Fredericks Family

Addison is eating new things/Update!

2011-06-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

So this seems like a silly post, but our little Addison decided to be somewhat of a picky eater around 18 months old. She ate just about anything when she was first trying foods, but then the Ms. Independent personality trait kicked in and she would have nothing to do with some very basic foods. So within the past 2 days, she has tried and LOVED: grapes, strawberries, bananas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, quinoa and apples! She is fully potty trained, even at night, and has been sleeping in a big girl bed for 2 weeks now. She is totally cruising on the Skuut bike, she is SO fast and can coast with no feet all the way down the street. She has amazing balance. She is growing up so fast. There are times when I can't wait for her to get older to go shopping, get pedicures and girly stuff like that! But then I try to take this all in and savor every day because before we know it, she'll be 18 and be outta here:) I love this little girl to pieces. I love her spicy personality, her determination and spunk!

Boundary Bay!

2010-01-27T11:18:00.000-08:00

Caden's very 1st smores!

Rub a dub dub three boys in the tub!

The men out by the fire.. (it was raining)

Baby Addison

Caden LOVED the beach and looking for shells and jellyfish!

We got to head up to Canada for Labor Day weekend (and then back down because it's technically in Washington!) to Boundary Bay with our good friends the Eyfords and the Jacobs. We had such a great time just hanging out, eating (maybe having some wine), and playing with the kids. We had such a good time on the beach, going for walks, looking for washed up treasures and just spending some quality time with our friends! Here are a few highlights..

Oh how I love this little girl!

2009-10-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Addison (10 months)

Our happy girl after her bath (which she loves!)

I had to throw this one in there, this is how I found her ASLEEP in her crib! I hate that she loves her crib:( She won't sleep with us, she wants her own space. So weird since Caden was the opposite!

Digging in the shoe bin!

Addison is now almost 10 months old and is so much fun! She is such a happy baby.. She finally has 2 bottom teeth and the top 2 are working their way through. She LOVES shoes.. She is so happy, loving and so easy. Hard to imagine loving something as much as we love our kids. She loves her daddy to pieces, and already she has him wrapped around her finger. She is very independent and likes to do things on her own. Here are some pics of our happy girl:)

We love where we live!

2009-09-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned how much we love our neighborhood? It's the best. It's called Queen Anne Hill and it's right downtown Seattle. Such a great community! There is a great 3 mile loop that we run. Caden can now (at 4 years old) ride the whole thing. This picture is from Kerry Park. SO BEAUTIFUL!! Sadly we will only be up here through Dec 2010 then it's back down to Bonney Lake we go:(

First Day of Preschool! (year #2)

2009-09-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

Proud little guy outside his preschool on the 1st day.

Caden 3 1/2, Addison 9 months

Since we moved back to Queen Anne, we had to find Caden a new school. Little Friends is a great preschool within walking distance. We weren't sure how the afternoon program would work out (he goes M thru TH from 1:30-4) since he was still napping when the school year began, but he adjusted wonderfully and loves his new school! I miss him like crazy when he is gone. He is such my little buddy.. Seriously, how cute is he!! Wow, I love this kid.

SunRiver!

2009-09-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

Caden enjoying some relaxing time in the pool!

Fun times with Nana and Papa

My little water baby!

He loved painting the leaves

Papa Great and Addison

What a special trip to Sun River... We had a great time enjoying the outdoors, playing cards, making yummy food and just relaxing! The kids did so good for the 8 hour drive. We almost ran out of gas in the middle of the night, no cell phone service, not a soul in site. It FREAKED me out! But thankfully we made it to a gas station on fumes. Adam said he wasn't worried, but I beg to differ! Fun memories made on this great trip!

2009-09-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

The boys in the tub

The men by the fire (in the rain!)

Shannon and the kids- Caden's first smores!

Baby Addison

Caden loved looking for jellyfish, sea shells and other treasures:)

We had such a fun trip up to Boundary Bay for Labor Day weekend with our wonderful friends the Eyfords and the Jacobs! You go up to Canada, then back down to Washington. The Eyfords have a wonderful beach cabin and we had a great weekend just being with friends! The kids played, we ate great food (and maybe some wine), searched for treasure on the beach. Such a fun weekend with memories made and lots of laughs! Thanks friends!!

I am so thankful..

2009-09-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

For my amazing husband and the two greatest kids a mom can ask for. I am thankful everyday for the love they give me and I thank god for entrusting me with two of his children. I am so blessed. I love this picture, the second Daddy gets home these 2 little monkeys are all over him! They sure do love their Daddy:)

Aunt Dot meets Addison! Sept 2009

2009-09-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

Man I love this kid

Caden getting a squeeze from Aunt Dot

Harland & Roberta

Have I mentioned Caden's obsession with cats?!

