Mommy is so excited! It was such a nice day today, we were even able to drive around with the truck windows down. And they are actually calling for maybe some rain tomorrow... I feel like I don't know what rain is anymore. We have grass in our front yard again, Mommy can't wait until all of the snow is gone.

Mommy and Daddy went and picked up your change table today... your room looks so cute now. All of your clothes for the first couple months are hung up in the closet, you have a lot of clothes already! And everything seems to be set up. All we need now is some blinds for your room, but Mommy and Daddy keep forgetting to measure the window before we go to Walmart... but we will get them soon enough.

We took Cuda and Diesel for a walk to the vet today so that Diesel could get his nails cut. His nails grow so fast! While we were there we weighed them, Cuda weighs 68 lbs and Diesel weighs 52 lbs. Diesel isn't even 4 months old yet, he's going to weigh more than Cuda in no time.

Daddy made a nice dinner for us today, pasta salad. The only problem is, that Mommy is so damn picky and didn't eat it. I sure hope your not a picky eater, because you sure miss out on a lot of good food when you just turn your nose up to everything. And after dinner we sat on the couch and watched some TV. And Diesel decided it would be a great idea to sit his 52 lbs butt right on top of Mommy... he must have been squishing you, because you started to kick him like crazy.

Well I know your probably really comfy and cozy in Mommy's belly... but we would love for you to come out! I love you!

Love Mommy

ps. I almost forgot... we got our baby belly pictures today! They are so cute, Mommy can't wait to go back to get pictures done with you too :)

37 Weeks 4 Days

Dear Cadence,

Well Mommy and Daddy got some bad news yesterday... Daddy was laid off from work. Hopefully once it picks up again he will get a call back. But at the same time it's a blessing, this way Daddy will be home and able to spend lots of time with you once you decide to come out.

Today we did a lot of house cleaning... Mommy vacuumed everywhere in this house, I even got Daddy to move the couches! It was tiring, but well worth it. Mommy almost has ALL the laundry done, even the bed sheets and the house is good and clean.

We just got back from a nice walk with the dogs! It's really warm out today, Mommy was even able to wear a t-shirt on the walk. I can't wait for this warm weather to stay! Tomorrow is the first day of Spring and the weather man is actually calling for rain, we haven't seen rain in a very long time... maybe it will melt all the snow.

Mommy is counting down the days until your due date, but hoping you will come sooner rather than later. I love you Cadence.

Love Mommy

37 Weeks 3 Days

Dear Cadence,

Well today Mommy and Daddy went to the doctor. Since Dr. Hulyk is away on vacation, we saw Dr. McIntyre. Your heart beat was very strong! It's so amazing to hear it. As the doctor was measuring my belly, he asked what our due date is... when I told him April 9Th, he had a little chuckle. I then explained to him that the first due date was March 9Th, but that it had been changed... he figures that March 9Th is more like it and maybe you are over due. He said that your head is very low and that the contractions I have been experiencing are early labor. It's only a matter of time until it turns to real labor :)

After we got back from the doctor, Mommy and Daddy took Cuda and Diesel for a nice walk... and since that walk the puppy has been sleeping and sleeping. But while he sleeps, Mommy gets to clean the house and then I will have a nice rest.

It's so hard to believe that at any time you could decide it's time to come out and then Mommy and Daddy will be parents. This is really happening and I'm so excited and thankful! We have wanted you for so long and loved you even before you were conceived... we can't wait to meet you. Mommy loves you so much Cadence and I will always be here for you.

Love Mommy

37 Weeks 2 Days

Dear Cadence,

Well today Mommy is feeling lots of pressure and pain in my back. Not to mention the fact that I have been feeling very nauseous. Daddy just left for work, but will be ready to come home at any time if you plan on coming out. :)

Mommy finished the little bit of laundry we had left to do and unloaded the dishwasher... now for the rest of the day I will try and relax, maybe sleep a little bit. Oh and I have to write a list of people we would need to call if Mommy goes into labor. Just know that we are ready whenever you are and can't wait to meet you. Mommy and Daddy love you.

Love Mommy

37 Weeks

Dear Cadence,

Well today marks 3 weeks until your due date, however Mommy thinks you will come sooner. I can't believe that the due date is so soon! It seems like the pregnancy was going by so slow and now it's just flying by. Mommy and Daddy are so excited to meet you!

