Merry Christmas From Our Home To Yours

Wishing you the joy of family, the happiness of friends, and the love of Christmas.

Love from The Andersons... Cory, Kathryn, Cade and Baby Boy.xxxx.

Catch Up

Well I have been a slacko and figured I had better get a catch up post in.

My sister Allison, brother-in-law Will and their 3 little ones arrived safe and well to us. We were SO glad to have them all to ourselves here at home. We have been busy visiting, cooking, wrapping, shopping... the usual week before Christmas happenings. We are holding up well. Cade loves the fact that he wakes to friends each morning and he hollers out to them each night from our room when they are giggling in their bed in what is normally Cade's room. There has been some taddle taling and some screaming completitions between the 2 little boys aka Campbell and Cade but other than that, we have no complaints.... well Allison might, we got caught in a white out on the way home from Cheyenne last week and it was not fun! The boys had left ahead of us in our other car and we were about 20 minutes behind them and needless to say after the scare that it was we were glad to be home! WELCOME TO WYOMING is all I can say!

We have had a day sledding with our good friends the Brays and that was so fun. The first time I have been. No I didn't sled, not with a big round belly happening but it was so fun to play with the kids and see the happiness the snow brings. Cade was fast asleep and missed the whole thing but oh well, there will be more sledding to be had! Chelsea was amazing, such a dare devil, Cory loved that. Aiden and Campbell both warmed to it after a little bit too. So fun!

I am so thankful to have my sister here. Christmas is hard for me when away from extended family so I love, love, love that she is here with Will, Chels, Aiden and Campbell.

Tagged

HUSBAND TAG
This is a fun tag that I got from Kara (thanks Kara!)

1. Where did you meet your husband? We actually met at a wedding in our ward, Cory had just got off his mission and after visiting family in the USA for 2 weeks he had only been in Australia for like 2 days. We were totally checking each other out according to his mom. Our first date was about a week later in December 2002.

2. How long did you date? We dated for about a month before he told me he wanted to marry me then we dated for another month before he proposed. We were engaged for 2 months... so what is that 4 months I guess.

3. How long have you been married? 5 1/2 years

4. What does he do that surprises you? when he takes me out to dinner or plans a nice date.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? I think his smile and his laugh that goes along. He also has really nice eyes. I just think he is a spunk!

6. What is his best quality? He is so loving... I think more than anyone can know. He serves so willingly without others even knowing what he does and never does he do it for a thank you. He is very good with me and is an excellent father.

7. Does he have a nick name for you? I agree with Kara's response totally ... Babe... 99% of the time. Hardly ever does he call me Kathryn. In fact when he does use it, it sounds so weird.

8. What is his favorite food? Pot Roast, mashed potatoes with gravy and corn or Spaghetti. He really is easy pleased though.

9. What is his favorite sport? Soccer and Baseball

10. When and where was your first kiss? The night he told me he wanted to marry me on Christmas Eve on the Riverbank at Lorn, NSW Australia.

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? I would say just spending time together. Cory just loves to drive and site see but I really don't so when I know he wants some one on one time he will suggest a drive. I like to go on a date night, dinner and a movie usually.

12. Do you have children? Yes, a 2 year old boy and a growing bundle of boy due in March.

13. Does he have hidden talents? Yes, he is very sporty, can do anything really when he wants to. He can sing and is so good at cleaning... total perfectionist to a fault sometimes.

14. How old is he? 27 same as me

15. Who said I love you first? Um, not sure, I think I did actually.

16. His favorite music? Country and pop alternative I guess you would call it.

17. What do you admire most about him? He is so giving. He really loves unconditionally. He is a hard worker. He is the best father I could ever want for our children and he is so wonderful with me. I am totally his equal in his eyes and he would give anything for me. He knows me so well and that use to bother me that he knew how I felt and how I would react and that was annoying but really it is to be admired. He is so respectful of his elders. He is the token grandchild I swear and such a good son.

18. What is his favorite color? Blue

19. Will he read this? Probably not, he never gets on the net really :)

20. Who do you tag? I agree with Kara - This was actually very fun, so I think everyone should do it.

I saw this blog hopping (I stole it from you Jen) and thought it was pretty fun.

"On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

1 EMBARRASSING MOMENT: The one I can think of off the top of my head is one that Cory just made fun of me for yesterday actually. When we first moved here, I thought Chik-Fil-A was called Chik-A-Fil and I would call it that all the time. Not that embarrassing I guess but makes me feel like an idiot when I think about it.

2 BEST FRIENDS: Cory and my family

3 THINGS I BUY REGULARLY: milk, bread, juice

4 PLACES I WANT TO GO: Bora Bora, New York, Europe and ALWAYS Australia

5 GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR: Start (and maintain) a workout routine, meal plan, save money, visit Australia, get food storage all done!

6 THINGS MOST PEOPLE DON"T KNOW ABOUT ME: I am a perfectionist, almost to an ocd stage when it comes to a night time routine; I love pretty much anything lemon favored; I worry too much about sickness and have a phobia of vomitting; I hated steak until I ate one here in the USA; I had an ultimate crush on Johnny Knoxville for the longest time; I was accident prone as a child.

