We didn't get any sleep last night. I'm beginning to believe that our lack of sleep is more due to Jason's snoring than spontaneous wake ups by Aidan. Although Jason doesn't believe that he was snoring and won't discuss it. Anyway, after not much sleep Aidan and I stayed home for an extra hour this morning so that we could just spend some time together. We had a great time and as a result he went to school in a good mood.
Although Aidan hasn't mastered many words, he is trying to say complete sentences. Yes, it's true. He tries to say "Clifford the Big Red Dog!" Ok, so that's not a complete sentence but it's one example of many. I'll say "Clifford the Big Red Dog" and he says, "Clugu Gu Gog Go Gog!" Ok, so granted it is not phonetically the same. He's trying to say it and that's what matters. There are some other sentences that he's trying to repeat too but I can't remember them right now because I'm too tired. I'll have to ask Jason or try to remember tomorrow.
March 24 is Aidan's auction at school. I mentioned it before, but I'll tell you again. It's a fundraiser for his school to do room updates. We're selling raffle tickets, taking donations for auction items, and donating art supplies for the art basket that his class is going to raffle off. If any of you are interested in contributing, please let me know. That's the weekend that Jason will be in Tucson but Nana will be here so maybe we will all go together! All of the donations are due by March 17.
Everyone is in agreement that Aidan is getting tall. He must have shot up overnight because everyone is commenting on it and suddenly pants that were too long are fitting him. Now, by tall I mean relatively. Please keep in mind that he just doesn't have the genes to be the UK basketball player that some people would like to see. He'll probably be more like a tax accountant. He is, however, suddenly taller than he was and it's noticeable. Even his teachers commented on it.
I wish that I had more to update you on but there's just not much going on this week. Plus he'll be home in a few minutes so I have to wrap this up before he's tugging on my arm!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
Singing, Sleeping, and More!
Aidan seems to be over his illness but yesterday I came down with it and didn't get up from bed or the couch all day except to visit the potty. Jason took Aidan to the Lexington Children's Museum because he wouldn't stop climbing up on top of me and sitting on my head. It's really cute when we're all feeling ok but not when I'm sick. I just couldn't tolerate it, so they went out and had a great time.
When they got home Jason was telling me all about everything they did. As he told me about the bubble room Aidan said, "bubble" and as he told me about the horse statues Aidan said, "neigh!" Later in the evening before bed he started saying "bubble" and "neigh" again and Jason pointed out that he must have been remembering his day.
On the way to school this morning, Aidan watched his Elmo show in the car. He now knows what's coming next and will make sound effects. There's one part where Mr. Noodle is trying to tell the kids the sound a bird makes and instead he gives the sound of a phone ringing and then the sound of a fire truck. Aidan was mimicking those sounds. It was very cute. He's also getting really good at singing. He can sing several bars of the Elmo Song in tune. Jason and I just noticed that he was doing it on Saturday and were amazed by it. He previously would sing "la la la" but not at all in tune. Maybe he got the singing gene from Uncle Stevie!
Jason and I are still working toward getting Aidan into his bed. We're discussing a plan. Not only are we not getting enough sleep, but Aidan fell out of bed last night even though we had it set up so that he couldn't. Luckily, he slid off feet first so he was holding on to me in his sleep with his feet hanging off the bed. That's how I woke up. Jason grabbed him and placed him between us, where he quickly went right back to sleep and couldn't fall again.
When they got home Jason was telling me all about everything they did. As he told me about the bubble room Aidan said, "bubble" and as he told me about the horse statues Aidan said, "neigh!" Later in the evening before bed he started saying "bubble" and "neigh" again and Jason pointed out that he must have been remembering his day.
On the way to school this morning, Aidan watched his Elmo show in the car. He now knows what's coming next and will make sound effects. There's one part where Mr. Noodle is trying to tell the kids the sound a bird makes and instead he gives the sound of a phone ringing and then the sound of a fire truck. Aidan was mimicking those sounds. It was very cute. He's also getting really good at singing. He can sing several bars of the Elmo Song in tune. Jason and I just noticed that he was doing it on Saturday and were amazed by it. He previously would sing "la la la" but not at all in tune. Maybe he got the singing gene from Uncle Stevie!
Jason and I are still working toward getting Aidan into his bed. We're discussing a plan. Not only are we not getting enough sleep, but Aidan fell out of bed last night even though we had it set up so that he couldn't. Luckily, he slid off feet first so he was holding on to me in his sleep with his feet hanging off the bed. That's how I woke up. Jason grabbed him and placed him between us, where he quickly went right back to sleep and couldn't fall again.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
What A Crazy Week
Well, Aidan has been sick since Wednesday. On Wednesday night he started throwing up just after dinner. It was projectile! Poor thing was somewhat miserable and threw up several times. We investigated and found out that Jason had given him some chocolate milk that he'd found in the fridge (he didn't bother to check it). The milk was spoiled. So we assumed it was food poisoning.
Thursday I took him to school because he hadn't thrown up since the night before and seemed fine. He slept well and woke up in a good mood. The school called at 3:30 and said that he'd thrown up during their afternoon snack. I picked him up early. Friday morning he woke up in a great mood. Jason was in Minnesota on business, so it was just the two of us. He opened his eyes, looked up at me, waved, and said "Hi!" He was so adorable! I watched him for a couple of hours, he seemed fine, so I called the school. They said he couldn't come back until it had been 24 hours since his last incident.
Although I really needed to work yesterday, I didn't have much of a choice with Jason gone and Aidan sick. Since he was otherwise doing fine and hadn't thrown up since Thursday afternoon, we went out for lunch, played on the playground at Chick-fil-A, got a haircut, and visited Mommy's work to pick up some stuff and cancel meetings. On the way home he fell asleep so we sat in the driveway until he woke up. While we were sitting there Uncle Stevie came! Aidan was very excited to see him.
