We can hardly believe it's come and gone - Caden's first Christmas. He had so much fun. The talking Elmo was cute at first, and then got a little scary. Caden also got a motorcycle - well, the rocking version. He even gave Elmo a spin on his new wheels. Thanks, everyone, for making Caden's first Christmas so wonderful.
Caden has four teeth now - two on the top and two on the bottom. He can stand up without pulling himself up, and can take a couple of steps - it probably won't be long now before we are chasing him all over!
Merry Christmas and happy New Year!











Deseándole todo el un día de fiesta feliz!
Or
Ihnen allen einen glücklichen Feiertag wünschen!
Or
Wishing You a Happy Holiday!

We sat in line for 2 hours, no roller coaster at Cedar Point but waiting for a guy dressed in red, a big beard and some elves. Caden was well behaved and loved waiting in line flirting, gazing and drifting. But once on the big guys lap C Rock felt it was time to let 8 months of pain, glory and passion just belt out. I suppose, as the Balser clan goes…….

I think this was what Caden was trying to say...
"What's the matter with the clothes I'm wearing? Can't you tell that your tie's too wide?Maybe I should buy some old tab collars?Welcome back to the age of jive.Where have you been hidin' out lately, honey?You can't dress trashy till you spend a lot of money.EverReady's talkin' 'bout the new soundFunny, but it's still rock and roll to me.." Billy Joel










Caden's First Thanksgiving

We all had lots to give thanks for this year primarily friends, family and Caden.
This year we hosted a small Thanksgiving dinner at our house and then made a run over to Tricia's father's house to spend time with the rest of the family.
Overall it was a great day but lesson be learned... NEVER EVER put potato peels down the disposal. Lord knows I am not Joe Plumber.
Needless to say after removing some pipes, having water and peels all over me and in the cabinet it was a great time. But the Turkey and food turned out great.

Hope you all have a great rest of the week and weekend!

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bank balance smaller, home happier, clothes dirty, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for." - Unknown Author















Caden's first Halloween was a success. The little lion enjoyed time spent with family and enjoyed seeing all the neighbors.
Caden, when you read this know that today (the day we posted it) (11-4-08) was one of the most historical elections of all time. You'll be reading about it in the history books, I-pod, I-phone, on-line, e-book, or probably a e-newspaper. Hmmm, not sure if actual books will be used by then?????

Tricia was in NY City to support Caden's godfather Michael who was running the NY City Marathon. Great accomplishment Michael and were all proud of you!!!!

Also, wanted to thank the family for all the support with Caden and for being amazing in every way.

Ohhh, finally. After 7 months my father, the Vietnam vet finally held Caden with open eyes and a huge heart! THANKS DAD, we love you.....

And for a slightly funny but huge learning experience for myself.... When a baby has a tummy virus be ready for a EXPERIENCE. Eight diapers of the nastiest stuff you could imagine in one day. It will make you laugh, sweat, worry and well, even become closer with the baby who is crapping all over while laughing at you while you try to fix the issue at hand.

Hope you all have a great week!
















Howdy All,
Chinese Democracy is out and well, after hearing the whole album I might be one of the few that likes it. Reason being I find it funny on the smart side of Axel to wait almost 14 years to finally release it and perfectly time it with what is going on with our society. It’s the first Bob Dylan move I have seen by any band, be it smart or not in a long time. And Slash rips the heck out of the guitar.
As a side note, enjoy pictures of Caden’s under water tactics.
Happy Halloween all and remember…. "Raising kids is part joy and part guerilla warfare."
Take a listen, if you wish…… GNR (Still my favorite band in the Land Before Time!”)

Please note the above are my persoanl opinions-dont egg or toliet paper my house. If you do I will CAN your cars! And I might even do a NITTY GRITTY with flames included!

Take a listen........





Welcome Abby to the world. Congrats Steve and Leslie and were so happy for both of you.

Tricia and I spent the day and night at Cedar Point last weekend. Great time but we came to the conclusion that it's hard sleeping knowing Caden is not in close proximity to us. Although getting away is so nice and it was needed. Happy 2 year Anniversary honey!

Some new pics of Caden.... 7 months is a great age. Don't need to buy expensive toys. Caden will pretty much play with anything you give him. Guess it's a good time to save for his first car. Zoom Zoom!
Ohhhh, his first 2 bottom teeth finally are coming in. Note to self, start saving for braces:>)

Hope you all have a great week!





Happy Friday Everyone,
Been a busy few weeks which is always a good thing.
My cousin Eric and has girlfriend stopped by to visit before Eric left for the Marines. Were all extremely proud of him and wish him a safe return!
Caden is now in full crawl, pulling himself up on everything and trying to walk. No teeth yet. Maybe they will stay that way so we wont have to worry about braces.
We started swim classes last weekend and although not Mr. Phelps yet he did enjoy the water. This weekend he gets fully submerged.

We hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy the great weather.

"I will veto every single beer." --John McCain, misspeaking while trying to say he will veto every "bill" Hmmm, anyone who veto's beer is not getting my vote!:>)

Those Browns!




Well the Browns played like crap, most likely leading to another miserable year and then re-hashing of "Next Year, That's Our Motto".
Daddy and I did put on the Browns jerseys and enjoyed our first game together. (Pics to come soon).

We wanted to say happy Grandparents Day one more time as well!