Roberta, my momma and Aunt Dot

Aunt Dot and I

Aunt Dot meets Addison!

Aunt Dot was visiting so we went to Harland and Roberta's house for a visit! Here are a few shots.. It's so great that she is able to come and visit a couple of times a year. Caden sure enjoys her!

BBQ with Friends in Sacramento! 8/2009

2009-08-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

Jordan and I- So lucky to have her and her beautiful family in my life! A true friend for life.

Eddie and Adam..

Grace and Addison

Caden and Lincoln

Caden putting the moves on Taylor:)

While we were down in Sacramento, we got to have a BBQ at the Garfield's and see our friends the Cota's as well! It was so fun to watch all of the kids (all 9 of them!) play and have a great time together!

Visiting Winters! Meeting Great Grandma Fredericks...August 2009

2009-08-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

The Fredericks Boys!

Uncle Bret meeting Addison:)

Great Grandma Fredericks!

In the Shark exhibit at Six Flags. It was nice and cool in there!

Caden and Grandpa riding Harold in Thomas Town! It was over 100 degrees...

We went to visit Grandma and Grandpa and introduce Addison to the family down in Winters. We had a wonderful trip and got to see Uncle Bret, Uncle Harry and Great Grandma Fredericks while we were there. We also took a trip to Six Flags Vallejo and got to see Thomas Town. We pet the dolphins, saw a tiger show and had a great day! Caden loves to visit the ranch. It means ATV rides with Grandpa, lots of lizard and walking stick catching, and just lots of fun being a country boy for the weekend! A successful trip!

We love our Uncle Zach and Auntie Lolo!

2009-08-26T22:27:00.000-07:00

Zach and Lolo! We are so happy they live close again:)

Sissy hanging at the park..

Why oh why is it impossible to get ONE good picture with me and my kids?!

Our little rock climber! They even had the cute little shoes in his size:)

Uncle Zach helping Caden climb!

This picture is just.. well, funny. I'll leave it at that. The funny part is that Lolo didn't even realize it until we were looking at these later!

So Uncle Zach and Auntie Lolo came up to hang for the day and we had such a fun day! You know those days that aren't planned that just turn out to be so much fun? First we headed to REI to climb the rock wall. I had never done it and it was SO MUCH fun!! Caden got suited up and actually did really well! Uncle Zach is a stud and made it to the top of not one, but 2 walls. I will admit I was a little freaked when I made it to the top and the guy told me to "let go". It's hard to put all of your trust in some guy that you don't even know that is holding on to you by a rope!

Anyhow, we then headed to our favorite park in Magnolia for some great views, football and play structure time! I feel so lucky to have such an amazing brother and sister in law. We love you guys!

Blessed with amazing friends!

2009-08-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

Jake, Jackson and Caden cracking eachother up on the plane!

The crew! There was NO way we would get all of them too look at the camera so this was the best we could do! Pearce, Jake, Jack, Jackson, Caden, Ellie, Reagan, Ava and Ian! And not pictured, Addison!

Ave and Caden. Seriously could they be any cuter?! Taking a spin on the Blue Angel!

We have such a special group of friends. I feel so lucky to have these amazing moms in my life. They give me advise, a listening ear, laughs and overall make me normal on days that I feel like I am stumbling as a mommy. Thanks girls for your support and friendship! Anyhow, here is one of our playdates at the Museum of Flight. Caden could spend hours here! We had a really fun morning with our friends!

Fun in August! Some random pictures:)

2009-08-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

Sweet baby girl! Sitting up all by herself, and so proud of it! She is such a happy baby and adores her big brother. She is 8 months old here! No teeth yet!

Caden got his haircut at a place in U Village. When it was done she asked if he wanted a mohawk and of course the answer was YES!! And then she asked what color?! Really? Does it need to be colored?! But he loved it...
We had a strange summer storm and it was pouring rain. Caden said he wanted to get out there in it and play with the umbrella. He loved to play in the rain! He loves to play outside and is such a sweet boy.
My little monkey at the Woodland Park Zoo. We went here lots this summer! He fell straight off the back right before this picture so he wasn't taking any chances and he was holding on with both hands!
Oh the SKUUT bike! One of the best purchases by far although the thing needs breaks! Caden is a maniac on this thing and has developed so much confidence and balance. People can't believe he is only 3 when they see him whizzing around Queen Anne on this!

