Happy First Birthday to Kaden!

Happy Birthday, Kaden!

Crazy to think that a year has already flown by since my nephew, little Kaden Dean, came into our lives! Although, in some ways it does seem like we've had him in our family even longer because of the months of anticipation that preceded his birth! I remember how I was so excited when Jason & Julia called to say they had a baby on the way! :D He has been such a source of joy to us and we love him so much! I just love his little expressions, his grins, the way his eyebrows betray his emotions, his laughter, his 'chatter,' and the fact that he decided to try walking before he tried crawling! :)

Below, I posted some of my favorite pictures of Kaden from each of the last twelve months. (I'm going to try to use as many of my own pictures of him as possible, but since we didn't get to see him in January, February, or March, those will be Julia's pictures, stolen from her blog.) What a blessing this little cutie has been to our whole family!

December '07 - Kaden's first time at church

January - Tired baby!

February - With Daddy

March - Happy Easter from Kaden!

April - Hamming it up at Luke & Anna's wedding

May - Family picture

June - with Uncle Jordan & Aunt Jenn :)

July - At Great Grandma Rabe's church

August - Swimming in Lake Okoboji, IA

September - Playing it cool in the Fairfax Days parade

October - Playing with Aunt Jenny! :)

November - shopping in West Des Moines

December - Almost a year old!

Can't wait till we get to see you again, Kaden! Hope you have a wonderful birthday today! Love you so much!!!