Kisses and Ka Tas

Dear Caden,

Today you have hurt your toe about 84 times, and the day is still young. Amid the bustle of noises from your toys I hear a loud "thunk" followed quickly by a wail of pain. You hobble over to me with huge crocodile tears flowing down your cheeks.

"Ow! Ow! Ooowww!"

"What happened Caden? What hurts?"

"My toe!" (Make that 85)

"Does Mommy need to kiss it and make it better for you?"

"Yeah! Kisses!. . . And ka tas! (new word for ketchup)"

If only all of your life's owies were easily fixed with kisses and ketchup. I pray they are for years to come.

Love,
Mommy

Puzzle Pieces

Dear Caden,

Yes, "puzzle pieces" have the word "puzzle" in them. The puzzle part is supposed to be putting the pieces together to make a big picture, not to try and find said puzzle piece. After nap time we were missing several of these pieces and were quite puzzled as to where you hid them (pun intended). Finally Mommy and Daddy gave up and asked you. . . in which you kindly pointed to your diaper hamper. Of all places. Seriously? Oh wait. . .what the heck is your red hoodie doing in there too?! Guess the diaper hamper needs to hide in the closet during sleepy time.

Love,
Mommy

Toddler Bed

Dear Caden,

I am not sure when it happened. Perhaps the day that you told me, "Mommy, I down. I big. I walk." Or the day that you were able to to go outside and name nearly everything that you saw without hesitation. Somehow, somewhere, you morphed from a tiny, helpless little baby into a fountain of pure energy, limitless questions, handsome big boy. Today we put away your crib for baby brother and put up a toddler bed. You picked out Thomas the Train and Cars bed sets. Of course, you spent the entire nap time out of bed instead of in it, and decided rolling on your bedroom floor and knocking on your bedroom door were way more entertaining. Mommy can't wait until night time [insert eye roll]. Please know that even though you feel like you are a big boy, that you will always be Mommy's baby, my Happy Thought.

Love,
Mommy

Bubble Games

Dear Caden,

We have a little game that we play when you take your bath, and it is more fun when there are mountains of bubbles surrounding you. We play hide and seek with your toys. I will ask, "Where's the fish?" and you will happily hunt until you find it, and we continue on until we have found all of the animals. However, tonight you decided to add a twist to the game. . . and it all started with the sound of extra bubbles being added to the tub. With the most innocent and serious face, you looked at me and stated, "Uh oh! I poo!" You then promptly asked, "Where my poo go?" Dear Caden, can you even begin to realize how disgusting it is to try and find your poo in a bath full of toys and bubbles. . . lots and lots of bubbles? This firmly cements the fact that you will be potty trained very soon.

Love,
Mommy

Young Grasshopper

Dear Caden,

I made the comment last night to Daddy that Peanut is quite active and constantly kicks. You then came up to me as cute as possible, while lifting up your leg ninja-style, and asked, "I kick too?" That would be a NO young grasshopper.

Love,
Mommy

Hands

Dear Caden,

Do you know how creepy it is to have the restroom door closed and see a little hand reaching towards you underneath?

Love,
Mommy

The Christmas Story

Dear Caden,

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them : and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not : for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you ; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a  manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:8-14

And that, My Dear Caden, is what Christmas is all about.

Love,
Mommy

Santa

Dear Caden,

I know that you are uber excited about opening your gifts and seeing what Santa brought you, that or eating another one of Santa's cookies - However, please stop climbing out of your crib. Grammy told me that Daddy climbed out his crib on Christmas Eve too. Please keep in mind that Santa will not visit until you are asleep. And yes, you must be asleep for longer than 15 minutes.

Love,
Mommy

P.S.  I totally saw you sneak one of Santa's cookies

Hi!

Dear Caden,

I am sitting on the floor playing with you and you decide to stick your cute little face not even 2 inches from mine. You begin to say my name every way possible, "Mommy! Moo-ooommy! Momma! Mom! Mamma! Mooooooommmmmmy! Ma! Mommy! Mmmmmmommy!"

"What Caden? What do you need?"

You inch closer to me, "Moooooomma! Mommy! Mommmmmmy! Mooooooommmmmmieeeeee!"

"WHAT?! Caden, what do you need sweetie?!"

"Hi!"

Love,
Mommy

Nosy Spaghetti

Dear Caden,

You are eating spaghetti, slurping the noodles up one by one and giggling as the sauce flies off spraying your face. This form of messy entertainment lasts for at least 20 min, but hey- at least you are eating something besides waffles and bananas. Suddenly you sneeze quickly, 3 times in a row. The look that you gave me afterwards left me in a breathless, hysterical laughter. Every time you would breathe out of your nose, a small piece of noodle would peep in and out of it. Awesomeness.

Love,
Mommy

Ravioli Apocalypse

Dear Caden,

I understand that you are none too happy with Mommy for trying to clean ravioli out of every possible nook and cranny after dinner tonight. However, your anger is very much misplaced. The Mayans predicted the world would end today, therefore Mommy let you eat the messiest meal possible in hopes that the Apocalypse would occur before clean-up. Blame the Mayan's, I know I am.

