Thankful... 2009

About two weeks ago, I finally had surgery on my veins. The damage from three pregnancies had really taken a toll, and the doctors told me it wasn't getting any better with age. It wasn't anything like I thought it would be. Chris was with me the whole time which was a comfort. The doctor basically hooked my leg up to an ultrasound machine so he could see the inside of my leg. He inserted a very thin tube in the vein and lasered part of it. The other part that wouldn't cooperate he inserted a foam like substance. In essence he put the vein out of order so that the reflux I had been experiencing would stop. Other veins would take over and hopefully the clotting and pain would stop. I'm still bruised and sore, but I'm healing.

Here's a picture the day after surgery.

Several days later after the bandages had come off.

Here's Cara in one of her many Christmas dresses. I was so excited to find this one on sale last year at Pottery Barn Kids. It was so big on her the first time I tried it on. She seems to have grown into it nicely.

Cara 42 Weeks

Cheesing before school one morning. I think she's really laughing because she spit drink all over her shirt right before this picture was taken.

Cara 43 Weeks

Our friends Julie and JB came over a few weekends ago and brought their kids Cooper and Maddie. Cara couldn't quite figure out why Cooper was in her Bumbo.

Nick LOVES dressing up like a cowboy. This fascination has continued growing since Big Dan bought him his first cap gun this summer. For Halloween, Big Mama gave him MY old cowboy outfit. He looks good in it.

The "twins" Lauren and Harris having some yogurt. Harris is of course in his shades.

Hey Mom!

The littlest Cadwallader turkey celebrating her first Thanksgiving. I think she knows that there will be lots of food.

We went to Chris's parents for our annual Thanksgiving celebration. Cara enjoyed walking around with anyone who would hold her hands.

She also enjoyed swinging with Mommy.

All our cousins...
Nick, Hannah, Lindsay (holding Cara), Mia, Harris, Meredith, & Bodie

Chris and I can't believe that this was our 6th Thanksgiving together. Our first year in 2003 when we were still engaged, we flew to NYC for a long weekend to watch the Macy's Day parade. The next year, we celebrated our year as newlyweds. Little did we know that our lives were never going to be the same.

Thanksgiving 2005 - Nick 3 months old

Thanksgiving 2006 - Nick 15 months old

Thanksgiving 2007 - Nick 2 years & Harris 2 months

Thanksgiving 2008 - Nick 3 years & Harris 1 year (I'm 7 months pregnant with Cara)

Thanksgiving 2009 - Nick 4 years, Harris 2 years, & Cara 9 1/2 months

Chris and I have so many blessings. We are thankful for amazing friends and family in our lives!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Celebrations!

The past week was full of celebrations! Celebration #1 was that Cara turned nine months old. It's hard to believe she's been in the world as long as she was in my tummy. She's definitely more fun now.

Here she is under the couch at Big Dan and Big Mama's house.

Nine months old.

At her 9 month check up she weighed 18 lbs and 4 oz (50%) and was 28 1/2 inches long (75%).

At nine months old, Cara can:

• wave
• pull up and cruise
• let go and stand for a few seconds and try to take a step or two
• walk when I hold one hand
• climb stairs (yikes)
• crawl through things
• pitch tantrums when she doesn't get her way
• repeat sounds - up, uh oh, mama, dada, no
• bite (I'm her favorite chew toy. She bit me twice yesterday.)

• She was drinking exclusively out of a sippy cup, but she's back to a bottle a day because she's teething.
• Cara wears 9-18 month clothes and size 2 or 3 shoes.
• She has 4 teeth - two on top, two on bottom.
• Cara continues to grow so fast. She won't be a baby much longer.
  
  
  Celebration #2 - the 10th anniversary of my 25th birthday. My girlfriends at school took me out for a wonderful dinner at Olive Garden on my birthday, and we went out with some family and friends the next night.

Here we are at the Tap Room.

Paul made my delicious and beautiful cake.

Yum, yum.

Yes, I know I look redneck with the lighter, but there was no candle.

Big Mama, Harris & Big Dan.

Poor Nick fell asleep on my mom's lap during dinner.

Dan & Andrea

Little miss with her aunt.

My amazing husband (he was afraid I was going to lick his ear).

When we got home, Chris told Nick to go upstairs to bed. He made is as far as the dog blankets in the kitchen before he crashed. Poor baby.