Yesterday we went out to the farm and fixed things with Herman and Met... they are amazing people and we want them to be in your life! Mommy and Daddy have always considered them family and are so happy that things are better now! While we were at the farm, Mommy fed the horses and played with the dog. I can't wait to take you there... it's so much fun!

This morning Mommy made Daddy breakfast in bed. He had pancakes, apple and bananas... with a yogurt/whipping cream topping. It was so good! But now he has gone back to sleep... I think he was a little bit tired and plus he has to work at 1:30pm today. As for Mommy... I have some house work to do and then relax on the couch maybe. I'm super tired today too, but Diesel decided he wanted to get up at 7:30am! And now he's sleeping at my feet... little brat!

I hope you come out and join us in the outside world soon. We love you so much Cadence!

Love Mommy

36 weeks 7 Days - A little about the past

Dear Cadence,

Well Mommy just wanted to tell you a little bit about the past and the trials and heart ache that Mommy and Daddy have gone through and why we are so lucky and blessed to be having you.

In the beginning of 2007 Mommy and Daddy found out we were expecting our first baby and we were so excited. We told everyone! First we went to Gramma McCrea's house and told her and she was so happy! Then we went to Grampa Vigh's house, we bought him a Grandpa burger from A&W, once he realized what this burger meant... he was so excited! It was one of the happiest days of our lives.

The pregnancy was going great... Mommy was feeling good and then one day I started to have a little bit of bleeding. Mommy called Gramma to come and pick me up from work and we called the doctor. We were told to go home and lay on the couch, that it probably wasn't anything and Mommy just needed to rest. But later on that night it happened again and in my heart I knew something was wrong. So Mommy and Daddy went to the hospital, where they did an ultrasound and some blood work. It seemed to take forever for the doctor to come into the room and tell us the results. But then came the worst news of our lives... the baby had died! Mommy, Daddy and Gramma sat in the hospital room crying! All I could think was WHY US? What had we done to deserve this? It was one of the worst days of my life!

The doctor gave us some time to take it all in and then discussed what we were to do from there. He said we could wait a month and see if Mommy's body would expel the baby on it's own or I could come in the next day and have a DNC. Mommy choose to come in the next day and have the surgery. So we went home to try and rest before having to come back the next morning.

The next few months were so hard for everyone! Every time I saw a pregnant woman I couldn't help but be jealous and angry! All I wanted was to be pregnant! But I guess everything happens for a reason and this horrible thing that had happened to us, only brought Daddy and I closer together. Daddy was amazing through it all... always there for me no matter what. I couldn't have made it through without him.

So a year or so went by and Mommy and Daddy decided to move to Alberta... just for a change. About 3 months after we moved to Alberta we found out we were pregnant again, we were so happy! But this time Mommy was really scared, what if the same thing happened again? How would we deal with it?

We decided to wait to tell people, just in case. And then one day the worst happened again. Mommy started to bleed! We went to the doctor and they again did some tests and told us that we had lost this baby too. I couldn't believe it! Why us? That's all I could think WHY US? What horrible thing had we done to deserve this? But i really couldn't think of anything! So Mommy and Daddy went home and we cried! Mommy snuggled with Cuda for days it seemed. This time it seemed different though... of course I was sad, very sad... but I think I had some what prepared myself for the worst, just in case. It was still a horrible day and I wondered if we would ever be able to have a baby.

Then came August 8th 2008, the day we found out we were pregnant with you. I just knew I was pregnant... so we went to the store and bought a test. As soon as we got home, Mommy quickly ran downstairs and took it. I sat and waited for it to be ready... when I looked at that test and saw 2 little pink lines I was so happy! I ran upstairs and told Daddy! We were both so happy, Mommy cried and Daddy hugged me... it was such an amazing moment!

But then came the fear... would this pregnancy be viable? Would we loose another baby? I tried so hard not to think about the worst, but it was very hard! We decided that just in case we would wait until we got to 3 months pregnant and then we would tell people. Those first 3 months were so scary! But we got through them and we told our family! It was such a happy time! This time it was really happening... we were going to have a baby! A baby that we had wanted for so long!