All in all, yesterday was a great day. He had lots of fun running through the halls of the business school. Everyone really enjoyed seeing him, most people hadn't seen him since before he was walking. He enjoyed playing with Uncle Stevie. His little friend, Mary, from next door came over for a while too. At around 8pm last night Jason came home. We all agreed that Aidan must be better since he seemed to be happy and feeling fine.
Then, before bed last night, he threw up again! We stripped him down and made sure he was ok. Again, he seemed fine other than the throwing up. We went to bed. At 3:30 am he sat straight up in bed and started projectile puking all over us! It was terrible! We got up, cleaned everything up, then laid back down. He did it several more times in the next 30 minutes or so. Then, again, he woke up fine. Jason took him to the doctor this morning (they are there 1/2 a day on Saturday) and he tested negative for strep. They think it's just a virus. She said that it's not from the milk, that was just a coincidence.
So that's what we've been doing this week. Cleaning up puke! Today I'm at work, trying to catch up. Jason and Aidan went to the duck pond after the doctor's office. Uncle Stevie was sleeping in since he's technically on vacation and doesn't have to be anywhere today. Hopefully Aidan will get over this virus soon. We'll keep you posted!
Thursday I took him to school because he hadn't thrown up since the night before and seemed fine. He slept well and woke up in a good mood. The school called at 3:30 and said that he'd thrown up during their afternoon snack. I picked him up early. Friday morning he woke up in a great mood. Jason was in Minnesota on business, so it was just the two of us. He opened his eyes, looked up at me, waved, and said "Hi!" He was so adorable! I watched him for a couple of hours, he seemed fine, so I called the school. They said he couldn't come back until it had been 24 hours since his last incident.
Although I really needed to work yesterday, I didn't have much of a choice with Jason gone and Aidan sick. Since he was otherwise doing fine and hadn't thrown up since Thursday afternoon, we went out for lunch, played on the playground at Chick-fil-A, got a haircut, and visited Mommy's work to pick up some stuff and cancel meetings. On the way home he fell asleep so we sat in the driveway until he woke up. While we were sitting there Uncle Stevie came! Aidan was very excited to see him.
All in all, yesterday was a great day. He had lots of fun running through the halls of the business school. Everyone really enjoyed seeing him, most people hadn't seen him since before he was walking. He enjoyed playing with Uncle Stevie. His little friend, Mary, from next door came over for a while too. At around 8pm last night Jason came home. We all agreed that Aidan must be better since he seemed to be happy and feeling fine.
Then, before bed last night, he threw up again! We stripped him down and made sure he was ok. Again, he seemed fine other than the throwing up. We went to bed. At 3:30 am he sat straight up in bed and started projectile puking all over us! It was terrible! We got up, cleaned everything up, then laid back down. He did it several more times in the next 30 minutes or so. Then, again, he woke up fine. Jason took him to the doctor this morning (they are there 1/2 a day on Saturday) and he tested negative for strep. They think it's just a virus. She said that it's not from the milk, that was just a coincidence.
So that's what we've been doing this week. Cleaning up puke! Today I'm at work, trying to catch up. Jason and Aidan went to the duck pond after the doctor's office. Uncle Stevie was sleeping in since he's technically on vacation and doesn't have to be anywhere today. Hopefully Aidan will get over this virus soon. We'll keep you posted!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Tattoos, Neighs, and Bites
Lots of stuff going on with Aidan in the last 24 hours. Yesterday I stopped by Kroger (like I do most days) to pick up some sushi for lunch and saw on the clearance table Sesame Street temporary tattoos! Knowing that Aidan is like his mommy, I knew he'd love them so I got all they had left. When I got home last night we put a cookie monster on his left arm and a Bert on his right hand. Whenever you point at them he'll name them, "Cookie" and "Berp". It's very cute. He'd periodically stop whatever he was doing to look at them. He was just fascinated and couldn't wait to show them off this morning when we got to school.
He's really teetering on those "terrible twos" lately and we've been responding to it. He clearly knows now what getting in trouble is all about and will push us just to see what will happen. The big one last night was standing on the dining room chair. We told him he could get on the chair if he was sitting on his butt or knees but he couldn't stand. You'd think that he wouldn't be able to understand all of that but he clearly does. When I would turn my back he'd pop up on his feet just long enough to reach something across the table and then pop back down on his knees. Of course, he got a warning each time and then the last time he had to get down with a stern explanation of why. He didn't even care. He knew that would happen if he pushed, he just wanted to see how far he could push!
Just recently Aidan learned the sound the horse makes, "Neigh." He's really processing this information in a pretty elaborate way. Instead of saying "horse" whenever he sees one, he says "Neigh" instead. And anything that looks remotely like a horse gets that description as well. For example, he knows the sound a cow makes (or at least he used to) but he still neighs at it when he sees it. Of course, we correct it when he does that but he has this dragon toy...what sound does the dragon make? Well, we know that it most likely does not neigh, so it does need to be corrected. It might roar but whenever Jason roared it scared Aidan and he wouldn't play with it anymore. So the roar isn't a good idea. So this got us to thinking...does anyone know what sound the dragon makes? Where does the dragon myth come from anyway? China? I need to ask some of my Chinese friends what sound the dragon makes. I wonder if that's part of the legend. If anyone knows the answer to this, please let us know!
This morning when I took my tattooed, neighing toddler into school they tell me that he has been very aggressive and biting lately. He tries to bite the teachers now. Of course, I was horrified because he's been doing much better at home. They tell me that they are taking some special steps to try to get him to stop. His main teacher says that it's a phase only but one that we have to get under control (obviously), so we'll do what we have to do. I told her we'd be willing to do whatever we need to in order to help them get things under control too. It's always something, huh?
He's really teetering on those "terrible twos" lately and we've been responding to it. He clearly knows now what getting in trouble is all about and will push us just to see what will happen. The big one last night was standing on the dining room chair. We told him he could get on the chair if he was sitting on his butt or knees but he couldn't stand. You'd think that he wouldn't be able to understand all of that but he clearly does. When I would turn my back he'd pop up on his feet just long enough to reach something across the table and then pop back down on his knees. Of course, he got a warning each time and then the last time he had to get down with a stern explanation of why. He didn't even care. He knew that would happen if he pushed, he just wanted to see how far he could push!
