Thursday, September 25, 2014

Miss Marleigh goes to Kindergarten!

It has now been a month since Marleigh has started Kindergarten!  Wow!  Figured I had better get my act together and get her post up!

To say that Marleigh was excited to start Kindergarten would be a massive understatement. On the first day, she was up at 6:30 and ready to go.  She had been counting down the says until school started.  "The best part about Kindergarten is that it lasts ALL day!  I get to go to school all day long!"  I hope she always feels that way about school!

Once she was all ready for her first day of Kindergarten, she told me she needed a photo shoot.  I happily obliged!








My friend Stephanie's daughter, Taeten, and Marleigh are in the same class!

One month down, and she still loves to go to school.  Marleigh adores her teacher and has many friends in her class.  Last week she asked me why she couldn't go on Saturdays and Sundays, too!



Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Kade's Allergies and Asthma

As I had mentioned in my prior post, poor Kader's allergies went nuts at the lake.  The moment we arrived, his little nose started running and it didn't stop.  By Sunday, the allergies had flared up his asthma as well.  In small children, asthma doesn't always present as wheezing, but more often coughing.  Kade was coughing horribly, and his little chest was concave when was sucking between coughs, unable to catch his breath.  It honestly was the first time that I was really worried about Kade.  He was struggling so much.  That Sunday afternoon it was bad enough, I took him home.  We tried numerous albuterol breathing treatments, and it didn't seen to be helping him much.  Concerned, I took him into the doctor on Monday morning.  She was pretty concerned that even on Singulair, Zyrtec, and doing breathing treatments, he was still struggling.  So she called and got us back into our allergist/asthma doctor later in the week.

Later that week, we visited with the doctor.  She felt it was time for Kade to begin the weekly regiment of allergy shots.  At our last appointment, we had decided to try to control Kade's allergies (which is what triggers is asthma) and the asthma with medication.  Our little trip to the lake proved that we were not successfully doing so.  I hated the thought of Kade having to get two shots every week for months on end, but I hated even more seeing him struggle to breathe, not being able to enjoy our family vacation, and having him on so many different medications.

Kade has now successfully had four weeks of shots, and I will take him back again today.  He actually handles it fairly well.  He knows that we're going to get shots, and just marches in like a big boy.  He heads straight to the registration desk and tells the receptionist, "Kade Johnson is here!" After he gets his shots, we have to stay for 30 minutes in case he has a reaction.  The first three weeks, he didn't have any reaction, but last week he had a slight one.  His injection site on one arm became red and a little swollen, and his O2 sats were a little low for a bit.  We waited a few minutes and rechecked and they were better.  The nurse wasn't for sure if the monitor had picked it up correctly the first time.

You might just keep Kade in your prayers.  He has been a trooper for far, but we have many, many more shots to go!

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Our Week Long Lake Vacay

I always look forward to our week up at Lake Wilson.  The beautiful setting, relaxing, and just spending quality time as a family is awesome.  We had another great week this year, with the exception of Kade's allergy and asthma (more on that in later post).  The kids had a blast and both cried when we had to leave.










The 4th of July was a little windy, so we ventured to Russell.  They have an amazing park and the kids loved it!  We stuck around and watched some fireworks later that evening. 




Already looking forward to our week at the lake next summer!




Thursday, July 24, 2014

Kade is 3!

I have so many blog posts that I need to get caught up on... Tball, our week at the lake, Kade's allergies & asthma, swim lessons...  But the most important update is first!  Kade turned three last week!!!

Kade-

Well, we've made it past the terrible two's!  But honestly, it really wasn't that bad!  I think 3 may be more of a challenge. But that's okay, I'm up for it!

You still love to smile and laugh.  It is rare for you not to be giggling or flashing that ornery grin of yours.  You also love to make people laugh, and will do almost anything to get us to laugh.

Recently, you have started to really enjoy pushing my buttons and testing limits.  Many times I have to take a deep breath, and count to 10.  I know it is just a phase, but there are days you wear me out!

While you are very ornery, your sensitive side is starting to be more prevalent as well. You have developed a compassionate and sweetness that I love.  You are quick to give hugs if someone is hurting or upset.  You randomly give hugs and kisses and tell Daddy and I that you love us all the time.  Your newest thing is to say, "Mommy, when I grow up, I marry you!"