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Celebration #3 - Bounce U in Greensboro for Darah's birthday. It was a room full of inflatables that the kids could climb up and slide down. All the Cadwalladers (including me & Toph) had a great time.

Celebration #4 - Foothills for Alyssa's birthday.

Hey guess what, my big sis from college Shana made the blog this week. Woo Hoo! Now if she would just join Facebook...

Leah (expecting a little girl Mackensie in January - or sooner!) Shana & Me

After being trapped in the car all day, Cara was ready to go. She crawled ALL OVER Foothills Gymnastics.

Harris jumped in the foam pit.

Toph & Shana

"Ooh, Mommy, what's this? Can I eat it?"

My what big eyes you have!

My sweet baby boy.

Here are Shana and me jumping into the foam pit. Right after Shana jumps, look in the bottom right corner. You'll see Cara, yes my nine month old, crawling into the pit. She loved it and kept on doing it. Chris and I are going to be in BIG trouble with her in about 10 more years.

Look mom, here I am!

My handsome 4 year old before church on Sunday.

My handsome 2 year old before church on Sunday.

Carrington at 41 weeks old

Did I mention that Cara is a mess? Last night she decided to crawl through the chair.

"Um, Mommy, I think I might be stuck."

Naked baby

So this picture just makes me laugh. I told her to say cheese, and she gives me this huge toothy grin. Check out the super cute shirt I ordered for her. I love dressing her up - especially since she has a ponytail.

We have a really tame weekend coming up! Yea! I'll try to post a few pictures from my vein surgery in the next post.

Halloween Activities 2009

We all know about Harrison's obsession with my shoes. It was even more hilarious when he put on my boots with his footed pjs.

"These Boots are Made for Walkin'"

Not to be left out, Nick had to try on a pair too.

We don't have horses, but a gator will work. Ride um cowboys!

We went to SC last weekend to celebrate Cody's 3rd birthday. The kids had a great time.

I enjoyed seeing my old friend Holly.

Yea, Nick had a good time.

Mommy's littlest pumpkin.

Last Sunday, Harris and Lauren's preschool class went to Carrigan's Pumpkin Patch for a hayride and to pick pumpkins.

Lauren cheesing for the camera.

Checking out the animals at the petting zoo.

Harris looks so ghetto with his shirt that's 10 times too big.

Cara got a lift from her Daddy while Mommy took pictures.

Nick got to feed a cow.

Nick's found his pumpkin. Hey buddy, is it heavy?

Um, Chris, what big um pumpkins you have.

Nicholas made himself a pumpkin snowman. Sometimes this kid just amazes me.

Our little family

Nick enjoying the view.

Mommy and her Care Bear

The Wade's with two extra, Logan and Harris. Most people think Harris and Lauren are twins and belong to Lisa anyway since he doesn't look like Chris or me.

Goin' on a hayride...

This picture of Carrington is my absolute favorite. She look like an angel. Thanks Paul.

Big smiles

39 Weeks Old

Since I'll never have two girls, Lis and I have lots of fun dressing our daughters alike.

Cara's first ponytail

This picture was taken of the boys LAST Halloween 2008

And this Halloween 2009

Not a whole lot has changed.

Oh wait, there's an extra Cadwallader this year. Yea for Cara!

Lauren the Steelers cheerleader with Lis

Nick the Pirate, Cara the Ladybug, and Harris as Scooby!

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!

Asheboro Zoo with our Cousins

I know, I know it's been a week since our trip to Asheboro Zoo. We met my cousins Meredith, Chris, and Casidy last Saturday to see the animals. Here is a glimpse at our adventure.

The day started off as usual... Harris has sunglasses and his thumb.

Cara's looking cute as always, and Nick has his "that guy" pose going on.

Hey mom, are you done taking pictures. I want to see some animals.

Mommy & Harris

Meredith, Casidy, & Chris

Not sure which camera to look at.

Thanks for the lift Dad.

Look, it's a monkey at the zoo. No, just my oldest child hanging upside down.

Casidy sharing her necklace with Cara.

Nick getting a better look at the animals.

Yes, he is laying sideways with his tongue out.

I think it's time to go home now.

We had an awesome day with our family at the zoo. Coming up in our next blog is our day with the Wade's at Carrigan Pumpkin Farm.

