Spring Break

Brandon was on Spring Break this week. Aidan and I knew that Brandon would be busy with baseball most days, but little did we know that Brandon would come down with an Upper Respiratory Infection on Sunday. He was laid in bed for most of 3 days. Not the way you want to start your break; especially after being healthy all year. Well, Brandon is still not 100%, but we did get to get outside yesterday and enjoy the beautiful day. We took Aidan to Radnor Lake and did a little hiking. We hiked about 3 miles around the lake and tested out the backpack carrier that Uncle Shawn had gotten us. Aidan loved it. He loved being up high in his seat and he loves looking around at everything outside. If Brandon and I stopped to look at the geese or turtles, Aidan let us know that he did not think too highly of our slacking off. He liked to be on the move at all times. We had a lot of fun. I'm glad we got to go and hopefully we will have many more beautiful days like that for some more hiking.

What a true blessing it has been to be home with Aidan over the last several months. I thank my husband for allowing me the opportunity to quit my job so that I could spend every possible moment with my baby boy. He is such a joy. I want to remember every moment of every stage along the way.

Aidan has learned the word "no". Not so much how to hear it, but how to give it. We are having a little issue with texture aversions. Aidan loves his cereal and he loves his baby food, but anything else, well, not so much. We have conquered puffs. Anything else that is presented to him like cooked Green Beans, Pasta, Carrots... he shakes his head no until you take it away. He won't open his mouth again until you show him his preferred food of choice on his little plastic spoon. We are working through this slowly and I'm trying to find new techniques. We will get there eventually.

Aidan is ready to walk. He walks behind his push toy back and forth across the house. A couple of weeks ago, he was standing up holding on to the couch. All of a sudden he decided to let go and walk to the coffee table. He is taking 3-4 steps on his own. He gets so proud of himself and I reward him with applause and shouts of joy. It is so much fun to see his new skills developing and his determination.

Aidan and I are heading to Texas at the end of this week! I am so excited to see Bethany and Ken, and especially, Liam. He has gotten so big since the last time I saw him. He is sitting up and crawling! This will be Aidan's second time on a plane. His first trip was when he was 2 1/2 months. This time will be a little different with him almost 11 months old. He is mobile and more vocal. However, this time I will have Nanny, Paw Paw, and Uncle Steven to help me keep Aidan occupied. I can't wait!

Latest Pics

"Howdy ya'll"

"This is harder than it looks"

"Where are you Spring?"

This is one of Aidan's favorite spots.

(And the wrinkling of the nose is one of Aidan's favorite faces.)

"Look at those pearly whites"

"Here I am Reg"

I entered Aidan in the Live beautiful baby contest. We didn't get the call back :(

"Hello, handsome"

This is another of Aidan's favorite spots.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things....

1. A sweet little voice saying "Ma- Ma"

2. Open-mouth, sloppy, cheek kisses

3. A good belly laugh

4. Aidan, Dexter, and Wyatt all racing to the door when Daddy gets home

5. Ending the day with dinner around the table with my boys

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.