Hiding Place

Not too long ago I was trying to get the house cleaned and had Manti laying on the floor in the middle of the living room. Sebastien was following me around the house trying to help me clean. I walked into the living room just to peek at Manti and he was no longer on his blanket playing. I was very confused and couldn't figure out what was going on. Did I take him upstairs and forget he was up there? As I walked further into the living room, I noticed the Christmas tree branches moving. Still confused, I walked closer to the tree and saw this....





Manti had scooted (on his back/head) all the way under the Christmas tree. It was so cute and he had so much fun playing under it. After I took a million pictures I moved him back on the blanket with his TOYS, 5 minutes later he was back under the tree. I have to admit, him under the tree is the best gift I could get. I LOVE THIS LITTLE BOY! Here are some more of my favorite pictures...

Are you kidding me???

I am sure most of you know that both Troy and I grew up in ARIZONA, with the HEAT! Since we have been in Cheyenne we get to see what REAL winters are like. We got up this morning (a little late) and were hurrying to get the boys ready for church. Before heading out the door Troy decided to check the weather...to our "not so happy" surprise it was -10 degrees outside...oh just wait, it gets better...of course the wind is blowing so add in the windchill and what do you get??-34 degrees!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? My AZ blood is NOT cut out for this. Needless to say, the only time spent outside today was walking out to the car, into the church, back to the car and into the house. It is times like this that I want to be back in Arizona.

Playing in the Snow part 2

Before Sebastien comes back inside he loves to stomp the snow off his shoes. He will do this SEVERAL times before actually going in the house. He must know I think it is cute and does it until I physically pick him up and carry him in the house!

The video I wanted to post is too large so this one will have to do....

Playing in Snow

As I posted before, Sebastien LOVES playing in the snow. It does not matter how cold it is outside, if snow is on the ground he wants to be out there. Cheyenne is very famous for the heavy winds, causing snow drifts all over. As we were playing in the snow, Sebastien started to sink. For the video you will have to mute the music on our page and listen to the questions I ask him and watch his response...I thought it was pretty funny!

*SnOw*

Since Thanksgiving we have had a couple of pretty good snow storms. Even with it snowing and only 10 degrees, Sebastien still wants to play outside. I got him all bundled and took him out to play and he loved it. He would play in the snow all day if I didn't get so cold. He loves to eat the snow, look at his footprints, throw snowballs and stomp his feet to get the snow off his boots. Being in Cheyenne and having the wonderful wind, we get some pretty big snow drifts in the yard. Sometimes I cannot figure out if the snow is melting or just blowing to the neighbors down the street. We never know how long it is going to last so we have to take advantage of it when it is fresh. Just before it was gone we made a snowman. Sebastien thought it was so cool. Manti was sleeping and missed out on the fun. Maybe next year buddy...



I know some of you are probably thinking "that is one pathetic snowman" but what do you expect from two people who are from Arizona! Sebastien was pretty proud of his daddy for his hard work



It was hard to catch a picture of Sebastien's face. He was too busy running around in the snow, but I still thought this was cute.



He fell down and couldn't get up by himself so I figured this was the perfect time to take a picture. Don't worry, he has three layers of clothes on, he is nice and warm!



Troy shoveling the driveway after the first snow storm. We ended up with about 9 inches when it finally stopped snowing.



Sebastien is supervising Troy while shoveling the sidewalks.

I also have some cute videos to post so keep watching for those to come soon...

Christmas Tree

One of my favorite memories of growing up is when my family would go pick out a Christmas tree. We would go out the first weekend after Thanksgiving and then decorate it as a family. The last two years Troy and I have not done anything in the house for Christmas. Two years ago he was in basic training for Christmas and last year we were going to be in Arizona for the holiday and didn't want to fuss with it. This year we will be celebrating Christmas as a family here in Cheyenne and decided it might be fun for Sebastien to have a Christmas tree in the house. We went to pick out a tree when Aunt Wendi was here and since it was so cold outside she sat in the car with the boys while Troy and I checked out all the trees. I thought Sebastien might enjoy it but I was shocked with how much he loves to look at it. Troy got it all set up while I was feeding Sebastien lunch so when he was finally done eating he was so surprised with the big green thing in the corner. He would walk over, touch the tree then turn around with a big smile on his face and say "cheese"! Every morning when he wakes up the first thing he does is go over to the Christmas tree and point to the plug for the lights. He looks and me and says "dease" (aka please). He is so darn cute!












Anytime we go to Target we walk around the Christmas section to look at their cool Christmas trees. It is always the highlight of the trip. The other pictures are of Sebastien posing by the tree as we gradually got it decorated. He is such a goof, I love his sweet personality!

I am so excited to be starting new traditions with my own little family. I am also thankful for my parents and the memories and traditions they created for me.