Outings / Harris is Growing Up

Since it's turned cold and we can't play outside, we've had to find some other things for the kids to do. Last weekend we took a trip to the science center. Cara at almost 36 weeks sported her cat Halloween shirt.

Harris wasn't too sure about the lizard.

Cara was very excited. Too excited in fact. I think we made the science lady nervous.

Mom and I went to Gaffney shopping last Sunday to get the kids some clothes. Right after Cara was born, I found the cutest houndstooth shoes on sale, but I had to wait for her to grow into them and then find the perfect outfit. I found the perfect outfit last weekend. How could you go wrong with a dog on your shirt and a pair of really cute shoes?

Times are a changing in our house. Harrison Cadwallader is growing up. For the past few weeks, Harris has been waking up really early and just starts screaming. I'm not sure if he's scared of the dark or if he just wants out of his bed. Thinking it was the latter, Chris turned his baby bed into a toddler bed this weekend.

BEFORE

Wow, Daddy, what are you doing?

Can I help?

AFTER

Okay, this looks comfy.

Just kidding. Now Harris refuses to sleep in his bed so he's been sleeping on the floor for the past few nights. At least he's not waking up screaming any more.

Who knew a kid could love Ramen Noodles so much?

Here's my girl at 37 weeks getting ready for church.

If you click on the picture to enlarge it, you can see her two bottom baby teeth.

We attended First United Methodist's fall festival tonight. It was really cold, so I bundled up the kids. Cara is smiling now, but she DID NOT like her hat.

Aunt Lisa got some snuggles while we waited on the hay ride.

Here we go!

The Wade's - Paul, Lisa, & Lauren

We met my cousins at the Asheboro Zoo on Saturday, but there are a lot of pictures. I'll post them later this week when I have more time.

Cara is 8 Months Old!!!

Guess who's eight months old? That's right, I am. Mommy's really tired from school today, so she's letting me type the blog this week. She dressed me up really cute for my 8th month picture before school. I didn't really want to cooperate though because there was something interesting looking on the floor, so I didn't look at the camera.

Mommy was super excited about this outfit since she bought it for $6.00 at the consignment shop in Hickory. She told me it was one of her new favorite places. I don't think she goes to get clothes though since we always leave with a bagful of bows for me.

Mommy's really impressed, and sad, that I've developed all these new skills lately. She tells me I'm growning up too fast for her. I started pulling up on everything last week. It is so much fun to see the world from a standing position that I'm using all sorts of things to get myself up. Over the weekend, Mommy went in my room to check that I was sleeping soundly. Boy did I surprise her! There I was standing up in my bed looking over the side. I think she panicked a bit because she started yelling for daddy and ran to get the camera. I overheard her tell Daddy the he needed to lower my bed immediately.

Yea baby, check me out. Mom told me this was a shit eating grin, and I looked way too much like my big brother Nick when I smiled like this. When she told my Big Mama what I'd done, Big Mama warned her that I might be a holy terror soon. Seriously, don't you think I'm too cute for that?

Of course Mom had to get a video of me pulling up.

And one of me playing around on the floor while Daddy adjusted my bed. Geez, mom.

Um, Mom, can you stop with the pictures for a bit and come play with me?

At eight months I can:

• Crawl really fast on my knees.
• Pull up on everything.
• Cruise while holding on.
• Let go of one thing while standing to turn and hold on to another.
• Walk when Mom hold onto my hands.
• Feed myself all food with my hands.
• Bite Mommy (she doesn't seem to like that very much). Sorry, but I've already got TWO teeth already and more coming in.
• Drink well out of a sippy and hold my own bottle. I'm really ready to give up my bottle, but Mommy's holding on a little longer. I think she's afraid once I give that up I'm going to leap into being a toddler.
• Recognize Mommy, Daddy, and my brothers.
• Say Mama and Dada (but I can't distinguish between the two of them).
• Give kisses (Mommy says this is her favorite).

So Mom, I understand you have an obsession with bows, but can't you at least put it on my head instead on my ear?

Hey, mom, did you notice my right eye looks a little puffy. Just wait till you pick me up from daycare, it's going to look even worse. Guess that means you'll be adding another payment to the wing at the doctor's office since we visit there so often.