7 THINGS I WOULD NEVER SAY: "I just love doing dishes." "No I do not like reality TV" "Go out to dinner? NEVER" "Early gradution!" "Food, I hate food." "Snot is so lovely on children." "I hate Christmas"

8 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS SEASON: EVERYTHING!!! I love the smells at Christmas - warm homes, scents or cooking; the knowledge I have in the purpose of the season, to reflect on the birth of our Savior; Being with family; the decorations and lights all about; Christmas music; Wrapping present; making Christmas goodies; and of course yummy Christmas food!

9 THINGS I SAY TO MY KIDS: "I love you my boy!" "Are you ok?" "Do you want to snuggle with momma?" "Give mommas kisses" "Where's your paci Cade?" "It's nap time... lay down!" "How did mummy get so lucky to have a boy like you my Cade?" "Where's my boy Cade?" and always... "Yes darling?" to the forever calling my name.

10 THINGS I DO A LOT: Dishes; pick up after Cade; pee... sorry pregnancy does that!; Eat, pregnancy does that too; snuggle with my boy Cade; check email/blog/chat to family or friends on msn or facebook; watch kids TV; stress...WAY too much about things I can not control; put my cold feet on Cory in bed; tell him how much I love him.

11 THINGS I WOULD RATHER NOT LIVE WITHOUT: My babe Cory; our children; family; health; the gospel; running water; heat; a home; freedom; food; cars.

12 PEOPLE I TAG: Melany, Allison, Carrie, Jessica, Alicia F, Alicia W, Laura, Lauren, Jill, Kate, Megan, Kimball

6 Months

Well I have officially hit the 6 months pregnant mark, 24 weeks. This little boy is really moving about lately and I just LOVE it! This is really my favorite time in pregnancy and what I truly miss when our little bundle arrives. He is a 'hider' as we call him. When you put your hand on him deliberately to feel him move about he hides or simply stops what he was doing. This week particularly he has been doing some tumbles or flips in there that have caught me by surprise. When I snuggle with Cade, this little man kicks him all the time. It does not faze Cade a bit just yet but when those kicks get a little more forceful he might be feeling different :)I am so glad I feel healthy that I no longer have morning sickness and can seriously enjoy pregnancy. There have been some serious stresses this pregnancy but thankfully bub and I could not be better health wise. What a blessing.

Here are some photos of the 'ever expanding belly' from last night.

Update

This week has been a pretty quiet on for us. We are just busy re-arranging our house to make room for my sister, brother-in-law and their 3 kiddos. We are super excited for them to come to us on Monday. I heard from my sister yesterday just after they arrived at their hotel at Disneyland. Both Chelsea and Campbell got sick during the last hour of the flight due to some bad turbulance. They were just glad to be somewhat settled, able to shower and get freshened up! It was go great to hear they were here safe and well even though we have to wait almost a week to see them in the flesh. Cade is not going to know himself, having live-in play mates all day long for over a month. He will be in heaven!!

I hope this week continues to go quickly as I am just itching to see them all!!

Onto some REALLY exciting news on my family front.... My sister Annette is getting married!! We are all super excited for both her and Ronnie. Congrats Netty!! No final date has been set as far as I know for the actual wedding as they just got engaged on the weekend but I dare say I will miss out on it due to an impending child! I will hopefully get to make a trip to Australia after baby boy is here but regardless we are super happy for them. Happy planning Netty, you just got rid of Law School stress only to take on an all new wedding stress...ARGH!!

Ronnie and Annette

An Anderson Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful extended Thanksgiving weekend. We went to Cory's parents in Colorado where we visited, ate, visited some more, shopped and just enjoyed everyones company. Cory's oldest sister, Bobbi and her boys stayed for a couple of nights along with his youngest sister, Alisa and her husband Jesse. It was just nice to especially spend the evenings playing games and chatting. I was the piker on all the action and took myself to bed before the others as this little boy I am pregnant with feels like he is going to fall out at the end of a busy on my feet day.
It snowed just after Thanksgiving much to the boys dismay as they had left the strings of lights on the lawn ready to hang the next morning, needless to say, they had to fish them out of the about 5 inches of snow that had fallen overnight. Cade just loved the snow. I was so impressed at how well he did to stay on his feet and he just played and played to his little hearts content.












