Getting Bigger Everyday

Caden is 8 weeks now, and is growing every day! Every time I have to put a piece of clothing in the "newborn bin" that will go in storage, I get a little sad that he is already about 2 months old! But at the same time, we are loving what new things each week brings---smiles, a lot of movement and more smiles! At his 6 week appointment, he was 11 lbs 9 oz and 23.5 inches long. He's a tall boy--95% in height and 60% in weight. He is outgrowing his little pajamas quickly these days because he is so tall. Even though they might be baggy on him, his little legs get all squished if we don't move up a size! We are loving seeing what each new day brings, and seeing how expressive he is becoming.


Caden's little hands are always by his face--I mean, always. Often he will fold them like this, so had to get a picture. (Yes, our son is very spiritual and is always praying apparently). :)

So last week was my first week back at work. It's going ok. I, of course, am missing Caden, but feel blessed that we have family and friends that are watching him, so I know he is in good hands. It has been an interesting transition for me, going back to work where I was used to being in everything, knowing all that is going on and working 50+ hours, to working 30 hours, and only having to work in the office 2 days (the rest is from home or on weekends during church services). It certainly is making me be more efficient and work on my time management! But I have to say, its great. Its a blessing that God has allowed me to stay in ministry and continue to work at the level I was before. Before I went part time, they never had a part time director and it was kind of the unspoken rule that directors were always full time. But for me, they made the exception and created a job for me so I could stay at the same pay/responsibility level. And I am back doing "creative" things, which is so much more fun for me than what I was doing before. All that to say, its a new thing but a good thing, and I am so thankful that I get to spend most of my week at home with Caden.

This week Caden and I branched out and attended our first Gymboree class. Our friends Kelly and Campbell invited us (Campbell is about a month older than Caden, and Kelly goes to Mariners), and it was mostly fun (I say mostly because...well, see below). Caden was the youngest one there, so he is still a bit young to appreciate all that was going on. But he liked the singing, the colorful parachute we put above the babies, and actually didn't scream at me like he does at home when we did tummy time.
I had an interesting interaction with a mom there (that is the "mostly" part I was refering to above). Let's just say I've officially been entered into the world of judgy moms. She was apparently a little appalled that A) I had left my 8 week old multiple times with family babysitters already and B) that I was already back to work. (Yes, in the first 5 minutes of class I was forced to share this information with the group.) She made her feelings on these 2 things very evident to me by asking follow up questions like "Why would you go back to work so soon?" and I politely said, "Well, we couldn't afford for me to take more time then that. My work only gives 6 weeks paid disability because we are a non profit; I dont get the full 12 weeks like some do." She replied, "Oh that is so sad; I just don't know what I would do if I didn't have the full 12 weeks". Riiiight. Thanks lady. Like its not hard enough for me to leave my baby anyways.
I want to give the benefit of the doubt that she wasn't judging or meaning to come off so, but it just reminded me that I am officially in the world of "moms" where there are tons of opinions and ways of doing things. I didn't expect it to bother me so much, but once I got home, I was able to reflect that every mom and situation is different, and whats right for our family is our choice and who cares what everyone else thinks. Its a hard thing to remember in the moment, but I know that this is the first of many things that will come up like this. I feel like it applies to so many things as a mom--everything from what stroller to buy to when/if to start preschool. Anyone else struggle with this? Oh the many joys of motherhood... :)

Finally, here are a couple pics from a little photo shoot a friend did for us. We are still getting the rest, but here are a few favs.

This of course is Jon's favorite--had to get a football in there!
I hope everyone is doing well and I will try to be more regular about posting pics of Caden since he is changing so much! I leave you with this video of Caden's precious smile. But he does make you work for it sometimes (hence my annoying high pitched voice as I talk to him.) I call this video "Happy to Ticked in 2.1 seconds". You will see why.