The Morgans

Kaiden's Birthday

2011-02-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAIDEN!!

Kaiden turned the big T-W-O a few weeks ago. Thank you to all who remembered his birthday, to those of you who called and sang, and to those who sent gifts/cards. He really felt the specialness of his special day!!

If there is one thing we Morgans know how to do, it is spoiling! Kaiden was spoiled by us and our families! So in that case, the Openshaws know about spoiling, too! :)

Kaided got to pick out a couple of things from Toys R Us and (shocking) he picked out a train set!

Grandma and Grandpa gave Kaiden a couple of "BIG-boy" ties. Nick was getting sick of Kaiden going to church every Sunday in the same tie. Thanks Mom and Dad for making Nick feel better! Also, Kaiden wore his ties for the first few days after getting them...it was quite the site to see him in his pj's with a tie on!

The other toy Kaiden picked out was a marble racing set, or whatever you call it. All I know is that it is super cool and Kaiden has spent hours playing with what he calls, "Ball-ball, go".

Lastly, Kaiden has gifts that we had bought him. A grocery cart, which he loved playing with his cousins', so we got him his own, some books, a movie, that car-track carpet thingy which if you look closely you'll notice it underneath the "ball-ball go", and those crayola bath markers.

Grandpa Cliff bought Kaiden what is called a balance bike. It is super awesome, but unfortunately I have no pictures of Kaiden riding it. When it warms up around here, I will snap pictures of it because it is really COOL and Kaiden loves it!!

We did have a cake and sang happy birthday, but we got that on the video camera. If I get ambitious, maybe that will be uploaded!!

Recap

2011-01-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

I am sorry that it has been forever since I last posted.
I had been pretty busy with school and everything else that found room on the plate.
The end tally of grades for last semester was...a 4.0! I earned A's in all five of my classes!
Nick continues to run both Choice Greens and they recently announced the opening of a smaller one in the mall that Nick is expected to help open.
We all know that Nick is indispensable to the company and so do his bosses!
Kaiden knows all of his letters and has known them for about 3 months now. He can point to whatever letter you ask and a few he can even say. The ones that he can't say, he does hand motions for.
Kaiden also knows his colors! I am so impressed with our smart boy!
Life here is great! We had a great Christmas and are ready for the new year!
Good luck to you and I hope to be better about posting, but I probably won't be! Let's face it!

Cutie Patootie!

2011-01-03T15:33:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Cliff gave Kaiden the coolest art center. Kaiden spends lots of time drawing and coloring.

And then he crumples up the paper and says, "Gaga" (that means trash)

Uncle Sam

2011-01-03T15:24:00.000-08:00

My brother, Samuel, has been living with us for the past month or so while he attends farrier school.
In the off hours, he lets Kaiden go for a ride...

I love that Sam taught him to hold his arm up like that!

But sometimes, Kaiden gets bucked off...

And has to be tickled!

However, he runs back to Uncle Sam with his hand in the air (this means, "I wanna ride again!)

And they're off!

Uncle Sam also plays with Kaiden and his car.

Sam can make the car go super fast!

They play soccer, especially since Uncle Sam is way better than Mommy!

It is a lot of fun having Sam here and I know Kaiden enjoys it!

There are no words...

2011-01-03T14:58:00.000-08:00

Kaiden is absolutely the CUTEST thing ever...don't you agree?!?!

Christmas

2011-01-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

Last year, Grandpa Cliff had sent us this Create-Your-Own-Santa.
This year, I thought Kaiden was old enough to help me and we did a pretty good job!

I love this picture because he is admiring his own work...I'd say he's pretty proud of himself.

Classic goofy grin! I love this boy!

After spending a TON of time setting up the train table, and after Nick spent a TON of time wrapping the presents for me, this is what Christmas Eve looked like (or actually, more like 2 am Christmas morning!)

These most awesome stockings from Grandpa Cliff and Andrew...I'd say Santa found Kaiden alright!

Kaiden with his loot!
I think he was more in love with the chapstick, pez, and gum...toys just couldn't compare to that!

We only managed to take pictures of a couple of gifts Kaiden received, not that we didn't intend to take more, but as you all know - WE ARE THE WORLD'S MOST FORGETFUL AT TAKING PICTURES!
This super cool laptop helps to teach Kaiden letters, animals, and even lets him check his email!

Okay, so this was absolutely the most adorable thing in the world. Kaiden wanted his car so badly, but Nick and I were so SICK of putting things together that we just put the body on the living room floor and Kaiden found the steering wheel and door. None of them truly attached, so he just held on to them and pretended to drive! At one point, he even had tilted one of the wheels against the body of the car. (We have since assembled it and he plays like crazy!)

And the after shot. Yes, I got to clean this all up, not to mention the Christmas meal. I get exhausted just looking at the mess in this picture!

2010-12-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

Kaiden has recently discovered beanies, and boy does he love them! He has to wear one to bed almost every night, especially when he wears this particular pair of pj's.

But look how stinkin' cute he is. One day he wore this hat when we went to the grocery store and pretty much every person that walked by had to comment on how cute he is. Can you blame 'em?

"Hoooo hoooo" That's the sound Kaiden makes for train, while he's playing with a train, when he thinks about a train, when he lies in bed dreaming about trains...well, you get the picture. It is the number one thing we hear around here.

The other night Nick was showing me some train sets with a table and Kaiden got really excited. However, when we turned the TV off to put Kaiden to bed, he was so upset and he went to bed screaming "hooo hoooo".
Nick went to Target that night (without Kaiden or I knowing) and when Kaiden and I woke up in the morning, there was a train set laid out. Kaiden went NUTS! (Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of it yesterday)

When we were cleaning up in order to put Kaiden to bed last night, he screamed again, "Hoooo hoooo". Would you say someone is in love with trains?!? So these pictures are of this morning's train combination. *If you look closely you'll see he is even wearing his Thomas the Train pj bottoms.

2010-11-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

I know that Kaiden is the REAL reason you all read my blog, but I have to brag...

I got over 97%'s in all of my classes for this last semester!!

Run down of finals: 100%, 99%, and 97%. ROCK ON!!

My classes are 8-weeks, and I have already started my next semester.

Anyway, good job ME!!

2010-11-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

I thought this only happened in the movies!

*I was in the kitchen the entire time this happened, so don't ask me why I didn't notice sooner!

All of a sudden I notice Kaiden getting the gallon of milk out of the fridge...

So I take my time getting to his bedroom, where he's taken the milk...and I see this...

Cinnamon toast crunch, what was left of it anyway...

He had found a bowl, spoon, and cereal, put it in the Trader Joe's bag, just like mommy does...took it to his room....
and poured himself a bowl...

*I think he did a pretty good job!
Delectable!

He is one self-sufficient kid...now if only he'd learn to use the toilet!

Our kittens and Fish

2010-11-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

We bought Kaiden a fish tank a few weeks ago, and then went back a few days later to buy the fish. While there, Nick noticed Kittens for adoption and we fell in love with these two kittens. Melan and Mochi.

Mochi is the white one, a female, and really rambunctious! She will play with you as long as you are willing.

Melan is the male and the favorite, mostly because he understands somewhat of personal space!

And this is why two of our fish are already dead! The kittens got them!

And Kaiden is in heaven with his kittens...and they seem pretty keen on him as well!

Long Overdue!

2010-11-01T10:38:00.001-07:00

A ton of pictures from the last 2 months (*since I started school)

We transformed Kaiden's bed into a "Big-boy" bed for two nights, but then put it back as the crib because he fell out of bed too many times in the night!

We bought these cute colored pads for his bedroom floor and he immediately laid down on them!

Grandma Kathy and Kaiden being goofy!
PS-those are the tunnels made for the floor, not made for clothing!

Grandma Kathy and Kaiden wrestling...I think she's winning!

Oh wait, Kaiden just stole her pillow! What now?!?

Typical Kaiden face!

This is one determined kid! No obstacle too great...no rock too big!

One of my favorite pictures! He's such a handsome boy and he sure loves being outside!

Quick Update

2010-09-14T16:36:00.001-07:00

An update:

Brittany scored a 96% on her first nursing exam! She got a 100% on the multiple choice and missed 2 (stupid mistakes) on the short answer!
She was awarded a $2500 per semester scholarship due to her high GPA!
School continues to be an enjoyment but definitely fills any "spare" time she might have had!

Kaiden has been saying things like hot dog, ta da, uh huh, and the other night he stood with one hand on his hip and the other pointing a finger and shook it at Brittany saying, "Na na na na na!" (he was telling Mommy off! **Nick was wondering where Kaiden picked it up from, but the following day, Nick caught himself shaking his finger at Kaiden and telling him No!)

Nick continues to be busy with work and has started building himself a gaming computer (our HP died again, so it is in the process of getting fixed).

Sorry no pictures, but there will be some soon!