You try so hard to keep up with your big sister.  Whatever she does or says, you do.  You two play interactively so well.  I could sit and watch you play for hours!

I sometimes feel a little guilty.  I know you didn't get all the one on one attention that Marleigh had for her first two and a half years.  It is just harder once there is more than one child, and you have never been one for sitting still.  However, you can count to 15, know your colors and shapes, and have recently taken an interest in drawing and coloring.

We went to your well check last week.  Officially 46 pounds and 41.5 inches tall.  You are one big, healthy boy!  You did everything that was asked of you this time!  At your last well check, you were stubborn and refused to answer some of the questions! I mentioned to the doctor I had some reservations about whether or not to hold you back a year and do 3 year old preschool next year, but he reassured me that you were both physically and developmentally at a 4 year old level, so we'll give it a shot!

Speaking of which, preschool will start next month, and you are so excited!  You FINALLY get to go! The whole last year, you kept asking to go with Sissy.  I'm anxious to see all the fun, new things you will learn!

Bubba, being your Mommy is a huge challenge, but an even bigger blessing!

Love you so much,
Mommy

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Siblings

I've always known that at some point, Marleigh will start comprehending more about losing her sister.  She will ask more questions, and want to know more about her twin sister, Natalie.

 A few days ago, Marc and I had driven separately out to our friends' house that live in the country.  Kade hopped in with Marc to ride home, and Marleigh got in with me.  We turned and drove by the cemetery.  We have driven by it many times before, but for some reason, that day Marleigh very quietly asked, "Is that Natalie's cemetery?"  I explained that Natalie was at the cemetery out by Garfield, because that is where most of Mommy's family is buried.  Marleigh continued very softly, "I really wish my sister was still alive so that I could have a best friend.  We could color together, play barbies, and dance together.  She'd always be here to be my best friend."  As I was getting choked up, I looked in my rear view mirror to see her eyes welling up with tears as well.

I am lucky.  I have a sister.  We may not have always gotten along perfectly, but I know what an incredible blessing it is to have a sister, a permanent best friend.  There is no one in this world that knows more about me than Shannon.  For that matter, there is probably no one that knows me better than her, either.  There is just a special bond that sisters have.  When I stop and think about it, I can't help but feel so sorry that Marleigh won't get to know that kind of special relationship.

Marleigh, however, has something that I had never had, a brother.  She has a unique and close relationship with her little brother.  They are very much opposites, but it seems to make their relationship work so well.  Marleigh is the more reserved, cautious, and often the leader.  Kade is loud, fearless, and will do anything to make his big sister smile.  They do share one similarity, they are both ferociously protective of the other.  Of course it is different than having a sister, but it is just as special.  Just the other day, while at a birthday party, another mother got my attention.  Marleigh and Kade were walking around holding hands.  The other mom inquired if they always got along that well, and I smiled and replied that yes, for the most part, they do.  They have their moments, as all siblings do, but they are incredibly close and the best of friends.

After gaining my composure, I told Marleigh that I understood and that I would give anything for her sister to still be here with us, too.  I explained that she was lucky, though, to have a little brother and many other friends.  I asked her who her best friend was, and she said with a smile, "My Bubba!  He is so funny and makes me laugh!"   With that, she started chattering about all the silly things her and her brother do, and her carefree, happy little disposition was back.

I know there will always be a void in Marleigh's heart.  A place that is special and reserved for her sister.  There is the same void in my heart, too.  But I am thankful that God blessed her with a brother to fill up the rest of it.




Thursday, May 22, 2014

Marleigh's First Dance Recital

I think I have mentioned before that we have been taking Marleigh over to Pre-Ballet dance class once a week.  This past Saturday was her big recital.  She was beyond excited!

The dancers are supposed to wear certain makeup colors and all fix their hair the same way.  I was a little hesitant about the makeup.  Marleigh is only 5 years old.  Daddy convinced me a little makeup wouldn't hurt.  He didn't want her to be the only without it on.  So, I took Marleigh shopping to pick out her makeup.  Oh my...  she was grinning ear to ear and shrieking, she was so happy.

Marleigh is a very lucky little girl.  She had quite the crowd come watch her dance.  Grandma and Grandpa Johnson drove all the way from Mound City to see her dance.  Aunt Shannon, Luke, and Zoey made the trip from Hutchinson, Great Aunt K made the short drive from Hoisington, and Papa and Gigi were there, too!  She had a whole cheering section!  We hope they all know how much we appreciate them making the effort to come to the recital!