So at 20 weeks we had an ultrasound and found out we were having a little girl... Mommy and Daddy were so happy! On the way home we called everyone and told them and we couldn't stop looking at the ultrasound picture... you just had the cutest little nose! I knew from that moment that you would be Daddy's little girl and I couldn't be happier!

Now we are just a couple weeks away from your due date, and although there have been trails and complications throughout this pregnancy... you have stuck with us and for that we are truly blessed! Mommy and Daddy can't wait until the day we get to meet you, you are already so loved. As I sit here and feel you move around, I just can't help but cry and think how lucky we are to have you in our lives... we are so blessed to have you Cadence and can't wait to meet you.

Love Mommy

36 Weeks 6 Days - Baby Shower

Dear Cadence,

Today we had your baby shower in Alberta and it was a lot of fun. Jasmin, Juanita, Becky, Dawn, Lexus and Shelbie came. You got so many new clothes... Daddy couldn't believe how full your closet was. And you also got some toys, bath stuff, a travel play mat and a travel booster seat. Mommy can't wait for you to be here so we can try on all the new clothes. Dawn and Lexus gave us some clothes that no linger fit Lexus... 3 big bags of them :) and in those bags were these 4 little summer dresses, they are the cutest dresses Mommy has ever seen! And I was thinking last night, if the weather doesn't get warm enough for you to wear them out and about before you grow out of them, then you better believe I will turn the heat up in the house and you will wear them at home! :) They are just so cute!

Jasmin had planned to play some games, but since a few people had to leave early, Jasmin, Becky Juanita and I just hung out and talked. Oh and of course we ate a lot of food. It was a lot of fun and very nice to have a bunch of girls over. Oh and I almost forgot... Mommy bought your first bag of diapers and box of wipes last night, it was very exciting! The diapers are so very small! :)

So before the baby shower started yesterday afternoon... Mommy started to loose her mucus plug. It's pretty gross! However this could mean that you are getting ready to come out, at least I sure hope that's what it means. So in saying that, know that we are ready for you, anytime you would like to enter this world and join our family (you are already a part of it... but I mean when you want to join us in the outside world)! We can't wait to meet you! We both love you so much Cadence and are so excited to meet you.

Love Mommy

36 Weeks 5 Days

Dear Cadence,

Today Mommy and Daddy went and picked up your crib and we set it up in your room. It is very cute... nice and white. I can't wait until your here and we can put you in it :) However we still do have to buy a crib mattress because it didn't come with one.

Well your room is almost done... all we need now is a white dresser and either a white shelf or maybe a change table. If we don't find a change table, then we will just put a change pad on top of the dresser... that should be just fine.

Your baby shower is tomorrow (of course the Alberta one) and Mommy is so excited! I can't wait to see everyone and just have a girls afternoon. It should be really fun. But because of this shower tomorrow Mommy got up this morning and cleaned the bathrooms and finished all the laundry, well there is still one more load to fold. Then tomorrow Jasmin is coming over in the morning to decorate and Mommy will finish cleaning. But for now it's bed time.... Mommy is very tired and Daddy has to get up at 5am to go to work. Mommy and Daddy love you so much Cadence.

Love Mommy

36 Weeks 4 Days

Dear Cadence,

Well last night Mommy started to have some contractions... I am thinking that they were just braxton hicks, since they didn't get too bad. But they have continued happening today. I called the health link and the nurse said to time them and if they get to 5-10 minutes apart then I should go in. So far they are just here and there... about an hour apart or so. Therefore Mommy plans to have a bath and then try to get some rest. However I do hope that labor starts soon, Mommy and Daddy can't wait to meet you.

So for now I will go and relax in a nice warm bath and if the contractions get closer together or more painful, then I will call Daddy to come home from work and take me to the hospital. My bags are packed and the house is clean... Mommy is ready when you are :) I love you Cadence and hope we get to meet you soon.

Love Mommy

36 Weeks 3 Days

Dear Cadence,

Today Daddy put your car seat in the car... it was so hard! I was starting to think that you have to be a rocket scientist to get the stupid thing in... but Daddy figured it out! It's in there so good, you won't be going any where! Good job Daddy :)

We also went to the doctor today. Your heart rate was great and you were moving around like crazy. Mommy's cervix is 3/4 of the way stretched out... but then it still has to dilate. Dr.Hulyk doesn't think you will come next week, but he said he has been wrong before. We are all hoping that you will stay in at least until he is back from his holiday... he's just gone for a week. But if you do decide that next week is a good time, then we will be happy to meet you and Dr. Macintire will deliver you.