It's been a while

2010-09-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

I know it has been about four months since I posted last. Life has been pretty busy lately.
We moved into an awesome house, that I love!
I quit my job a little earlier than planned so I could fly to NC to see my sister, Jennie, have baby #3 and to help her out.
I started school last week!
Nick has been super busy with work and being "Daddy of the century"! :)

My handsome boy before church. I love this picture!

Aunt Heather bought Kaiden this outfit. We took some pictures and sent one to Grandpa Cliff for his birthday. U of A all the way, apparently! ha ha

Ah, yes, the best smile in the world. I told him to show me his teeth and luckily I snapped the photo right on cue!

No, I didn't have him pose like this. He just did!

For Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Dave

2010-06-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

I think the "master of the tools" in him comes from Grandpa Dave!!

He had to put the tools in the tool belt.

I think he worked for a good hour...

And then returned his tools.

These are the cute overalls from Grandma Kathy!

Just for you Grandma Kathy...pat-a-cake!

We had spent the weekend with Grandma Kathy a few weeks ago and she spoiled Kaiden and I! But she always does! Now it's her turn to come down here...

We love you Grandma and Grandpa!

What's new

2010-06-18T09:33:00.001-07:00

For those of you complaining of WHY I haven't posted in a while!

Here are my excuses/updates!

1. Our computer broke in April and didn't get back to us until the middle of May. Doing anything on a computer other than our new one takes forever, it seems! So I refused until I got the new computer back.

2. I started a new job! I work for a nursing home at night...11pm - 7am. I absolutely love it! It is about ten minutes from home and the pay is good. Mostly I enjoy the residents. They are so sweet and bring me such joy to help them do things they can't do for themselves. All I have to say is that I don't want to get old! ha ha The work is hard, I am tired constantly, but at least I don't have to have anyone watch Kaiden. I am working for the experience and to save up for school!

3. Which is number 3!! I just got accepted into Grand Canyon University's Nursing Program starting this fall. I am super excited! It is a 20-month program with school only being one day a week or two nights a week, depending on the instructor. I have a friend who just finished and is really pleased with the program. We are all very excited!

4. Kaiden is almost 18 months! FIVE, count them, FIVE Sundays until he can go to nursery!! We are counting down the weeks.

5. Nick's work is keeping him busy. The owners recently paid Nick a HUGE compliment by basically saying that Nick is running his store EXACTLY the way they would like it to be. There was more said, but are we surprised?? Also, recently Nick held interviews (to critique the managers) with all of his employees, many of whom are refugees from Nigeria. Several of them told him that before coming to America they had a tainted view that Americans were mean and greedy. But Nick has given them a totally different perspective. They said that they never imagined someone so kind and honest lived in America.

So there are my excuses/updates. Life is flying by quickly!

Mother's Day Weekend

2010-06-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

We ate good food...

This is us before heading off to dinner.

Kaiden played so hard that he slept just as hard. Thank goodness!!

We let him drive one of the cars that are connected to the grocery carts. It was a relatively clean one! lol
He loved it...

We had an absolutely amazing weekend...I wish we could do it every weekend!
Thanks Sweetheart!!

Mother's Day Weekend

2010-06-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day, Nick took me for a weekend in Scottsdale at the Embassy Suites at the Biltmore
It was incredible!

Nick and his family used to stay here when he was younger. He was in love with the Koi fish...and so was Kaiden. Like father like son!

They were such cool fish.

Kaiden went nuts in the hotel room. And we let him because there wasn't much he could break or get in to!

And he played for a long time in the closet...

until the ironing board fell on top of him!

My hair

2010-06-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

So I should have posted these about two months ago!! Nick did my hair, and it is my absolute favorite way I've ever had my hair!!
Nick dyed my hair brown and then added highlights...I had already had red hair, so I have all three colors going on. It is so awesome looking!

I like this SOOO much better than the red!

Easter

2010-04-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Easter Fun

We spent Easter in Prescott and our batteries were dead so there are no pictures of us on actual Easter. We do have a video of Kaiden's Easter Egg Hunt, but we have to figure out how to get it to our computer from our video camera (thanks Granddaddy for the camera!!)

I made Kaiden's Easter basket. I had never done it before, but had a blast. Then I filled it with tons of toys!
I filled the eggs with fruit snacks and goldfish crackers...we tried to stay clear of candy this Easter!

After we got home from Prescott, I was unpacking the suitcase and didn't realize until I turned around...that Kaiden had taken the tulle and put it over his head and was walking around with it. He had so much fun because he could wear it and still see!

Yes, that is my crazy boy!

Sodie

2010-04-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

I was doing something on the computer when I heard Kaiden guzzling a drink. I thought it was water from the water bottle I had given him...but I turned around and this is what I found...

Kaiden had Nick's Diet Coke cup from Chipotle from the night before. It was more than half full...typical of Nick to not drink much of it! :)

And Kaiden kept drinking...and drinking...and drinking. He must be our son!!

Look at that content face. What else does he need?!?!

Even Ari is feeling left out. I asked Kaiden if he'd share with me and he wouldn't even take a step towards me!

Kaiden's Signature Facial Expression

Nick and I have so much fun with this little guy. He is never unhappy or unexciting - there's no denying he's ours!!

A Fun Day in the Park

2010-02-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a PERFECT day. The weather was great and so we got up early and headed to the park. IT WAS A BLAST!!

Mr. Independent

Kaiden loved the ducks. Unfortunately, we had forgotten to bring some bread so we could feed the ducks.

Guess what sound Kaiden is making?? Kchkch

We thought this duck's hairdo was something else!

These were HUGE!!

Then we were off to the playground. Kaiden played and played and played.

He went back and forth in the tunnels. I'd say that was his favorite part!

Nick is such a good Dad. It was so fun to watch him and Kaiden play together.

We stopped for a drink...of SODA!

Can you tell that someone is having fun?!?

I love this picture. These giant concrete turtles were awesome.

Look at how exhausted he is. He CRASHED when we got home!

Who's the handsomest baby in the whole wide world???

2010-02-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

Megan bought Kaiden this really cute outfit for church. The horse on the tie is PERFECT! Kaiden looks like such a BIG boy in his new clothes!!

Nick didn't have his tie on yet, but I had to have some pictures taken before the outfit got messed up AT ALL!

I think I spend the majority of my time snuggling and kissing my boy! I mean, who wouldn't? He's such a snuggle buggle!!

Everywhere I go, people tell me how much Kaiden looks like me. They even say he looks more like me than Nick, which is polar opposite to what they said a year ago when he was itty bitty! So HA Nick!!!

We went to the Dr. today and Kaiden got 6 shots. It was painful for me to bear...and I think Nick'll be going from now on!!

Stats on the BIG boy: 25 lbs, 31 in.

That makes him in the 75 percentile for both...and way advanced with motor skills and "smarts" but then again, what did we expect with the parents that he has?!? (*I'm not being very humble, am I?!)

Anyway...I finished up my CNA class! YEEHAW! So now on to taking my state certification and start working to save up for MORE schooling!!

Nick works and works and works some more! I am so thankful because I know we'll always have what we need! He is such a great Daddy. I have never seen him hem or haw when Kaiden needs him or when I ask him to get up with Kaiden in the night. He is always so much fun...and thus Kaiden prefers Daddy! I don't blame him in the least bit!!

Life is great! We truly are blessed with many things!

We miss our family A TON! I have a marvelous idea: come on down sometime and visit us! I won't mention names or point fingers...you know who you are!!

the birthday song

2010-02-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

The Happy Birthday song! Kaiden wasn't quite sure what to think...but just wait until it's time to blow out the candle!!

Kaiden's Party

2010-01-31T19:01:00.000-08:00

We had Kaiden's Birthday party yesterday.
IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!

I made his cake on Friday...and I tried to make the dog look like his stuffed dog that he sleeps with.

Saturday morning I bought him a bouquet of balloons, since he ALWAYS wants the balloons at the grocery store. He was in heaven!

"Dad, please help me open the card!"

Kaiden got a bunch of clothes!

A toy he already owns! Guess we'll be going to return it. But he was still excited about it!

Boy is he cute when he claps!!

And, as always, the BOX is a ton more fun than anything inside the box!

This really cute book from Megan entertained him for a while! It is super cute!

We ate Pizza...and yes, I did pull his high chair into the living room. My kitchen is too small to have everyone eat in it!

One candle, for the one-year-old!

And the messy-face picture! He LOVES that cake!

Thank you to our friends who came to Kaiden's party. We had Sarah, Megan, Perry, Stephanie, and Rich. It was super fun! However, I am pretty sure Nick can wait another year until we have another party! :)

...

2010-01-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

This is the gift from Grandpa Cliff. Perfect gift! Kaiden loves stuffed dogs...so I think he likes it...do you?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2010-01-22T17:31:00.000-08:00

BIRTHDAYS BIRTHDAYS BIRTHDAYS!
(*and mine is in a couple of weeks...ha ha)

Kaiden turned ONE!! Grandpa Cliff sent us this Clifford Happy Birthday thing...and we love it!

I let Kaiden feed himself cheerios with MILK...messy, but he's gotta learn somehow!