Summertime fun!

2009-08-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

We spent the day at Nana and Papa's and had such a fun day! Caden got to pick a bunch of fruit and veggies from the garden. He can always make himself busy there:) It was so fun to see the end result and eat fruit and veggies that had been grown at their house! 100% organic of course!

Reaching high in the trees to pick golden plums!
Some were ripe, some not so ripe! But you were having a blast!

Addison had fun too just watching! She loves to be outside...

The harvest! Squash, cucumber, cilantro, raspberries, cherries and plums!
Uncle Zach and Auntie Lolo stopped by and I thought this was a cute pic:) Uncle Zach loves the kids and has so much fun with them. He can always make them smile.

Special times with your Papa.

2009-07-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

Floating the creek!

Hiking with Papa

Working in the yard!

Your very first hike, April 2009

Caden you LOVE to go to Nana and Papa's house and just be outside. You get to do all sorts of fun things with him and he simply adores you! You love trips in the boat on the creek, walking the little farm near by, and just helping with whatever he is doing! So here are a few special pics of you and your papa..

Just some fun Caden stuff!

2009-07-31T22:06:00.000-07:00

We went to story time at a local kids store and you got to have your face painted. Of course you got mommy's favorite thing.. a spider! You didnt want me to wash this off of your face at bath time..

You could push a truck around for HOURS at the park. Seriously, it's one of your favorite things to do! You are just over 3 in this picture.

This is your growl. You used to growl at people, anyone we would pass, and it was so embarrassing! Now you growl in the trees in the backyard and "whack" spiders while doing it!

My sweet boy helping me make your all time favorite snack.. banana bread!

First Bath and wow does she love water!

2009-07-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

So I am trying to pick up where I left off.. And I know I have been absent for a while. These first few months have been busy! But since this is going to be like my kids baby book, I gotta get with it. So here it goes.

Addison, we gave you your first bath and you LOVED it. You have proven to be quite the water baby so far! You love to kick around, don't mind water in your face and don't at ALL mind cold lake water on a hot day. You are proving again to be the easiest baby possible. We went to Palm Springs when you were 3 months old and loved relaxing in the floaty thing we brought for you. Sometimes I wonder if it's because you were born in the water? Anyhow it sure is fun!

This is you in the pool in Palm Desert at 3 months old. You LOVED floating around and almost fell asleep! You got lots of attention on that trip from your Nana, Papa, Uncle Zach and Auntie LoLo!

We had the hottest day ever recorded in Seattle.. I don't know the exact temp but it was over 100 on Wednesday, July 29, 2009. So we stuck you in the pool, in your exersaucer and you loved it!

She rolled.. oh, and loves her toes:)

2009-05-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Addison rolled over at around 4 months and found her toe at 5 months and boy must they be yummy!

Easter Sunday 2009

2009-04-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

It absolutely POURED rain on Easter this year! We went to church in the morning and then had a very fun indoor Easter Egg hunt at Nana and Papa's house!

Caden's First Bike!

2009-04-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

For your 3rd birthday we got you a new bike! So since that's a big first, I had to include it here. But honestly, you ended up not really caring all that much about it! We have since gotten you Skuut balance bike and you're a maniac on that thing. Here is you on your official "First Bike"..

Can't believe you are 3-

2009-04-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Caden we had your 3rd birthday party and I just can't believe you are 3. Where has my little boy gone? You are becoming such a bright, friendly and amazing young boy. I just adore you. You make me laugh every day. I feel so blessed that god chose me to be your mommy. I never knew I could love something so much. You love to play outside, look for worms and bugs, ride your ATV and your new bike, and love to be read to. You love your daddy with all of your heart and hearing your excited "Daddy!" when he walks in the door is pricless. I love that you love to hug and kiss me and you are so generous with your affection. You love to snuggle me and I cherish those times because I know some day you might not let me:) I am so proud of how well you have adjusted to being a big brother. You are so gentle and kind with your new sister. Thanks for being potty trained before you turned 3, you're a rock star:)
I love you more than words can say Caden and I am so proud of you!

Here are a few pictures from your birthday. We had it at your favorite jump place, "Jumpin' Jack and Jill". You couldn't decide if you wanted Thomas or Cars (Lightening McQueen) so we did both!

Such a sweet song!