Happy Grandparents day to all the Grandparents out there.



Thanks Karen & Donnie for a great dinner Saturday night and for taking the attached pictures.


Ohhhh, wish me luck. I am starting my swim classes this week!

Peace & Love

Caden AKA Jamal Lewis

My First Pig Roast





My First Pig Roast

Yum. My first pig roast with family. Had a great time and hope to enjoy a bit more pig next year. Although mommy is a vegetarian.

I just about mastered the crawl thing but still find myself pulling a G.I Joe know and then. Gramps always says keep low and keep moving.

I hope you all have a great holiday weekend!

Private Caden




Lots going on last week. I am now enjoying baby food. Well, not truly food but rice cereal with some mushed up veggies. Kind of fun seeing mom and dad wipe my mouth every 4 scoop full's.

I am just about ready to crawl. I give a few pushes, fall to my tummy, roll over and try it again. In due time I should be ready for the Ohio State football team, or perhaps Miami of Florida. After all they were ranked the number one party school for 08!

Mom, dad & Grandma S took me to the Berea fair last weekend. We saw lots of animals, rode the merry-go-round, and saw lots of people with mullets. Thank god dad cut mine off days before. We even saw some cool carnies. Note to self, never trust a carnie!

Caden






Caden took his first vacation to Connecticut last week, airplane travel and all.
We stayed in Mystic CT with friends Stacey and Sal (thanks for everything by the way!!!) and had a great time.
Great food, friends, shopping, casino, beach, golf and seafood (yummy Mako Shark!)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Caden's baptisim




Thanks for a wonderful day!

Caden Songs






We have been making songs for Caden!
Enjoy!!!!!
DINNERTIME SONG
You take a bite,
And just one more,
Then take two,
And that makes four.
mmmmmm mmmmmm
This you'll like,
Just wait and see,
It's just right,
For your tummy!
mmmmmm mmmmmm
CADEN'S SONG
C is for Cuddly
A is for Always good
D is Delightful
E for Ever insightful
Then there’s the last one,
Add an N, my name’s all done.
That stands for really Neat
Now we’re done,
Let’s take our seat!

BATHTUB SONG
I’m in the bathtub,
I’m in the bathtub,
I’m in the bathtub,
Just taking a bath.

I’ve got my washcloth,
And here’s the other one.
I love my bath time,
It’s so much fun!

We wash my feet and toes.
And then my hands and nose.
And scrub behind my ears until they’re clean (squeaky squeak)

And now it’s time for bed.
Go lay my sleepy head,
Down on the pillow and start to dream.

About my bathtub,
About my bathtub,
About my bathtub,
Just taking a bath.

GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE
Good morning, Sunshine!
It’s time to start the day!
Please send a few rays of your sunshine … my way!
If there’s not enough,
Well that’s okay!
I’ll….
Be….
Hap…
Py…
Any….
Way…..!


BEDTIME SONG
Happy dreams on their way for me.
Happy dreams, I can’t wait to see,
What’s in store for me
While I sle - - - - ep.

What I become,
I can only guess.
My universe
Is limitless.

If I believe,
That I can achieve,
I can do – great – things!
I will do – great – things!

MY NAME IS…
My name is Caden – YEAH!
I spell it with a C – YEAH!
I like to eat – YEAH!
And then repeat – YEAH!

My name is Caden – YEAH!
I spell it with a C – YEAH!
I like to sleep – YEAH!
And count the sheep – YEAH!

My name is Caden – YEAH!
I spell it with a C – YEAH!
I like to poop – YEAH!
And don’t have croup – YEAH!
My diaper droops – YEAH!

My name is Caden – YEAH!
I spell it with a C – YEAH!
Don’t like to cry – YEAH!
‘Cause I’m a guy – YEAH!

My name is Caden – YEAH!
I spell it with a C – YEAH!
Pretty soon I’ll crawl – YEAH!
Then play football – YEAH!

My name is Caden – YEAH!
I spell it with a C – YEAH!
Pretty soon I’ll talk – YEAH!
And then I’ll walk – YEAH!

My name is Caden – YEAH!
I spell it with a C – YEAH!
I think I’m funny – YEAH!
And I save money – YEAH!

SCHOOL SONG
I love my friends, and
I love my teachers too.
I love the school that…
That I am going to.

Boomdiada, boomdiada, boomdiada boomdiada
Boomdiada, boomdiada, boomdiada boomdiada

We like to play, and
We learn a lot at school.
Sometimes we sing and dance,
That part is really cool.

Boomdiada, boomdiada, boomdiada boomdiada
Boomdiada, boomdiada, boomdiada boomdiada


Look how much my plant has grown! For Mother's Day, Caden gave me this little pot and planted some seeds. As you can see - and with many thanks to Jonathon and his green thumb - the plant is flourishing! : ) Thanks again, Caden.



Last night my good friend, Lynne, tied the knot and is now the new Mrs. T. David Mitchell! Congratulations to you both - we had so much fun at your wedding! The setting at Mayfield Country Club was really spectacular - and they had a MASHED POTATO BAR! Heaven!!!! : ) And, their first dance was to Jack Johnson's 'Banana Pancakes' (as performed by her college friend, Joel). You may be able to tell by the name of our blog that that song holds a special place in our hearts too! Thanks, Lynne and Dave, for including us in your special day!

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