Love,
Mommy

One Year Cranioversary!

Dear Caden,

One year ago today, I faced a giant that I pray to never face again. I had to hand you over to surgeons so that they could do a cranial surgery to save your little life. My heart never felt pain as it did that day. I know that God's angels held you while Mommy couldn't and that God had His hands over the Surgeon's.

Today I see you, a busy and thriving two yr old, waffle loving little boy. I adore you Caden, you bring craziness and love into my world. May your story one day help that of another family. You are special Caden, for I know that when I see that one widened part of your scar, that that is where God Himself kissed you on the OR table, giving you His healing kiss of approval. You are a daily reminder that He still works miracles. Happy one year cranioversary my dear Caden.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

You and Daddy right before the surgery

In the PICU 

Mommy's 1st view of you after a 5hr surgery

Your incision

One year later, helping Mommy in the kitchen

Last Christmas you were in the hospital, this Christmas you sit on Santa's lap

Playing with Daddy as a healthy and happy little boy

Baby Mon-tee!

Dear Caden,

I know that the concept of a growing baby in Mommy's tummy is a little different for you. However, I hope you aren't too disappointed when baby brother debuts. Today when Daddy asked you if you wanted a baby brother, you proudly stated "No, I want a mon-tee! (monkey)" I hate to break it to you, but Mommy birthing a monkey may prove to be challenging, and will probably never happen.

Love,
Mommy

Baby Brother!

Dear Caden,

Well, your little sister has somehow morphed into a little boy! You are going to have a baby brother! The Doctor sure was surprised since we thought the baby was a girl! I know that you will be an absolute amazing big brother and he is blessed to have you show him the ropes. I love my little boys!

Baby Brother is smiling

It's a Boy!

Love,
Mommy

Clean Up Time!

Dear Caden,

It started with this. I should've known...

And then Mommy turned the corner. My question is, how did you do this in just two minutes from our last cleaning? No rest for the weary. *sigh*

Love,
Mommy

Happy Birthday Great Grandpa Brown!!!

Dear Caden,

Today is a bittersweet day for Mommy. Today is (your Great) Grandpa Brown's birthday! Unfortunately you will never have the opportunity to sit on his lap while he sings you his silly red bug songs. You won't know the excitement that Uncle Gene and I had from staying over at Grandpa's because we got to stay up until the sun came up, playing Mario video games and drinking coffee with our sugar. As with every person, Grandpa had his faults, but he was the most amazing Grandpa and Mommy loved and still does, him very much. One day, I will take you to where he sleeps and we will place fresh flowers there and tell him all about how much you have grown up. I promise to always keep his memory alive through pictures and stories, weaving him into the fabric of your little heart until we all join him in Heaven. So tonight when we pray, we will ask Jesus to give Grandpa a kiss from us and let him know that we are doing our very best to make him proud. One day, after Jesus tells us, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant!", we will race across the clouds of Heaven and Grandpa will finally get to hold you on his knee and sing to you, "Oooooh say can you see, any red bugs on me?! If you caaaan, pick a few! . . . And we'll make a red bug stew!!!"

Love,
Mommy

Dear Grandpa,

It still hurts so much, knowing that you are no longer here. I celebrate today, your day, in my heart. Thank you for being the best grandfather to me, for allowing an awkward 8yr old put your few wisps of silver hair into pig tails. For allowing me to sit on your lap and fall asleep. For just loving me. They say it gets easier with time, it has been 11 yrs, and it still hurts so much. Know that I carry you around with me every day in my heart, that I think of you often. Know that I am proud of the big "Brown" nose, for I know that nose came from you. May you rest in peace, waiting until Gabriel blows that trumpet. I am doing my best to raise my family to make you proud, and the right way so that when the time comes I can hold you in my arms again. Tonight, even though I am a mother myself, I will sleep with the Snoopy doll that you gave me and think of you as I drift in dreamland . . .

Love,
Your Grandbaby

Today

Dear Caden,

Today our nation experienced yet another tragedy. Many small children had their lives snuffed out way before their time. They will never get to experience true love, hear the sound of their newborn's cry . . . or just to live life. This makes my heart grieve, knowing that many Mother's and Father's arms will be empty tonight.

So tonight I will hold you closer, make you laugh a little longer and remind you how much we adore you. But it won't be just tonight, it will be every night until the end of time. Even then, I will be there with you. You are amazing, just the way you are. May you always feel wanted and loved.

During these times where man can show us the unthinkable, I want you to look a little deeper. It will be difficult to look past the screams of those that are hurting, past the groans as Earth soaks up the blood of the innocents, past all of the nightmares and pain. I don't want you to lose your faith in humanity or to lose hope that there is still good in the world. It is there, but you have to look a little deeper, believe a little harder. I want you to see the other side of this horrific tragedy, I want you to see how the Nation is holding their loved ones a little closer. How strangers are helping one another. How, if we all hold onto one another's hand, we can rebuild. We will never understand, but tonight we can pray for healing and pray for peace. Be a difference in your world Caden. Show them that good still exists.

