End of October

We got this Halloween costume several months ago from a friend.  It's a shame it isn't a TIGER costume, but I'm not going to complain since it was free.  I couldn't resist pulling it out of the closet and putting it on him the other night.  Schatzi was so intrigued as to what exactly I was doing and couldn't stay away.  I laid Kaden on the couch to take a picture & Schatzi hopped up there next to him.  Believe it or not, this photo wasn't posed.  All I had to say was, "NO licking!" and she laid her head down.  Schatzi has really been amazing with the baby and all of the adjustments.

Kaden in his little man outfit. 

Kaden and I drove out to Boys Ranch the other day to bring Ben lunch.  Of the numerous times I've made this drive over the last 8 years, I had never actually seen the mesa "float".  Today was the closest I've come.  For all of you who have never experienced the Amarillo area & Stanley Marsh's quirkiness (i.e. Cadillac Ranch, the infamous signs posted around town) you need to make the trip out west and see for yourself. 

This is the "floating mesa".

better than an electric blanket

Tanya, me, and Malee before the BodyJAM #50 launch @ the Amarillo Town Club.  Everyone is wearing pink in honor of breast cancer awareness month.  I thought getting back in to the swing of working out would be a lot easier- after all, I no longer have an 8 lb. baby inside me.  Let's just say that things are a little different than they were a year ago.  There's a lot more planning involved and a lot more protection needed.  I hear things will get better with time.  Fingers are crossed!

Nap Time

It took about 20 minutes of me rocking & swaying to get Kaden to sleep, all while thinking of the glorious nap I was going to take...

 As soon as I set him down, he was wide-eyed and all smiles.

I'm also afraid he's going to have to graduate to his crib as he's almost too long for the bassinet.

The Jungle

At my Amarillo baby shower I received a "rainforest gym" from the 2nd grade teachers at Sundown Lane.  Since Kaden has been looking around more & noticing his surroundings, I decided to pull it out and see what he thought of it.  Who needs cable TV when you have a jungle rainforest gym? 

I think that Schatzi had the most fun of all.  She was so curious- wanting to get on the mat and lick Kaden.

I LOVE this picture with the matching dimples!

Busy week!

Our life is usually pretty quiet, but this week we had several visitors come through town. Aunt Mary & Doug drove all the way from Scottsdale, Arizona to meet sir Kaden and spend a few days in the cold Amarillo weather.  This spring we just might have to have to take a road trip to the desert to see them.  I love my road trips and thus far Kaden has been an awesome travel companion. 

During that time dad also came through town again on Thursday afternoon when the weather was too cool & rainy to work. 

I'm pretty sure that Schatzi is in love with dad since he treats her like a lap dog and even lets her sleep with him in the bed at night.

First REAL bath... in the tub

We've been giving Kaden his baths in the bathroom sink, but he has gotten a lot bigger & longer.  Today I decided it would be fun to give him a bath in the BIG tub.  He seemed to like it. 

And yes, I am well aware that someday he will be mortified that I posted these photos online for everyone's viewing pleasure.  :)

the "chunky monkey"

Surprise Visit

Three years ago, after retiring from teaching high school agriculture for 30 years, dad decided to set out on an adventure… in the form of driving a truck for a custom harvest crew. AND for the past two years, he’s been asked to come back to help for a couple of weeks in the fall. That place he’s been asked to come back to is Hartley, Texas.  Hartley just so happens to be less than an hour from Amarillo!  It's a small world after all.

On Saturday morning the weather was cool & drizzly.  Dad had the afternoon off and decided to surprise us with a visit. 

What a good looking grandpa!

Schatzi wanting attention...

... and thinking she's a lap dog.

some male bonding during the Cowboy's game

Tour de Missouri '09

We did it! Kaden & I made our first trip to Missouri and back… solo! It went so well, I would even consider doing it again.

Every year the Cook reunion is held on the 4th weekend of September in California, Missouri . It is complete with a hog-roast and hayride on Saturday night and a big meal and meeting on Sunday afternoon. Although I don’t have any pictures of the Saturday night festivities, there was a phenomenal spread of food. The hayride started once it was completely dark outside (Kaden & I opted out this year), and the night ended with everyone making their own smores over a giant bonfire.

On Sunday, Kaden won the “Youngest Member of the Cook Family” award as well as one of the persons who “Traveled the Furthest”.

Kaden (youngest family member) with great-aunt Irma Cook.

 
From California, we made a quick stop in Columbia to Kyle’s apartment before heading down the Interstate to Warrenton. Grandma & Kaden got to spend some quality time together while I got some much needed sleep. We also got several chances to visit with Jennifer & Bailey.
 

auntie Jennifer with the cuddle monkey

 

Kaden meeting Bailey

Brock Banze checking out someone smaller...

 
For my 29th birthday, we finished our trip by heading BACK to Columbia to hang out with Kyle downtown (one of my favorite places in the world). Kyle treated me to an awesome dinner at Uprise Bakery, some Sparky’s ice cream, AND a cup of coffee from Lakota. Kaden pretty much slept through the downtown experience, but was quite the ladies man whenever I left him & Kyle alone.

Kaden & Uncle Ed

That night we headed to the Holiday Inn, spread out on our king sized bed and caught some sleep before heading back to Amarillo to see Ben/daddy.