Hope you all enjoyed reading about my tales as an eight month old. I can't wait to share what I can do when I'm nine month old!

Ft. Fisher Aquarium 9-19-09

For Harris's birthday, we went to Ft. Fisher Aquarium in Wilmington. To get there we rode the ferry across the ocean. I figured it was just one of those you take when sight seeing and didn't realize you DROVE YOUR CAR on it.

I was a little freaked out by the whole thing.

Chris and the boys loved it.

Cara too.

Here we are at the aquarium.

We met the Linton's there so Harris and Annie could celebrate their 2nd birthdays together.

Annie and her mommy, Jayme.

Touching lily pads

Checking out the gators

Nick was fascinated by the giant alligators

Nick and Annie had a great time crawling in the crab tunnel.

It is possible to get a 4 year old and 2 two year olds to sit still for a picture.

Los with the birthday buddies.

Harris was having a rough time, so sweet Annie shared her toy.

Ribbit, ribbit.

We had a wonderful time at the aquarium

I just thought this was funny. After four nights sharing a bed, here's how the boys ended up on the last morning.

Oak Island, NC part 2 & Harris's 2nd b-day Sept. 18-19, 2009

Cara started feeling bad on Wednesday night after we arrived on Oak Island. We just figured it was from the stomach flu which she had over the weekend. Nope. By Friday morning, she sounded really bad so Chris and I had to find a doctor to see her. She was diagnosed with Bronchitis and given an antibiotic.

Here she is playing with the chair as we were waiting.

All smiles now.

Cara and Harris preferred it in here because no sand would touch them.

Nick ready to go boogie boarding.

Sorry for the shabby video. I kept waiting and waiting for him to catch a wave and almost missed it.

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday sweet Harrison, happy birthday - YOU'RE TWO!!!

"It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to."

Cara's got Sophie the Giraffe, so she's good to go.

Progress! By the last day, Harris would go in the ocean. He didn't love it, but the screaming finally stopped.

My little princess looking like a grown up at 33 weeks old.

To celebrate Harris's birthday, we went putt putting. I don't recommend taking two children who have no concept of rules putt putting. We survived though.

Cara got a turn too.

I love this picture of father and son.

Giddup Zebra!

I'm a slack mom for not getting him a real cake, but he did have one a few weeks ago at his party.

Mom, it isn't going out.

Cara decided to eat her sleeve while waiting for a cupcake.

Mmmmm.

So the is the last smiling picture of our boys. Nick got a wicked case of the stomach flu a few hours later and slept the rest of the time.

Oak Island, NC part 1 - Sept. 16-17, 2009

Beach Time!!!

The first day, we crammed the car full and headed down with a completely uneventful ride. After we'd unpacked, we headed to the ocean. As soon as Harris's feet touched sand, he completely freaked out. He refused to put his feet on the sand. That should make for an interesting time. So he screamed bloody murder the entire time we were there the first day. Oh, and did I mention that Cara started running a fever and isn't her fun loving self. She isn't loving the beach either. I feel so bad for her. The good news is that Nick is having a BLAST. He loves the sand, ocean, shells, and all of it. That's awesome for us. At least one of our kids is having fun.

DAY 1

If you look carefully, you'll notice Harris pulling on Chris trying to keep him from going anywhere.

My Cara, not screaming yet.

She really wasn't too sure about the sand.

"I. Don't. Like. The. Sand!"

I wish we were closer to the beach. Nick just ran and ran.

DAY 2

Nick got to go out on his Spider Man boogie board today. He really thought he was going to be able to surf. Not so much. But he did catch some waves.

I stayed back on a towel with Harris and Cara so that the sand wouldn't touch them. Notice the terrified expression on Harrison's face.

Okay, here I go.

Chris helping him get ready.

I love the look of Nick's absolute joy.

No, you're eyes aren't deceiving you. That is Harris standing on sand without screaming. He finally warmed up and enjoyed himself. Friday, we're going to see if he'll venture out into the ocean.

Mmm, Cara, how does that sandy shovel taste?

Nick getting buried.

She finally just gave up.

Did I mention that the boys are sharing a room and a bed? It's Harris's first time sleeping in a big boy bed. Notice Nick isn't wearing pajamas.