He got a haircut...I think I got it a little short, but at least it won't be too long before I have to cut it again!

And he opened his presents...a card from Grandma Wilson, or Mima (spelling?), Great-Grandma Betty, and Grandpa Cliff.

He loved the cards. He has been carrying them around for 2 days! They are really cute...but I think he's glad that he can have them. Usually I take them away!

The funnest part was taking him to Toys R Us and buying his some toys. We had so much fun in that store...and even more fun when we got home!
I had class, so Nick and Kaiden celebrated together that night. He'll have his cake at his party...so sorry there aren't any messy cake-face pictures!

Happy Birthday...I can't believe it's been a year already! He's walking (since New Year's Eve), getting four molars, feeding himself with utensils (almost), and singing. He's so smart and fun. He has brought me so much joy in this last year and I am thankful he's a part of our family FOREVER! I am glad he came when he did...perfect timing! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2010-01-22T17:25:00.003-08:00

Happy Birthday Nick!
He turned the big 2-8!

He wanted us to treat it like a "normal" birthday party...so I took pictures! He got an accessory to the wii from Sarah and a couple of wii games...

And I put patches on his jeans...the ones with the holes! LOL...but his real present was the wii and Mario Bro's.

I made an awesome dinner and an even awesome-R cake...Sarah's putting the candles on the cake.

We had Cathy here for a week, and so she was here for the party. We had a fun time together...and an even "funner" time eating the cake!

Play over and over again!

2010-01-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

This has to be the cutest thing! It is WAY cooler than anything on YouTube. HA HA!

Chrismas Eve

2009-12-30T10:47:00.000-08:00

Since us blue-eyed Morgans spent Christmas Eve and Christmas day alone, here's a post to help everyone else feel included!

Cliff read this book every Christmas Eve...and I think he still does! Nick had told me that he wanted to keep that tradition...and this is the conversation we had on Christmas Eve morning.
Nick woke up, put the Santa hat on, cranked up the Christmas music, and went around the house saying, "Ho ho ho!" He then realized that he had forgot something, and informed me that he would be making a stop after work. I figured it out...because he then said, "My Dad ALWAYS read that story and I want to do it too, just like my Dad." I then asked if I could just pick it up for him while he was at work, but he protested, "It is MY thing!"
Nick read this book to our family. Kaiden LOVED IT!

Prior to reading "Twas the night before Christmas", we read the Christmas story from the scriptures and sang hymns. Now, I am telling the complete truth. KAIDEN SAT IN BETWEEN NICK AND I, ON THE COUCH, THE ENTIRE TIME! He hardly moved. He loves when Nick and I sing together and we do a really good job. Nick sings melody and I sing alto. Just don't tell anyone, or else we'll have to join the ward choir! So I think that is why Kaiden sat on our laps the entire time...he didn't even try to attack the hymn book. Now, that is surprising!!

Thank you parents / grandparents, for the funds for our new computer. I snapped a picture of some of my Christmas decorations, but mostly how ridiculous our technological living room is! Don't you think?

This was Nick's wrapping job. If any of you know Nick, you'll appreciate this present. He did an EXCELLENT job! All of my presents were wrapped so well with lots of ribbon. What a great job he did!

This is after Santa had visited our house!

Look at our stockings! One of Andrew's relatives hand makes these stockings. They are gorgeous! I know, I am so lucky to have married into such an AMAZING family with such AMAZING friends!

I went to bed around 9pm...Santa still had presents to wrap, and so I went to bed to give Santa his alone time! ha ha

Christmas

2009-12-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

We had a VERY Merry Christmas!

Kaiden did NOT like his rocking horse, at first. what a great way to introduce him to Christmas!

But he LOVED the oranges in the stockings!

A funny Merry picture!

Kaiden got some wooden puzzles from Santa...I think it's one of his favorite toys!
Nick just says, "Something else to make a mess with!"

Even Ari got a present...thanks Sarah!

The xylophone! It's AWESOME!

Nick bought me speakers for my ipod...Kaiden thought it was a toy to crawl on. He got right on top of it like a MONKEY. It was pretty cute!

Oh, and don't forget to help the neighbor boys fix their bike. What a good guy!

Thanks Grandpa Cliff for our first ornaments to start our collection with!

Homemade rolls, green beans, sweet potato casserole, and pork loin roast for Christmas meal. It was just the three of us...and it was so special!

This is what I did while Nick cooked...
Kaiden loved the green beans...like always!

Kaiden started giving the horse kisses. We're making progress!

Our cowboy!!

Grandpa Cliff and Andrew gave us this cute snow man bag...

Nick says, "Thanks Dad and Andrew for the baby bag!!!"

We had a very special Christmas. We enjoyed celebrating the birth of our Savior. I was thankful that it was our little family and we could focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Kaiden loved the church movie, Joy to the World. We've watched it about 3 or 4 times this season. He gets really quiet and still, which is quite abnormal. I know it is because it hasn't been long since he left the presence of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He has taught us a lot about reverence when listening to the Christmas hymns as well as when we talk of the birth of our Savior. I am so thankful to have such a sweet spirit in my home!
Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. We missed you!!!

He's the Dancing KING

2009-12-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

Check out these dancing moves! I'm not sure who taught him how to dance...

And I guess the best thing about his new walking toy is THE MUSIC! He never wants to let it stop!

2009-12-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

Notice how he only wants the music. He is definitely MY child!!

He's a walker!

2009-12-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

We bought Kaiden the cutest walking toy a few weeks ago. It roars and plays music. Kaiden wasn't quite sure what to think of it.

But now we do laps around the grassy area in our apartments. He loves it!

He'll be walking pretty soon. He has good balance...can stand up for about 30 seconds or more before falling over. He's such a fun boy. Never a dull moment around here!

Haircut

2009-12-23T19:16:00.001-08:00

He got his first haircut...the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Wouldn't you say it was about time?!?

We wet his hair and cut it with scissors. It didn't work out too well (and we didn't get any pictures because one of us had to hold the boy while the other one whacked away!)

Look closely...it is very very choppy!

TAKE TWO!!

While I was at school one night, Nick got to Kaiden with the clippers.

Ahh...much better!
He's a REAL boy! No longer do people think he's a girl!

He's a CUTIE!!

2009-11-25T10:47:00.000-08:00

ENJOY!

"O", says Kaiden. Boy do we play "telephone" a lot!

Here's Kaiden doing what he does best...he rarely sits down anymore. He loves to stand behind his toy box.

Kaiden in his awesome PJ's from Aunt Heather and Uncle Samuel. They are so cute!

And he is rarely a stinker, but we wanted to take a full-body shot and he wouldn't cooperate...he wanted to get Ari's toy instead. But the pj's say "I Dig Trucks".

I caught Kaiden "reading" his Book of Mormon. Luckily I caught him before he ripped out the pages. But it is his favorite book to read/play with.

Here's the outfit we got for Kaiden while Nick and I had our day in Newport. It is such a cute lil' pirate shirt...

And on the bottom it says this! ha ha!

Christmas Cards

2009-11-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry everything is on its side...it isn't like that in "my pictures"...I just can't figure it out!

Anyway...
So I am spoiled. My father-in-law loves the homemade cards I make him for his birthday, Father's Day, etc. So...
I made Grandpa Cliff's Christmas cards this year as one of his Christmas presents. I am pretty sure it was more of a gift for me to have something so fun to make. ;)

Lots of people have been wanting to see what they look like, so here they are!

I made 100 cards, an assortment of the ones above.

Inside, I had several different greetings. I really liked adding the blue to the Christmas colors.

And I stamped the back of the envelopes with different Christmas stamps, to add a creative touch to plain and simple envelopes.

Finally, I decorated the card box with fabric and felt, wrapped the envelopes in a ribbon and stuck it all in the mail so that he'd have them in time to send them out this year.
They were a definite hit! Cliff loved them! Merry Christmas Grandpa Cliff!

Oh the things Kaiden can do...

2009-11-19T15:39:00.000-08:00

So my sister has a blog "Oh the Things I Can Make". Well, I will title this post:

OH THE THINGS KAIDEN CAN DO!

Hope you enjoy!

Kaiden now:
1. Says Mama and Dada, usually discriminately!
2. Gives "5"
3. Waves bye-bye
4. Pulls himself onto EVERYTHING! -- even things that are only 6 inches tall...
5. Can crawl on his hands and knees - although he prefers the "army crawl"
6. Gives kisses - well, with his mouth WIDE open
7. Plays "phone"...as you saw in the video. Only now anytime he hears you say "Hi" or "Hello", he puts his hand up to his ear, or close to his ear. CUTE!

Kaiden CRAWLING!

