A Year!

Well, it has been a year since I last updated the blog. In that time...a lot has gone on.

John left for Qatar and returned. It was a very long year for him and so difficult to be away from Kade.

We had a family of 6 move in with us for about 6 months. That was hectic and great and tiring. So glad to be able to help others having difficulties. Brings my blessings into sharper focus. Kade LOVED having 4 siblings and I think they enjoyed him. They consider him, and on occasion call him, their little brother!

We lost a member of the family (our dog, Ivan) and gained four more (our pup, Tugg; two kittens, Kala and Finn; and a ball python, still to be named). Kade is in love with them all! Finn almost didn't come home with us, but Kade saw him and that was that! Finn is Kade's baby. He is so fun to watch with Tugg, too. They have a love/hate relationship - kinda like siblings. They play well and then bicker and then make up. They are also VERY good at getting into trouble together!!!

Kade has developed a GREAT interest in dinosaurs and animals in general. If it has teeth he especially likes it. Lately he loves to pretend to be a puppy!

Kade visited the ER twice this last year. He loves to drink things he shouldn't! Black pudding (charcoal) is not his friend!

Kade started speech therapy just after his second birthday. He is behind in his expressive language (he doesn't say too many words - but understands a ridiculous amount). In six months time he has come quite a bit further. He has started to say so many words, especially now that John is home. He even combines a couple here and there without prodding. It is exciting to watch this area develop!

Since John has been home (April 1st) he and Kade have been inseperable! Kade LOVES having Dad home! John is a bit overwhelmed sometimes - but really loves that Kade wants him around for everything. John and Kade have:

• Built a bunkbed/fort together


• Gone adventuring in the Rhino


• Worked in the yard


• Taken care of all the birds


• Prepared traps for John's trapping excursions


• Learned to potty like a big boy (not consistently yet)


• Gotten haircuts by John (Kade is not liking that at all)


• wrestled and chased


• and more!!!

We hope to have another great year! And I hope to post pictures from the past year as well as more frequent posts!