The poor puppy just got attacked by the dumb cat! I'm really thinking that we are going to have to get rid of her... as much as we love her, she's a little unpredictable! She attacked me about 6 months ago and the last thing we need is her to attack you once your here. I think she needs to be in a home with out kids and other pets. I guess Mommy and Daddy will have to talk about it. I would be sad to see her go...

Mommy bought all the stuff I need to put in my hospital bag today and I am going to finish packing it. It's good to be prepared just in case you decide to come at any moment. I can't wait to hold you in my arms little girl! I love you so much and I haven't even met you yet :)

Love Mommy

36 Weeks 2 Days

Dear Cadence,

Today Mommy and Daddy bought your car seat and a rocking chair for your room. The car seat is really nice and it will be good until your like 5 years old or something... when it will turn into a booster seat of course. And the rocking chair is white with brown cushions, it's super cute. On Friday we are going to pick up your crib... it's white as well. I can't wait to get all your stuff in your room.

Daddy is at work and Mommy has been cleaning the house like crazy and doing laundry. I feel like I need to have everything ready, just in case you come early. And since I was busy cleaning, I decided to order pizza and Caesar salad for dinner... it was so yummy!

Well the next load of laundry is just about done, Mommy better go and fold it. I love you Cadence and feel free to come out anytime :) Mommy and Daddy can't wait to meet you.

Love Mommy

36 Weeks

Dear Cadence,

Well today marks 4 weeks until your due date and Mommy is so excited! Today is actually your original due date... so if the doctors are wrong then maybe you will come at any time. I am actually going to pack the bag for the hospital today, just in case you come early.

Tomorrow Mommy and Daddy are going to pick up a rocking chair we bought to go in your room and some other stuff. I am slowly making sure that everything in the house is clean and ready for you :) We have to get the bassinet piece for your play pen still... thankfully I found a place that we can buy it from for only $15, rather then buying a new bassinet or play pen.

Your first baby shower is on Saturday and Mommy is super excited about that! I can't wait to see all the cool stuff you will get. I love you Cadence... soon I will be able to hold you in my arms :)

Love Mommy

35 Weeks 7 Days

Dear Cadence,

Today Mommy and Daddy went to the photographer to have the baby belly pictures redone. I guess there was a problem with her camera and she had to buy a new one. Mommy can't wait to get the pictures back :)

It was so cold and snowy today... after pictures we just came home and relaxed! It's way too cold out right now to do anything.... poor dogs are probably so bored being stuck in the house. We tried to take them for a walk at 3 mile bend the other day, but it was so cold that we walked about 20 feet and turned around :)

Mommy's feet are sore and swollen, so I better get to bed. I love you Cadence and we can't wait to meet you.

Love Mommy

Ps. Daddy finally got to actually see you moving around in Mommy's belly today, he was so excited!

35 Weeks 6 Days

Dear Cadence,

Well today was a busy day around our house. Mommy and Daddy did a lot of cleaning! We cleaned the outside of the cupboards, washed floors, vacuumed, did laundry and got rid of a bunch of garbage we had taken out of the crawl space. It was a long and tiring day.... but it needed to be done!

After we were done cleaning, we looked outside and to our surprise it was a blizzard. All morning and afternoon it had been sunny and nice out and then at about 4:30pm the snow came. We got about 3 inches of snow! Let me tell you... Mommy cannot wait for Spring to be here. Tonight is actually day light savings... the clocks jump ahead one hour. So that means it will be light out earlier and later... Spring is on it's way :)

So all day I have been trying to get you to move for Daddy... so that he can actually see it from the outside of Mommy's belly, but you haven't been moving for him. So little girl, Daddy really wants to see you move... make sure your really active at bed time and then he will be able to see you :) I love you and Daddy loves you too!