2009-11-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

OK...so the Friday before we left for Oregon, so Oct. 23rd, we were at my Grandmother's house with my family. My brother Mark had been playing with Kaiden on the floor. Now, Kaiden had been really close to crawling for some time now, but never actually made it anywhere but BACKWARDS. So as Mark was playing with him, Mark kept moving the toys further and further away from him, making Kaiden work to get the toys. In just a short time, Kaiden was CRAWLING!! Thanks Mark!! He does sort of an army crawl...and still does!
He has been crawling for almost a month and can go pretty fast, but still is not on his hands and knees. His favorite thing to do is chase Ari from one end of the house to the other. I think Ari actually likes it. ha ha. Kaiden likes Ari's pelican, which used to be Kaiden's, LONG STORY. But Kaiden will chase Ari for that toy and then will take the toy and put it in Ari's mouth. They play like that for a while, but I am pretty sure that Ari is just ready for Kaiden to learn how to throw it ALREADY!!
But I don't get to let Kaiden out of my sight...not yet, anyway. We haven't totally baby-proofed our house yet. Our entertainment center is what scares me the most, since we have the big TV. So I spend my days chasing Kaiden who's chasing Ari.
Anyway, ENJOY the VIDEO!

Cathy's Visit

2009-11-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

So Nick's Mom, Cathy, came and visited us for a weekend about 3 weeks ago (*it took me this long to post about it because of our busy life)

For some reason, we didn't get any pictures of Cathy, but here are a few of Kaiden wearing his hat that she bought him. How cute!!

Kaiden had fun with his Grandma. They seem to speak the same language...she sings to him, plays peek-a-boo, and will laugh over and over again! Also, she let me sleep in and took care of him bright and early in the morning. THANKS!
We look forward to having you back down here soon...or maybe we'll make it to Prescott soon! We love you! Thanks for coming to see us!!!

The beginning of Oregon

2009-10-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

We had a 7:40am flight leaving AZ...so we woke up at 5. No bueno!

Thankfully my mom drove us to the airport. Thanks!

Kaiden entertained on the plane. If you look closely, his binkie is in the cup. He is trying to drink his binkie! ha ha

And then he fell asleep. He slept during take-off and landing. He was only awake for about an hour of the flight. Then on the second flight, which was a little plane with propellers, he was awake. It was too noisy to sleep!

And we got there successfully. Here he is at the restaurant right after we got into Oregon. And this was the start of the funnest vacation in Oregon!!

Oregon...

2009-10-31T16:43:00.000-07:00

The first afternoon there, we went and walked right outside Grammie and Granddaddy's house

Isn't it gorgeous?

This picture I took from the guest room. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting/lying in the house and watching the ocean.

One of my favorite pictures.

Kaiden and I sitting outside the house...

Grammie kissing Kaiden goodnight. "How many kisses Kaiden?"

Grammie and Granddaddy had made Kaiden this really neat bed. He slept well! Thank goodness!!

What an awesome picture!

Kaiden loved bath time. Granddaddy had the tub fixed just for Kaiden to be able to bathe in it!

And some other ancient toys. Kaiden's bath toys were the same that Nick and his sister and cousins played with. They are still quite entertaining!

Grammie loved feeding Kaiden. It was so cute to watch. Kaiden had a chair made out of pillows and the seat belt was a strap from a laptop case. Quite inventive!

Kaiden loves his great-Granddaddy. Kaiden would reach up for him and watch him no matter where he was. I think he grew attached.

Cute jammies from Grammie and Granddaddy

Cute clothes. I only wish I could have clothes as cute as Kaiden!

More of Oregon...

2009-10-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

Kaiden played and played and played on Grammie and Granddaddy's floor. He was always so happy!

Is is such an amazing daddy. I sneaked a picture of him reading to Kaiden. CUTE!

Nick took us to the Sea Lion caves on Wednesday...

They told us that we might not see any Sea Lions, and reduced the price because it is not cold enough yet for the Sea Lions to need their cave.

There were NO Sea Lions. Oh well.
The picture is of that famous Lighthouse...which is the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

These are looking out...

This is looking IN. The caves were cool enough without the Sea Lions in them. And at least this way the cave didn't SMELL. Apparently, when the Sea Lions are using the caves, there is a HORRIBLE smell. I was thankful to not have had to experience that!

Skeleton of a Sea Lion

Us outside the caves with the Sea Lion statue.

I don't know why the picture is sideways, but it is cute!

One of the pj's Grammie and Granddaddy spiled Kaiden with. Silly Nick and Kaiden!

Oregon...

2009-10-31T13:24:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, Nick and I went ALONE to Newport. We walked along the Historic Bay Front. It was amazing and quite nice to be baby-free! (*Thanks Grammie and Granddaddy for babysitting!)

The first thing we saw were raccoons. There were four of them and one walked about a foot away from Nick. It was cute! In this picture, the raccoon had just been standing on his hind legs...I was just a little slow with the camera.

So we missed the Sea Lions at the Sea Lion Cave, and we now know why. They were all in Newport on this rock. And boy were they LOUD!

A few were also lying on these wood things. They are pretty cool creatures!

That's me...duh. (*don't you like my new jacket?)

The only picture from our entire trip of just the two of us. Nick said afterward, "The things I do for you." I hadn't even thought of the fact we were kissing in public, which is one of Nick's pet peeves. HA HA!

I learned a lot of things on our trip, but the number one thing was that there REALLY are wind-blown trees. They are formed like this from the wind coming off the ocean. I had heard of them before, but never knew that they were formed like that, or rather, STUCK that way. I was so amazed and they are EVERYWHERE!

Nick made fun of me for 1- never having heard of wind-blown trees before and 2- for taking pictures of them. what else is new? ;)

Thursday morning we were up at 6:30 to head back to AZ. These next ones are of Kaiden with some ancient toys. The metal rattle-like thing was a toy that Nick's mom as well as Uncle played with...then their kids...and now Kaiden. So it has lasted 3 generations.

And this was Nick's wooden fire truck. It was loved by Nick and then his sister and cousins. And now...Kaiden.

Although I didn't post many pictures, he loved the fire truck. He played and played with that thing. And I don't think Nick minded sharing.

Now, there were these two freaky looking dogs inside of the fire truck. Kaiden DID NOT like those. They really scared him and he even cried. His face is saying, "I'm not quite sure of these dogs, Mom."

We had so much fun visiting Grammie and Granddaddy. It was a blast! Thank you so much!!! WE LOVE YOU!

Kaiden did really well on the airplanes. Here he is, asleep...just like on the flight there. He slept like a baby (haha).

my baby

2009-10-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

He is so much fun! He has started getting REALLY talkative, which I hear is not surprising considering I am his Mom. He says Dadda and uh (Ari). If I ask Kaiden where Dad is, he looks at Nick and if I ask where Ari is, he looks at Ari. I sure have a smart boy on my hands!

Look closely and you can see Kaiden's two top teeth. He has three on the bottom, so his smile is quite cute! Nick calls him a vampire! I don't think he looks like that at all. But it is pretty funny to see his smile!

My newest purchase...

My high-tec jogging stroller...
It plays my ipod and is very easy to run with. I was so sick of my other one which I was only able to walk with. Kaiden likes it a lot. He loves that he can hear the music from the speakers. He was singing along with the music today! This stroller ROCKS!!

And yes, it is orange, my favorite color afterall!
Thanks Nick for spoiling me!

2009-10-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

(Kaiden crawling under the table in our hotel room. He has learned how to crawl BACKWARDS! He's quite the champ at it, too. One of these days he'll start going forward! And he does have a diaper on...he's getting ready for bath time!!)

We have been busy busy busy. Too bad I don't have many pictures to go with it!
Last Wednesday, Kaiden and I headed to Queen Creek to visit Aunt Heather and Uncle Samuel. We had a blast. Kaiden rode a horse and played in the grass. However, Kaiden does NOT like grass. He doesn't like the pokey feeling! So he cried when Aunt Heather tried to set him in the grass.
Thursday night, Grandpa Dave watched Kaiden while my mom, Grandmother, and I went to Legally Blonde The Musical. Kaiden did pretty well, and Grandpa Dave had a BLAST! I came home to Kaiden in the crib, asleep, with a bottle of water. Whatever works, right? I loved Legally Blonde. Thanks Mom!! We had a blast and laughed a TON. I loved it so much that I HAD to buy the CD. Nick even loves the soundtrack :)
Friday, we headed to Parker for the weekend. We helped Grandma Kathy with her Stake Relief Society Enrichment, which was AMAZING! My mom always pulls off such amazing meetings...and I am glad I could be there to help!
We headed back to Phoenix on Monday, after spending the day with Grandma Kathy's band and choir. Kaiden sure loved the music! We met Nick in Buckeye, ate dinner, and said goodbye to Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Dave. Then our little family stayed in a nice hotel in Tempe. We had a blast. Tuesday, we went to a food show for Nick's work. Kaiden was in heaven, considering how much he LOVES food! He ate so much, and then fell asleep. It was a lot of fun and we ate a lot of good food.
We got back Tuesday evening...and I have been being the MOM again. I had to do all the fun stuff: laundry, grocery shop, etc. I guess the house really does suffer when Mom is gone. My Mom says that Nick leaves me all of this stuff to do so that I'll feel missed. HA HA!
So that is our fun week/weekend. I did not take any pictures. Heather said she'll post some...click on "The New Openshaw's" on the right side of my page.
Also, any one can comment on our blog now. You don't have to have a google account. So any and all comments are appreciated!