Our condo is really close to the city park, so we decided to take the kids before dinner. Incidently, it's also right across from the police station. I laughed when Nick told Harris that he better behave himself because the po po would come and arrest him. Yea, Nick - Harris is the one who should behave.

Our princess watching her subjects on the swings.

Cara decided she wanted to try too.

One of the first real smiles we've had since we've been down here.

Nick helping Harris so he wouldn't be scared.

Mommy had a turn on the slide too.

Even Daddy took a turn.

We really are having a good time. Our goal for the rest of the vacation is for Harris to get in the ocean and for Cara to start feeling better. We're spending the entire day at the beach on Friday and meeting Harris's b-day buddy Annie at Fisher Aquarium on Saturday to celebrate the kids' 2nd birthdays. Fun times are still ahead!

Funny Things My Kids Do

I'm a little late posting these pictures.

Here's Miss Cara wearing her "Daddy's Little Princess" shirt. Isn't that the truth! This little one runs our house.

31 weeks old

32 weeks old

At 7 months old, Cara can:

• Feed herself
• Get puffs out of the container
• Crawl - still working on getting her knees under her
• Move herself from her bum to her knees
• Move from her knees or stomach back to her bum
• Cry when she doesn't get what she wants
• Hold her arms up for someone to pick her up
• Drink independently out of a sippy cup
• Pull herself to a standing position when she holds onto my hands

Speaking of puffs, Harris was afraid Cara wouldn't be able to get any out, so he gave her some help.

Nick has decided he doesn't like clothes. He won't wear pajamas to bed anymore, and half the time, he won't wear clothes at home either. About 2 weeks ago, Big Dan bought him his first cap gun. Check out my little cowboys. I'm not sure real cowboys rode around in their undies though. I bet they got an awful chaffing.

Also a classic - Nick and the sucker Big Dan bought him. Again, he's in his undies.

Last year, some of the girls I teach with started a tradition to get together on the 12th of every month. It continued this year starting with my house. Here are the birthday buddies - TURNING 2 on September 19th - Annie & Harris giving her a push.

Annie & Harris seesawing

Annie, Ivy, Nick & Harris

Cara's Firsts

We've had a lot of "firsts" these past few weeks with Cara. About two weeks ago, she first started crawling. Last week, she first put her knees under her to rock and crawl. Now, she's decided to give up baby food and wants my food. On Saturday night, she got her first tooth. Our baby is just growing up too fast for us. It's very bittersweet. On one hand I can't wait to watch her reach her next milestone, but on the other hand, it's my last child to reach that milestone. With that being said, it has been a lot easier and fun now that she's getting to be a big girl. Cara took her first trip to Tweetsie on Saturday with her Big Dan and Big Mama. She, and the boys, had a blast!

Bow on, check. Pink Chucks on, check.

Okay, I'm cute and ready to go.

Of course Nick had to ride the horse as soon as we got there.

And Harris too.

Even Big Mama took a ride.

Cara on her first, fake horse. (Check out my dad in the background trying to climb on.)

Once Big Dan got on, he wanted his little princess with him.

A bunch of jail birds

Cara's first, and hopefully last, time in jail. She really enjoyed the bars of the jail. She could hold on and stand by herself. I had to pry her off.

First time on a train. Choo, choo. She wasn't even scared.

Big Mama & Harris

Nick watching the cowboys and Indians. Big Dan even bought him his first cap gun so he and Harris could play at home. YIKES!

First time on a motorized car.

Second time on a carousel. She rode the one at the mall last month.

Oh no, Harris is driving.

Big Dan really impressed us with his adventurer skills that day. He was the one to volunteer to take Nick on the rides.

Ferris Wheel time! Cara rode with me for her first time, but I had the camera, so no pictures.

I love this one. Chris and Harris are pointing at me.

Big Mama & Cara - Mom told me she never thought she'd have a granddaughter. Aren't you glad you were wrong!

Harrison, what are you doing?

All these firsts wore out Miss Cara.

That's okay, because Nick was still ready to ride.

She's awake.

Ding, ding.

Cara was NOT happy about having to get back in her stroller.

Big Dan and Harris on the chair lift. Cara rode the chair lift for the first time too, but again, I was the one with the camera.

What an awesome trip the kids had with their grandparents! We're heading to the BEACH in 9 days for Cara's first vacation. Can't wait!