Thankful

Since Thanksgiving is in 2 days, it only seemed right for me to acknowledge the many things that I am so thankful for. Here they are, in no particular order.

{my happy little monkey}

{my job}
{sushi}
{amazing husband}
{venti, decaf, breve latte, extra hot with one equal}
{snooze button}
{family - nuclear and extended}
{Black Friday sales}
{mine and my family's health}
{cozy fires}
{little brothers}
{my faith}
{best friends}
{yes, I too joined in on the madness they call Twilight}
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with friends and family! Jeff, Aiden and I are going up to Napa for Thanksgiving to partake in some much needed R&R. Enjoy the long weekend!

Fatten Him Up - Just Like The Turkey

Aiden had his one year appointment last week. He was in a really funny mood that day. He is normally so, so, friendly to everyone. Not this day. As soon as we arrived and the receptionist said hello, he looked down his binkie, furrowed his brow and growled at her. I think that he is starting to realize what exactly goes on when we go to the doctor...SHOTS.

He resorted back to his friendly little self when the doctor came in, and was walking all over the room. The stats came in at 19.5 lbs and 29.5 inches. Yep, he's "lean" as the doctor would say. Quite frankly I knew he was petite, but I was surprised that he wasn't even 20 lbs yet.

Our goal now, is to fatten him up a little. Even though we had almost completely made the transition to whole milk, she said that she would like him to continue with the formula for another month or so. Since he doesn't LOVE to be strapped into his high chair and eat, (there are many other things he would rather be doing).....we just need to make sure that every bite that he takes has more calories in it. He loves his fruits and veggies, but he needs more fat, sugar and carbs. If only we all had this problem....

She said not to worry though, and do what we can without making a big fuss. It may have a lot to do with genetics as well as the fact that he is walking all over now, (rarely crawling anywhere) and just burning so many more calories. I will be taking him back to the doctor at the end of the month for a weight check and more vaccinations (shhhhhh....don't tell Aiden he may start growling again). Send chubby thoughts his way!


(Cute, cute outfit courtesy of my dear friend Amy)

New Feature

Just an FYI for those of you who have always wanted to leave a comment (wink wink), but did not have a user name and password, nor did you want to create one. I have made it so anyone who pleases, can now leave a comment. Just go to the comments section at the bottom of any entry.

I would love to hear from those who read my random ramblings. I always enjoy reading the comments, suggestions, advice, or just say hi and let me know you were here...I know your out there, my little Site-Meter tells me so.

Partaayy!

A HUMONGOUS THANK YOU to all the friends and family that helped us celebrate on Saturday. Thank you to all of those who could not make it that sent well wishes and gifts as well. The party was a success and fun was had by all. Well most of the time....





.... wonderful job on the cakes Grandma Margie




.... he wasn't too fond of the cake or the 20 people singing Happy Birthday



.....but opening presents with Uncle Mike made him feel better

.....and so did his girlfriend Kenleigh

....and his best friend Leo

.... and when daddy let's him eat candy

.....and of course, more toys









This party is OVER!

Happy Birthday to My Sweet Boy

Dear Aiden,

If there was ever a moment when I knew that our lives had changed completely, it was the day that you were born. My whole reality changed in that instant that I became your mom.

Ever since you came out into this world, I've become a better person. You have helped me to be patient, loving, compassionate, understanding, responsible, and focused. All of this is because of you, and I will always try to be the best person I can be for you.

You, my sweet little boy, are the main reason why I feel joy in my heart everyday. I feel so blessed to be your mommy. God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave you to me. He knew that you were exactly what I needed.

I am looking forward to each passing day, that I get to watch you grow. I have loved you even before you were born. I love you now, and forever.

Happy birthday Monkey....

Love,
Mama

Now this, is funny.

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Thanks David. This literally made my day!

TWELVE MONTHS OLD

My sweet little man turns one year old tomorrow. I figured I would post this today since tomorrow we will be too busy celebrating! We are having a Sponge Bob Square Pants party at the house with some friends and family. I just wish everyone was here to celebrate.

Here are the pictures from his 12 month photo shoot. These are the only ones that I have for now, but they were able to crop some and change some to black and white, which really turned out wonderful. He did such a good job.








We go for his one year check up next Tuesday and we will finally be able to see how tall he is and how much he weighs. We are slowly but surely trying to experiment with new foods. Right now he loves Eggo waffles, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, shredded cheese, deli meat, yogurt, grapes, Kix, Cheerios, graham crackers, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and rice. As far as veggies go, he will still eat any of them out of the jar, especially green peas if you can believe that. I don't really care what consistency he chooses, just as long as he gets his veggies.

We are in the process of switching from formula to whole milk, and it seems that he doesn't even notice the difference. Our next task is to stop the bottles and use the Sippy cup. He loves to chew on the spout, but doesn't quite "get it" enough yet to make the switch. I'd be willing to bet that he is in no hurry as he doesn't even really have any interest in holding his own bottle. I personally have learned throughout this short year, that he will do things on his own time, and I am now completely fine with that.

Funny Mommy

I almost choked my kid to death making him laugh while he was eating. I kid....he was fine, but I obviously should have waited until he was done eating. Oh, and that is a plastic drumstick. He eats solids, but we aren't quite there yet.

Walking (this will have to do for now)

He was quite cranky last night, but I felt like I had to at least try and get some video of him walking, as I promised. It was pretty much a failed effort. Funny thing was, about 10 minutes later when I was elbow deep in washing dishes, he was playing under my feet, and he stood up, all by himself and walked the whole length of the kitchen (about 15 feet). FIGURES.

By the way how cute is the new alphabet mat that Aiden got from Karen and Kirk for his birthday?

tRiCk - oR - tReAt

On Saturday, we all took our little dragon trick or treating. Jeff and I pulled out some old costumes from the closet and we were on our way. Aiden was so good the whole time, and was enthralled with watching all of the other little trick or treaters running around.











Afterwards, Grandma and Grandpa took the little bambino home and Jeff and I enjoyed a friends Halloween party. I think we were all a little lazy the next day.

WALKING!

Last night, Aiden started walking! He consistently was taking about 10 steps at a time, all by himself. I got some footage on the video camera and will post soon.

Ask Aiden

He's ALL boy

He likes to climb things, he likes to bang on things, and he likes to throw things.

I had blocked him in the living room on Saturday while we were installing the TV and speakers. He was apparently concerned that no one was paying attention to him. He started by yelling at us over the baby fence. No success. He then grabbed his wooden balls, proceeded to climb on his chair, and then started banging on the wall. Once he got mine, and everyone else's attention, he decided he was done. Mission accomplished.

Cheerios.

Bad Blogger.

I am ashamed at my lack of blog posts as of late. I'd like to be able to present you with some glorious reason as to why my blog posts have all but dwindled away, but there's really no good excuse other than I've been busy. I've been at home, at work, at home, back at work, home, work, and then home again. B-O-R-I-N-G.

However, there is some excitement on the horizon. Jeff and Brian will be hanging the flat screen on the wall this weekend as well mounting of all the speakers. I have anxiety just thinking about the two of them cutting and drilling holes into the dry wall. I think I will make myself scarce for this event.

I have also been planning Aiden's birthday festivities that are occurring in 22 days! UGH...I'm not ready for a toddler. Not because of the work, but because I am still in denial that he is growing up. Still working on this.

Oh and we found Aiden's Halloween costume and taught him how to make the noise that needed to accompany it. Just wait for it.

So, see, there's lots that I can post about, I'm just too darn lazy to post about it right now. I mean, busy.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend and I promise next week will be more exciting.