Just recently Aidan learned the sound the horse makes, "Neigh." He's really processing this information in a pretty elaborate way. Instead of saying "horse" whenever he sees one, he says "Neigh" instead. And anything that looks remotely like a horse gets that description as well. For example, he knows the sound a cow makes (or at least he used to) but he still neighs at it when he sees it. Of course, we correct it when he does that but he has this dragon toy...what sound does the dragon make? Well, we know that it most likely does not neigh, so it does need to be corrected. It might roar but whenever Jason roared it scared Aidan and he wouldn't play with it anymore. So the roar isn't a good idea. So this got us to thinking...does anyone know what sound the dragon makes? Where does the dragon myth come from anyway? China? I need to ask some of my Chinese friends what sound the dragon makes. I wonder if that's part of the legend. If anyone knows the answer to this, please let us know!
This morning when I took my tattooed, neighing toddler into school they tell me that he has been very aggressive and biting lately. He tries to bite the teachers now. Of course, I was horrified because he's been doing much better at home. They tell me that they are taking some special steps to try to get him to stop. His main teacher says that it's a phase only but one that we have to get under control (obviously), so we'll do what we have to do. I told her we'd be willing to do whatever we need to in order to help them get things under control too. It's always something, huh?
Monday, February 20, 2006
So Many Ducks, So Little Time
This morning we got a late start. It is Monday, after all. We could have gotten to school by 9am, but I just didn't want to rush. Aidan does so much better when I don't rush him. Instead of taking his ducks today we took his duck blanket that Nana gave him. We practiced walking from the door of the daycare to his classroom. I figure if he walks in everyday then it becomes his choice to go in and not like I'm taking him there and leaving him. He walked in and immediately greeted his friends. As I was hanging up his coat he went over to the teacher and motioned to be picked up. She's new but he really seems to like her. I like her too, she's very nice. Anyway, when she took his duck blanket from him he got very concerned. She walked him over and put it in a crib so that he could still see it all day even though he wouldn't be holding it. He seemed to be ok with that solution.
I told Jason last night what I wrote yesterday about Aidan's vocabulary. To recap, if Aidan has the vocabulary that Jason wants him to have, we'll have serious problems with public schools because Aidan won't be able to communicate with his teachers. Jason said, "Not my problem." Yes, I really am married to Jason Rinaldo.
Yesterday while I was working Jason took Aidan to a new duck pond. Apparently the ducks came right up to the car in the parking lot. The two of them took the opportunity to stay in the warmth of the car and throw bread out the window to the ducks. Aidan apparently had a ball feeding them. Jason said that Aidan would eat some, feed some to the ducks, and then later would chew it up, spit it out, then feed it to the ducks. Of course, the ducks ate it. Now the whole lot of ducks probably have thrush!
I told Jason last night what I wrote yesterday about Aidan's vocabulary. To recap, if Aidan has the vocabulary that Jason wants him to have, we'll have serious problems with public schools because Aidan won't be able to communicate with his teachers. Jason said, "Not my problem." Yes, I really am married to Jason Rinaldo.
Yesterday while I was working Jason took Aidan to a new duck pond. Apparently the ducks came right up to the car in the parking lot. The two of them took the opportunity to stay in the warmth of the car and throw bread out the window to the ducks. Aidan apparently had a ball feeding them. Jason said that Aidan would eat some, feed some to the ducks, and then later would chew it up, spit it out, then feed it to the ducks. Of course, the ducks ate it. Now the whole lot of ducks probably have thrush!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
A Full Weekend
Aidan has had such a busy weekend! On Friday night Sabrina and her friends came over and within minutes Nana came in, so he was overwhelmed with excitement to see everyone! He didn't get to see Sabrina this week since we didn't have a date night and he hadn't seen Nana since New Year's, so he was ecstatic! Nana made him a blanket that had ducks all over it. He was just in heaven! It'll be his new school blanket for nap.
Friday night Jason and I went out with Sabrina and friends for Sabrina's birthday. (We can't believe she's 22 already!) When we got home Aidan was asleep with Nana on the couch, the tv was on, and they were conked out! Nana said they played really hard. On Saturday it was bitter cold and snowy, so we all just stayed in except for when Jason and I went out shopping in the evening so that Aidan could spend some time with Nana and we could get some stuff done.
Aidan and I are still battling thrush, which we've had on and off since before Thanksgiving. It's killing us. We thought we had it licked but then this last antibiotic got us again. This time it seems worse than ever and we've been trying everything to get rid of it. I talked to the La Leche League leader and she gave me some tips but I'm also going to make an appointment with my doctor in the morning to get the medicine that knocked it out last time. Aidan's doctor gave him the same stuff (only for babies) last week when we were there. It stinks that his doctor has to treat him and my doctor has to treat me, sort of makes you think that maybe family doctors really are best. (That's a plug for Jason's profession!)
Aidan's favorite thing to do lately is to put all of the couch and chair cushions on the floor and jump on them. He can't get enough of it. Jason needs to remember to teach him simpler forms of entertainment. It's a pain in the butt to keep putting the cushions back on the couch every time we want to sit on it!
He continues to learn new words and signs every day. His latest signs are "grapes" and "butterfly." Again, he doesn't do them exactly right but he does a pretty good job. Just like he doesn't speak all that clearly but in context, with signs, it's pretty easy to figure out. Most of the time! He now calls horses "nay" instead of "horse," so he gets a little bit confused about some stuff. We continue to work with him. Jason says that he's going to start studying vocabulary again so that Aidan can have a very large vocabulary. By "studying vocabulary again" Jason means relearn the 3000 words he learned for the GRE. Words that most college students wouldn't know. I didn't bother to remind Jason that he wants to put Aidan in public schools. With the vocabulary that Jason wants him to have, he'll never make it in public schools!