2009-02-15T21:24:00.000-08:00

I heard a new song by Darius Rucker today called "It Won't Be Like This For Long" and was in tears driving home from the grocery store! It's so true, and it helps me to remember to stop sweating the small stuff. They are only little for such a short amount of time! Here are the lyrics, but listening to the song is SO much better:)

He didn't have to wake up
He'd been up all night
Lying there in bed and listening
To his newborn baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says,
"It's gonna be okay"

"It won't be like this for long
One day we'll look back laughing
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby, just hold on
It won't be like this for long"

Four years later, 'bout 4:30
She's crawling in their bed
And when he drops her off at pre-school
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says, "What can I do?"
She says, "Now, don't you worry
This'll only last a week or two"

"It won't be like this for long
One day soon you'll drop her off
And she won't even know you're gone
This phase is gonna fly by
If you can just hold on
It won't be like this for long"

Someday soon she'll be a teenager
And at times, he'll think she hates him
And he'll walk her down the aisle
And raise her veil,
But right now she's up and cryin'
And the truth is that he don't mind
As he kisses her goodnight
And she says her prayers

He lays down there beside her
Till her eyes are finally closed
And just watching her it breaks his heart
'Cause he already knows

It won't be like this for long
One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
And this phase is gonna fly by
So he's trying to hold on
It won't be like this for long
It won't be like this for long

Visit from Zach and Lauren!

2009-02-14T14:02:00.000-08:00

I had to throw these pictures on here because I love them... Caden LOVES his Uncle Ach and Auntie LoLo and he had a blast while they were here visiting. Uncle Ach (that's how Caden says Zach!) even got Caden to take a nap with him and it was so sweet!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

Best of Friends..

2009-02-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

Caden thought it was hilarious that Lucy chased him while he was on his ATV. He hid her frisbee under the seat so she couldn't get it! One of his favorite things to do is go to his Nanna and Papa's house and play outside and ride his ATV!! He also has a new found love of this swings, the higher the better! His laugh and smile are infectious. We are so thankful for him and the joy that he brings us!

First Smiles!

2009-02-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

Addison started smiling at us around 3 1/2 weeks but I couldn't get it on camera until now! She has the sweetest smile and is very generous with them:) She is such a happy baby! And I had to put the silly one in there, she is just showing us she is sassy already by sticking her tongue out!!

A day at the Zoo...

2009-02-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

We headed to the zoo on Jan 10th, the day we went into labor! We walked and walked, which obviously got things going! Caden had a blast, they have this bird exhibit where you can go and have birds come and eat from your hand, he thought that was the coolest thing ever. And I couldn't help but snap a picture of his... well.. crack. We were laughing so hard!

Welcoming our new baby girl!!

2009-01-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

Well Addison Kate Fredericks made her grand arrival on 1-11-09 at 9:29am. The whole labor start to finish was only 10 1/2 hours and we were able to have a waterbirth which was amazing. A special thanks to my momma and Shannon and most of all my hubby who helped make all of that possible. And to my dad who was on Caden duty! You guys are the best and I love you!

She was 8lb 10oz (just 7 oz shy of her big brother at birth!) and was 20.5 inches long. She has dark hair, just like Caden did and well... we think she is pretty cute! So without further delay... Meet Addison!

41 weeks and counting!

2009-01-10T20:23:00.000-08:00

Well, she has decided to stay put! She was due on 1-4-09 and we are still waiting. I guess she is following in her big brothers footsteps already (he was 12 days late). We are getting really anxious to meet her! This picture was taken last Sunday when I was 40 weeks.. We'll update the blog as soon as we can after she is born!

Snow, Snow and more Snow...

2009-01-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

Making a snow angel!

It sure is cold, but I think he is having fun!

I admit, I am not a fan of living in a place where it snows a lot. I don't mind once or twice a year, and I like it to be gone within a couple of days. But we have gotten a LOT of snow this year, and it all fell right around christmas and it was beautiful. Talk about putting you in the christmas spirit! Caden had a lot of fun playing in it, we built an enormous snowman at my parents house and had such a magical evening creating our masterpiece, and taking a long walk through the neighborhood throwing snowballs and just taking it all in. It sure was beautiful! I only managed to snap a few pics:(

Christmas Morning!!

2009-01-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

The aftermath.. I think he needs one more track!

In his new Christmas jammies! We always open a new pair on xmas eve:) These were a hit!

OK so this wasn't xmas morning, but I had to throw it in here! That's as close as he got to Santa again this year, he snagged the candy cane and ran!!

Caden was certainly excited for Christmas and we had so much fun. He sang Happy Birthday to Jesus all day long, it was so precious! He certainly got the hang of opening presents and quickly thought that all of them were for him. But all of the gifts were such a hit!

The best Christmas pagent ever!