Makeup on and ready to go!

The girls' outfits were adorable!


After the show.  I don't think she stopped smiling for
the rest of the day! 


The video quality isn't the best, but Marleigh is second from the right.



As we were driving home, I teared up a couple of times.  God has done amazing things in Marleigh's young life.  I am humbled by His goodness.  







Friday, May 9, 2014

Little, Everyday Moments

People are always saying, "Once it is on the Internet, it will be there forever!"  I hope that is true, because that's why I put so many pictures of the kids and the things they say.  The may not be huge, monumental events, but it is the everyday things, I want to remember!


Grandma sent us moustaches, and the kids LOVED them!  Thanks, Grandma!  :) 

I think Kade totally looks like Luigi from Mario Bros. :)



Not so patiently waiting for Bubba to get up from his
nap so that we could run through the sprinkler!

Rapunzel was up in her tower!

Marc always has a shadow.  No matter what he is doing or working on, Kade is right there, too!




Mr. Big stuff driving the lawn mower!  



We were driving to daycare one morning, and it had rained (just a teeeeeny bit).  I casually said, "Praise God for rain!"  Kade piped right up!  I had to have him repeat it so I could get it on video!  





Friday, April 25, 2014

And then there was this...



We couldn't be any prouder of her!

 

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Letting Go, but Holding On

Ever since Marleigh started walking, when we were out somewhere in public, her little hand always just found mine.  It was automatic.  I'd get her out of her car seat, and without really knowing who reached for who, her hand was in mine.  To be honest, I had never really thought much about it at all, until last week.

One day last week, I was dropping Marleigh off at preschool.  We were chatting about what her letter was for the week.  I put the car in park, and got her out of the car.  As I was shutting the door, I reached for her hand.  She ran ahead, yelling over her shoulder, "Mom, I don't need to hold your hand!!!"

Whoa.  I stopped dead in my tracks.  My ears heard what she said, but my heart heard, "Mom, I don't need you!"  Ouch.  Marleigh has always been so shy and dependent.  She has been the one that sticks close by, never venturing too far from me.  With all that she has been through, I have always been right beside her, trying to help her or protect her.  Looking back, I probably held on a little too tight.  But at the time, all I knew was the tremendous pain and struggles she had at such an early age.  I had felt so helpless then.   Much the same as I felt in that moment when she said, "Mom, I don't need to hold your hand!!!"

Marleigh noticed I had stopped behind her, just as she was reaching for the door.  (That in itself is HUGE for her.  She normally waits for me to open any door.)  She hollered to me, "Come on, Mom!" I quickly followed her in,  we hugged and said our goodbyes just like we do every morning.  Obviously, she had not thought twice about not holding my hand.  I was so shocked and proud of her.

 The past year or so, we have been making a real effort with Marleigh.  We've been fostering confidence and independence. There has been plenty of bumps on our road to independence. She still refuses to ride a bike, because it is "Just. Too. Hard."   Numerous times, she's gotten frustrated or hurt and came running, but we have tried to keep encouraging her to do things on her own.  It has been hard both for her and for me.  Marc has had to remind me often to let her do things for herself.  It is a work in progress.  But there is progress.  She doesn't need my hand anymore.

So precious girl, I am letting go of your hand, but holding on forever with my heart.  You may not need me the way you used to, but I will always be here with my hand out, just in case.  I love you so much!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Kade's Allergies/Asthma and Immunology


This poor, sweet boy suffers with allergies.  Back when he was younger, Kade was diagnosed with allergies and asthma.  He does fairly well while medicated, but there are times when he is miserable and coughs all night.  Then back a few months ago, he had multiple times when he broke out in hives.  We consulted his doctor, and they suggested a trip to the allergist.

There aren't many allergists out here, so it took us a few months to get in.  Last Monday was Kade's appointment.  Praise God, the doctor did NOT think his hives were anything food related.  However, in order to do allergy testing, Kade had to be completely unmedicated for a week before his appointment.  He was miserable.  Runny nose, cough, itchy eyes and nose.  She suggested testing him for other allergies.  

