2010 in pictures

As I look back on the year I realize I have really failed on the blogging front- hello 2011 resolution! So we are going to start by commemorating 2010, a year of many changes and challenges, a year of so many fun moments and milestones, with some of my favorite snapshots of Aiden.

Aiden and I at my graduation.




















First trip to White Sands

















































Nina and Kuma got married!





































































Aiden starts Preschool!


































Christmas time this year!




































































Happy New Year everyone! Hope you all have a blessed year! =0)

Mom-MAY

Well it sure has been a long time since I have ventured into writing a decent blog and there are plenty of reasons for it. Between my graduating, looking for a job, venturing to Idaho for my first trip away from Aiden longer than a weekend, moving, and starting a job - things have been busy and all the while my little boy is growing fast. It seems so weird to me that I haven't been on here in about five months. While to many five months is just barely half a year, for me it means five months that I haven't recorded the amazing things that Aiden has accomplished and done. So with that said - it is time to get to it! We'll do this numerically this go around...

1. AIDEN TURNED FOUR!!!!- Oh my gosh, where did the time go? I know it sounds cliche but really it seems like yesterday I was holding this sweet little boy in my arms and singing him to sleep. Now a days I'm lucky if I can get a word in as he's lulling himself to bed. Sure story time is fun, but really why listen to a story from a book when Aiden can so clearly dazzle me with his own imaginary adventures? And oh boy does he!

2. Aiden is British- I know right now many of you are thinking "Huh?" Yes, in the past few months Aiden has had this amazing nack for developing his own little accent on words, but especially when it comes to talking to me. I am no longer Aiden's mommy, rather I am his "mom-may" with this strong, thick accent. It's actually quite hilarious and while we all keep trying to pinpoint why he is saying it, or even where he picked it up from, it doesn't change the fact that every time he calls my name I have to let out a little giggle.

3. Aiden is starting preschool!- He has been waiting and waiting for the day he would go to Auntie B's school and it is finally here!

4. Aiden's imagination is unparalleled- I could be biased here because I am his mom... but that aside I can't even count how many times I have said "I wish I could spend an hour in his head" and it never rings more true than these days. From k'nex chickens, to keeping me safe from bad guys by shooting them with meat balls, really the kid has a rich inner life that I wish i could bottle and sell. I think name it "Happiness is meatballs." ;o)

5. Aiden doesn't stop talking - EVER!- Let me start by saying I have no idea where he gets this. =0P It's true though, he doesn't stop. If it's not a question as to why, what, where, who, when, how - he's talking ears off telling stories, sharing observations, and just making plain old conversation.

6. Aiden puts grown men's "game" to shame- Women beware, my son is direct, flattering, and has no shame. The other day he went straight up to a woman in Target and told her she was a princess because she was beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen a grown woman almost moved to tears so quickly. And this happens all the time now. He is constantly flirting with girls of any age. We are in such trouble when he is older...

7. Aiden has finally reached a mommy stage- It's true and it's intense. I'm surprised I have a second to write this without him attached to my arm. However, with that said, it is sweet and endearing and I'll continue to sop it up because well in a few short years his girlfriends won't think it's cool for him to always want to be around his mom-MAY.

8. Aiden is super-duper-uper smart- Ask him how he got this way and he'll matter-of-factly tell you that "God gave him a super-duper-uper big brain" - Duh. But really the other day he started a conversation on reflections with Dylan. As they sat there and contemplated the differences between reflections and shadows I couldn't help but wonder... maybe these are actually Nick's kids...

9. Aiden is doing GREAT!- It just has to be said - I am amazed by this little boy. At any given time you can ask him how he is and his response is always "GREAT!" Our crazy lives have taken us in a million different directions in the last few months, yet he is still so full of joy and wonderment - I feel so blessed. Here's to you my sweet little man, happy birthday, I love you!

