Cayden does his nails

Cayden can't help but go through everything ...nothing is off limits, even my nail bag. The poor guy spends most of his day watching me, which obviously includes jewelry, makeup, lotion, lipstick (which I do share my chapstick and blush brush), and now my nail stuff. I sat on the floor that evening and filed and painted my nails and toes. Of course, much to Corey's dismay, he mimicked everything I did. I, on the other hand, thought it was super cute. I didn't however paint his toes, but I did allow him to play with my tools in the bag. It was all very new, so he took the whole experience seriously. Corey thinks that
he'll never be able to be the president with
these pictures in circulation. I'm Ok with that -
these pictures are totally worth it!


Notice the intensity on his face. Car goes down, nail polish in hand. Get to work!












What else is in here? Any snacks?

Mckinley

Mckinley is nearly 5 months old. I'm pretty sure I was just 5 months pregnant. Sometimes I think back and wonder if I missed anything during these past few months. Now that I have two kiddos, juggling could quite possibly be my new occupation. Cayden is such high maintenance that I sometimes feel bad that I'm not spending enough time with her. It's as though I nurse her and then have to put her down to tend to her brother. Luckily, Cayden is patient enough, enough for a two year old, to "allow" me to nurse easily. She's so easy going and seems content just about anywhere. Cayden entertains her without him even knowing it. She just giggles and laughs at nearly anything he does. Starting next Tuesday, Cayden will begin Mother's Day Out, so Mckinley and I will have some time together. Although it's super hard sometimes, I'm thoroughly enjoying this season with my babies for I know that it'll be over before I know it. I just need to learn to slow down and give even more hugs and kisses. You should too!!


Mckinley had a blowout and ruined her clothes. Enough said...she's still in a diaper. :)
So instead of changing her into new clothes, knowing a bath was just beyond the horizon, she joined us on the kitchen table as we ate dinner. It's practically tradition for her to sit with us on the table while we eat and she entertains us with giggles. I see three rolls just in her tummy and several on each arms. I love it!!






This is Mckinley once we got home from the doctor's office for her 4 month shots. She weighed 17lbs and 7 oz. I forget her length, but seriously, we're all wondering about her weight, so there it is. At this age, she looks just like Cayden did, especially the matching chin. Thanks daddy!

Cayden's new playground!!

For Cayden's 2nd birthday, his grandma got him a playground for the back yard. Since we live out of town, he didn't have anything really to play on. Although it's super hot, we have been able to head out back to play a few times. I'm looking forward to the Fall when we can truly appreciate his gift. I'm even a little excited about it. It won't be too long before both Cayden and Mckinley will be playing on it together. Thanks to Uncle Matt, the project went smoothly and was completed within the weekend!!


Goofing off on the job!!!

Just a swingin'!!!

Cayden's 2nd Birthday!!!

Cayden turned 2 on July 11th. We headed to Tomball to celebrate with family and a few friends. I can't even begin to put into words how quickly time flies. We all know it, but really, it's sad how quickly your babies grow up. Although the main reason we all came together was to celebrate Cayden, it was also sweet for everyone to get to spend some time together. Michael and his girlfriend, now fiance, Katie, recently got engaged, so seeing them was a real treat. We're all super thrilled for them and look forward to her being our new sister.


My aunt Irene and uncle Michael have the perfect home for a birthday party. We swam, ate, and played games all day. I personally really enjoyed the whole day with my family and friends. Here Cayden is on top of their rockwall that later turned into a fabulous jumping spot.


Cayden in his swimming "getup"


Cody and Lizzie Riedel and Corey and Cayden


Grandma and Mckinley



I'm pretty happy with the way our cake turned out. It was a group effort, mainly run by Emily, but input was gathered from Matthew, Michael, Mom and Katie. Mom had the 'great idea' to make a cupcake cake ourselves. "It'll be fun," she said. Well, after 4 trips to the store and waiting until 9pm the night before, we set out to make this cake. We wanted it to be a dump truck, and I think we succeeded. Emily did a great job making the cake and managing all the "bakers" in the kitchen. Yes mom, it was a great idea.





Happy Birthday Cayden!!!





Tickle torture Cayden!! Somehow Michael is able to play and hold Mckinley at the same time!




Ok, Cayden is almost 3...or so it seems. It'll be here soon.

July 4th weekend!!

So, it's still sinking in that Corey is off for such holidays as July 4th and what timing too. Before we had kids, he was always working miserable hours and consequently left me alone on such fun holidays. This year Corey's dad headed our way and we spent the weekend with him and the other Wheelers, aka Brent, Candice, Noah and Haley. Although there were no actual fireworks involved, I appreciated the extra day off, time with family and celebrating with lots of eating.


Noah in the background with Corey and Cayden.



Friday we headed to the YMCA pool for some swimming. Mckinley didn't make it in, but she came dressed to impress. The rest of the day included lunch at Bill Millers, naptime and then we went over to Brent's house for dinner.


Grandpa, Brent, Noah and Haley during swim break.



Boys...enough said!!



When the Wheeler boys get together, there always seems to be horseplay involved. It's just a matter of time before Haley and Mckinley are in there too!!



Not sure if that's fair!!!


Sweet cousins... Noah and Cayden. Cayden just loves Noah and he almost daily asks for "Wowa." Noah brings out the fun, silly side of him and I'm so grateful that his cousin plays such a big role in his life.

Mckinley's faces

What a difference just a few weeks make. Mckinley has developed quite the charm and tends to smile at just about anything these days...reading recipes, going over the grocery list and even seems to understand and enjoy Cayden's gibberish. They have their own language these days. I just love all the expressions and sometimes find myself just staring at her.

Yep, she's mastering the wink!!


What movie does this remind you of?

So it's officially summer!!

It is so stinkin' hot out these days, so naturally, we're limited to a lot of indoor play. For mom, it means being super mom thinking up activities and keeping babies entertained. So far, summer has been going smoothly and I haven't lost all my hair yet. Mckinley is pretty easy staying busy with eating, sleeping, watching her brother and working on her charm. We've been busy with cousin Noah and Haley, playdates with our church and neighbors, visits to the park and library and sometimes quick shopping errands that include a multitude of snacks and a sippie cup. When all else fails, give snacks!
Fun in the sun with cousins.



When Cayden was her age, he looked almost exactly the same. I love how much they resemble each other.

He wants her to kiss him too. She really has no choice at this point but to simply tolerate him and allow him to point out her eyes, pick at her nose and pull at her ears. I think he thinks she's a puppy. She'll get her chance to "pay" him back soon enough.

Fresh out of the tub with dad.