When I left for work this morning Aidan was still in his pjs but they were talking about going to the mall to play on the indoor playground. I hope they do, Aidan woke up this morning signing car, as if to say, "Can I get out of here today? Please?" He gets a little cabin fever when he has to stay inside and it's been so very cold that he's been in since Friday. Hopefully today they'll go out to see some kids at the mall.
Friday night Jason and I went out with Sabrina and friends for Sabrina's birthday. (We can't believe she's 22 already!) When we got home Aidan was asleep with Nana on the couch, the tv was on, and they were conked out! Nana said they played really hard. On Saturday it was bitter cold and snowy, so we all just stayed in except for when Jason and I went out shopping in the evening so that Aidan could spend some time with Nana and we could get some stuff done.
Aidan and I are still battling thrush, which we've had on and off since before Thanksgiving. It's killing us. We thought we had it licked but then this last antibiotic got us again. This time it seems worse than ever and we've been trying everything to get rid of it. I talked to the La Leche League leader and she gave me some tips but I'm also going to make an appointment with my doctor in the morning to get the medicine that knocked it out last time. Aidan's doctor gave him the same stuff (only for babies) last week when we were there. It stinks that his doctor has to treat him and my doctor has to treat me, sort of makes you think that maybe family doctors really are best. (That's a plug for Jason's profession!)
Aidan's favorite thing to do lately is to put all of the couch and chair cushions on the floor and jump on them. He can't get enough of it. Jason needs to remember to teach him simpler forms of entertainment. It's a pain in the butt to keep putting the cushions back on the couch every time we want to sit on it!
He continues to learn new words and signs every day. His latest signs are "grapes" and "butterfly." Again, he doesn't do them exactly right but he does a pretty good job. Just like he doesn't speak all that clearly but in context, with signs, it's pretty easy to figure out. Most of the time! He now calls horses "nay" instead of "horse," so he gets a little bit confused about some stuff. We continue to work with him. Jason says that he's going to start studying vocabulary again so that Aidan can have a very large vocabulary. By "studying vocabulary again" Jason means relearn the 3000 words he learned for the GRE. Words that most college students wouldn't know. I didn't bother to remind Jason that he wants to put Aidan in public schools. With the vocabulary that Jason wants him to have, he'll never make it in public schools!
When I left for work this morning Aidan was still in his pjs but they were talking about going to the mall to play on the indoor playground. I hope they do, Aidan woke up this morning signing car, as if to say, "Can I get out of here today? Please?" He gets a little cabin fever when he has to stay inside and it's been so very cold that he's been in since Friday. Hopefully today they'll go out to see some kids at the mall.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Not Much Going On
Just a quick post today. I've been extremely busy this week so I haven't gotten to post as much as usual. Things are going fine, we're a little sleep deprived. We also both have thrush, which isn't pleasant. In addition, I have this terrible sore throat. Thank goodness Nana is coming tonight to help! I need a break and I think Jason does too.
Last night we had pizza and Aidan ate a whole piece by himself and then he ate some of ours! We were amazed. It was obvious that he was very hungry and we had to wait for the pizza a long time. We just didn't imagine that he'd eat a whole piece! He's such a big boy.
Not much else is going on. Hopefully we'll have some fun stories this weekend since Nana is coming to visit. Let's hope we all have some time to relax a little and get some sleep!
I do think that Aidan might have a nut allergy. For those who don't know, I have allergies to some tree nuts and I recently found out that my dad does too-- with almost all the same nuts. I did some research and found that the allergy is to the nut protein and some nuts have more of the protein than others. Which would explain that we're not allergic to all tree nuts. Aidan seems to have some kind of reaction to some types of nuts (and only sometimes), so we plan to keep track of it to learn more. Hopefully it's nothing, those nut allergies can be really bad. I do know that I never had an allergy to Walnuts and recently (in the last year) I've had a reaction to Walnuts several times. I think I'm about to just give up nuts altogether. Maybe Aidan and I both will.
Last night we had pizza and Aidan ate a whole piece by himself and then he ate some of ours! We were amazed. It was obvious that he was very hungry and we had to wait for the pizza a long time. We just didn't imagine that he'd eat a whole piece! He's such a big boy.
Not much else is going on. Hopefully we'll have some fun stories this weekend since Nana is coming to visit. Let's hope we all have some time to relax a little and get some sleep!
I do think that Aidan might have a nut allergy. For those who don't know, I have allergies to some tree nuts and I recently found out that my dad does too-- with almost all the same nuts. I did some research and found that the allergy is to the nut protein and some nuts have more of the protein than others. Which would explain that we're not allergic to all tree nuts. Aidan seems to have some kind of reaction to some types of nuts (and only sometimes), so we plan to keep track of it to learn more. Hopefully it's nothing, those nut allergies can be really bad. I do know that I never had an allergy to Walnuts and recently (in the last year) I've had a reaction to Walnuts several times. I think I'm about to just give up nuts altogether. Maybe Aidan and I both will.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
So Much Going On!
The picture of Aidan in the snow over the weekend has a little story behind it that I thought you might enjoy. On Saturday it was snowing and Jason said he really wanted to take Aidan out in it to play. I told him that I didn't know where Aidan's gloves were but I thought one of them was in the car and that I would get it out before I left. Well, I forgot to get the glove. On my way home I noticed it and had a twinge of guilt, thinking that Aidan may have stayed in because he didn't have gloves. Then I remembered that as kids we never had gloves and would just put a couple of pairs of socks over our hands to go out in the snow. Sometimes we'd do this under mittens. So I get home to find that Aidan had gone outside. Jason tells me that they came inside because Aidan's one hand was getting really cold. So I asked Jason why didn't he just put socks over his hands? "Well, I didn't think of that." So I wondered, how is it that he didn't think of it? Didn't every kid do this? It's sort of standard, isn't it? Except for when you live in Texas...