Big surprises

Everyday the wonderful world of Aiden brings us wonderful surprises. However, today he told me something that none of us could have ever expected to hear. Because today Aiden uttered a phrase that contradicts the very thing that his world has revolved around for years. Today Aiden came up to me with the sole intent of sharing a secret. What could this shocking thing be? In the sweetest, most serious whisper, Aiden declared that "Bamboo trees are better than T-Rex's."

While at first I thought my ears had deceived me, for how could my dinosaur obsessed son ever think that anything is better than the fearsome, sharp toothed, meat eating, carnivore that he goes on and on about? My mind quickly focused on the two other thoughts that sprung to my mind:

1. What is with the bamboo tree thing? I mean really? lol.
2. What is sweeter than getting told one last secret before he finally lays his head down to rest?

I love this little boy.























T-Rex stomping in the snow

















Ahhh T-Rex, the perfect eating utensil!


I think he might just change his mind back when he figures out that bamboo trees don't roar.... ;)

Boom Boom Boom Aiden is such a boy!

Let me hear you say WayO? It is quite often that on our way to different places Aiden and I like to jam out to ourselves singing. One of our favorite chorus's to sing to is the song Boom Boom Boom (mind you not the rest of the song lol). One thing we do is change the end phrase (I know we're super cool huh). Well after going through a bunch of different renditions, such as: Boom boom boom, let me hear you say: dinosaur, green light, red truck, and finally Aiden came up with poop. Yeup. Poop. As I listened to Aiden sing "Boom Boom Boom let me hear you say Pooop, POOOOP, eeewy Mommy that's disgusting!" And crack himself up it was then that I realized what a boy he was and how lucky I am. ;)

To see Aiden showing off his new song at the camera check it out - what a ham! :)

Bamboo Trees

One of the funniest things Aiden does right now is constantly talk about bamboo trees. I attribute it to one episode (yes one mere episode)of Wonder Pets, in which a baby panda was rescued from a bamboo tree. Yet, even though it was one episode this particular tree has really stuck with Aiden. Whatever do I mean? Why allow me to share some examples:

Dinner Out: We've learned that entertainment when out with a toddler is essential. Our favorite past time usually includes a rousing game of I Spy. Well tonight at dinner Aiden miraculously spied - yeup you guessed it - bamboo trees (not really, but to him it was hilarious).

Prayers: Really I should write an entire blog on these alone, because really prayer time is one of my favorite parts of the day. However, since all of his latest prayers involve bamboo trees it fits here too.

Yesterday's prayers - "Dear God thank you for brownies, bamboo trees and lanterns."
Tonight's prayers - "Thank you God for letters, bamboo trees, Daddy's, brownies, penguins, Erik's, snowmen, fans, and mommy's." BTW he got the brownie thing from the word "bounty" lol - too cute!

Dinner Time: I often like to provide Aiden the choice of what I will make for dinner. However his suggestion is never on my menu, yeup right again, bamboo trees.

I have a secret: Every night before Aiden actually goes to sleep, he comes out because he has a secret he HAS to share with me right away. Tonight's secret? "Bamboo trees grow back."

Yeup, my son, the future botanist.

Dreams

Let me first start by apologizing for the lack of holiday pictures. By the time I finally got around to having a moment to post them, I can't seem to find the connector to move them from my camera to my computer - ugh! So soon enough, but until then I'll keep posting the pictures from the session we had with the talented Talitha Tarro.

Things here have been rather crazy, so we'll start with our best news. After six months of dealing with his massive blood clot, it looks like Dave has actually made great progress! We are so relieved and thankful.

In terms of other news, there is not a lot to report. I am finishing my last semester of college and student teaching full time now. This is probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I've never been away from Aiden more than a couple days a week, and having to be at the school all day every day, and take a couple night classes hurts my heart. I miss all the time I had to spend with him before.