Love Mommy

35 Weeks 5 Days

Dear Cadence,

It's a beautiful day out today... maybe Mommy and Daddy will be able to get out and enjoy the sun with the dogs this afternoon. Right now Diesel is snoring at my feet, under the computer desk and Cuda and Daddy are still in bed, lucky boys! As for Mommy, I'm just sitting here thinking about you and how I can't wait to meet you. I've been thinking that I might start to pack a few things in my hospital bag... just in case I was to go into labor, then we would be ready. Maybe I will do that today :)

Mommy needs to go grocery shopping so bad today... and as per Dr Hulyk, no salty foods. I'm going to check everything... the last thing I want is to end up in the hospital for the last 4 weeks of pregnancy, besides Mommy has dogs and cats to look after. So I'm sure it will be a long grocery trip and I'm not looking forward to eat, however I am looking forward to eatting the food when we get home :)

Oh I almost forgot.... we are going to buy some stuff for you today! For that shopping trip, Mommy is very excited!!! I guess I should go and get ready for the days adventures. I love you so much Cadence...

Love Mommy

35 Weeks 4 Days

Dear Cadence,

Today Mommy and Daddy had a doctors appointment. Your heart rate was at 148 and you are measuring 36+ weeks. Mommy is having some problems with retaining water, so Dr Hulyk said no more food with salt in it and I have to lay down with my feet up for a couple hours everyday. We have another appointment next Wednesday and they set us up for an ultrasound for April 1st... however I think you will be born before then.

Daddy is on his last afternoon shift for the week tonight and then he gets three days off, I'm so excited! We have to go and get the belly pictures redone on Sunday, the photographer had a problem with her camera and wants to take the pictures again. But other then that, I'm not sure what we will do... relax, go grocery shopping, and hopefully buy some stuff for your room.

Well it's almost 10pm and I am so tired! Mommy still needs to take the dogs out for a pee and get ready for bed. So goodnight my sweet little girl, Mommy and Daddy love you.

Love Mommy

35 Weeks 3 Days

Dear Cadence,

It is a beautiful day today... nice and sunny! Mommy and Daddy did some cleaning under the deck this morning and then cleaned the rest of the house. But now Daddy has gone to work... I really don't like these afternoon shifts.

This morning while I was waiting for Daddy and Cuda to get out of bed, I just sat on the couch and watched you move around like crazy! It's like your trying to push your way out of my belly button or something... it was pretty neat. I can see you drag your feet across my belly and then you'll do a big wiggle and my entire belly will shake from side to side. I almost went and woke Daddy up so he could see, but I figured I should let him sleep. And when Daddy left for work just a little while ago, he said goodbye to you like he always does... and the second he walked out the door you started moving around like crazy again. I think you must have been trying to say bye to Daddy :) you are going to have him wrapped around your little finger, I can see it already!

Now I think I will go put my swollen feet up for a little while and then maybe have a nice relaxing bath :) If there wasen't so much snow outside then I would take the dogs for a walk, but it's too dangerous for me to go by myself, just in case I was to fall. I love you Cadence and move lots for Mommy tonight, I love to feel you move around :)

Love Mommy

Ps. Could you feel Diesel licking my belly this morning? He was watching you move too and then decided he would give you a little kiss :)

35 Weeks 2 Days

Dear Cadence,

Today Mommy and Daddy went for an information session at the hospital... and I think we learned a lot. It seems so much more real now and I can't wait for the day that we go into the hospital and come out with you.

Your first baby shower is coming up on March 14th and I'm so excited. I hope everyone comes... it will be nice to see all the people from work that I haven't seen for months and months. And so far there are a lot of people coming to your baby shower in BC.... everyone cannot wait to meet you at that one. I think we are going to have to rent a Uhaul for on the way home... we are going to end up with so much stuff, but I can't wait.

Mommy and Daddy are going to go out this weekend and buy your car seat and bassinet, just in case you were to come early, then at least we would have those few things. And now that I think of it, maybe we will buy some diapers and wipes, just in case. I can't wait to meet you Cadence... I love to feel you moving around in my belly... but I'm so excited to hold you and kiss you. I love you.

Love Mommy

*March 3/09-I just didn't get the chance to type it out last night :)

35 Weeks

Dear Cadence,

Well today marks 5 weeks until your due date... Mommy is getting nervous and very excited! Daddy and I have decided that this weekend coming up we better go out and buy your car seat and a bassinet, it would be horrible if you came early and we didn't have anything.