2009-09-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

WARNING!!!

This Morgan clan has had a TON of things going on in the past couple of weeks. I have posted 4 new posts..so just keep scrolling! We have had visits from grandparents and great-grandparents. It has been so much fun. This upcoming weekend, Kaiden and I will be in Parker visiting my parents...I am sure another post will be in order!

Nick has been really busy with work lately. He has been dealing with new management and new employees. He has had to fire some less-than-amazing employees. It is his least favorite part of his job. We get to go to a food show coming up soon. I love it because we get to EAT...and EAT some more!

I have applied to the nursing program at Rio Salado...it'll be online and I will have to do clinicals twice a week. It seems to be the best program for me...that way I can still have time with Kaiden. Once I am finished, the plan is for Nick to do his nursing school. We are really excited!! We love our new apartment and are loving that the weather is getting cooler! Mostly we love the Explorer that Grandpa Cliff gave us. It is wonderful!

I am a teacher in the Relief Society and LOVE IT! We are supposed to get our ward divided AGAIN the week after General Conference. So changes are still happening in the Tucson area!

Kaiden has 5 teeth...he talks ALOT! ... dada dada...He loves to watch Robin Hood...he is ALMOST crawling...He loves his Mommy. He always wants to be sitting in my lap...no one else is good enough! He is a growing boy and will eat as long as someone will feed him. He has a pure love of food...just like his Daddy!
There's a little update! Sorry it has taken so long for me to post...things have been BUSY!!!

GGrammie and GGranddaddy...

2009-09-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, Nick's grandparents were in town and came over Sunday afternoon. They treated us to a delicious dinner and lots and lots of laughs with Kaiden. It was such a pleasure to see them!!

Kaiden has always had a love for Great-Granddaddy...
From their first meeting, he has laughed and played with Granddaddy.

This visit wasn't ANY different!

Kisses from Great-Grammie
She and Kaiden played a BUNCH! He sure loves Grammie...she has all the fun songs to sing!

Kaiden really enjoyed seeing his Great-grandparents. Thank you so much for coming to see us! It was a blast...and we can't wait to visit you soon!! We love you tons!

D'backs Game with Grandpa Cliff and Andrew

2009-09-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, we went to a Diamondback's Game with Grandpa Cliff and Andrew

We stopped at Great-Grandmother Wright's house to relax and get out of the car...we took pictures,

Kaiden and I in our D'back's gear. Nick was too cool to wear his!

Grandma Kathy helped teach Kaiden the basics of crawling...

Daddy helped Kaiden get up on all fours...

And Kaiden snuggled Grandpa Dave. It was awesome that my parents were at Grandmother's house so we got to see them!

Kaiden loved loved loved the Diamondback's Game. Here is goofy us!! His favorite thing was Grandpa Cliff's hat!

I wanted us to get on the "Kissing Cam" but we didn't get picked. Why not? We were the cutest couple there, afterall! Nick didn't want to take a picture, obviously! ;)

Kaiden had a blast with Grandpa Cliff. He played with Grandpa Cliff from the beginning until the 7th inning. I think Kaiden would have stayed in his lap the entire game...I just decided to give Grandpa's muscles a break!

I finally got Andrew to look at the camera...meanwhile, Kaiden goes for Andrew's beer!

Did I mention how much Kaiden loved the game...and Grandpa Cliff??

Kaiden got a button that said, "First D'back's Game". Too bad he then pulled on it and made a hole in his new shirt!

We had awesome seats...right behind the Brewers' dugout. What a treat! I used to imagine what it would be like to sit so close...now I know! And as Uncle Samuel said, "Kaiden's only been a live for 8 months and I've been alive a lot longer than that and I HAVEN'T had seats that good!" ha ha

It was such a blast!!

Kaiden had so much fun, that without a nap, he DIDN'T fuss AT ALL!! But you can tell he was getting a little sleepy!

My favorite picture! He always goes for the camera! I don't have a picture of him asleep in the car...the minute I put him in his carseat, he fell asleep. What a blast!

Thank you Grandpa Cliff and Andrew. We had so much fun!! Kaiden sure loves his Grandpa Cliff! And I guess Nick and I love you too! JK! Thanks a BUNCH!!!!

Fun with Grandma Kathy

2009-09-18T13:11:00.001-07:00

My Mom, Grandma Kathy, came and visited us for Labor Day Weekend.
WE HAD A BLAST!!!

We did a TON of shopping, watched Samuel rope in Marana, and SWAM!

My swimmin' boy...

Silly Nick
He didn't want me to take his picture. HA

Enough pictures...let's SWIM!

Grandma Kathy started to teach Kaiden how to swim...

Blow Bubbles...

Kick, Kick, Kick...

Now, Swim to Dad! Kaiden swam back and forth between Grandma Kathy and Daddy for a while. It was absolutely CUTE!!

Kaiden has all the moves...he's just still learning.

Kaiden loves his Grandma. When he first saw her, he went right to her. There was no question to whether or not he loved her! And they played and played all weekend. It was so awesome!

Thanks Grandma Kathy for visiting us. It was a blast!! Now when are you coming back down? Well, wait, I guess we'll be seeing you in a week! YAY!!
WE LOVE YOU!!

Just for Fun

2009-09-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

We have been REALLY REALLY busy this past month. Sorry it's taken so long to post...but I'm making up for it!

These are all of Kaiden...just being his cute little self!

His most classic facial expression. He has 5 teeth now. He got 3 in at the same time. One to the right of his bottom two, and the other two are on top, the ones next to your "fang" teeth! He looks pretty darn cute with all of his teeth!

Too bad this picture is blurry. It's pretty cute! Kaiden loves and when I say loves...he LOVES Robin Hood. I got that snake for Kaiden without thinking and at first Kaiden didn't really like it. Then Nick told him it was Sir Hiss and now it is Kaiden's favorite toy! Nick loves to put Sir Hiss around Kaiden's neck.

Isn't that cute?! I don't know who is goofier...Nick or Kaiden! But there is ALWAYS laughter in our house!

Kaiden's new toy. He really likes it. It has all sorts of functions and music and sounds. His favorite thing to do is flip it over and hear all the different sounds go at once. I think he's almost broken it! Oh boy am I in for some fun!!

Nick loves to stand Kaiden up in his hands. It scared me at first, but Kaiden has some pretty good balance!

This picture makes me want to just snuggle him. He is such a happy, great, fun, and very smart boy!

Kaiden loves books. He is happiest when he has at least one book in his hand. And in this picture...he has TWO!! And they are the perfect size. He loves them!

he's 7 1/2 months ALREADY!!

2009-09-02T14:19:00.001-07:00

Kaiden Michael Morgan

(I know this picture is on its side, but it isn't in my pictures folder...the other one down below is the same thing. I don't know how to change that! Oh well)

Kaiden just can't play with ONE toy...he has to have a bazillion!!

*as noted in the older post: I did not have to coax or beg or work AT ALL to get Kaiden to smile and be happy....HE JUST IS! I am very blessed to have such a sweet, happy, smart, and beautiful baby!!

Kaiden the Model

2009-08-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

Aunt Heather LOVES LOVES LOVES to spoil Kaiden!

(*she has been spoiling him since BEFORE he was born! --and please don't stop!)

This is our boy...how he acts...every minute...of every DAY!

These are the onesies Aunt Heather made for Kaiden. The one above has a cowboy boot on it. No lie, Kaiden is ALWAYS this happy! I was getting frustrated trying to take his picture because he wouldn't settle down. I bet there are FEW parents who have THAT problem!

This onesie says Eat, Sleep, and Rock and Roll. How stinkin' cute!

And on the bottom...it says that!

And my favorite!

My future Missionary! He loves my scriptures. I think that my scriptures are the ONLY thing he will try and try over and over again to get. I think that if I'd let him, my scriptures would be the reason he'd crawl. I guess we've taught him right...they are the greatest thing to reach for and search in!

Thank you Aunt Heather for these awesome onesies! There are a couple missing, but they are in the laundry. If you wanna see them, log on to her blog. One says Kickin' it with Grandpa with a cowboy boot on it, and the other one has this really cute pink pig on the front. We love them!!!

2009-08-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

My recent finds at SAS

*man I love that store!

So these are two upholstery fabrics that I am going to use to make bags with. My sister made me an AWESOME bag, so I am going to attempt to make one myself.

The sequence elastic I am going to turn into headbands. The feather I am either going to put on a clip or a headband. The big feathers are really in style. (*note: obviously the picture is on its side. The feather will not be standing up but it will lay flat on my head. I won't have it sticking up like an Indian feather lol)

And these are my favorite. They are beaded and sequenced. I am going to put on hair clips and use these to decorate my hair. I love them!! I love to put accessories in my hair. It's quite FUN!

ps...sorry Mom and Jennie that this blog took so long. But I have been busy, OK? jk

Nell's HOME!!!