Last night we had sushi for dinner and I decided to see if Aidan would like it. He ate very little of it (it really is an acquired taste) but was very interested in my chopsticks. Whenever we go to and Asian restaurant he tries to use chopsticks (one in each hand) to eat, so I gave him some last night too. He stabbed a piece of crab and held it there on the end of his stick, trying to put it in his mouth. We rushed around to find the camera but couldn't find it in time to get a shot of his first successful use of the chopstick!
Something else he's getting really good at is brushing his teeth. We've always tried to get him to try brushing but we've not made such a big deal out of it since we want it to become a habit and not a chore. Whenever I'm in the bathroom doing anything cosmetic, whether it be getting ready in the morning or getting ready for bed, he asks to brush his teeth. He mostly stands on his stool and chews on his toothbrush with short breaks to play in the water but the point is that he does it twice a day! Once he gets the motor coordination down he'll be a regular brusher!
This morning Aidan woke up earlier than usual and ran around the house with his 2 pound weights, one in each hand, working out like Daddy does. He loves to lift them up over his head and hold them there making grunting noises. He's so much like his daddy. Unfortunately no matter how hard the two of them work out they will never have the body type to be in the World's Strongest Man Competition. Keep dreamin', boys!
Last night we had sushi for dinner and I decided to see if Aidan would like it. He ate very little of it (it really is an acquired taste) but was very interested in my chopsticks. Whenever we go to and Asian restaurant he tries to use chopsticks (one in each hand) to eat, so I gave him some last night too. He stabbed a piece of crab and held it there on the end of his stick, trying to put it in his mouth. We rushed around to find the camera but couldn't find it in time to get a shot of his first successful use of the chopstick!
Something else he's getting really good at is brushing his teeth. We've always tried to get him to try brushing but we've not made such a big deal out of it since we want it to become a habit and not a chore. Whenever I'm in the bathroom doing anything cosmetic, whether it be getting ready in the morning or getting ready for bed, he asks to brush his teeth. He mostly stands on his stool and chews on his toothbrush with short breaks to play in the water but the point is that he does it twice a day! Once he gets the motor coordination down he'll be a regular brusher!
This morning Aidan woke up earlier than usual and ran around the house with his 2 pound weights, one in each hand, working out like Daddy does. He loves to lift them up over his head and hold them there making grunting noises. He's so much like his daddy. Unfortunately no matter how hard the two of them work out they will never have the body type to be in the World's Strongest Man Competition. Keep dreamin', boys!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
A Lazy Sunday
Yesterday we got two Valentine's in the mail, one of which was a gift from Rebecca. Aidan excitedly ripped the paper open to find not one, not two, but three monsters from "Where The Wild Things Are!" He LOVES them and has been carrying them all over the house. He didn't even want to take a bath last night because we wouldn't let him take his monsters with him. He's really into kissing right now and had the monsters kissing each other, it was a scene right out of Brokeback Mountain.
He's really getting into pretend play lately. He pretends to feed his stuffed animals and encourages us to pretend that we are eating too. I often catch him pretending like his little toys are talking or othewise interacting. It's so cute. I know that it's just a matter of time before Thomas the Train is a mainstay in our household. To tell you the truth, I'm sort of looking forward to it. I like Thomas and his friends, although I hear they are really expensive!
Aidan took a long nap while Jason went to the grocery earlier today and when I left the house to come to work he was playing with Mary, the next door neighbor. Jason brought him back some 2 pound weights from the store. After watching too many episodes of the World's Strongest Man Competition Aidan loves to grunt while picking up heavy objects. His new weights are no exception.
He's really getting into pretend play lately. He pretends to feed his stuffed animals and encourages us to pretend that we are eating too. I often catch him pretending like his little toys are talking or othewise interacting. It's so cute. I know that it's just a matter of time before Thomas the Train is a mainstay in our household. To tell you the truth, I'm sort of looking forward to it. I like Thomas and his friends, although I hear they are really expensive!
Aidan took a long nap while Jason went to the grocery earlier today and when I left the house to come to work he was playing with Mary, the next door neighbor. Jason brought him back some 2 pound weights from the store. After watching too many episodes of the World's Strongest Man Competition Aidan loves to grunt while picking up heavy objects. His new weights are no exception.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Fun in the Snow
Posting a picture of Aidan playing in the snow. Jason says he wasn't so crazy about being cold. Enjoy!
Right now he's in his room taking a nap-- we're getting better at napping in his own bed. Hopefully he'll ease into sleeping alone full time! While co-sleeping is great and we all love it, it's time for the next step in independence. I really like Dr. Sears' gradual approach to independence.
I hope that all of you are happy and warm this weekend. We sure are cold!!!!
Friday, February 10, 2006
Our Friday Evening
The picture to the right was taken about 5 minutes ago as Aidan was taking his short bread snack (that his daddy made) and putting it in the back of his dump truck. When I finish this my next job is to clean that out.
Jason was just in the bathroom and I heard him frantically screaming, "No Aidan! No!" I went in and found Jason wrestling with him for an electronic toy that Aidan was trying to throw into the bath. One night about a month ago we forgot to empty his tub after his bath. A little while later Jason found an electronic truck submerged in the bath water making all kinds of erratic motions and noise. When he removed it, it was wigging out making all kinds of weird noises. In the end, it was fine when it dried out.
Just now Aidan came into the living room with his diaper on (I guess he decided he wasn't ready for his bath) and sat down in front of the heater because he's cold. Jason is trying to find something on TV besides The McLaughlin Group for him to watch. Poor thing had to watch a couple of political shows on KET tonight because we were trying to see if our breastfeeding bill was mentioned on there. This political stuff has really taken its toll on him. Yesterday he had to get up super early and go to school at a weird time. And Daddy had to drop him off! He sure was happy when things were back to normal today.
Every night this week he's been really tired in the evenings and wants to nap. Tonight I put him in his crib (that is now a toddler bed) to take an hour nap before dinner. He was so much happier after he woke up and then had some food. He's such a good boy but he has been a little testy lately. I think he's almost into those "terrible twos."
