busy bees.

I'd much rather be busy than bored.

So, here's a look at some adventures in May...

We hurried home from Utah in time to catch a dinner date with our dear friends, The Mortensens.

They live in El Paso but, were going to be in Carlsbad for one night. We haven't seen them since they moved (over a year ago). So, we definitely wanted to make sure we saw them before they left. We became friends with Jay and Marisa in our ward in Culver City. We wish we would have hung out more before they moved. They are good people. Although, that last sentence is so simply stated, to me it really describes them. After spending an evening of chatting with these guys, you leave feeling so good. We had a lot of fun catching up, so much so that we shut down Claim Jumper. We hope to see them again soon and who knows maybe we'll live near each other in the future....Houston or Utah???

Next up, Genie's bridal shower.

Everyone did an amazing job putting this party together (especially my cousin Trish).

The bride-to-be was glowing and I think she had a pretty good time.

We are looking forward to her wedding in July. 

Did I mention that we also love her hubby-to-be? Fred is awesome! We are so happy for them.

We went to Nicole and Ronney's co-ed baby shower. 

Baby Aiden is due on my birthday! I'm looking forward to meeting the little guy. 

We had a great time. These people sure know how to throw a party. 

Ronney and Nicole

Pirate themed party - we couldn't resist

Diner and Trish - dressing the baby with only one hand

Fred - future father of 5

who can drink beer (apple cider in Jared's bottle) out of a bottle the fastest
Fred won.

Jared gave it his best shot, he came in second.

I just love this kid. He was on his best behavior at the party and let everyone hold him.

A few days later...Caden, Jocey and I headed back to LA. We went to my cousin Dylan's graduation. He graduated from Cal State Long Beach! We are so proud of you D!

Can you spot Dylan?

Go Beach!

Auntie Trish putting C to sleep. He didn't fare so well with all the air horns and cheering.

Little sissy and I

Auntie Cathy and her boy

Sibling love

Dylan's very supportive cousins

Then, the celebration...

my hub.

Happy Birthday to my awesome husband!!!

I appreciate your hard work and ambition. Thank you for being so encouraging and positive. I'm glad you chose me out of that sea of girls....haha. You are the best hub I've ever had.

 Caden is so lucky to have such an amazing dad. 

We love you SO much!

private eyes.

I know I'm not a popular blogger.
I blog to keep a record of our happenings and so family and friends can see what we're up to.
Since having our little C, I am feeling much more cautious about having our personal info exposed.
So, I have decided to make our blog private.

If you want continue reading our blog, please leave your email address in the comment section.

p.s. If you are a blog stalker or ghost reader and never leave comments, its ok. I too, read blogs and don't comment on them. Don't be shy if you want to be added, especially if I know you.

p.p.s. I didn't mean for that to sound like I think I have some huge following. I'm pretty sure just a few friends and my family read this blog :)

4-5 months

4 months....
How is it that the time continues to fly by so quickly? It just doesn't seem fair. I try very hard to make sure that I am mindful that I will never get these days of Caden being a babe back. I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy some quiet moments with him. (I may or may not have just got tears in my eyes while writing that...)

I am starting to see his little personality and I love it.

He laughed for the first time - I laughed and cried too! I did not have a video camera near by but, I was able to record it with the voice app on my phone. Of course, he wouldn't do it again when I tried to show everyone. Is it bad that I feel special being the only one who saw it? Well, I do.

He figured out how to roll from tummy to back and back to tummy. He now moves all over the floor.

His 4 month check up stats:

13 pounds, 9 ounces - 20% (a little on the lean side)

25 inches

5 months....

He changes daily! As soon as the 5 month mark hit, I feel like he changed so much. Forget leaving him alone for even 1 minute, he can escape in record time.

Caden definitely recognizes Jared and I. He gives us the biggest smile when we walk in the room. It melts us every time. I'm certain that feeling will never get old.

He had his first go at rice cereal. It was probably more fun for Jared and I. However, he seems to enjoy it or at least he likes the aspect of grabbing and shoving the spoon in his mouth.

He is quite the drooler. I think we will be seeing teeth VERY soon. There is something Caden does that cracks us up, we have yet to get it on camera. Out of nowhere he will "attack" our faces with his mouth open and will start sucking on our cheeks/chin/collar bone etc. We think it is SO funny but, we think everything he does is funny or cute. Don't all parents feel that way about their own kids?

C loves bath time. Yes, we still bath him in our bathroom sink. 

This boy loves his daddy.

 We seriously can't get enough of him!

Road Trip.

We took Caden on his first road trip a few weeks ago. We headed to Utah with a very booked schedule of visiting family and friends. Jared and I were looking forward to this trip and hoped that Caden would be a little trooper. He was awesome, what a relief!

A few stops were necessary for diaper changes and stretching...

First up...we absolutely wanted to make sure we made time to see our good friends Steven and Kristin. Steven is one of Jared's best friends. They will be moving to New York this summer. So, we had to make sure Caden met his best friend Marcus. Marcus is 3 months younger than Caden. We have already planned for their dorm arrangements at Helaman Halls.

Next up...we were looking forward to meeting up with The Colemans. Mike has been a long time friend of Jared's. He and his beautiful family just moved back to Utah after living in New York. They too, just had a baby, little Esti. She is so sweet. We joked about Marcus and Caden fighting over her in the future. We had a great time at their home and hope to see them again soon.

We stayed with Jared's sister, Kim. She is a fantastic host. We spent Easter with her family (we missed Jo, she's at BYU Hawaii) and Jared's mom. After church, we relaxed and ate an awesome dinner that Kimmy prepared. The kids did their annual egg hunt which reminded me of my childhood.

Caden was OBSESSED with this balloon. 

Grandma Robin

Auntie (cousin) Shaunie
Thank you for babysitting so we could go to the movies :)

Me - not into being photographed at the moment.

Cade is going to hate that we propped him up next to a pink bunny.

Passed out after a hot bath due to his first major blow out.
Is that too much info? Sorry.

We met up with my cousins Brian (his wife Anne) and Rob for dinner. Of course I didn't take any pictures. So, I stole this one off their blog. Aren't they cute? As always we had a great time! Brian and Rob are like the brothers I wish I had. I miss them.

Btw- this cute girl is preggo and we are totally thrilled for Caden to have a playmate!

This is Rob.
Attention Ladies: He is single.

I had lunch with my dear friend Lauren and her sweet kiddos. (side note: we saw NieNie while at lunch. I was too chicken to say hello and tell her how much I admire her. I regret it.) Lauren is the type of "super mom" I hope to be. She is not only an excellent mother but, is also mega talented. Check her out here. Are these pictures below of Caden and Lauren's son the cutest ever? I think so.

Last but not least, we had lunch with Jared's cousins and his aunt. Again, I have no pictures to show. However, Jared's sister took pictures. I will post them when I get them. It is always a great time with Jared's family, they are so much fun to be around. We typically see them at Christmas. So, any extra visits are really special.

All in all this trip went off without a hitch. We are SO fortunate to have great friends and family.
Until next time Utah....we are happy to go back to our warm weather!