Thanksgiving/Christmas Parade

As Thanksgiving was approaching I started to get a little sad. This was going to be the first time we were not going to be with family! The closer it got, the more I started to miss home. Then, I got a call from my big sis asking what we were doing. I told her we were going to be losers this year and not do anything and she surprised me with saying she wanted to come up here! Yay! The next two weeks went by SO, SO slow! When the day finally arrived to pick up Aunt Wendi I could barely stand it. I was so excited to have my sister here, all to myself. The boys had so much fun with her and man did they get spoiled. Our Thanksgiving turned out to be very nice, we had Aunt Wendi here to keep us company. We were also very lucky to have the missionaries over for dinner too, they are so awesome and brought a wonderful spirit into our home.



This is a picture of everyone sitting around the table talking. This was my first time making Thanksgiving dinner and I think it turned out pretty well. Although, I think maybe next time we will get a smaller turkey. Troy is still eating leftovers!

While Aunt Wendi was visiting the weather was perfect. Maybe a little too perfect. I kept telling Wendi I wanted her to experience the Wyoming wind and how cold it could get. She was not in any hurry for that. Her last night here we went to the Cheyenne Christmas Parade and she definately got a taste of the cold. We were all bundled up in several layers and were still freezing! Needless to say, I do not think she will want to come visit us in the winter again.

Shortly after we got to the parade and were getting our chairs and blankets all set up, Sebastien took a spill. He face planted on the cement,got a nice goose egg on his forehead and scraped his nose. He was not very happy. Luckily Aunt Wendi was there and surprised him with a couple of light up toys. He quickly put a smile on his face and the rest of the parade was enjoyable.



Sebastien and Mommy



Manti and Mommy



Troy and Sebastien sword fighting



Sebastien after his meeting with the cement



Aunt Wendi and the Boys

18months/4months

The boys had well baby appointments this past Monday, Troy had to work so I packed them up and off we went. They are both doing well. Manti is just a little behind on a couple things but overall, the doctor was very impressed on his progress. Following the "well baby" check ups both boys had to get shots. :( Neither one of them enjoyed that too much and I am sure everyone was thrilled when we left the office. Manti screamed so much his face turned bright red and the veins on his head were popping out. Sebastien was a little easier to calm down, I just had to pull out his fruit snacks. I don't think the doctor was too impressed though, he had lectured me 15 minutes earlier on foods to give Sebastien and fruit snacks was NOT on his list. It made me happier though, I only had to deal with one crying as we left the office. :)

Here are the boys stats:

Sebastien 18 months

Length: 33 inches
weight: 21 pounds





Manti 4 Months:

Length: 23 inches
Weight: 11 pounds 9 ounces

~Halloween~

Troy had to work on Halloween and I debated all day on taking the boys out or not. Our base had many different activities going on so I decided I would at least dress them up and go walk around. We ended up at the medical clinic where they had 16 different rooms set up for trick-or-treating. About half way through Sebastien figured out that if he smiled and held up his little candy bucket he would get more candy. He had to check out every piece and had fun showing me what he got. When we finished walking through the clinic, he was ready to go again. I would have taken him a second time but the line was getting long and I didn't want to wait and fight the crowds again. We came home and started decorating pumpkin cookies for friends. Sebastien loved eating the frosting, big shocker! We had our first trick-or-treaters around six and by 6:15 Sebastien was having so much fun. Anytime the doorbell would ring he would take off running through the house, to the door and down the steps to look at all the costumes. Troy would follow behind him with the basket of candy. I was surprised because Sebastien actually liked giving candy to the kids. We do not get many kids in our neighborhood so by 7:15 we called it a night.

Estes Park

Gma and Gpa Cahoon came up to visit at the beginning of the month and we got to spend the weekend in the mountains at Estes Park. We rented a cabin and had a great time sitting with the fireplace on, playing cards, shopping, barbecuing in the snow, playing pool and watching football! The first day we were there the weather was so beautiful. We went to downtown Estes and did some shopping, then the clouds blew in! It got so cold Sebastien's nose was red and he started to look like Rudolph and his hands were freezing. That ended the shopping and we went back to the cabin to warm up.

While we were there we got to enjoy the beauty of the leaves changing colors, seeing elk, taking family pictures and playing by the creek. Manti got to take pictures and then spent the rest of the time in his car seat bundled up. Sebastien enjoyed watching movies in the car with Gma and playing by the creek with daddy. The boys were not big fans of the wind and cold although Sebastien did like having the snow fall on his head. In a nutshell, it was a nice relaxing weekend and we all had a great time. Thank you Gma & Gpa for such a wonderful weekend.

(I will get pictures up soon!)