As for Aiden, he is (of course ;) ) completely amazing! His vocabulary continues to impress me daily, and the things he comes up with to say are hilarious. Perhaps, nothing is as hilarious as the dreams he shares with us daily. Let's move to some examples:

Dream 1
Aiden: "Mama, I had a weird dream."
Me: "What was it?"
Aiden: "There was a girl and she said something to me, but I don't know what."
Me: "Do you remember what it was, maybe I can help tell you what it means"
Aiden: "Yea she said 'blaauuuublalaaa"' - I don't know what that means!"
Me: (Laughing) "Wow sweetie, I don't know, I think it was just a weird noise?"
Aiden: "Yea it sure was weird what she told me."

Dream 2
In this one I woke up to hearing Aiden laugh hysterically in his sleep, something he does a lot.
Me: "Sweetie what were you dreaming about this morning? I heard you laughing a lot."
Aiden: "I wasn't dreaming."
Me: "Oh? Ok, then why do you think you were laughing in your sleep?"
Aiden: (In a matter of fact tone) "Because the bed was tickling me."

Dream 3
Aiden again laughing in his sleep, only this time he wakes up and calls for me.
Me: "Is everything ok?"
Aiden: "I had a dream I was flying!!!"
Me: "Wow, that sounds really neat! Were you flying with your arms?"
Aiden: "No! I was flying on a Pteranodon, way up in the sky! And when he tried to scoop up a fish I got all wet!"

So that is my very imaginative little boy. It's no wonder his dreams are so interesting, with as active as he is! Well that's all for now, I promise to try to be more diligent with the updates. Blessings to all!

Have I mentioned...

How truly blessed I feel? How everyday it feels as though Aiden is blessing us with gifts: the gift of love, of laughter, of a stronger and renewed faith, I cannot begin to express how truly blessed we feel. I hope you all had as merry and blessed a Christmas as we had!

Why Aiden is such a cool kid...

Aiden: "Ummm Mama?"
Me: "Yes, sweetie..."
Aiden: "Um we're omnivores, because we eat plants and meat. And a T-Rex is a carnivore because he only eats meat."
Me: "Hey, how did you get to be so smart?"
Aiden: "Because you gave me a big brain!"

Tramps, Coffee and Liquor

Well there's an attention getter! Perhaps I should explain the title of our blog today...













Aiden's new word "tramp" refers to the Albuquerque Tram - the longest running tram system in the world. Aiden was very excited for his first ride to the top of the Sandia mountains and now he can't stop talking about his red and blue "tramp" rides.

















Once we got to the top of the mountains, it was a little colder than the weather man anticipated so we went to buy him a jacket. Once in the store he was desperate for a "licker stick" - also known as one of those stick suckers, however, when he says it, it distinctly sounds like "liquor."




Since our little mountain adventure, Aiden constantly refers to his "tramp" ride and getting his "lickers." If that is not enough to make people turn their heads, he also keeps referring to the cough he got from a cold as his "coffees." Oh what people must think when they hear him talk. Oh and please forgive me, I just could not resist my urge to put a crass title in here - I mean really, how often does one get an opportunity to name a kids blog something so inappropriate and make it work? ;)




Have I mentioned lately how much he makes us all laugh? I love this boy. =0)

Fairtime Fun

I just realized I forgot to put up pictures from fair time - so enjoy!




Super cool dragon tattoo



















What's a fair without cotton candy?








Fun with daddy!







Riding rides






And of course, what's a fair without a ferris wheel ride?

Balloon Fiesta

It's that time of year again, where hot air balloons fill the sky on our morning drive. When one day out of the week we wake up way too early to fight our way through the masses of balloons and enjoy donuts and coffee. And when I get to see that look of wonderment come across Aiden's face as he sits at our living room window to watch balloons glide over our house. Yeup - we love balloon fiesta time!