2009-01-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

Making the grand entrance shaking the bell!

Ready for the big night! Daddy did his hair (they have the same amount!! :)

Caden had his very first christmas performance with his preschool and it was HILARIOUS! Turns out we have quite a performer on our hands who wasn't the least bit hesitant to stand in front of 150 people and sing Jingle Bells! He was such a ham, waving to everyone, hollering at me to clap after every song, and growling at the kid standing next to him! It was priceless and we are already looking forward to next year!

Finding the perfect tree!

2009-01-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

Nanna helping me write a letter to Santa...

With Nanna looking for a tree!

Found it! Now we get to cut it down!

Family picture:)

So I have been slacking so I have some catching up to do! We'll start with Christmas and the hunt for the perfect tree... Caden loved wandering through the tree farm, and he even got to write a letter to Santa. He had a blast helping Daddy cut it down and drag it to the road where the tractor was waiting... Here are a few pics!

He did it!

2008-11-16T14:37:00.000-08:00

Well with the new baby coming and all, we figured he had to learn to go to sleep on his own.. By himself, without us in the room, staying in his own bed. Up until now, we have been laying down with him (and I will admit 1/2 the time falling asleep with him!) until he was asleep, then we would sneak out. This sometimes took an hour. We figured it would be a huge battle as he is quite the cuddle bug. So today at naptime, I put him in bed, snuggled him all in and told him I would be back in a bit to check on him. He didn't get out of bed once! I heard him seeing his whole list of songs (Take me out to the ballgame, ABC's, Itsy Bitsy Spider were a few) and then it was quiet... Only 30 minutes and he was asleep! You may wonder why I am posting this... well, this is a big step for us! We are not "cry it out" people so I was worried that the transition would be a nightmare! Yes.. that's a binky in his mouth and that is our next step:)

Our little goof ball..

2008-11-16T14:25:00.001-08:00

He rarely sits still and smiles for the camera, so I had to seize the opportunity. Thought I would just post some regular ol' pics showing us what a happy boy he is and how much joy he brings us. Sometimes it's hard to imagine loving anything more than we love him. He can always put a smile on our face, even when he's about to make us insane:)

His first trip to the box office:)

2008-11-16T14:17:00.000-08:00

So as you can tell, this blog has become more of a babybook for Caden and a family photo album of our adventures.. I am NOT a scrapbooker.. It's just not my thing.I have tried several times and it's no use. I don't have a creative bone in my body! So, I plan to use this blog to prove that I did keep track of major events in our family without all of the gluing, cutting, and decorating!

Anyhow, we went to see Madagascar 2 and he did great! He did have to take one little walk round the place with Papa 1/2 way though, but other than that he sat and enjoyed himself! I can't believe how big he is getting... such a big boy:(

Fun in Maui!

2008-11-16T13:49:00.001-08:00

It is impossible for me to get a good picture with him! He's very...should we say busy??Being so good at dinner up in Kapalua! He became very fond of getting a "POG" to drink, such a treat! (papaya, orange juice and guava!)

Doing the slide all on his own! Yes, he looks like Casper with all of that sunscreen on his face! We were paranoid of him getting burned..
The first time tasting sand. He took a face plant...and like it! The very fun Pirate Ship pool! He was a little timid on the slides at first, but was going solo with in a couple of days!Daddy and Caden in the pool!

So this is what waves look like?

All set on the plane.. Snacks? Check. DVD player? Check. Blanket? Check!

Well we got to take a fabulous week long vacation to Maui 2 weeks ago.. What a great place to spend my 32nd birthday! Thanks to Adam's sister and brother in law (a HUGE THANK YOU!!), we stayed at the Westin and had an amazing time. Caden was SO busy going from the big pool, to the little pool, to the beach, to the pirate pool, chasing frogs, chasing birds..whew. It was a bit tiring but so worth it. I don't think Adam and I ever got to sit in the sun together! One of us was always on the move. We rode the Sugar Cane Train (didn't see sugar cane, they just tell you where it USED to be! Kinda funny..) and spend lots of time in the water. Here are some pics!

Sunday Football!

2008-10-20T22:04:00.001-07:00

I had to post these random pictures because they were just too cute. Here he is last Sunday before church. Thanks Grandma F for the darling sweater! And snuggling with his Papa after bath time.

First Preschool Field Trip!

2008-10-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

Caden is to the left, in the waaaay back, with a striped hat on, not looking at the camera! Oh well!

It's amazing the things they will do at preschool and not at home! Here he is sitting nicely eating a snack.
Only taking a picture with mom because he has to! It was FREEZING that morning!