2009-08-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

So what have Kaiden and I been up to lately?
Hanging out with one of my best friends, NELL!

Nell just got home from serving an 18 month mission in Bahia Blanca, Argentina. She flew in last Wednesday...Kaiden and I went to the airport but were too late. Apparently her flight came in early and she had no way to get a hold of me since she had packed my letter with my phone number in it. But our little family drove to Nogales on Sunday to hear her speak in church. It was so awesome to hear her speak in Spanish and to hear her amazing testimony. We spent time with her family and had a blast!

So then today, I picked her up and we hung out all day! We went shopping, ate at CHOPPED, visited the institute, and mostly just tried to catch up on everything from the last 18 months. I mean, we wrote and all, but there are a lot of gaps to fill. I am just glad to have her home!! And Kaiden sure loves her!

2009-08-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

NO PEOPLE...WE DID NOT GET A HOUSE!!

So to set the record strait...

Our little family was searching for a house. We were approved for a loan, had a Realtor, and began looking. However, Tucson IS VERY DIFFICULT to try and find a house in. We weren't wanting to spend TOO much money and so all of the houses we had looked at were in the GHETTO! The current house we were renting had evap cooling, no carpet and BUGS! Yes...we found a black widow in our kitchen, as well as many other gross things which I will not dare type, they are so gross. Now, I don't want you thinking it is because I am a bad housekeeper. It is because the house is OLD! Old piping, old walls, old EVERYTHING...except the people living in it and the nice washer and dryer from Grandpa Cliff. (ha ha) So...long story short:::
We found an apartment near River and Campbell, a nice dog-loving place, with A/C, carpet, 2 swimming pools, fitness center, and the first month's rent FREE. Not to mention the monthly rent is $150 less per month. Anyway, we got a steal of a deal because they had just lowered the rent by $50. So...we put in our notice at the bug house, found this place, got approved, and moved in that night. WE LOVE IT! It is a bit smaller than the house, not too much smaller, but we are so happy here. I am loving the fact I am close to tons of shopping and Trader Joe's. Rock ON!

So this is the newness in our life. Hope there ain't any more confusion!!

This one's for the JOSH family...

2009-08-04T18:49:00.001-07:00

Cute Cute Cute

Aunt Hanaga, Uncle Josh, and cousins Joshua and Sa'gavi bought Kaiden these two outfits.

They are pretty stinkin' cute...

I folded Kaiden's arms so he could look "tough"

And Nick spiked Kaiden's hair up with this outfit.

He had a Quiksilver shirt and Hurley shorts.
Pretty Stylin'

There's no denying that they are Father and Son!!

Thank you Josh Family!!!

The Headbands...

2009-07-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

My friend Kaighty bought a headband with a big flower on it last week when she was here in Tucson. I was jealous because she had gotten the last one in stock, plus it was on clearance. So...

I DECIDED TO MAKE MY OWN!!!

It only took me a week and a half and visiting 3 different stores to finally finish them!!

Now, don't comment on how I didn't do my hair today and I REALLY need to dye it again!

All you are supposed to say is how CUTE the headbands are!!!

**the real test will be if NICK likes them...ha ha

Oh what do you do in the summertime...

2009-07-28T22:36:00.000-07:00

Oh what do you do in the summertime
when all the world is green?

Do you drink Grandma Kathy's water,

Or lay with your Father in the morning?
Is that what you do...so do I!

Oh what do you do in the summertime,
when all the world is green?

Do you eat the "Joker",

While Mommy and Grandma Kathy play "Poker" (*or Rummy)?
Is that what you do...so do I!

Oh what do you do in the summertime,
when all the world is green?

Do you act like a "BIG BOY"

Yet laugh like a toy when Grandpa Cliff tickles you with his "Whiskers"?
Is that what you do...so do I!

Oh what do you do in the summertime,
when all the world is green?

Do you ride on Aunt Heather's horse,

Or make a big mess

With animal crackers and more?!
Is that what you do...so do we!

Oh what do you do in the summertime,
when all the world is green?

Do you stay in the bright sun,

Or have lots of fun with your crazy uncles all day?
Is that what you do...so do we!

Oh what do you do in the summertime,
when all the world is green?

Do you sit on Grandpa Dave's lap,

Or take a long nap with Ozzie?
Is that what you do...so does he!

Oh what do you do in the summertime
when all the world is green?

Do you snuggle Great-Grandmother,

Or suck on your finger while flying in the air so high?
Is that what you do...so do I!

the Quilt!

2009-07-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

The QUILT!

(*I'm a little late posting this!)

So my Grandmother Donna Wright, is quite the quilter...as you will see. She loves to make quilts and it is her wedding gift to her grandchildren when they get married. She had 4 of her grandchildren get married in one year, so she was pretty busy.

She was showing me the awesome quilt stitches...which you can't see on the picture, but they are heart-shaped stitches...AWESOME!!

So I wrapped Kaiden and I in the quilt and WE LOVE IT!!

I couldnt' wait to get home and make our bed. Here's the full effect.

Lastly, my Grandmother puts this label on all of her quilts.
Thank you Grandmother Wright!! It is so beautiful and we LOVE IT!!

Swim, Swim, Swim

2009-07-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

Kaiden, Nick, and I went swimming together for the first time on Monday.

He was so excited to go...

Look at that cuteness!

Nick took Kaiden in and Kaiden wasn't quite sure at first.

He got over that quickly...obviously!

And Kaiden attracted all of the kids in the pool. This girl was so cute. She actually came up and kissed Kaiden on the cheek.
So Kaiden can kick quite well and flaps his arms up and down. One boy came up to me yesterday and asked if my baby could swim. I told him no, but he does look like he can!

We spoil him...

2009-07-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

We bought Kaiden this cool toy...a little too big for him right now, but in about a week it'll be just Perfect! And his favorite part is eating that bird on the top.

And a new walker! He's not quite sure what to think of it...

So Nick messed with it a little bit...

AND it's a HIT! I mean, he loves it! He could be in it all day...well other than to eat!! But the look on his face is priceless!

Two Teeth...in 3 weeks!

2009-07-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Kaiden got is 2nd tooth about two weeks ago

He and I became even BETTER friends...especially since he was in so much pain!

I tried...

Still no success. Guess you'll have to take my word for it! But two teeth in three weeks. Poor guy!

He's Cute...

2009-07-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

too cute for words...hence I didn't put any ;)

2009-07-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!
(*I know I'm a little late!)

Here's Nick cooking his Father's Day feast! Yes, he ended up cooking...since he doesn't trust me to not ruin the steaks! I did, however, make the side dishes and the dessert.

Oh, I forgot, Kaiden helped pull the steaks out of the oven!

And this onesie is a bit too small, but I squeezed Kaiden in it for Father's Day.
He definitely loves him Daddy!

And there they both are! Leave it to Nick to makes such a silly face! And notice Kaiden's fohawk? That was also just for Nick!

Nick is such a great daddy. We are so thankful that he works so hard to provide for our family. He has such incredible patience with both Kaiden and I. I love to see Kaiden's face light up when Nick comes home from work. He definitely loves his Daddy. Not to mention Ari watches the door from about 6pm until Nick actually comes home! We love you Nick!

We also had a special meeting on Father's Day. We had a big stake conference with Elder Neil A. Anderson, from the quorum of the 12, and Elder Wilford Anderson, from the quorum of the 70. They were here to form a 6th stake in Tucson. It was super neat to be in that meeting and to feel the spirit so strongly. As Elder Neil A. Anderson bore his testimony, he said, "And I am a witness of Jesus Christ". It was so cool to be in the presence of an apostle of the Lord. And at the same time, we are witnesses of Jesus Christ as well. How thankful we are to have the knowledge of the restored gospel. And Nick said that it was the best Father's Day he could have imagined to have been able to attend such a neat meeting!

PS...both Nick and I have amazing Dad's as well! We love them lots! And Kaiden sure loves his Grandpa Dave and Grandpa Cliff!!

Kaiden got his FIRST TOOTH!!

2009-06-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

You can't really see it, but Kaiden got his first tooth Friday night...a week ago. It came by surprise because he wasn't fussy or cranky. I was letting him chew on my finger, which I rarely let him do because I think sticking your finger in a baby's mouth is gross, and I felt something hard. I looked down and it was his tooth! And then that night, the crankiness started! But other than that night, he's been really good. What a trooper!
I called Nick to tell him that Kaiden had his tooth, thinking Nick would be mad because he is always scared of how much Kaiden will change while we're gone, but Nick said, "Tell Kaiden I said Congratulations!" Typical Nick!!
So there's the good news!!

Aus Dog and Kaiden

2009-06-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

This has got to be the cutest thing in the world! Just watch Kaiden with Aussie...Aussie looked out for Kaiden the rest of the week ;)

2009-06-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

Kaiden and I spent last week in Parker. We had a blast!