One little moment

The other day while at the park with Aiden, I realized something - I have spent countless hours at this very park in my own childhood. Playing, walking, running the nearby track, sneaking away with boyfriends, going on picnics - this park has so many memories for me. And now, watching Aiden enjoy countless hours here, leaves me feeling both sentimental and so grateful. It's so heart warming to know that so many of his memories will be tied to a place where so many of mine are from. How neat is that? I love these moments with him. I don't know if I mention it enough, but I love being a mom to this boy. =o)

The never-ever-ever's

Welcome to the ever changing days of toddler hood. One day I have the little boy who's playing with imaginary friends, and the next we have the never-ever-ever's. Here are just some examples of our over dramatic three year old:

1.Take for instance Aiden's bath time the other night with Dave. Dave goes to put on his jammies and Aiden's response: "No I won't put them on, I want to be cold forever and ever and ever!"

2. Getting dropped off at Grandma's and refusing to let go of the toy he brought from home. This is fine, no argument from the parents, oh but that's not enough for Aiden, he still has to get his point across. Yelling at Dave's car he says, "I won't take this back to Dada's house, not ever, ever, ever!"

3. Even the simplest things such as his plea for chocolate milk over regular milk. "No I don't like regular milk (a lie), I will never-ever-ever drink it!"

Oh the joys of being three.... ;)

"Now I'm back to Aiden" (and his wild imagination..)

This week has been very exciting indeed. First of all, I have been off from school and finally allowed the time to play properly, that I have so missed this entire summer. It couldn't have come at a better time! Aiden's imagination is soaring right now. I've already posted on Sarge and Jumpy Joey, which have become a great use to us, especially when it comes times to eating tricky foods. For example, the lines "What's that? Oh Aiden I just heard Jumpy Joey say he'd like some broccoli" has been used and with (knock on wood) desired results.


However, today came another imaginary friend into the world of Aiden. Upon another reminder to go back to bed during nap time I heard him yelling from his room, rather upset "No I told you to go to bed! I said it's your nanite time!" First thinking that he was talking back, my initial reaction was to go talk to him about using nice words with mommy or face a time out and then nap time. This did not happen. As I walked into his room, there was Aiden sitting on his bed, talking down to it. I asked him what he had said and his response came out without a seconds thought "I'm telling Hoe Hoe to go to bed!" First of all, seriously, where does he get these friends names??? Secondly, the initial shock is not nearly as entertaining as what follows. I learned that Hoe Hoe came from our car, he has yellow (blond) hair and blue eyes (which of course prompts Aiden to tell me he has red hair from God and green eyes from Mama), and he needs a nap. I tuck both Aiden and Hoe Hoe into bed, when they wake up, both insist on a shared snack of peanut butter and jelly crackers. Now here's where it gets good. As Aiden eats his snack I fold laundry, when I turn my head to check on him, he's covered, I mean arms, tummy, legs, and back, in jelly. Not that there was a lot to begin with (I'm very stingy with jelly on stuff, too much sugar), but you can be sure there were none left on his crackers. I immediately ask the question "Aiden why is there jelly smeared all over your belly?" His response: "Hoe Hoe did it." Fast forward an hour and there we are at Target, chasing Hoe Hoe through the store as a very upset Aiden is directing me where he has run off too. Thank goodness Aiden decided to strap him into the shopping cart with him after the third time. LOL.















The third and final big jump in imagination has been Aiden's ability to transform into different things (hence the title). While we occasionally get Aiden the superhero, Aiden the dinosaur, or even Aiden the little baby, Aiden's biggest transformation is into that of a puppy. I wish I could describe how adorable Aiden puppy is, barking at little sounds, eating his food face first, I swear he gives Tops a run for his money at being a dog. And each time at the end of his transformation he declares "And now I'm back to Aiden!"
































Beyond his great imagination I have become convinced that Aiden will be voted "Class Clown" one day. He goofy behaviors and fun loving attitude will be enough to convince anyone. He truly is the funniest kid I have ever had the joy of knowing.






















































Hope this blog finds everyone well, much love to you all! =0)