So we decided that Caden might need an outlet once the baby comes in January. We had him in Little Gym and Gymboree last year but we knew that wouldn't be possible with a newborn. Those places are germ pools anyways and we don't want to bring that home with a new baby. We looked into some preschools and decided Montessori would be good. We found a great one close to home and he loves it! He even already has a favorite teacher, Miss Katie. He goes 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours. So sorry they are more pumpkin patch pics, but we had to put some in here since it's a pretty big "first"!!

Let's Go Fishing!

2008-10-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma Fredericks sent up a fishing pool and tackle box! Caden LOVES getting packages.. when the doorbell rings he always asks if it's the "UPS man? Present for me?" Clearly, he is spoiled! He has a blast opening his new toy, however Daddy thinks we need to wait a bit before opening it as it will become just another thing to hit Lucy with:) He does love to fill his tackle box with cars and trucks and haul it around!

28 Weeks!!

2008-10-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we are 28 weeks already! Only 12 more weeks (give or take a couple if she is as late as Caden was!) until we get to meet her. I tell you, the second pregnancy sure does go by faster than the first (thank goodness!) This little girl is quite a mover, she kicks me all night long and anytime I sit down:) I love that part about being pregnant though, it is truely such a miracle. I think Caden really gets the fact that he is going to have a sister. Most of his buddies have sisters so I think he expected one to come along sooner or later! Anyhow, here is a pic taken at 27 weeks...

More fun at the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

If there is dirt, he'll find it!
Can I get this one Daddy?
He liked pushing it rather than riding in it!
Gross, this feels weird.
His buddy who he calls "Jakey Boy" with their masterpieces!

Today we went to the pumpkin patch with Daddy and got to pick some pumpkins to carve tonight. We had a little pumpkin carving party with our friends Rebecca, Jake and Ava so we needed to get a few to cut into! Caden really only wanted tiny ones, but he did end up picking a slightly bigger one that resembled a butternut squash! We thought he would dig right in cleaning out the seeds but he didn't like that at ALL! It was hilarious. He shivered and practically gagged everytime he stuck his hand in the goop!! So I helped clean it out and then we carved! We had a great time with our friends and the pumpkins look so cute:) I have always hated carving in the past, but this time both Adam and I sort of got into it! Adam made a very impressive "spider" pumpkin and it's quite the masterpiece!

Riding the Mt Rainier Train!

2008-10-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

Since Caden is obsessed with trains, we thought the Mt Rainier train might be fun. It's only 1 1/2 hours away so we figured what the heck? Lets go! So we got up bright and early this morning, made the drive and as we were pulling in it began to POUR rain. We boarded the train and within 15 minutes Caden was asleep and he slept the whole trip! Probably a good thing because it was rather boring, cold and slow!

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch!

2008-10-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

We had a playdate today at the Maris Farms pumpkin patch and Caden had a ball! He was a bit reluctant to ride the cow train, but after it got started he was Ok with it! He got to see baby pigs (which he thought were hilarious), cows and chickens. They had a great jump "pillow" which he thought was pretty cool:) And of course there are lots of tractors! We are going back to pick pumpkins with Daddy soon!

Girls Trip to Palm Desert!

2008-10-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Well, after 2 1/2 years I finally decided I was ready for a girls weekend getaway! What an amazing time with good friends, sunshine (ok, it was 110!) and relaxation. Caden did great without me. He was with my parents for 2 days and then home with Daddy for 2 days. I missed him terribly but wow was the trip wonderful! Just what I needed before our new baby girl arrives in 3 months!

So many new things to share!

2008-09-22T14:47:00.001-07:00

Well, this is my first post. We have so many loved ones that don't live near us that we figured we needed to join the blogging world to keep you up to speed! Here is a quick recap of the lastest news!

First of all, we are so excited to be welcoming our 4th family member, a baby girl, in early January! Caden seems excited to be a big brother. The pregnancy is moving right along and we are in our 26th week already!

Caden is growing so fast and is becoming such a little man! He is fully potty trained now, and started going to a Montessori preschool two days a week for 2 1/2 hours. We feel so incredibly lucky that God choose us to be his parents, he brings such joy to us every day.

Well, I am going to try to post some pictures later! But I wanted to at least get a first post out there! Bear with me as I learn, all of my friends said this was easy and so far it's been really confusing!

Caden's One Year Pictures

2007-04-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

He love to push trucks around, he could do this all day long!

Our family

We loved this one of Lucy.. She hates missing out on the action!

