All-Star for a Day

Five years ago, there was an amazing little man who came into our lives six weeks prematurely. It was the best gift God could have delivered. Caden Dwight fought for 10 hard days in the intensive care unit after being born at 5 lbs 9 oz.

Cade has developed to love sports, his sister, and school. Now at five years old, we felt this milestone deserved a big celebration…and so, Cade chose to party with the Quad City River Bandits as they took on the Cedar Rapids Kernels Sunday. It couldn’t have been more fun! Caden was truly an all-star for the day. Check out his moments in the spotlight!!

He graduates from preschool today, and we are so proud of him. It's hard to believe that this is only the beginning of our amazing journey watching him grow into a young man. Thank you to all the family and friends in our life who’ve helped shape who he is, and who Jarin and I are as parents.

Motherhood

I've tried to be a stay-at-home mom, albeit, it was only for four months. But there was something about having professional interactions and an applicable purpose for my master's degree that made the dedication to work outside of the home more appealing to me. So, that's what I've done... this balancing act of working, being a mom, loving myself, and still keeping that spark in my marriage. Monday was a different story.

I woke early to be on the road to Des Moines by 6 a.m. It was quiet. No one was up. I made myself coffee. I showered in peace. Shoot, I even shaved my legs. And then I went from room to room, pushing hair out of faces, giving kisses on warm cheeks, and patting the butts of those I love the most. I whispered good-bye to each sleeping beauty, and walked out the door.

On my way down the highway, I realized that the appeal of "going to work" was not-so-appealing today. There was something much more sexy about me being the one tucked in tight, hearing "have-a-good-day" whispers from my hubby dressed in his suit and tie.

And then I realized. Nothing about working full-time, being a mom, and walking that balance beam is truly sexy. The appeal in life comes from the moments you make together, not the day-to-day logistics. And so, here's a little about how us Hansen's celebrate life together.

Annual baseball game with coolers as bases!

Bocce Ball competitions

Mother's Day picnic conglomeration!

Family competitions and giggles

Now, if you don't find this sexy... fine. I don't really either, in the literal sense. But I do find it stimulating, beautiful, and above all, the reason I work and provide for my family every day. So, for me... celebrating motherhood is as sexy as it comes some days. 

Batter Up!

I woke Caden up Thursday morning with something to look forward to... his first t-ball practice, and boy, was he excited!! This will be the third sport he's played this year, and I think it might come in close to the top. Maybe it has something to do with his Papa influence with the Cubs?

Either way, I love the way he struts his stuff, carries, his shoulders, and even changes his voice when talking about it. Really, he's only 4! (... okay, so maybe he is 9 days from being 5 years old, but whatever... a mom can live up the moment, right?)

Coach Jason shows him how to line up.

And he hits it on the first try!

Safe at first!

Can you see him racing into home plate!?!!

If you'd like to see this little man in action, join us at Marquette Parkway, for any of his games:

Tues June 7th at 7 p.m.

Thurs June 9th at 7 p.m.

Wed June 15th at 5:30 p.m.

Thurs June 16th at 5:30 p.m.

Tues June 21st at 7 p.m.

Thurs June 23rd at 7 p.m.

Mon June 27th at 5:30 p.m.

Tues June 28th at 7 p.m.

Tues July 5th at 7 p.m.

Wed July 6th at 5:30 p.m.