Birthday Fun Part II

Just a couple of shots from Aiden's actual birthday dinner at Grandma's House. I can't tell you how blessed we feel to have so many people who love our little guy!













































































































































And if you're wondering, yes, the evening did end with all of the kids being "Cornholio" - this is a weird family... =0)

Camping/Birthday Fun

I know it's been about a month since his birthday, but I thought I'd share our camping adventure. We had such a good time playing in the stream next to us, enjoying camping food, and just taking a day to completely relax. So sit back and enjoy the multitudes of pictures!

<---I call this shot the Mud Monster

Sarge and Jumpy Joey

I know I still need to write about Aiden's fabulous birthday, but I couldn't risk forgetting this one...

Over the last few days Aiden has continuously mentioned the people that live in his belly. At first we thought the only seemingly normal thing - that he connected a rumbling in his tummy to a concept that made sense to him. This is not the case. We finally gave in today and asked him about these people, to which he declared "There are two guy people in my tummy." Ok... (it gets way funnier!). So then of course we asked the only natural next question, do they have names? Without hesitation Aiden responded "Yea they names is Sarge and Jumpy Joey." Oh my. Apparently not only do these two guy people live in his tummy they also come out and play. Imaginary friends? Perhaps. However, since these conversations he goes to lengths to lift up his shirt to show us them, and also has declared that they eat the food he eats. I'm offically confused and yet strangly delighted by his growing imagination.... as long as it doesn't get weirder than this lol.

Where did it go?

I'm sure you all could have seen this one coming: sentimental Teresa. Looking, thinking back on the past three years and wondering where did my little baby go? I actually thought the other day, how well I'm handling it all. I know me and when I think about how fortunate I feel to have Aiden, well it's all I can do to keep the tears from welling up. But then the other night I went out with my dear friend Becky, and sure enough the second I start talking about his up and coming birthday, tears filled my eyes and out came that blubbering fool I had kept at bay. I can't say they're tears of sadness, just amazment. Everyone says cherish the moments because they go so fast, but it's easy to forget in the midst of not sleeping at night because of cries, or dealing with tantrums during the day. But then sure enough here we are, almost three years later, and I can't believe the little boy I have now. I feel so blessed.

So here's to the little baby I cuddled all those years ago...














And the big boy, who melts my heart each day with his smile and laughter...



















Love you little man, you bring so much joy and laughter to our lives!

Fears, Fireworks and Family

As long as I can remember, Dave and I (and other family members) have feared for Aiden. His lack of fear in his approach to life has caused some concern. Before now, his zest for life has also come with a lack of fear, in anything. Jumping off objects that are too high for our comfort level, running without any attention as to where he is going, nothing seemed to cause him concern... until now. Now, are almost 3 year old (said fighting back little tears, ohhh there's a blog to come about that..) has entered into a fear stage. It started with his inability to jump into the water at swim practice, something he loved last summer.

















We naturally just assumed it would take some re-getting used to. This has not been the case. Instead the boy who loved the warm waters of the JCC, clings on for dear life.












I thought the best solution would be to practice more, get him more used to playing in the water, we did, however, have months without access to a pool. So one day we called Aunt Nina and asked to come swim at her apartment. Once we got there I remained optimistic, certainly with his favorite Aunt around to show off too, he'd jump right in. Nope! Now instead of one person to cling to, he had two (though at least this experience awarded some smiles).



























Oh, how I wish I could say this was the only fear hurdle we are desperately trying to jump these days. Instead, we were sad to learn of Aiden's fear of fireworks (and the loud noises that go with it). Needless to say, the Fourth of July, was spent doing a lot of holding, comforting, and ear covering.














Though in the midst of all the trauma, we did manage to get a lot of great family time in. And at one point we were even able to convince Aiden to try out a sparkler, and lo and behold he did really enjoy watching those colorful smoke bombs. While this proved to be somewhat short lived, he at least got some great play time in with Dylan and Sophia.

A boy and his dog...

Not that long ago, we had a little puppy named Tops. When we first got him the pound assured us that though he was a German Shepherd mix, he wasn't going to be terribly large. So Aiden in his infinite wisdom named him "Tops" for triceratops.















If only we had paid more attention....















Maybe we would have realized there was a reason Aiden named him after such a giant beast....














Never to fear though, Aiden will keep us safe from this gigantic creature!