Sweet boy! He loves this car that Grandma and Grandpa got him

Momma and her boy

We had Mimi Jung come down and take some pics for us for Caden's "one year". He did such a good job for the camera.. We had a small window before meltdown/naptime but we got some good ones!

Caden's First Birthday!!

2007-04-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

Not sure sure about the cake! First time eating something like that.

I made an Elmo cake (organic of course!) with all natural frosting which in turn made Elmo not so red:) Nana frosted it for me!

Our family

Greeting people at the door!

Elmo was the theme and you loved the balloons!

How is it possible that he is a year old? It has gone by so fast. He continues to amaze us and make us laugh! We had a party at the house and a bunch of family friends came over for a BBQ. He was more interested in the shoes and purses at the door than his presents! He is still nursing a lot but is eating finger foods too. He never really did baby food, he likes to feed himself and doesn't like the texture of mushy things.. He still naps twice a day and does quite a few signs too (milk, please, more, all done) and he can show us that he is 1 year old! He loves cats and airplanes, and says dadda, momma, gog (dog), cat and bird. He loves his push toy and chases Lucy with it and cracks up.. He likes his Shake and Go cars, his helicopter and firetruck from Bunka and Albie and LOVES to dance! We love you Caden!!

March 2007

2007-03-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

Caden and Daddy at the park

Caden is not having any part of this! He is such a mommas boy:)

Caden with the Cota kids!

Friends for life:) Jordan, Loreli and me

Fully walking!!

Loves to play ball with Lucy

Swimming lessons!!

A trip to Sacramento, the zoo, the park and bubbles in the backyard! We started swim lessons this month and he was less than thrilled. He is a very cautious baby and clings to me in the water!

January 2007

2007-01-31T13:37:00.000-08:00

So serious.. Trying some baby food!

He thought this was so funny! He would bury his head in our hands and crack up!

Winnie the Pooh toy was his favorite

Uncle Mark and Auntie Gail!

Fun playdates with our old neighbors, the Keber family! Caden and Payton are about a month apart..

This month was just all about growing, learning and playing! Such a happy baby. Trying out some solids here and there, had a special visit from Auntie Gail and Uncle Mark (they loved meeting Caden!) He loves the Winnie the Pooh push toy, he rides that thing a TON!

First Christmas!!

2007-01-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

Caden got some push toys, and Elmo for Christmas!

Papa and Grandma with Zach and Lolo. So fun to have them all here!

Papa and Caden

He is one loved little boy

Look mom! I can push this chair across the room!

Special Christmas with Caden's Great Great Grandpa

Christmas with Caden's Great Grandparents, Bunka and Albie

Not liking Santa at ALL.. 8 months old!

Finding the perfect tree!

He got the hang of opening presents pretty quickly!

Watch mom, I can climb these stairs!

Oh I want those lights so bad!

Snow!!

Checking it out..

New push toy and this is what really got him walking quickly! He took off with this thing and would absolutely fly around the house on the hardwood floors!

At 8 months old Caden had his first Christmas. We had some snow, so I put him out in it and he didn't love it, but didn't hate it either. Just sort of sat there! Could be all of the clothes I had on him! He is very cautious and observant. He loved the lights on the tree and he is eating a few finger foods but mostly just nursing still. Santa Claus was a disaster:( We waited in line for 2 hours for the downtown Nordstroms Santa and you screamed the second I sat you on his lap! On Jan 21 2007 (9 months old), during the Superbowl, He took his first steps! He cruised across the bonus room upstairs.

Fall 2006

2006-11-30T13:02:00.000-08:00

I love this picture. Caden adores his daddy!

Lucy giving a full face kiss

Already helping mommy shop!

The Cota's!

Lucy is always close by making sure Caden is OK

Love this smile..

Teething on a baseball

Mommy and Caden at the pumpkin patch

Little Frog!

Bathtime with Drew

I got a new Nikon camera for my birthday so I am hoping to take lots of great pictures! Caden still continues to grow and be such a joy.. Sleeping is still a struggle, but he is so healthy and happy! He was a frog for his first Halloween, but got a little cold and wasn't feeling good so he didn't even wear the costume on Halloween! The Cota's came to visit and so did the Garfields. You LOVE Lucy and she always makes you smile. Grandma and Grandpa and Nick and Adrienne came up for Thanksgiving so that was special. You absolutely HATE riding in the car, but if I let you watch Elmo on the little DVD player it makes you a little happier:) Caden got some teeth this fall! His top right came in first on Sept 4th 2006 at 5 months old, and a week later the left top tooth came through! Still just nursing, we tried some oatmeal and babyfood and he wanted nothing to do with it! At 9 months he weighs 22lbs and 15 oz and is 29inches long!