Kaiden loves Grandma Kathy. She was the one who fed him his cereal most of the time. Plus, she would play with him and rock him to sleep!

I don't know who is telling who off...

but Kaiden sure loves his Uncle Austin. They got along great...thanks for the ride to Parker, Austin!

Kaiden was super happy on the ride home...check out those blue eyes!

This picture is for my brothers who have always called me "Mom". Now they really can since I am wearing Mom's duster. I was doing laundry and so for laughs, I put this on. "I really love that duster...because it's ORANGE" lol

Kaiden didn't really go for Mark. But Mark sure was good at mimicking Kaiden's pouty face!

And Grandpa Dave and Kaiden spent a lot of time together. Kaiden got to go with Grandpa Dave and Grandma Kathy to pick up the pig meat...not the pygmy. (another story for another day)
Boy! Mom and I sure got our inside jokes for the week!

Kaiden waiting and waiting. We took him everyday to get our soda from Mobil. But he loved to ride in Grandma Kathy's expedition...we only heard laughing anytime we were in it!

This is a goofy picture of Kaiden playing with his toy. I think he was trying to get the entire toy into his mouth!

We had a fun stay in Parker...although we really missed Nick. It was nice to see almost all of my family. There aren't any pictures of Josh and Kaiden, but Josh and Kaiden became buddies. Josh was constantly holding him and playing with him...not to mention feeding him Diet Coke. Between Grandpa Dave, Grandma Kathy, Uncle Josh, and Uncle Mark...Kaiden was well introduced to Diet Coke and Root Beer! LOL
Kaiden also got to meet his cousins, Sa'gavi and Joshua and Aunt Hanaga. They had a lot of fun...Kaiden only wanted to stare at Josh and Sa'gavi, being it was really his first time around other kids for any amount of time. I think Mom has the pictures of that on her camera.
Thanks for the fun week! Mom and I played rounds and rounds of Rummy...ate a lot of chocolate...and laughed a TON! I guess that's just what we do!

One day he'll crawl...

2009-06-10T16:35:00.000-07:00

I took some pretty cute pictures of Kaiden about two weeks ago...
He actually lasted quite a while on him tummy. We're still waiting for him to roll over on the floor, though.

Kaiden's First CEREAL!!

2009-05-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

Nick came home from work one day and decided that he wanted to give Kaiden cereal. I called my mom and my sister to see if Kaiden could have it...since the doctor didn't return my call! They told us to try giving him some at night and see how he does. This is how he did...
(*oh and Jennie said, "MAKE SURE TO TAKE PICTURES!!)

He loved it!! And Nick HAD to feed him. I tried arguing with Nick and he said, "You can breastfeed Kaiden WHENEVER you'd like...I want to feed him." I laughed and told Nick HE could be the one to wake up in the night and feed Kaiden. "whenever I want"...pffft

So I always make fun of my mom because she opens her mouth when feeding a baby. I guess she needs to help them along. Well, Nick totally does that too! So I told him about me making fun of my mom and he said, "Why? She's right. It does help to feed the baby!"

And in case you can't tell...Kaiden loved the cereal. Or at least the spoon was pretty cool!

And just for Grandpa Cliff...we used the Peter Rabbit bowl! This Peter Rabbit bowl, along with a plate and cup (*glass, btw) were Nick's when he was a baby. Cliff gave them to us as a gift and Nick insisted we use the bowl for Kaiden's first cereal. I am still shocked that Nick didn't break the dishes when he was a kid. How precious!

This was taken at a different time...but Kaiden really loves to eat with a spoon and definitely loves his highchair! Oh he's getting so big! But he only gets cereal occassionally. The Doctor said that nutritionally, he doesn't need anything more than my breastmild, but that we could throw in baby food if we wanted. So basically, we just do it for fun!

Updates on Kaiden:
He is 4 months old!!
14 lbs
26 inches

He is growing so quickly! He is wearing 9 month clothing now, with some 12 month stuff as well! I cannot believe how big he is getting!

Our little bird

2009-05-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

He's definitely singing soprano in this video!

And I took him on a walk today and when he heard the birds, he started doing this too. Nick has always called him a little bird because of the way he eats...but now with his new form of "speaking" I agree that he's OUR LITTLE BIRD!!

*and he does this without any coercion. I think he's going to be a talker like his mommy!

Update

2009-05-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

So for those of you who need an update on our lives...

Before having this little guy...

I was accepted into the nursing program at Grand Canyon University. The way this nursing program worked was that I would be interviewed and sponsored by a local hospital who would pay for my schooling and then I would sign a contract to work for them for two or three years after graduation. I would have a BSN in a year and a half, with this schooling being an accelarated program. Free for me!! However, through having hyperemisis during my pregnancy, I had to postpone my schooling.
In March I got an email from the nursing school asking me to come back...so I resubmitted the necessary paperwork and was accepted into the program...I started taking a couple of the last minute classes...and then in April I got a letter from the school saying that the hospitals weren't sponsoring this year because of the economy...so my school would cost $45,000. Long story short...I won't be doing nusring school come the fall, but I am still taking those two classes I had already signed up for. AND now I am thinking of doing accounting. See no matter what nursing school I do now, it will take me another three or four years to graduate...so why not change my major altogether?!? Who knows...today it is accounting...but I won't start those classes until the fall.
So since I have been going and going since I was in high school (working and doing school), it is a little weird to think that I won't be in school or working. I asked Nick what he wanted me to do, get a job, go to school...and he told me neither...he said, "I want you to keep doing what you're doing...raise our son!" And so that is that...

For now, I am being a MOM! and I couldn't be happier. I am so glad that Nick has such a wonderful job and I am able to be home. It is such a blessing!

Now for laughs...

Yes that is me playing Nick's XBox 360. He does share some of the time!

So then Nick got a hold of the camera...and wanted to take pics of us...

And as you can see, I am too much into the game to even look at the camera. Nick said he can use this to justify when he is playing and won't look up or talk to me. I think it's a pretty hilarious picture!

...

2009-05-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

It is FINALLY finished!!!

Heather came down last Tuesday and we finally finished our quilts from our quilting class that we took TWO years ago!!! I tied mine and she sewed hers...and she has pictures of hers, if she'll ever post them! LOL.
I think mine turned out cute, but leave it to me to chose wild colors. Now what to do with the quilt...

More of Kaiden

2009-05-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

I think Kaiden looks a little like me in this picture...but is still definitely ALL Nick!!

Grammie and Granddaddy gave us some money to buy Kaiden some furniture. We got him this cool swing at Baby'sRUs...you can tell he kind of likes it! ha ha

It is the coolest thing. It has a mobile as well as music and jungle noises. I love it almost as much as Kaiden because no matter when you put him in it, he falls asleep. We have already gotten our money's worth! HaHa

And we bought him a highchair. It us so nice and I know that Kaiden is too small and not yet eating solids, but our table is so high and I got tired of having him on the floor in his bouncer next to Ari. For some reason that didn't seem quite right. So this way he can sit in his chair and be at our level. As you can see, he loves his highchair too! Thanks Grammie and Granddaddy!
Oh, and we also bought in a couple of outfits and a hat but I don't have pictures of those!

Kaiden and Garafu! Just had to put that one up!!

Brittany's First Mother's Day

2009-05-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day...to me! ha ha

My husband, Nick, bought me this beautiful corsage. I told him that was all I wanted for Mother's Day and that my mom always had a corsage from my father and so I wanted one from my husband. I loved it!!

I love how Kaiden has his eyes closed while we kiss. Pretty funny!

I had a really good Mother's Day thanks to my husband. He made it super special and treated me incredibly well! I also wanted to put something about my Mother. I think or rather KNOW that she is the best mother in the world. She has always believed it me and helped me through the tough times. She has forgiven me for my past mistakes and seen the best in me all the time. I love how close we are. We can talk on the phone for hours without even realizing it. I am so thankful for that relationship. She means the world to me and I am super lucky to have her. She and I can stay up late at night with the giggles, same as I do with my girlfriends. She always has the best advice to give me when I am faced with a challenge or trial. She has so much faith in our Savior Jesus Christ and exemplifies that in her daily life that I have been influenced in my life to live as she does. Anyway, bottom line is...as long as I am a portion of a mother that she was, I will feel fulfilled. She is the best mother in the world!!! Happy Mother's Day.

And now for my sister...Jennie. She is a great example to me of how a mother should be. She is always doing such fun and cute things with her children and I hope to someday do that with my own. She is always so understanding and easy to talk to. I am so thankful that we were able to grow close during our time up at BYU. I think of that as a great blessing that Heavenly Father has given to me during my college years. Before that Jennie and I hardly talked about anything personal, etc. Now she is one of my best friends. I love her so much and am so thankful that she prayed to Heavenly Father 22 or so years ago for him to send her a sister. I am super duper lucky to have her as my sister. She is the best one I could have possibly hoped for. Thank you for your example of faith and patience, Jennie. I love you! Happy Mother's Day!!