I just love this time of year, really from Halloween through to the New Year. I love the smells, the warmth of the indoors and the festivities with family. I particularly enjoy thinking on those things I am so thankful for. This year as we went around the table it struck me that we each in our own way are very much thankful for the same things. I personally am thankful for the blessings that have come to my family in Australia through this trial they have all been going through with my nephew Kallan. So many people have come through with flying colors, showing their support and encouragement. I am thankful that Kal has never had to be alone and I constantly think and pray for those enduring this horrible illness alone. I have an all new found respect for those that care and tend to the needs of those that are not well, whether physically, emotionally or financially. I am thankful that Kallan is doing so well, that his treatment is working and although he is dreadfully sick with all the side affects and yuckiness that goes along with chemo, he is doing well. I am thankful that my family live close enough to each other to rally around at this time. I am thankful for my family, their love and friendships. I am thankful for my in-laws. For the love and support they give me not just as their only sons wife, but as a daughter. They are the best in-laws ANYONE could ever ask for. I am thankful for health. Health is something I have always and will always be thankful for. I am thankful for the most wonderful husband that just loves me to bits. He is my best friend and is the best dad I could ever want for my children. I am thankful for my children... Cade baby is the most wonderful child and I know I could talk all day about his greatness but I will just say, he is the best company for his mummy and what I would give to always have those sweet kind kisses and cuddles even when I am old and grey! I am thankful for the little boy that I am carrying. He of late has been showing his personality through his kicks and tumbles and I just love this time in pregnancy. I am thankful for healthy pregnancies, for the ability to carry a child to term and the blessings that this brings to me are countless in my eyes. I am thankful for the testimony I have and the simple understandings I have of the gospel, that I can turn in prayer and be comforted and eased when all else seems to fail. I am thankful for my life!

Family

We finally got our family photos back this weekend from Alisa and Jesse's wedding. We had family photos the day after the wedding and they turned out pretty good I thought. Cade was a pill. He was good for the first little bit but then went for a play while others were getting their photos taken in group shots and did not want to do more photos after that. It was rough but we have now learnt:-
1. Not to have photos in light colored pants on the temple grounds that are wet and soggy!!
2. Not to let the kids play prior to photo taking
3. Not to have a late night the night before!!
Thank goodness photos really only come around once a year for us as they really take it out of you but they are SO worth it in my opinion.
Here are a couple of my favorites...

Half Way

Well I have officially reached 20 weeks and am feeling great. Morning sickness is finally over and that is a happy day for all!! I had my iron levels tested yesterday and am slightly iron deficient. Yuck!! I don't know how, I must eat red meat atleast 4 times a week as I can not stomach chicken this pregnancy. Other than that I am hoping for an uneventful next 28-29 weeks, yep scheduled c-section during spring break at this stage. We planned that one well... hehe.

Can't go posting about being half-way without a pic!!

Here is pics from 18 weeks in my pregnancy with Cade.

And here I am today... with little boy number 2.
(I so think I am smaller this time... well atleast carrying differently)

Happy Birthday My Boy

Cade about 2 minutes old...

Cade 1 year old

Cade 2 years old today!

Today is Cade's 2nd Birthday. This time 2 years ago, Cade was 10 hours old exactly. He was nameless and nursing and sleeping like a pro! He was most likely snuggling on my chest while I slept or having a cuddle with daddy after being passed around the number of visitors we had had. That first night was awesome. My pain medication was still in fine form so I was doing great.
I was just so in awe at how cute he was, he was perfect. I remember saying to Cory, "Man, he is cute... I mean really cute!" and Dr Keeler told me he had it on good authority (the nurses in maternity) that he was indeed the cutest little boy they had had in some time. I took it! We thought he was a little spunk! Even if they were just being nice!
Cade is the most delightful child I could have as a first born, he has made me so happy as a mother and want for more children because he is such a delight. He is a mummy's boy in alot of ways but is so boistrous with daddy that it is such a happy medium. He freely gives loves and snuggles with me each morning. He wakes around 6:15 and calls out to me to come help him with his snuggle boppy (which I sadly sacrificed to him when we moved him to a crib at 7 months), blanket, cars, teddy and whatever else he took to bed that night! I love this time, the 6am snuggle for an hour. This morning he fell right to sleep between Cory and I and laughed out loud in his sleep that it woke me but he was fast asleep. It was so cute.
He loves cars, trucks, tractors, bikes, almost anything with wheels it seems. He loves blocks and books and kids. He so enjoys company and is tender with babies. He loves to hold my hand and I will offer my hand alot to him and he holds it so sweetly which just melts my heart.
Lately, as my belly has been expanding he has been lifting his shirt to bare belly and lifting mine to reveal my bare bulge and he will lay skin to skin with his "bubba"... it is the sweetest thing. I love it. Soon I will be too big and he will teeter on it!
Cade likes to jibber and talk. He is talking so much more each day it seems. He says play, park, juice, breakfast, water, yes, no, eat, drink, keem (ice-cream), kids, go, house, car, drive, outside, up, down, dinner, thanks, thank you, please, jump, nigh nigh (night night), awake, seep (sleep), baby, bubba, mumma, mom, dadda, dad, pappa, gammie (grammie), syd (sydney mil dog), sip, some, more, shower, tubba, help, chair, what's that?, oh no!, lol lol (lollies/candy), snacks, fish, cat, cow, dog, goat, church, cold, hot, ouch, hurt me.
These are things he says daily, sometimes he comes out with things we have never thought he has heard. He just so amazes us.
I have to include that when he says "S" he really exaggerates it, like for yes, Yessss, please, Peezzzzeee, Thanks, thankssss. We love it!
Cade, I love you my boy! I have always and will always call you that. Thank you for the most wonderful experience life can offer, the blessing of a beautiful child to love and learn from. Daddy and I just love you to bits!

Here are some pics for you to enjoy...

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