Happy 3rd Birthday Caden!

Yesterday, Friday 19th, was Caden’s 3rd Birthday! It’s hard to believe that he’s already 3 years old. September has been a very big month for both of the boys, but especially for Caden.

Sept 3rd was the boys first day of preschool, Cooper’s second year and Caden’s first! What a milestone! The boys go three days a week, so Shannon has two days each week to enjoy a couple hours of quiet 😉

Here’s the traditional first day of school pictures from the last two years:

First day of school 2007 First day of school 2008

Then on the 13th, we had the friends and family over to celebrate Caden’s birthday. Shannon made an awesome snake cake and the party was a blast. Here are a couple pictures from the party:

Caden eating a cake Caden opening presents

Then, on his birthday, we had a small family party. We had Caden’s favorite, In-n-Out and even put a candle in his cheeseburger! Caden got so many great gifts, but one of my favorites was a big-wheel – it brought back a lot of childhood memories.

Caden on his new big-wheel Caden blowing out his cheeseburger candle

Which brings up to today…after all of the excitement that September has brought Caden, today was a tough day. This morning, we took the boys to a nearby park. I had planned on reading the newspaper while the boys played, but decided to join them on the playground. I took Caden down one of the big slides, which he was apprehensive about, but I convinced him to do it. The ride down was a little rough and both of Caden’s Crocs were torn off on the way down. Regardless, he climbed right back up to the top of the three-story slide and begged me to take him again.

Going against my intuition, I conceded to a second trip. Despite my best efforts to keep him safe, on the way down Caden’s leg got jammed somehow and I heard a pop/snap sound as we went around one of the turns. I immediately knew something was wrong and told Shannon that we needed to go to the hospital.

We raced to the emergency room with Shannon sitting next to Caden trying to console him during the (what seemed like forever) drive to the hospital. After two rounds of x-rays, we got the bad news – he has a buckle fracture on his left tibia, right below his knee. Because the break/fracture is on a weight bearing bone, the doctor said that he needs to stay off of his feet for 4-6 weeks!

He just turned 3, started school, got a new big-wheel and now is being told that he can’t walk, run or ride for the next 4-6 weeks!!! He’s in a splint right now and will most likely be getting a cast on Tuesday. A big thanks to the Frenches for watching Cooper during the 4 hours we spent in the emergency room and for lending us the wagon that will now be Caden’s main living space for the next month or so. Cooper has been such a loving and concerned big brother – but I think all the attention on Caden is tough for him.

The gallery has been updated with August and September pictures. Here are a couple of Caden with his “owie”.

Caden with a broken leg. Cooper was very concerned and helpful. Caden in his new living space - a wagon

So, wish us luck over the next few weeks and pray for sleep and quick healing for Caden. I know it is going to be so tough to keep him off of his feet!



5 Comments

  1. Melissa Stiles, September 21, 2008:

    Happy Birthday Caden!! I am so sorry to hear about his leg. Poor little guy. I hope he feels better soon. XOOXO

  2. Kaci, September 23, 2008:

    I am so sorry to hear that Caden got hurt. 🙁 I’m sorry we missed his birthday. I got caught up with running errands and running after Kiana. We will pray for a quick recovery for Caden. Hugs and Kisses to all…especially Caden and hi boo-boo!

    Sam, Kaci, Kiana, and Leland

  3. Amy Merydith, September 29, 2008:

    I am so sorry you guys!! I remember Alex’s broken leg, it was so difficult to see him getting his little cast on…oh the guilt!!! But, these things happen with active little guys and Caden’s recovery will be quick. I will be praying for Caden’s recovery and for times of rest for you guys.
    ~Amy

  4. Michelle, October 17, 2008:

    Hello to all of you,
    What a great writer you are Eric. It’s a delight to read about your beautiful family.
    Your mom just told us what happened, I’m so sorry for Caden’s major boo boo. Maybe you can let Cooper and Caden think about a neat costume for Caden, maybe mummy? a pirate? We know Caden will heal fast for the both of you:)
    Love Auntie Michelle, Uncle Scott, Travis, Camille & Sam

  5. Eric, October 18, 2008:

    @all – thanks for the well wishes and concern for Caden! He is doing much better – I posted an update.

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