One really sweet thing that he's been doing-- he's learning how to kiss. While most of the kids we know learned this skill long ago, he was not at all interested in kissing and would bite instead. These days he makes this funny "mmmm" noise when he's trying to kiss. Today he had two ducks and he had their beaks pushed together making his "mmmm" noise and I realized that he was making them kiss. Very cute. Then later he kissed Jason for the first time ever. Jason said that it was the best kiss ever! I didn't take offense because I know how I felt the first time he kissed me. His kisses and hugs melt us but don't tell him! If he finds out he'll be able to get away with anything!!!!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Pictures With Commentary
By popular demand, I am uploading pictures. The one to the left was taken moments ago as Jason and Aidan were playing with the laundry basket. As I type this Aidan is playing with his ride-on fire truck that plays "Muffin Man," which is no longer a song I particularly like. Jason is putting Elmo on the truck and pushing him around, which freaks Aidan out.
Today was a crazy day, I had to be in Frankfort at 8:30, so both Aidan and I had to get up extra early and Jason had to take him to school before 8am, which was just way too confusing and frustrating for Aidan. Luckily, tomorrow we will be back on schedule.
I'll now post a few more pictures to tide people over. Up top you can see him riding his fire truck at his 1/2 birthday party. If you look closely you can see the crazy look on his face. He's a speed demon! The other is a picture of him getting ready to eat his 1/2 cake that his daddy baked for him. More tomorrow...
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Just Another Regular Day
Yesterday Jason and Aidan beat me home by just a few minutes. Whenever I get home right after them, they wait for me (Jason usually calls me to see how far behind I am) in the car. Aidan sits on Jason's lap and turns the steering wheel. What is it about Dads and letting their kids "drive"? Of course, nowadays you can't do what we did. We sat in our Dad's lap and actually drove down the road while he worked the petals and made sure we didn't swerve into a ditch! No, you can't do that anymore in the new age of car seats and social services! So Jason improvises and lets Aidan pretend to drive while the car is parked in the driveway. Aidan loves it! Whenever I pull up I see Aidan's face light up with a huge smile, it feels so good to know that he is so happy to see me!
Last night he was very tired again. We can't figure out if he's just not sleeping well at daycare or whether he's getting worn out or maybe he's actually beginning to be like a regular kid on the sleeping front!?!? Instead of letting him fall asleep before dinner, we encouraged him to eat and then take a bath. I've decided to work toward sleeping in the toddler bed. Last night I put him down in his bed with his new pillow and his covers. He slept for not very long before I heard him cry. I went in to see him and he hopped down off the bed, grabbed my hand pulling me into the living room, and started watching the UK game with Jason. I'm just trying to get him used to being in there a little at a time, so we'll try again tonight and the next night, etc. When he's a little older we'll give him stickers and reward successive approximations until he is sleeping there full time. After all, I'll never be able to nurse another baby without co-sleeping with it AND I can hardly co-sleep with a new baby if I have a toddler in our bed! But for those of you who may be getting your hopes up right about now-- I still need to complete the dissertation before another baby can be a reality!
This morning he woke up in a great mood but he was feeling a little ornery. Didn't want to eat breakfast, didn't want to sit in his high chair, ran from me giggling when I tried to give him his medicine. The only thing that he cooperated with was putting on his clothes and that was only because he was cold! When we got him to school he had his duck in hand but I had to take it out of his hand to take his jacket off. He started screaming hysterically! After I got his jacket off and gave him the duck I thought he'd stop crying but he continued. The teacher took him and rocked him in the rocking chair. I honestly don't think he was crying because I was leaving. He was mad b/c he thought I was going to take his ducks!!!! If only I'd known all this time that the ducks were the answer. Maybe the ducks will be the answer to getting him into his bed!
Last night he was very tired again. We can't figure out if he's just not sleeping well at daycare or whether he's getting worn out or maybe he's actually beginning to be like a regular kid on the sleeping front!?!? Instead of letting him fall asleep before dinner, we encouraged him to eat and then take a bath. I've decided to work toward sleeping in the toddler bed. Last night I put him down in his bed with his new pillow and his covers. He slept for not very long before I heard him cry. I went in to see him and he hopped down off the bed, grabbed my hand pulling me into the living room, and started watching the UK game with Jason. I'm just trying to get him used to being in there a little at a time, so we'll try again tonight and the next night, etc. When he's a little older we'll give him stickers and reward successive approximations until he is sleeping there full time. After all, I'll never be able to nurse another baby without co-sleeping with it AND I can hardly co-sleep with a new baby if I have a toddler in our bed! But for those of you who may be getting your hopes up right about now-- I still need to complete the dissertation before another baby can be a reality!
This morning he woke up in a great mood but he was feeling a little ornery. Didn't want to eat breakfast, didn't want to sit in his high chair, ran from me giggling when I tried to give him his medicine. The only thing that he cooperated with was putting on his clothes and that was only because he was cold! When we got him to school he had his duck in hand but I had to take it out of his hand to take his jacket off. He started screaming hysterically! After I got his jacket off and gave him the duck I thought he'd stop crying but he continued. The teacher took him and rocked him in the rocking chair. I honestly don't think he was crying because I was leaving. He was mad b/c he thought I was going to take his ducks!!!! If only I'd known all this time that the ducks were the answer. Maybe the ducks will be the answer to getting him into his bed!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Ducks, Ducks, Everywhere!
Yesterday I went home early from work not feeling well and I wanted to take a nap before Aidan got home. At some point after I laid down on the couch (I now know I'd been there about an hour) I heard the pitter patter of foot steps running through the house. I opened my eyes to see Jason standing in the dining room saying, "Here she is! On the couch!" Aidan had seen the light on in his room and ran in there thinking Mommy must be in there. When he found me on the couch he ran up and jumped into my arms, so happy to see me!
Jason decided that he wanted to go feed the ducks again, so off we went! Aidan loves those ducks. He went around to all of the food containers (you put in a quarter to get the food) opening up the little doors to scrape out the leftover food from previous patrons. Of course, we bought some food too. Some of the ducks were up on the walkway and Aidan chased them down, pelting them with food pellets. His shreak could be heard for miles as he ran full tilt toward the apprehensive ducks. On the one hand, they wanted to food. On the other, they really didn't want this obnoxious kid to catch them! It was interesting to see the ducks walking across the parts of the water that had iced over.
