2 Years

Boy oh boy has it been awhile since I blogged. Seriously though, I am using a computer all day long at work and just don't feel like writing something when I get home.  But I am feeling inspired lately so I am going to try and do better.   Aide turned 2 on July 18.  I still can't believe it. I have made photo books for each year of his life this far and putting the pics together I can't believe what all he has accomplished this year.  It is literally broken down into pre-surgery and post-surgery.  I mean he has grown like 5-6 inches in 8 months and gained about 10 pounds.  His head and feet finally could grow and his strength and stamina is completely different.  He is quite the social butterfly and never shuts up.  As his mom I have to think he's perfect and has a great vocabulary but the doc agreed and his dad and I are just so proud. 

We opted to do a family birthday again this year.  He is just now understanding birthdays and cake so that's really all he asked for.  Why not do it if you can get away with it?  I have to say however, that I have had his party planned for awhile.  Last year when I was strolling down the dollar isle at target they had a ton of Cat in the Hat stuff there.  I thought how perfect Aiden loves the show.  So I knew what I wanted to do for awhile.  Plus, I had actually used red and turquoise some last year so I had leftover decorations I pulled out as well.  We had traditional Green Eggs and Ham to eat along with other Dr. Seuss inspired foods.  We open presents and ate cake and just had fun enjoying Aiden.  Our last gift to him, was a present of an ultrasound pic.  Yep, that's right, Aiden is going to be a big brother! We held out for almost 12 weeks from telling anyone so most of the family was surprised.  It was a sweet party and I know they can only get more complicated from here.  The bad news for Aiden is there will probably be multiple swim parties in his future.  There's not much you can do in the middle of a Louisiana summer.

We have blown up tons of balloons each year and put them in his room while he is asleep so that when he wakes up there are balloons everywhere.

I used these fish last year. So glad to have them.

Loving everyone singing happy birthday to him!

 

18 months

I wanted to document Aiden's 18 months and how well he is doing after his surgery.  We had our 18 month check-up in January and he has gained over 3 pounds and grown 2 1/2 inches in 8 weeks.  I mean is that crazy or what? I still can't believe how well he is doing and how much energy he has/  He truly is a different baby.  I only thought he was happy before.  Ahh, God is good. 
Everyday is like a new adventure with him and he learns something new.  You can just look at him and see the wheels turning inside his head.  He is extremely obsessed with cows and bees right now.  Strange, but so cute.  He has learned the difference between yes and no and loves to tell you  "NO."  I am so excited to see him grow and learn this year.  He is definitely not a baby but a toddler now.

Stats:
clothing: 18 months
diapers: size 3
finally eating some meat in ham and turkey!
words: we have counted and he can say more then 30 words, although can't string more than 2 together yet
nap: 1-2 hours day
sleep: 6:30pm-7am

Christmas 2012

Ho, Ho, Ho! That's what my little munchkin says when we ask him what Santa says.  Uunfortunately, we are still sleeping some in our Christmas flannels so he doesn't quite understand Santa is a seasonal thing. This Christmas was a whirlwind.  Last year Ben and I both said we were really going to enjoy the holidays since last year we moved into our house 2 days before Christmas but that kinda got messed up with Aiden's surgery.  Oh well, I did get to spend a ton of time with him which I loved.  I was officially on vacation from November 29-January 1.  I loved every minute I spent with him.  I really expected him not to be able to do much so I had volunteered to have Christmas lunch at our house.  As it turns out, the rascal was fine by Christmas and we ending up having a full house.  14 adults and 2 babies in all.  It was nuts! My mom made a great suggestion that next time we should just do a big pot of gumbo and then nobody has to stress.  Aiden did have a blast playing with his cousin Mia and he literally has been playing with his toys for over a week.  His big gift was a 10 foot plaster roller coaster and he loves it.  I am so mad at myself for not video taping his reaction the first time we put him on it.  When we are not riding it, we are climbing up it or sliding toy cars down it.  We even lay down on it.  80% of our time is spent in the playroom now instead of downstairs, which is good.  I am in the process of painting some bookcases and shelves for all his toys so everything will stay nice and organized.  I am beyond ready for it to be done.  Honestly, it's just too cold outside right now to finish and literally the spray paint was freezing.  Ben and I were able to sneak away for several nights for a couple holiday parties and we spent one night in Shreveport and treated ourselves to a great dinner at 2 Johns. We also attended the Children's Christmas Eve Service and it was precious.  Nothing but small children and Aiden was all over the place but I think he loved the singing and seeing all the kiddos.  We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season and I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for us.  Happy New Year Everyone!

                                                       Christmas Eve at Nana's House

                                        We lost our pants for a second! So excited about Christmas

                                                         Aiden and cousin Mia

                                                                  Matching PJ's.