Okay...enough sappiness! I just wanted you to see the cute pictures. I think my hair looked pretty good on Mother's Day! :)

Kaiden Loves Animals!

2009-05-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Ain't he the cutest thing ever?!?

Kaiden has recently found his feet and it is the cutest thing. He loves to "eat" his toes! I just find myself sometimes calling them his feetsies...which end up sounding like feces. So I try not to do that :)

He had a pretty dry chin that night, so that is why it is red. However, thankfully once we put lotion on it, it was fine!

Nicki, my friend, bought Kaiden this Giraffe and he is now old enough to play with it. Well, he more EATS it! That is all he does these days...everything and I mean EVERYTHING goes in his mouth! But Girafu (the giraffe's name) has a beany nose, so that is super fun for him to chew on!

He is about to attack!! Watch out Garafu!!

And then there is Kaiden's Kitty. It vibrates when you pull the tail and he just loves it. Lucky for the cat, he has his binkie in his mouth so he can't eat her too. However, she goes in his mouth just the same as everything else!

Just for Jennie!

2009-05-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

So my sister Jennie made this bock for Kaiden. He loves it!!
So this video is for Jennie to see proof of the love he has for this block! LOL

Our Easter..

2009-04-16T16:30:00.001-07:00

Morgan Easter

Well, the night before Easter, Nick made us his famous Cinnamon Bread. It was delicious!!

And I made Kaiden's Easter toy from Grandma Kathy the night before as well. I took PVC pipe and sewed material to cover the piping. I then added a big mirror and some toys to this toy. It is super cute and Kaiden loves it!! I just need to find some more toys...they are hard to find, surprisingly!

There is Kaiden playing with his toy!

Told ya he loves it!!

The mirror is his favorite! Thank you Grandma Kathy for the AWESOME Easter present.

Our Easter morning started off with Kaiden falling asleep in our bed. Doesn't he look so tiny in our big bed?!?

So Nick decided to get in bed with him for a picture...

And then Kaiden got pouty...yes, this is his pouty face. Ain't it cute?!?

Then we got ready for church and took some pictures...

Kaiden was wearing a 12 month onesie I bought a month ago, a cute blue vest from the ladies at Grandpa Cliff's work, and some khaki pants I already had. Grandma Kathy had given us money for a new Easter outfit, but I never made it to any clothing stores...so this is what he wore!

He got lots of compliments and I think he looked super handsome!

So I did not do the whole Easter egg thing...or any of that. Instead, Kaiden and I took a 3 hour nap. I actually got to sleep for 3 hours straight!! I cannot belive it! So that was better than all the eggs in the world! HaHa

Us

2009-04-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

Since Kaiden was born, there hasn't been much about Nick and I...

I am currently enrolled in online classes and have applied to the nursing program. I will find out probably the middle of next month, after interviews, if I have been accepted. If accepted, I will start nursing school in the fall and will be finished with school before Kaiden is 2 years old. AWESOME!
Nick still works for Chopped as General Manager but will go back to school after I am finished...to get his nursing degree as well. In the mean time, he is providing well for our family.
We have a goal to start running together, although that hasn't started yet. I went running by myself for the first time on Monday, and it was difficult!! I have a lot to do to get back into shape. Luckily, there are a few other new moms in my ward that run together 3 days a week. I think I might join them. That would give me motivation...and I guess Nick will just have to fend for himself! LOL
We love to watch TV together. Nick used to make fun of me for watching ER, but it has now been included into our weekly shows. He now wants to download all of the older episodes so he can watch the whole series.
I love talking on the phone and Nick enjoys video games. We both enjoy talking to each other and I can handle Rock Band...that's about the extent of my video game playing.
Anyway, there are a few things about us. But Kaiden is a ton more enjoyable to write and post about...so back to Kaiden!

Kaiden...Kaiden..and more Kaiden

2009-04-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

It has been a long while since I last posted...and here are some of the pictures that have accumulated on our camera.

Update: Kaiden is 10 weeks old...12 3/4 lbs...and 24 1/4 " long

Nick said Kaiden really is FAKING in this picture. I guess he was just avoiding the camera.

But he woke up and played for quite a while...just talking and laughing.

Kaiden and I played for quite a while last Sunday night.

He smiled...

and smiled...

got serious...

and then upset. Nick wanted to get some fun pictures with the two of them, but Kaiden had other ideas.

So instead, Nick imitated Kaiden crying.

This is proof that I actually did go running. I had gotten home to a rather unhappy baby...but he looks pretty content now! And how cute.

Kaiden thinks he is a grown-up and can sit up on the couch all by himself...well for a while at least...

And then he slowly fell to one side.

Kaiden was mad that we caught him in the act. He loves to sit in this chair and watch his favorite show... However, the sprite, he is not allowed to have just yet! ;)

No Longer Private!

2009-03-30T21:16:00.001-07:00

Sorry to everyone for the confusions about my blog being set to private. It is no longer! So I guess I just worried about nothing and just decided it wasn't worth the trouble!
Also, I wanted those who didn't have a google account to see our blog!
So...sorry about that and it is all back to normal!
Brittany

Enjoy

2009-03-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday after church, I laid Kaiden on the big bed in his room and carried on cooking dinner, etc. I hear Kaiden laughing and carrying on in his room, by himself. I took video of it so you guys could see how cute he is! Don't you wish you could be here to play with this cute little guy?
PS...there is a play button...click on it and ENJOY!!

Is he faking?!?

2009-03-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

Kaiden had his 2 month appointment with Dr. Platt yesterday. He got his shots! Poor guy. I watched him get his shots and to see his face go from happy to sad so quickly made me cry. I couldn't help it...I actually cried. It was the first time I had heard Kaiden cry out of pain...we have kpt him pain free up until yesterday. Poor baby!

Anyway...he has been sleeping a lot today. I got in the shower while he played on my bed. I then started paying bills out in the living room while he laughed and talked on my bed. After a few minutes, I noticed he was quiet and this is what I found...

He had put himself to sleep. But doesn't he look like he is faking? What a sweet face!

Yes, we finally bought Kaiden a crib. It is super nice...and the mattress is nice as well. Needless to say, Kaiden loves to sleep on his new bed! And now we can use the cute bed set Aunt Heather found for Kaiden. We love it!! Thanks Aunt Heather!

Kaiden's First Trip

2009-03-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

Kaiden and Mommy went to Parker to visit Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Dave for 6 days

This is what Kaiden did while Mommy packed...but at least he was content sucking on his hand.

Kaiden in his carseat. He traveled pretty well, getting hungry and fussy right before we arrived at Great-Grandmother Wright's house.

Grandma Kathy taking a nap with Kaiden. Kaiden loves to sleep in Grandma Kathy's arms.

Kaiden played and played at Grandpa Dave's house. We put him on the floor and he talked and laughed. However, he missed his ceiling fans!

Grandma Kathy and Mommy bought Kaiden these cool toys which play all sorts of music. Kaiden loves them and even sings along with them!!

Fun times with Grandma Kathy

She sure had him laughing...

However, Mommy was too slow with the camera to catch Kaiden's smile!

Kaiden sure got worn out after our weekend in Parker. He slept the majority of the way home.

Something about Grandpa Dave's truck that lulls Kaiden to sleep. I guess Mommy needs to get a diesel! Ha Ha

Thanks Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Dave for a fun weekend. Don't ask us what we did...we don't really know! I guess we just talked, stared at Kaiden, ate, and talked some more! It was a blast...but Daddy sure missed Kaiden. When we got home he couldn't believe how much bigger Kaiden was as well as how alert he is. Before we left, Kaiden would smile and talk a little bit. When we came home, however, he talks and laughs ALL THE TIME!! It is quite fun!

Kaiden Loves the Afghan from Aunt Jennie

2009-03-07T16:35:00.000-08:00

My sister, Jennie, crocheted the cutest little afghan for Kaiden. He loves it!!

I asked him if he liked the blanket, and he threw his arms up in the air and squealed. Unfortunately, I didn't get it on the camera!

Thank you Jennie! We love you tons! You are the best sister I could have ever asked for and Kaiden can't wait to meet you...

Kaiden's Photo Shoot

2009-03-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

So I put Kaiden back in his blessing outfit to take some pictures of just him. He wasn't too happy on the day of the blessing, so I waited for another day. He woke up Friday in such a great mood, that it was as good a time as any! The blanket he is laying on is the one my sister, Jennie, crocheted for him. It is the coolest afghan ever!

This is Kaiden, all on his own...I wasn't making faces or anything. He is just a really happy baby!

I like this picture a ton. "It is art because he is art"
! Ha Ha

Thank you Mom and Dad for buying this cute blessing outfit for him. We loved it!

I wish this would be straight on...it is straight in "my pictures"

My cute boy in Overalls!!

2009-03-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

I think yellow is his color...just like Mommy

And don't you just love it when he sticks him tongue out?!?

Who'd of thought that the overalls we bought him when I first found out I was pregnant, would be this cute on my son?!? Well...we did, of course! We wouldn't have bought them otherwise! Ha hA