After about 10 minutes we were all very cold so we went inside to play with the trains at Joseph Beth. Then we went up and down the escalator a few times. When all the fun was over it was dinner time so we loaded ourselved into the car and drove to the Coop to grab some healthy food. By the time we got there Aidan was out. And I mean really out. Jason went in to get the food and we went home. Aidan woke up for a minute or two as we got him out of the car but then slept until 10 pm when he woke up wanting to play. By that time we were all in bed and we just left the lights out and eventually he went back to sleep and didn't wake up until 6 am to nurse, falling back asleep until 8:20. I've never seen him sleep so much! He doesn't seem sick or anything, so I guess he was just tired.
He's been doing great at daycare. Yesterday and today he didn't cry at drop off. As long as he has his rubber ducks to hold he does just fine. This morning his little friend was sick when we got there and he seemed very concerned for her. That kept him occupied until I left the room and I'm sure he did fine after that. He's such a big boy!
Jason decided that he wanted to go feed the ducks again, so off we went! Aidan loves those ducks. He went around to all of the food containers (you put in a quarter to get the food) opening up the little doors to scrape out the leftover food from previous patrons. Of course, we bought some food too. Some of the ducks were up on the walkway and Aidan chased them down, pelting them with food pellets. His shreak could be heard for miles as he ran full tilt toward the apprehensive ducks. On the one hand, they wanted to food. On the other, they really didn't want this obnoxious kid to catch them! It was interesting to see the ducks walking across the parts of the water that had iced over.
After about 10 minutes we were all very cold so we went inside to play with the trains at Joseph Beth. Then we went up and down the escalator a few times. When all the fun was over it was dinner time so we loaded ourselved into the car and drove to the Coop to grab some healthy food. By the time we got there Aidan was out. And I mean really out. Jason went in to get the food and we went home. Aidan woke up for a minute or two as we got him out of the car but then slept until 10 pm when he woke up wanting to play. By that time we were all in bed and we just left the lights out and eventually he went back to sleep and didn't wake up until 6 am to nurse, falling back asleep until 8:20. I've never seen him sleep so much! He doesn't seem sick or anything, so I guess he was just tired.
He's been doing great at daycare. Yesterday and today he didn't cry at drop off. As long as he has his rubber ducks to hold he does just fine. This morning his little friend was sick when we got there and he seemed very concerned for her. That kept him occupied until I left the room and I'm sure he did fine after that. He's such a big boy!
Monday, February 06, 2006
Lots of Fun!
We had so much fun this weekend! Aidan turned 18 months on Saturday! He stayed home with Daddy while Mommy went to work for a few hours. They must have had a good day because they were happy when I got home. On Saturday evening lots of friends came over for dinner and 1/2 birthday cake and ice cream! Daddy made a yummy yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Aidan also got lots of 1/2 presents. We're excited about this tradition, I feel like if you don't have family traditions then children don't have anything to come back home to. And then later look back on fondly. I hope that this tradition is one that we will always cherish.
After dinner Aidan rode on his fire engine that he got for Christmas from Papaw Steve. Daddy and Eric pushed him back and forth really fast. He was going so fast that his head was tilted back and his eyes were barely open and the wind was blowing his hair. He laughed and laughed! Later we went to Jody and Jereme's to watch the UK game and he had a great time rolling around in Jody's dissertation papers (they were in the trash pile, of course). We got lots of pictures that I plan to post here, but I'll have to remember to do that when I'm at home in front of my other laptop.
On Sunday Aidan went with Daddy to visit the duck pond at Lexington Green while I worked (of course). Jason said that they stayed out there until he couldn't stand the cold anymore. Aidan had on two jackets and a coat but Jason was not so well dressed apparently. After feeding the ducks for a while they went into Joseph Beth to play with the train table in the children's section and watch the fountain. When I got home around 4 Aidan was passed out on his daddy, so they must have had a great time! When he woke up we went to the superbowl party at Jody & Jereme's house.
This morning we were moving slow and it felt so good to snuggle, so I didn't rush him out of bed. When I finally made us both get up we went into his room to change his diaper and put his clothes on. I put him on his bed and pulled off the diaper and he stood up (of course, he doesn't want to lay down) looking over the side of the bed. I went over to get a diaper but it took a little longer than it otherwise would because the first diaper I picked up was torn. Suddenly I hear this little chuckle coming from my little boy. It was almost sinister. As I walked over to him I realized that he was peeing out of the bedrail and onto the floor! I hurried to catch the stream with the diaper, which made him laugh more. I walked back over to get another diaper (because the first one had pee all over it) and I heard the same laugh coming behind me! He was peeing again! This time chuckling in a knowing roar! He was purposefully peeing. He must have liked the effect he got from the first round. So now the bed sheets, pillow, and everything that was on the floor has to be cleaned when I get home. No time to deal with it this morning. Just wiped up what I could and moved on. So if he can pee for laughs, does this mean he's ready to start potty training?!
After dinner Aidan rode on his fire engine that he got for Christmas from Papaw Steve. Daddy and Eric pushed him back and forth really fast. He was going so fast that his head was tilted back and his eyes were barely open and the wind was blowing his hair. He laughed and laughed! Later we went to Jody and Jereme's to watch the UK game and he had a great time rolling around in Jody's dissertation papers (they were in the trash pile, of course). We got lots of pictures that I plan to post here, but I'll have to remember to do that when I'm at home in front of my other laptop.
On Sunday Aidan went with Daddy to visit the duck pond at Lexington Green while I worked (of course). Jason said that they stayed out there until he couldn't stand the cold anymore. Aidan had on two jackets and a coat but Jason was not so well dressed apparently. After feeding the ducks for a while they went into Joseph Beth to play with the train table in the children's section and watch the fountain. When I got home around 4 Aidan was passed out on his daddy, so they must have had a great time! When he woke up we went to the superbowl party at Jody & Jereme's house.