Caden 3-6 months

2006-09-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

First Seahawks game, Sept 17, 2006

Seriously, LOVE these legs!! 3 months old

The new house! Moved in August 2006

The Bumbo seat only lasted a week or so, his legs were too thick to fit!

Grooving in the excersaucer

Group of moms from First Weeks class at Birth and Beyond!

Mt Rainier trail walk

Smiling at mommy, July 2006

Grandpa Jim!

4 generations of Fredericks, so special!

Grandma Jo

Caden and Drew Grafield.. They share a birthday!!

At 3 months old, we took our first trip with Caden down to The Ranch in Winters in July to visit the Fredericks family! Caden did awesome on the plane, just slept and nursed! He is such a good baby. Everyday I feel so lucky and blessed to have an amazing husband who works so hard so I can stay home and be a mommy full time. We also got to see the Garfields, some great friends and Kelly and I were pregnant together and the boys were born on the same day! I was 2 weeks late, and Kell was 2 weeks early.

I have a great group of moms with babies the same age as Caden and we get together once a week. It's been a great source of information and support for me these first few months! We also made a BIG move down to Bonney Lake. We bought a new home there and are excited to move! We will miss Queen Anne, but being close to Adam's office will be so nice for him. We went to Mt Rainier and did a little trail walk which Caden loved. He loves to be outside and is so observant. At 4 months Caden weighed 20lbs. He's quite a chunk!! Still eats every 2 hours, 24 hours a day. He sleeps with us, and just takes little cat naps.. Not a good sleeper quite yet but that's OK! We went to a Seahawks game too and he did great! Caden loves his Jumparoo and his exersaucer and of course, Lucy..

First 3 months

2006-06-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

This is our first house! 354 Queen Anne Drive. We closed on it 2 weeks before our wedding. This is the house Caden came home to!

First intentional grab.. 2 months old

First smiles at 5 weeks

Not so sure about grass! 9 weeks old

This is the beginnings of Caden's nursery, which he never slept in!

First Mariner game with Caden, 2 months old.

First bath at home, 2 weeks old.

First outing to the dog park, 7 days.

First photo shoot at 5 weeks and he did so good! Propped himself up and smiled!

First Fathers Day and check out those legs!!

The first couple of months were all about learning.. Learning how to change a diaper, nurse, bath him, calm him and soothe him. He was a champion nurser from the get go. He nursed at LEAST every 2 hours which was a little tiring for me! He slept with us, most of the time on my chest. We get lots of comments like "wow, that's a big baby!" and at the time we didn't see it. Looking back at pictures now we laugh! He never lost any weight (which can be normal for newborns those first few days) and was a solid 10lbs at 1 week old and the scale just continued to climb! We had some newborn pics taken at 5 weeks and he was holding his head up and we even got a smile in there.. Such a sweet, sweet boy.. A few firsts: 7 days old we got out of the house and visiting my old office and went to the dog park! Your first smile was at 5 weeks, we got a little giggle on Fathers Day June 2006 and you rolled from your belly to your back on July 7 at 3 months.

A few more from the hospital..

2006-04-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

With grandma

With Uncle Zach

With Papa

Your going home outfit

Nana

The Beginning

2006-04-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

Our support team!

We were so excited to finally meet him. He was 12 days late and all!

This little boy loved his daddy from day 1. This was the start of a special relationship..

Snoozing..

Mommy looks tired and daddy looks thrilled!

The Fredericks boys with their latest addition

Well, technically it began when daddy and I got married:) But I decided I needed to go back and start the story from the BWK. (beginning with kids!)
April 4, 2006 our lives were forever changed when Caden James Fredericks entered the world!
The labor began at 5am on the 3rd, Daddy was excited because it was opening day of baseball so he got to stay home and watch. We walked 3 miles around Greenlake trying to keep things going and at 5pm we headed to the hospital, Swedish Ballard in Seattle. The labor was long and hard and finally after being stuck at 8cm for 3 hours I got an epidural and Caden made his entrance 3 hours later, all 9lbs 1oz of him! Our midwife, Sally Avenson, was amazing and made the experience all I could have hoped for. Jordan and Nana were there the whole time to watch and support us. Caden nursed the second he were born and we were in LOVE!! We went to the hospital with 3 names: Mason, Noah & Caden. But once we met him, we just knew he was a Caden.. And that's where it all begins:) After a short 24 hours were were headed home!