Kade is allergic to dust mites, mold, basically all trees and all weeds.  He actually handled the testing fairly well.  We played cows and tractors while we waited.  Cows and tractors makes everything better.  :)

The doctor said that Kade being so young, his allergies will probably worsen as he gets older, and he will probably develop more.  What makes matters worse, is that he suffers from both indoor and outdoor allergens, and basically year round.  In addition, the allergies make his asthma flair up.  She prescribed Zyrtec, Singulair, Flonase, for daily treatment, and since he was so miserable, we were temporarily on breathing treatments and oral steroids.  She then mentioned Immunology.  Basically, for 7 months, Kade would go in once a week, and receive 2 shots that were specially mixed for him, with small doses of his allergens.  After 7 months, he would go in every other week, and gradually taper off.  The allergy shots are a 5 year treatment program.  Ugh.  However, she said it would decrease his symptoms and keep him from getting any new allergies.  Her hope would be that he would be able to not require all the medications. 

Marc and I have talked a great deal about it. I think in the long run, the shots would be beneficial and make the most sense, but I'm having a hard time with how young Kade is.  I've spoken with some other medical professionals and mothers.  They all say the same thing.  There isn't a medical reason to not start them now, but being under 3 years of age seems awfully young to have to sit through weekly shots.  Once we start, it is a huge commitment. I think we will do it, but just not sure at what point.  

Has anyone out there had any experience with allergy shots with little kids?  Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!  




Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Marleigh update

Guess who rocked Kindergarten Roundup?  



This girl!



About a month ago we had Kindergarten Roundup.  I had no idea what to expect, but I was both nervous and excited all at the same time.  Daddy very graciously agreed to go with us.  The moment we got in the door, they whisked Marleigh away from us for her evaluations.  Marleigh took it in stride.  She just turned and waved over her should as they walked off.  I can honestly say it was probably harder on me than her!  We sat down to fill out paperwork, and I realized Marc was the only Dad there, so I let him off the hook and he got to leave.  He is such a good Daddy.  

What seemed like forever later, they brought Marleigh back into the common area.  She sat down to play with 2 of her friends, and they took me back to go over her screening.  Marleigh did extremely well in all areas but the motor/coordination.  She was only in the 40 percentile, but when I explained she was born 14 weeks early at only 2 pounds, they were very understanding and impressed with how well she has done.  

It is insane to think that Marleigh is about to begin school in the fall. She is more than ready.  I told her that Kindergarten will last all day, and she jumped up and down saying, "Yippee!  I love school!"

~~

A couple of weeks later, we returned to Wichita for another eye check up.  Marleigh has continued to progress very nicely.  We had only been patching her good eye for 2 hours a day 3 times a week.  Her vision had maintained at that level, so I am thrilled to report, that we no longer have to patch her good eye!  We will go back in May to make sure that she can maintain it on her own, but for now, we are just so happy!  



Thursday, March 6, 2014

Surgery

Lounging at the hotel. 

This sweet little baby had surgery Tuesday morning (out of respect for Kade's privacy, I won't elaborate as to what kind of surgery).  We went down to Wichita the night before and stayed at a hotel.  Kade loved it!  He got to sleep with Daddy in a big, king sized bed.  Kade flips and flops constantly in his sleep, and I am an incredibly light sleeper, so Daddy said he would sleep with him.  

We checked in at the surgery center and tried to put a gown on Kade, but he was having nothing of it.  His nurse instructed us not to bother, they would put it on him back in the operating room.  When it was time for surgery, two nurses came to get Kade.  He was sitting there in just his socks and a pull up.  One of the nurses asked if he wanted to go play with them.  He smiled and said, "Yep!" and hopped off the table.  He grabbed their hands and walked back to surgery, not even pausing to tell us goodbye.  As he walked off, I had so many emotions.  I was nervous about the procedure.  I knew he would be fine, but that is still my baby that is going under anesthesia.  I was so proud of him for being such a big boy and walking back with the nurses.  But, to be honest, I was a little sad that he was so brave.  He is my last baby, and it was a little tough to see him acting so grown up.  Then there was also humor.  His pull up was wedged into his little bottom, so his right cheek was hanging out as he walked down the hallway.  Nothing cuter than a baby bottom!  

The procedure took about an hour, then they came and got us, so we could be with him while he was waking up.  I had prepared myself for a good hour or two of misery.  When Kade had his adenoids out, coming out of anesthesia was awful!  This time went so much better!  He fussed for maybe a total of 20 seconds, then was awake and fine.  A few nurses, as well as the anesthesiologist, stopped by while he was in recovery.  They said he was the best patient and everyone fell in love with him.  The anesthesiologist said they played "space man" with the gas mask, and Kade was just belly laughing, which made the entire staff crack up.  