4 Years and Counting

One event that has happened since our last blog was that we celebrated our 4th anniversary! We have done so much in these past four years and have grown closer and closer each year. Troy is such an amazing husband and father, I am the luckiest girl!

To celebrate we packed up the boys and went to Chili's. It was a fun dinner and although the people sitting in the next booth talked about how I "have my hands full" the WHOLE time, I am so thankful for my little boys. I love the funny things Sebastien does, he is such a daddy's boy and I love watching him play with Troy. Manti is getting so big and I love waking up in the morning to his smiles. Thank you Troy for working so hard and giving me the chance to stay home with our boys. I look forward to many, many more years of being married to you...

So much

I have so much to blog about since my last post...please forgive me so being so late on updating you on the Cahoon happenings...

Lunch or Nap

We were having lunch the other day and Sebastien got really quiet. I figured he was just watching his cartoons so I did not want to bother him. I got up to walk out of the room and this is what I saw...


If you look closely at the hand he is laying on you can see that he is holding the sleeve to his shirt. He pulled his right arm out the top of his shirt, held the sleeve next to his cheek and sucked his thumb. After five minutes of taking pictures, he started stirring around in his high chair. His head was bobbing around so I decided to record him. I know I have posted a lot of videos lately, but this one is hilarious and I could not resist.


He is constantly doing new things to make me laugh...I love being a mommy!

Smiles

Here is a little video of Manti and his big smiles. It might be a little long for some of you to watch but it is so cute!

Who's Who?

I have been going through pictures of the boys the last few days and could not believe how much they look alike. Do you know which one is Sebastien and which one is Manti?

Dancing Fool

This will be a quick post....we just wanted to share a little video of Sebastien showing off his dancing moves. He loves music, especially the theme song to Friends, Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Enjoy!

Pumping Lessons

Yesterday I realized how much Sebastien pays attention to what is going on around the house. He was doing his normal routine of climbing around while I was picking up around the house. At one point I happened to glance up and saw him with pieces of the breast pump. This isn't unusual as he tries to put it together all the time (I know, great toy for a 1 year old to play with). I went about my business and looked over at him again to make sure he wasn't breaking anything and saw him with a pump, lifting up his shirt and placing it against his chest! It was the funniest thing. I scrambled around to grab the camera but by the time I got it turned on and ready to snap a picture, he pulled it out of his shirt, darn it! Any mother's out there who are not sure how a breast pump works, Sebastien will be giving lessons to raise a little extra cash for a trip home. Ha! Ha! Needless to say, I better be careful of what I am doing around the house.

Rockies Game

A couple of weeks ago we were down in Denver spending a couple of days with Jeff, Jessica and the kids and decided we would catch a Rockies game. The seats we had were awesome. We were seven rows up from the field just to the right of the Rockies dugout. It was a little chilly that night so poor Manti was bundled up like crazy. Sebastien didn't get to go this time, instead he stayed at Jeff's and played with his cousins. I think it was better that way for all of us! It was a little crowded where we were sitting and Sebastien would have had no room to run around. While we were at the game Troy took Manti down to the field to try and get a ball. After about three innings and a lot of yelling, the first base coach for the Astros brought a ball out for Manti. A nice memory for his first game, not that he will remember or even care. It was a fun night for the three of us, maybe next time we will feel brave and take both boys.

Troy and Manti trying to get a ball

They finally got it!

Manti is so excited!

Manti bundled in the blankets. Some people thought I was just cold and holding blankets on my lap to keep warm.

Labor Day Weekend...

...was very busy yet so much fun. Gma & Gpa Cahoon came to visit for the weekend and we had a blast. We ate great food, went to the park, played cards, went to the outlet mall and did plenty of other shopping for the boys. Sebastien had fun showing them all of his tricks and the new things he has figured out how to do around the house.

That weekend was extra special for our family because we had Manti's baby blessing. We not only had Gma& Gpa Cahoon here, Papa Egnew, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Jessica and the kids came too. We got some great pictures and ate some yummy food. Sebastien had such a great time playing with his cousins and grandparents. He was very sad when everyone left and was stuck with mom to play with at home. Thank you all who traveled to celebrate and participate in the blessing of Manti. We love you!

"The wonderful men who participated in Manti's baby blessing"

Daddy and the boys

Mommy and the boys

The boys!

M.Y.O.B.

Mary Ann you will love this...

Yesterday I was at the doctor's office for Manti's two month check up and as I was standing in line to check in (Sebastien and the diaper bag in one arm and Manti in the other), the lady in front of me turns around and says, "Oh my, you sure have your hands full." I just wanted to say "well nothing gets past you, does it?" Instead I just bit my tongue and smiled. I am not sure how long I will be able to avoid being a smarty pants to those who like to state the obvious!