Daddy had to start afternoon shift today.... he just left for work and will be there until 1am, I'm feeling a little sad about it. Daddy and I always sit and watch tv at night after we have dinner and then go to bed... tonight seems like it will be a little bit lonely. Well at least Mommy has Cuda and Diesel to keep me company.... and of course I have you kicking and moving around :)

We finally wrote the birth plan last night... everything seems so real now! In just a few short weeks you will be here and our family will be complete, I can't wait for the day we get to meet you. Oh and Gramma Laura and Gramma Kelly are working on planning a baby shower for us... it will be in June and you will get to meet the rest of our family then, Mommy can't wait. We plan to have the shower on Mommy and Daddy's one year wedding anniversary... it will be a great day :)

Mommy is a little bit hungry, so I think I might go make a snack. I love you Cadence Mae and I can't wait to hold you in my arms :)

Love Mommy

Birth Plan

Well here is the birth plan....

-During labor I would like friends and family to be in the room with James and I

-I would like to walk around as much as possible during labor and spend time in the bath tub

-Once it is time to start pushing, James will be the only one in the room. Everyone else can wait outside

-I plan to drink lots of water and juice during labor and would like to avoid getting an IV unless needed

-My goal is to avoid getting an epideral, but will be willing to try other forms of pain relief if I feel I need it

-I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless needed

-I would like Cadence to be placed on my chest as soon as she is born

-James would like to cut the umbilical cord

-I would like to breastfeed Cadence as soon as possible after she is born


*If we need a C-Section:

-I would like to be awake during the birth

-I would like James to be in the room with me

-All other plans for the labor would stay the same

34 Weeks 7 Days

Dear Cadence,

Well today Daddy and I had a very lazy day. I made eggs and toast for breakfast, but since then have done nothing. We watched tv for a while and I watched Daddy play video games (which he is still doing)! No house work has been done.... but it's so nice to have a lazy day once in a while :)

However these dogs have decided they would be crazy today.... running around the house, barking and playing. Enough to make you crazy... that is if you aren't an animal lover. I thought for a second Diesel might be calming down and be ready for a nap... but instead he has decided to bit my feet with his Purana sharp teeth.... he's lucky he's cute!

Mommy has procrastinated for so long about writing the birth plan.... but today is the day! We only have 5 weeks until your due date and I need to get the damn thing done :) So now I will move onto that... wish me luck :) I love you baby girl!

Love Mommy

Ps. the dog nap lasted about 30 seconds... they are back at it again and fighting over a toy! Crazy boys :)

34 Weeks 6 Days- Picture Day :)

Dear Cadence,

Well today we went to a photographer and had some pictures of Mommy's belly taken. We also had pictures of Mommy and Daddy, and then some with Cuda and Diesel, I can't wait to see how they turned out. Cuda peed on the photographers back drop, which really surprised me... little brat. But other then the one accident, the dogs were great :) And when you are about 5-7 days old, we will all go back and get more pictures taken, I can't wait for that!

I forgot to tell you yesterday, that it was Diesel's birthday... he is 3 months old now and getting very big. I'm sure he probably weighs close to 40 lbs now and growing everyday. By the time you are born he will be like 60lbs and a big snuggler.

Mommy is making some chicken and perogies for dinner right now.... well the chicken is cooking. So maybe I should go check on it. I love you Cadence and Daddy loves you too.

Love Mommy

34 Weeks 5 Days- Happy Birthday Diesel

Dear Cadence,

Today Mommy made some cupcakes, however I ate half of them before Daddy got home and most of the icing. Oh well... I'm sure you enjoyed it just as much as I did :) I can't wait to bake cupcakes and other good stuff with you... I hope you like baking with Mommy.

Tomorrow Mommy, Daddy, Cuda, and Diesel are going to get some pictures taken. We are having a photographer take pictures of Mommy's belly... I'm so excited. These will be more pictures that I can put in your baby book. And then when your about a week old we will go back and get some family pictures done, and of course the dogs will be in those ones too :)

Mommy and Daddy are going to go out and brave the cold right now... these poor puppies need a walk, I think they are going crazy being stuck in the house all day long. So that's it for now, I love you and can't wait to meet you :)

Love Mommy