Snowy Weekend Fun

This weekend Nashville got the best snow we've had in a long time. The news reported up to 6 inches in areas, but I think we got 3-4 inches at our house. Brandon was off school Friday and Monday and we rented movies, built a snow man, hung out with Shawn, and enjoyed our long weekend together. There is something beautiful about looking out the window and seeing a pure white blanket over the earth; the sun shining on the fresh snow and making it shine so bright like crystals; the excitement of the neighborhood kids and those adults who, under the influence of the winter wonderland, act like kids. Everyone may not agree, but I for one love it. 

My Little Dare Devil

"Look Mom, no hands!"

"Much to my mom's dismay, conquering the stairs is my next big adventure!"

Snow Days

Now that I'm married to a coach/teacher, I have a renewed excitement when snow bird shows his face on the local news and starts listing the schools that have been closed due to the chance that it possibly might snow at some point the following day. Before Brandon's school has even confirmed it's closure, I'm trying to convince him to stay up late with me and watch a movie. It takes me back to the days of trying to convince my parents that I didn't need to do my homework because I was sure it was going to snow.  

We didn't get near as much as they originally predicted, but Aidan didn't seem to notice. He enjoyed his first snow experience. He just wanted to lay down in it and pat it. 

Happy Holidays!

I am a little sad that Christmas has come and gone so quickly. There was a lot going on this year and we had so much fun; especially with it being Aidan and William's first Christmas. We were able to celebrate with the Brashers, the Halls, the Adams, the Agees, and Christmas morning with my immediate family, and the day after Christmas just the three of us. Aidan seemed to enjoy himself although he didn't know quite what was going on. He got a bunch of fun new toys - a wagon, a radio flyer rocket, blocks, sock monkey, Sophie the giraffe, books, shoes, jack in the box, Batman (Uncle Shawn is introducing him to super heros)... Aidan says thank you to everyone!

  

Amidst all the fun, Aidan got his first ear infection. He had gotten a cold about a week before Christmas. It seemed to be getting better, but when we got to Nanny and Paw Paw's house he wasn't sleeping well and was fussy. I first chalked it up to sleeping in the pack and play in our room which he wasn't used to. But on Christmas Eve, he started running a fever, and he cried if anyone looked at him funny. It was very sad. We went ahead and took him to see a doctor and it was confirmed that it was his ears. With the help of an antibiotic and some infant tylenol, Aidan felt much better by Christmas morning! Just in time for Santa to fill his stocking at Nanny and Paw Paw's. 

Happy Holidays to everyone. And may God bless you richly in 2010. 

The braggings of a proud mom: Aidan's new favorite thing is pulling up. He's pulling up on the changing table, the book shelf in his room, the coffee table, the crib (we had to lower it) and anything else he can reach. He explores everywhere and plays for short periods independently. I can't believe he is getting so big. 

Look closely. I finally got a picture where you could see his first tooth. 

Here Comes Santa Claus!

Thanksgiving has come and gone. I have so much to be thankful for this year -- a happy, healthy little boy; an understanding, patient, and loving husband; the ability to stay at home with Aidan; an adorable new nephew; a wonderful family who has shown us so much support this year; great friends -- just to name a few. On Thanksgiving Day, Brandon, Aidan, and I stayed home and had a nice, quiet family dinner. Brandon fried a turkey (a first for him which turned out delicious), I made mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cornbread, and baked an apple pie. I also made Aidan some homemade sweet potatoes which he turned his nose up at. I just can't make it like Gerber I guess. 

I can't believe it is almost Christmas! This year has flown by. I'm so excited to celebrate this year with Aidan. Santa is going to come visit us for the first time in several years! We went and picked out a little Christmas tree this weekend. Aidan loved the lights and enjoyed watching us decorate. We also went to get pictures made with Santa. Aidan was not a fan. He stared at him with wide scarred eyes and then the lip turned under and there were tears. 

In addition to visiting Santa and decorating for Christmas, we have had an eventful few weeks. Aidan is sitting up! And he got his first tooth!

6 Months Old

It's hard for me to believe that 6 months have passed since the day Aidan came into this world. On November 6, Aidan turned 6 months old. I was looking back at pictures of him from when we first brought him home. Although I don't see it sometimes because I'm with him everyday, he has gotten so big and has grown so much. It's amazing how quickly he has learned head control, then hand control, rolling over, then getting around the room in his army crawl. Nothing gets passed him; he is so interested and curious with his wide eyes. He gets so excited when his daddy gets home from work, he recognizes songs, he laughs at my different voices when I'm reading him a story. Yesterday, in the middle of the night, he woke up and I was changing his diaper. He started to cry and proceeded to look at me and give me the sign for "milk". He didn't won't his diaper changed, he wanted milk and he let me know it. That was pretty neat. Our first conversation. I'm loving being a mommy. I'm loving staying at home with him. It's a hard job, but definitely the most rewarding!

Aidan's 6 month photo shoot in Nanny and Paw Paw's back yard. 

(I think this picture looks like Brandon. I have decided that although he has a lot of Hall features, the shape of his face is that of Brandon's so I see Brandon in him in certain expressions and profile pictures)

Aidan and I made a trip to Memphis to see Brian play in his final home game as a Memphis Tiger. We are proud of you, Uncle B! While we were visiting Nanny and Paw Paw, Aidan made his first visit to the Memphis Zoo. It was a beautiful day and Aidan enjoyed strolling around. We were really looking forward to seeing the monkeys but were a little disappointed that there was only one hollering monkey there. But the rest of the zoo was wonderful. We look forward to the Spring when we can go back and take William!

Aidan, Steven, and the giraffes

Aidan, Nanny and the elephants

Aidan, Paw Paw, and the grizzlies in the new Teton exhibit

Aidan had his first play date. We got together with Riley Clements (3 months) and Elizabeth Ashley (9 months). Aidan was so excited to meet new, cute girls. Whenever he was on the floor with one of them, he would army crawl up to them and want to touch their faces. The girls were a little reserved, but got used to the wild man quickly. 

Riley and Aidan

Aidan and Elizabeth

 

Aidan, Elizabeth, and Riley

Ghosts, Goblins, and Little Monkeys

On Aidan's first Halloween, he was a monkey. Looking back he should have been a mexican jumping bean, or a frog, or kangaroo or something that jumps a lot. But my lack of creativity at that moment and the 1/2 off sale at Babies R Us, turned my sweet Aidan into a little monkey. He was very cute if I do say so myself. For Aidan's first Great Pumpkin Day, he got to experience a hayride and a bonfire. He was very impressed!

Brandon and Aidan enjoying the hayride