This is a picture Daddy snapped while
Kade was waking up.  
We are so glad to have this procedure behind us, and Kade should be good as new in a few days!  In the meantime, I am enjoying all the extra snuggles!   



Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Mickey Mouse + Snow

Sunday, Disney Live! Mickey's Musical, was at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.  We met my cousin's family for lunch at McDonalds, then headed to the show.  The kids had a blast!  



Kade LOVES big cousin, Gunnar!


Kade, Gunnar, Breckyn, and Marleigh all ready for
the show!


Daddy went out at intermission for cotton candy
and Mickey ears!


So much fun!

We kept trying to pry Kade's eyes off the stage
for a picture, but that just didn't happen!

It really was a great show!

Worn out on the ride home.  

Pretty girl was all smiles, all day.  


~~~



Yesterday, we got some more snow.  The kids were begging to play in it, so we spent 20 minutes getting all bundled up, but it was COLD!  I made them come in after only 15 minutes.

We now have many snow angels all over our yard!

This little guy decided that playing in the snow is
pretty fun.  Last year he wanted nothing to do with it.

Marleigh thinks her snow boots are so cool!  She insisted
on posing for a picture so she could, "showcase her boots!"

Kade came running out last night and wanted to "play
football".  So we did!  :)






Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Marleigh is 5!



Miss Marleigh-

Five years have passed so quickly!  You are growing up into a beautiful little girl, and Daddy and I couldn't be more proud of you!

The last several months you have blossomed.  Our shy little girl has gained confidence and you will now engage almost anyone in conversation.  You still like to have us close by, but we are for sure gaining ground!

Starting dance this past fall has helped your coordination and confidence as well.  You really enjoy going to dance every week, and love that you get to pick out dance outfits.  Rebecca always finds some cute way to do your hair on dance days.  You are always eager to show your dance moves to anyone who will watch.  We are so proud of you!

Stepping Stones Preschool has been so amazing!  You really like to learn and seem to pick up on things so quickly.  Daddy and I can no longer spell around you, because you have started sounding out words.  I can't believe that Pre-K is half way over and you will be off to Kindergarten next year!

You still wow us with some of the things that you say.  Your vocabulary and thought process seems to be so mature for your age.  Just the other day, we were talking about Kade's shoes.  You had mentioned that his shoes were blue and white, and had velcro.  You then paused, turned to me, and said, "Speaking of which, Mom, when is Kade going to get shoes that have shoelaces and tie?"

I know I mention it every time, but I love your compassionate heart.  Your brother had some sort of allergic reaction a couple of times last week.  The night of your birthday, we were saying your bed time prayers, and you said, "God, please don't let my brother get anymore red spots.  I don't want him to have to go to the doctor."  You were also concerned that he had to get his checkup yesterday.  You inquired as to whether he was going to have to get shots.  Because if he did, you might need to go with him to take care of him.

Marleigh, you are an incredible big sister!  Kade can be a bit pesky, as all little brothers can, but you generally are so patient and kind with him.  You play very well with him, and are always willing to help him if he needs it.

I never would have dreamed that you would be such a girlie girl, but you are, and I love it.  You adore anything that sparkles or is pink.  You would wear a dress every day if I would let you.  At the age of 5, you already have a much better sense of fashion than I do.  Sometimes, you will critique what I'm wearing and tell me to go get a different pair of shoes.  Just last week, you were picking out finger nail polish, and grabbed some and said, "Mom!  This would look great on you!  You have to buy it!!!"  I haven't worn fingernail polish in over 20 years, but I saw the joy in your face.  We painted my nails that night, and I admit, I got many compliments on them!

Marleigh, you have taught me so much in your 5 short years of life and brought so much joy to our family.  I am blown away by all that you have accomplished already.  We love you so much!

Love-
Mom

Friday, January 24, 2014

Birthday questions!

Little Miss Marleigh turned the big 5 yesterday!  I'll get her blog post soon, but decided to start a new tradition of asking her the same questions every year.  Here are the questions and her answers.



How old are you? 5!
Who is your best friend? Jillian
  What is your favorite thing to do? I love to color!
What is your favorite color?  Blue
What is your favorite food? Pancakes!
What do you like to do with your family? I like to eat lunch together.