Enough of my ranting and raving, Manti is doing very well. I think my last post said he weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and yesterday he was an even 8 pounds! I was shocked, he almost gained a full pound in one week. I must have some good milk! :) He is starting to smile more when you talk to him and is more alert to things around him. He loves to watch his big brother run around and play, he is probably taking notes on what he will be able to get away with. Ha!

Sebastien is handling the big brother thing pretty well. When Manti cries he is very quick to run and find a paci and shove it in Manti's mouth. I am still trying to figure out if he is trying to help or shut this "thing" up! We have to be very careful about leaving the two alone in a room, Sebastien will try anything to "play" with his little brother, even if it means pulling him off the couch. It hasn't happened yet, but he has been close a few times. I think the only thing that really bothers Sebastien is when HIS daddy is holding the baby. He gets very jealous and will start tugging on Troy's pants and stomp his little feet. It is funny to watch, I just don't want him thinking that if he stomps his cute little feet he will get his way...

Manti Update

It is so hard for me to believe that little Manti will be 7 weeks on Friday! I am so happy to tell you all that he has been off oxygen now for three weeks and we have not ended up at the doctor's office or emergency room at all this month! I did have him weighed yesterday and he is finally up to 7 pounds 3 ounces and 20 inches, we are finally making progress! One thing the doctor's did tell us, because Manti was premature and on oxygen he is at a higher risk of getting RSV! With the RSV season rapidly approaching, Manti will have to get a shot every month from October to April to help prevent the virus. Last year when traveling during the holiday season Sebastien caught RSV and it was NO fun! At least we know what to watch for this time around.

Manti is starting to figure out night time is for sleeping (thank goodness) and is only waking up for two feedings. Sometimes they only last 10 minutes because he is so tired but then we have times when he gets a burst of energy and will stay awake for an hour or two. I usually go down stairs and rock with him in the recliner to avoid waking Troy and Sebastien. The last thing I need is for Sebastien to wake up and be a crank pot!

Here are a few updated pictures of Manti...

"His first Smile"

napping on daddy's chest

Big Mistake

I woke up this morning and could not figure out why my body was so sore, then it clicked...Yesterday the boys and I ventured out with Daddy to the gym for p.t. Troy went off with the other guys from his squadron and we headed to the family area of the gym. Sebastien went in the play area and Manti sat in his car seat next to me while I worked out. This was the first time in.....well I don't know how long that I actually went to the gym. I started out on the elliptical trainer and set the workout for twenty minutes, uh, what was I thinking? After about three minutes I was about to die and had already drank my 16oz bottle of water. It was a little depressing, I couldn't quit already. I pushed myself to do ten minutes, whoo hoo! I was happy with that. Manti just stared at me the whole time probably cracking up inside because I was about to pass out. I did a few arm and leg exercises then one more 10 minute round of the elliptical. Sebastien loved the play area and learned a few new tricks from the other kids (climbing on the very top of the furniture). Lucky me! After working out we went grocery shopping, ate lunch and then it was nap time. I carried Sebastien up the stairs and thought my legs were going to fall off! I think next time I might need to ease into working out instead of trying to be wonder woman.

Cheerio

Okay, I was going through old pictures of Sebastien tonight and found this video of him playing with a cheerio, it is funny the things kids figure out.

Cowboys/Broncos Game

Many of you may know that Troy is a HUGE fan of the Dallas Cowboys, I still do not know why. :) They had a game this weekend in Denver and since Troy's birthday is in a week we decided that would be his birthday present. With Manti being so little and Sebastien 15 months, I figured Troy would not enjoy the game if we made it a family event. He called his dad, who is a Broncos fan, and told him about the game. Before I knew it, they found a plane ticket for Rob and tickets on the 30 yard line, 7 rows up from the field. Troy was thrilled and could not wait! The weekend finally arrived and he headed down to Denver, picked up his dad and went to the game. They had a great time together and got some great pictures.







Tony Romo warming up


Nice catch T.O.

Looks like fun!


Thanks Rob for planning a last minute trip to share this experience with Troy. He had a blast! We love you!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, we must apologize to everyone for being MIA the past month or so. Troy is pretty busy these days finishing his last phase of training (it has only been a year now) and will soon be able to do the job he signed up for (Missile Maintenance). I do not know much about it as most of the work he does is classified. He seems to be enjoying work much more now that they are actually doing things and not just sitting around. I get so annoyed when he comes home and says they sat around and watched ESPN! The boys are growing fast, keeping me on my toes with the new things they are discovering but are such a joy to be with everyday. Some of you may think otherwise when you hear me on the phone getting after Sebastien but I am sure all mothers have those moments, right?

Blogging World

Hello family, friends and anyone else interested in our family...we have finally decided to join the blogging world in hopes to keep you updated on the Cahoon Family events. Check back soon for more stories, pictures and whatever else we can think of to keep you all entertained. :)