Caiden Day.

A few weeks ago Caiden was a bit under the weather. He had a nasty little tummy virus. Other than screaming every time we had to change his diaper he was perfectly pleasant to be around. He really is the greatest baby. Miles and I were feeling bad for him so we designated that Saturday to be Caiden day. We started off the morning by heading to the skatepark, then to Toys R' Us with the intention of picking out a new toy but all Caiden asked for was a bag of Snickers. Treat King. We got that bag of Snickers and headed to the Danbury Airport to watch planes take off and land. He's really into airplanes right now. After the airport we headed home for a nap. When he woke up we had a little car wash, daddy's car and Caiden's truck. Then we got all dolled up and went to dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings and walked next door to Chuckie Cheese for an evening of fun games. After games we went to Stew Leonard's for ice cream with sprinkles and to hang out with the farm animals at the Stew's petting zoo before heading home to go to bed. It was the best Caiden Day. I think there will be plenty more in our future.

Cheers to four wonderful years.

I have a favorite wedding picture. Each year around our anniversary we've gone out, found a bench, and recreated that picture. My goal was to show how much we've changed over the years. When I was pregnant (08/08/10) I thought it would be cool to see how our family has changed each year too. So the next year we included Caiden, but we also took some photos of just us. I made this collage and one of just the two of us and emailed them to Miles at work asking which one I should post. His response is one of the million reasons that I love him so dearly. He said "I think it's best with Caiden. I couldn't imagine it any other way." Miles Heidorn you are so wise and so right. When I think of my life I couldn't imagine it any other way. I married my best friend and together we created the sweetest little boy. The last four years have been truly lovely. I've loved every single second. Can't wait to see what 08/08/52 looks like, all grey and wrinkly and surrounded by children and grandchildren. I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Tickle Tickle Tickle.

Caiden's new thing is to "tickle tickle tickle" anything and anybody. I love his little voice when he's saying it. In the last week I've caught him tickling the computer keyboard (while g-chatting with his daddy at work), his toys, a doll in my parents basement, Nixon, and his own belly. He especially loves to tickle my neck and shoulders during our morning snuggles and his daddy's toes at night before he goes to bed. This kid is a constant crack up. Each new thing he does is absolutely adorable. There is nothing more rewarding than watching your child process and learn new things.

Farmington Bridal Show.

Chelsey Heidorn Photography participated in it's first Bridal Show in Farmington, CT on August 5th. It was a bit out of my comfort zone, I'm kind of an introvert. But truth be told, once I warmed up to it, I kind of enjoyed talking to a bunch of people I didn't know. Miles tagged along with me (aka he had no choice) and really helped me feel comfortable. I put a lot of thought into my display, sketched a lot, did a bunch of designing, and then Miles built everything for me! He's so very handy and amazing. The best part is I've already seen a lot of success from the show. My spring/summer 2013 is really filling up fast!

This one is for you, Mom.

I came across Tina Fey's prayer for her daughter while perusing pinterest (the great nap time waster!) and found the last part to be so sweetly true and made me think of my own mom.

"And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 a.m., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back. "My mother did this for me once," she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby's neck. "My mother did this for me." And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental note to call me. And she will forget.But I'll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes. Amen."

So before another moment passes and I forget, I need to say thank you mom. Thank you for waking up several times a night with me, for cleaning poopy diapers, for enduring teething (especially those canine teeth), for making it through all the cuts, bumps, bruises and ER visits. Thanks for all the clothes, shopping trips, dental visits, making me eat my veggies, and family vacations. Thank you for surviving my teenage years, helping me make right choices, and being there for me when I didn't. Thanks for doing my laundry, cheering me on at my soccer and lacrosse games, and for flying across the country to visit us with each place we've lived. Thanks for being by my side when Caiden was born, and helping me push :) Thanks for teaching me how to be a mom, and leading with your great example. Thanks for the countless hours of unpaid babysitting so Miles and I can go on dates, for giving me breaks when I'm about to break down, and for being the baby whisperer that can always get Caiden to fall asleep. Thank you for all the little things you do that go unnoticed and for being the greatest mom this girl could ask for. I love you!

Painting.

It's of no surprise to almost anyone that Caiden loves to get a little messy. My love for art also shouldn't come as a surprise. Why not combine those two loves? A few weeks ago I got out a big roll of paper, some acryllic paints and let Caiden free to finger paint. He wasn't quite as into it as I expected, but we had some fun painting together. And, as it's to be expected, Caiden got messy! He had fun hosing himself off afterwards. I love being able to share my passions and talents with my son, and seeing him get joy out of it as well.

Cousin Bath.

Nikki and Rilee came for a visit back in June. We decided to give the babes their first cousin bath. Nikki had to throw on a bathing suit and sit with Rilee because at the time she wasn't safely sitting up on her own. They had a blast splashing and playing. Caiden, of course, needed to touch her belly button and wanted to give her lots of hugs. I caught a little of the action on video. Love these cute cousins. Nikki: please come visit again soon! We miss you guys.