What is your favorite toy? My dress up clothes!
What do you want to be when you grow up? A doctor
What makes you happy? Playing with my little brother
What makes you sad? Being left out
What is your favorite movie? Cinderella
What is your favorite book? Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
What do you think about before you fall asleep? My dreams
If you could have any name in the world, what would it be? I like my name
 Where is your favorite place to go? Papa and Gigi's house
What is your favorite memory? Playing at the lake
What was the best part of your birthday? Eating cupcakes 
 What is your favorite animal? Cat
  What is your favorite part of school? Playing with my friends
 What is your favorite sport? Basketball
.  What is your favorite team? K-S-U, Wildcats, K, S, U, WILDCATS!!!

~~

If I would have been thinking I would have taped our little interview.  For sure for next year!  :) 





Wednesday, January 15, 2014

My Baby is 2 1/2!



Kade Robert-

Wow!  You are half way to being three!  Time just keeps going faster and faster.  I love being your Mommy and watching you grow up!

The past two to three months have been awesome! About six months ago, I admit I was a little frazzled.  It seemed you needed constant correction, but I am so proud of how you have progressed.  You listen fairly well (I mean, you still are a two year old), and follow directions.  You have learned that if it isn't yours, then you don't need to touch it.  That was a hard concept for you because you are such an inquisitive little guy!

I love your independence and strong will.  Granted, it makes my job as your mama a little harder, but I wouldn't change it one bit.  You like calling the shots, so I've found it easier to give you choices.  Instead of just telling you that you have to eat your dinner, I give you a choice.  I tell you that can either choose to eat your dinner, or if you don't, then you go to time out an lose a toy.  I can not believe how much more effective it is to give you choices!  99% of the time, you make the right choice.  There still are a few things that I don't give you a choice on, but I've found you obey much easier now that everything isn't a battle.  

That strong will of yours has made potty training a challenge.  I would sit you on the potty for thirty minutes, and nothing.  As soon as you would get up, you'd run and potty.  We tried cold turkey into big boy undies.  You liked all of your undies, and wanted to wear them all, so you would potty just a bit, run and get a new pair, and say, "I pottied, so I want these now!" Ugh...  Then last week you were in the bath tub.  You told me in a slight panic, "Mama, I need potty in big boy potty!"  Shocked, I asked if you really needed to.  You replied, "Yes.  No potty in bath.  That's gross!"  I got you out, and you promptly pottied, then returned to your bath.  There has never been a question about IF you were ready to potty train, you were just being stubborn.  The end of last week, we just decided to try big boy undies again.  You have done great!  There have only been a few accidents, and you now will tell me when you need to go!

Your verbal skills have really taken off, as well.  Just the other morning as we were getting your underwear on, you said, "I better not potty on Mickey cause he wouldn't like that."  Daddy and I couldn't believe you strung together such a long sentence.  Your speech is getting clearer.  Hot dogs are not "gog gogs" anymore.  :(  Daddy likes to call you his little stud.  But whenever he does, or if I call you sweetie, you tell us very seriously, "I not stud.  I Kade Robert Johnson!"  

You and your sister play together so well.  Most of the time it is farming, Bubble Guppies, or dolls.  It is fun to watch you narrate and make noises as you play with all your farm equipment and animals. 

Kade, you are so full of energy.  I don't think you ever walk anywhere.  You are constantly running, hopping, climbing, or jumping off of something.   No matter when or where we are, if you are going down steps you ALWAYS jump off the last one. 

Recently, we moved you to a big boy bed.  This was after one day when you were playing in your room and started yelling, "Look at me, Mama!!!"  I came in to find you had crawled into your crib.  It was time for a big boy bed for sure.  You showed us numerous times how you climb in and out.  Big Sissy tried to do it to, but is a little timid, so she couldn't.  You smiled proudly, puffed out your chest and said, "Like dis, Sissy!" I think you were thrilled that you were showing her something for once! To my surprise, you have not yet gotten out of your bed.  You wait quietly in the morning until we come in to get you up for the day.

Bubba, you bring so much laughter to our family!  You have a natural happiness that just radiates from you.  It is hard to think about you and not just smile from ear to ear.  We love you so much, sweet boy Kade Robert Johnson!  ;)

Love,
Mommy