Kaizen Klan: July 2009

Another month has come and gone. Caden is currently on a break from preschool. He will start up again towards the end of August going 5 days a week. Since he's currently on a little vacation, we've been working really hard this summer with potty training. He has Elmo big boy undies, an Elmo potty training DVD, and an Elmo stuffed animal that we use as his example. So far we haven't been too successful, but hopefully our perseverance will pay off. We also recently added to his diet changes. He is now on a casein and gluten free diet. That means no dairy, wheat, oat, barley etc. So far it hasn't been too bad. We will be sticking on this diet for about 6 months and hopefully we'll see some results. We're hoping to get a calmer, more focused Caden, who doesn't have as many outbursts. Cross your fingers for us. So far his diet changes have made him more hyper during the day which causes him to crash hard in the early evening. We even had to move his bedtime up an hour because he kept falling asleep during dinner time and bath time. He's been doing really well at his therapy sessions though, and is even walking on the treadmill all by himself. Along with our usual brushing, massaging and stretching routine we have also added more leg and ab exercises. He does lots of squats and stairs for his legs and he also is now doing sit ups. He's such a little stud and a hard worker. We are so proud of him. He has come so far.

Caden asleep on the couch

Caden falling asleep at the dinner table

Poor little guy fell asleep in the bath tub

More of my snoring little man

Caden enjoying a soy ice cream sandwich

Leila helping clean Caden

MMMM, I like my smoothies!

Caden and his new summer hair cut

Caden riding the one-eyed elephant

Caden climbing up the play cube

This is a big accomplishment for him because it means he has more strength and more control over his legs.

A very proud little boy

Playing in the play house

Téa trying to give him a smooch

Caden finally gives in and kisses his sissy

Pushing Téa on the swing

What a good big brother

Mamma and her grandkids

The terrible 14 month-olds have hit. Our little princess is proving to be more and more like her mommy each day. She is a very determined, stubborn little girl who does not take "no" for an answer. Her very defiant behavior has even earned her a few time outs. Yes, that's right. Téa has finally gotten into trouble. She earned her first one by climbing on my coffee table and standing on it. After being told too many times to count, Don and I decided it was time for the next step-the not so fun part of parenting-disciplining. She sat and stayed in her timeout but pouted the entire time. Caden on the other hand had a slight smirk on his face. I guess he was pleasantly surprised to see her in timeout since he's the one usually there. Other than pushing her limits every day she has become so much fun. She loves to play and is finally less clingy to mommy. She is also talking up a storm. She also finally says "mommy". I was definitely at the bottom of the list, even after "Leila" and "poopoo," but better late than never.

Téa being a crazy baby