I want you to be able to play outside and let the sun shine on your face without a care in the world. I will fight tooth and nail to make sure you are able to have that. Know that tonight while I hold you, you are safe in my arms. When you step outside, you are safe in His arms. I love you my dear Caden.

Love,
Mommy

Corn and Waffles

Dear Caden,

Corn and waffles. It's what's for dinner.

Love,
Mommy

Peas

Dear Caden,

You have recently joined the rest of the toddler world- refusing to eat anything that isn't smothered in ta ta's (ketchup)  and gagging at the sight of vegetables. No matter how much you try to to convince me, I promise you, those peas are not boogers . . . you can quite calling them that as you flick them across the table.

Love,
Mommy

I Poo!

Dear Caden,

"Moooommma!", you holler at me, standing less than two feet away in a crowded waiting room.
"Yes, Caden?" I whisper, trying to get you to quiet down.
"Moooommma!", you holler again. You stand tall with your arms held above your head, likening to that of a gymnast after their final landing jump.
"I Poooooo!" you proudly exclaim.
So theatrical you are, so dramatic. Thanks for letting the world know.

Love,
Mommy

Ta Ta's

Dear Caden,

You are happily noshing away on dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets when suddenly you say, "I want ta ta's." I pause for a moment, debating on what to say or do, then decide to continue what I was doing. "Moooommy! I want ta ta's peeeaaaas!" Knowing that we are way past that feeding stage of life and the only ta ta's that I am currently aware of will be inappropriate for you for quite some time, I stand at a loss for words. "I don't understand Caden, what do you want?" You sigh, climb out of your chair, tap on the refrigerator until I open it. You give me a look of, "Seriously?" and grab the ketchup, "Ta ta's Mommy." Of course.

Love,
Mommy

Banana Love

Dear Caden,

Lately you have been fixated on bananas. There have been many a day in which you eat two, and continue asking for more. Perhaps this is what is fueling those monkey-like antics? I am still trying to figure out how you got an entire 7 inch banana shoved into your mouth with just 2 bites. Guess those chipmunk cheeks are coming in handy.

Love,
Mommy

Grassy Knees

Dear Caden,

The sun shines on your brown hair, making your eyes sparkle. Your laughter bubbles freely from within you as you run around chasing a ball with other children in the neighborhood. You take a tumble, giggle, stand up and start running again. I cannot help but smile, a sense of peace and happiness settling within me. A year ago this month you would have to have major skull reconstructive surgery. A year ago this month, I felt like I was a failure. What did I do to cause this, what could I have done that would've prevented it? Now, I watch you squeal with delight, and all is right in the world. You are a growing, healthy and happy little boy with grass covered knees and dirt between your toes. Life is as it should be.

Love,
Mommy

Play-Doh

Dear Caden,

While playing with you in the play room, I see a dark brown log-looking thing fall out of your pant leg which you immediately pick up and began playing with.  To my absolute horror- you begin nibbling on it. After grabbing it, I realize it was some of the Play-Doh we were playing with earlier. Way to traumatize Mommy. . . now I know I must frisk you down every time after Play-Doh. GROSS.

Love,
Mommy

Hidden Stash

Dear Caden,

You are quietly (ha!) playing in your play room and I suddenly see you eating something. Not knowing if this is a toy, I ask you to spit it out. You happily oblige, spitting out way more slobber than I anticipated. In my hand sits a craisin...wait, when did you last have craisins?! Where did you get this? You then show me your stash. Hidden inside your crawl-through tunnel there is a little flap, underneath this flap I see countless craisins, goldfish, a waffle piece and I can only assume a piece of banana. Caden, please know that it is doubtful that the world will end in 18 days; and I will always feed you when you are hungry. You don't have to resort to hoarding. Ever.

Love,
Mommy

SNOW!

Dear Caden,

I walk downstairs and peer into your play room. The floor and half of your toys are covered in white. I ask what happened and you grin, exclaiming, "SNOW!" Considering that we live in Houston and it is 80 degrees on Dec 2nd, it is highly doubtful this is snow. Instead you took out Every. Single. Last. Wipe. out of the brand new container. At least you don't let Houston dictate your weather expectations and apparently have learned to make your own snow.

Love,
Mommy

Presents

Dear Caden,

You became fussy this morning so Daddy asked you if you were "shewie." You immediately said, "No!", shaking your head emphatically and continued being grumpy. The smell surrounding you said otherwise. Daddy rephrased his question asking, "Did you make a present for Mommy?" You stopped what you were doing, began grinning and said, "Yeah! Present!" For the sake of your future wife, apparently Mommy needs to clarify what a 'present' should be.

Love,
Mommy