This morning we were moving slow and it felt so good to snuggle, so I didn't rush him out of bed. When I finally made us both get up we went into his room to change his diaper and put his clothes on. I put him on his bed and pulled off the diaper and he stood up (of course, he doesn't want to lay down) looking over the side of the bed. I went over to get a diaper but it took a little longer than it otherwise would because the first diaper I picked up was torn. Suddenly I hear this little chuckle coming from my little boy. It was almost sinister. As I walked over to him I realized that he was peeing out of the bedrail and onto the floor! I hurried to catch the stream with the diaper, which made him laugh more. I walked back over to get another diaper (because the first one had pee all over it) and I heard the same laugh coming behind me! He was peeing again! This time chuckling in a knowing roar! He was purposefully peeing. He must have liked the effect he got from the first round. So now the bed sheets, pillow, and everything that was on the floor has to be cleaned when I get home. No time to deal with it this morning. Just wiped up what I could and moved on. So if he can pee for laughs, does this mean he's ready to start potty training?!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Genetic Reflections
I woke up very early this morning with non-specific stomach discomfort and couldn't sleep so I got up early. This, of course, prompted Aidan to get up early. He started crying while I was in the shower and Jason went in to get him. This unusually early wake up time made Daddy late for work but was great for Aidan and me, we got all of our stuff done and got to his school at 8:45! His class was in the cafeteria finishing their breakfast (Aidan eats at home). With a duck in each hand, he gave hardly any fuss when I handed him off.
Last night at bathtime he pulled the plug on his little tub to drain all but about an inch of his water. Then, of course, he got cold. He tried and tried to turn the knobs for more water but he just couldn't do it. Finally I decided to help out and turned on the water. He sat in his tub with his arm extended, letting the water beat down on his hand. We both watched the water mishape his skin and I vividly remembered doing this as a child. Amazing how time flies! One of his sign language videos has a song that says, "Goodnight, baby, it's faster than it seems. I used to be the baby and my mom sang to me." Being a parent really does teach us about mortality and how fragile life really is. What a wonderful gift Aidan has brought us-- the chance to continue on through him, his children, their children...parenthood shows you things in a whole new light!
Last night at bathtime he pulled the plug on his little tub to drain all but about an inch of his water. Then, of course, he got cold. He tried and tried to turn the knobs for more water but he just couldn't do it. Finally I decided to help out and turned on the water. He sat in his tub with his arm extended, letting the water beat down on his hand. We both watched the water mishape his skin and I vividly remembered doing this as a child. Amazing how time flies! One of his sign language videos has a song that says, "Goodnight, baby, it's faster than it seems. I used to be the baby and my mom sang to me." Being a parent really does teach us about mortality and how fragile life really is. What a wonderful gift Aidan has brought us-- the chance to continue on through him, his children, their children...parenthood shows you things in a whole new light!
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Aidan's Trip To The Doctor
Yesterday school called and said that Aidan was not feeling well, so I picked him up early. He seemed like he had a cold or teeth coming in, so I just took him home and gave him some antihistimine. Last night was date night, so Sabrina came and she said he curled up in her lap to sleep most of the time we were gone. Again, last night sleeping was rough and he just seemed like he was having ear issues. Sabrina said that he tugged at his ears some too.
Bright and early this morning I called the doctor's office and told them that he needed to have his ears checked. Luckily, they were able to move his Friday 18-month check-up to today so that he could be seen all at once instead of twice this week. Sure enough, the doctor says that his ears were red. Another antibiotic. Otherwise the doctor says he looks great and is developing well. He's still in the bottom percentiles on weight but his height and head are growing normally-- 50th and 90th percentiles. I can't believe he'll be 1 1/2 on Saturday!
Unfortunately, Aidan had to have a shot this morning. His last one until he's 3. I think it must have been the first time that he was able to conceptualize what was going on. After she gave him the shot I tried to comfort him, of course. Then I put him on the floor so that I could dress him. He stood there, motionless, with big tears rolling down his cheeks, looking down at his leg with a look of sheer disbelief on his face. As if he was trying to figure out why this stranger had stabbed him for no apparent reason whatsoever. I continued to dress him and he just stood there like he was afraid to move his legs. Once he realized that he wasn't permanently injured he was good as new but it sure took him a couple of minutes to recuperate!
Overall, I think he's doing well. He'll start his antibiotic later today (I tried to get it filled at Kroger but they were really busy with all the old people getting their meds filled on Feb. 1). He should be feeling better in a day or two. Just in time for his 1/2 birthday on Saturday and the Superbowl party on Sunday!
Bright and early this morning I called the doctor's office and told them that he needed to have his ears checked. Luckily, they were able to move his Friday 18-month check-up to today so that he could be seen all at once instead of twice this week. Sure enough, the doctor says that his ears were red. Another antibiotic. Otherwise the doctor says he looks great and is developing well. He's still in the bottom percentiles on weight but his height and head are growing normally-- 50th and 90th percentiles. I can't believe he'll be 1 1/2 on Saturday!
Unfortunately, Aidan had to have a shot this morning. His last one until he's 3. I think it must have been the first time that he was able to conceptualize what was going on. After she gave him the shot I tried to comfort him, of course. Then I put him on the floor so that I could dress him. He stood there, motionless, with big tears rolling down his cheeks, looking down at his leg with a look of sheer disbelief on his face. As if he was trying to figure out why this stranger had stabbed him for no apparent reason whatsoever. I continued to dress him and he just stood there like he was afraid to move his legs. Once he realized that he wasn't permanently injured he was good as new but it sure took him a couple of minutes to recuperate!
Overall, I think he's doing well. He'll start his antibiotic later today (I tried to get it filled at Kroger but they were really busy with all the old people getting their meds filled on Feb. 1). He should be feeling better in a day or two. Just in time for his 1/2 birthday on Saturday and the Superbowl party on Sunday!
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