My Boy

Last week I finally took the opportunity to take some photos of Aiden, in honor of him turning 1!  He was only mildly cooperative, as I knew would be the case because when I'm around, he usually wants to be held.  Avery came along with me and was a huge help.  She is just getting so big, too and what a blessing!

Here are a couple of my favorites.  Ah...such sweetness, especially at this age.  Incidently, the verse at the end has nothing to do with this post, just in case you were looking for some deep, hidden meaning. :)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us

 throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and

let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

Project 365, Week 30

In order to sum up this week properly, I should have multiple pictures of Shaun sitting at my computer.  It was down nearly all week because of a virus...thankfully its back up and running, but now I've got a bit of a backlog in work.  I will say, although initially it was frustrating, it did allow me to get some non-computer projects done and I got to spend more time with the kids.  All in all not a bad deal, except for the hours Shaun put it fixing it (is there anything that man cannot do??)

Hope you had a great week!

July 18, 2009

I opened up my July 2009 folder by accident and found this.  Be still my heart!

July 18, 2010

After working from early in the morning, I took a break with Aiden and cruised around town.  He sits way in the corner so he can look up at me through the peek hole.

July 19

It was such a nice evening, we went to the park.  We haven't been doing that as much since we got our "play park" so it was a treat.  This shirt kills me.  Why would they make it in a size 18 months?  It you are going to put that on the front, it can only be made for size 0-3 months, in my opinion.

July 20

Our neighbors had puppies so we've gone over several times to see them.  Amanda loves it, Avery tries to love it.

July 21

Lake day with a few cousins.

July 22

I finally took Aiden to a park so I could do his one year photos.  Its tough to do him because when he sees me he wants to be held, but Avery was a big help.  I'll post more of the shoot soon.

July 23

Its been hot, so popsicles and ice-cream on the porch taste especially good.

I'm linking up with Sara this week.

Aiden in Twelve Months

Aiden turned one a week ago!  Here's how we celebrated his day...
Splash park after naps.  He's still not too sure about it but still managed to get wet.

The girls were pretty sure that the most special thing we could do for Aiden would be to take him to Chuck E. Cheese, but Shaun and I are still a bit scarred from our last visit there so we settled for the mall where we rode on the carousel (with a tight grip on daddy's shirt)

and played on the play scape

We tried to justify that Aiden's favorite restaurant must be Outback, but we could not so we ended up at a place that gives balloons out.  During dinner the girls suggested that we get him dessert and sing to him, so the wait staff came over and sang to him.  This was his dumbfounded express the entire time.

Now here's the post I started back on July 13:

Deep breath...I looked at the clock a little after 7 this morning and thought...oh, if I could redo this year!  I'd be holding a warm, slimy baby in my arms right this very minute...someone I didn't know, but would enjoy the next year learning about and getting to know.  But...I can't, so I will continue to enjoy him in the moment...this moment.

Aiden is talking!  In fact, much of what he says sounds like actual words, but knowing we are his proud parents, we are sure we are just imagining it.  These words are confirmed...

doggy
kitty
uh-oh!
Pop
balloon
yucky
Daddy
Momma (once, only one time, but clear)

He sings while dancing and clapping hands.  He actually sings part of one of the VBS songs that the girls have played in their room roughly 300 times.  He sings the uh, uh, uh, oh, uh, uh, uh, oh part, and right on cue every time...so funny.

He has a new tooth on the bottom for a total of 7.

In all these 12 months he never once peed with his diaper off, except in the bathtub...will that mean early (and easy) potty training? :)

He stands up unassisted so he can play with both hands and will take a step here or two there to complete whatever mission he is on, but still no walking.  Actually, Aiden still prefers to be held, specifically by me.

He's become choosy about the food he eats.  Still loves all manner of fruit but tosses most vegetables aside.  I know his tastes will change over time and for his sake I hope so...could make for some long nights at the dinner table for him. :)

He weighs 20 pounds exactly which puts him in the 15th percentile...progress!  His head is still measuring big, but has not grown since last time, so they are not worried.

Shaun and I both agreed that while this year has gone by fast, it feels like there was never a time when he was not part of our family.  He transitioned in so smoothly from day one and has taken hold of our hearts forever.  His sisters adore him and watch out for him.  We are truly blessed.

"Aiden, do your silly face"

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 

turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, 

and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 

and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 

then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1-5

Project 365, Week 29

Looking over this week, I actually can't believe how much work and fun we packed in.  My husband gets a shout-out this week.  In every way possible he's just been amazing.  This was a big week for my photography business and he could not be more supportive and helpful with it all.  His eyes are always loving and steady when I look at him with my I-don't-think-I-can-do-this look.  He's also just fun to hang out with and great with his kids. 

Ok, enough about my incredible husband (he would have long since tried to change the subject if I'd just said those things to him).  Our week!

July 11

We went to our church picnic and the girls were thrilled to get multiple pony rides.  Well...one was thrilled anyway.  The other was just ok with it....I'll let you figure out which is which. :)

Later that day we had 23 supportive family members come over to celebrate Aiden's FIRST birthday.  My dad also did a dedication service....Yes!  He makes house calls. :)

July 12

Those who have visited our home (like the 23 on Sunday) know that our house stays on the warm side in the summer, despite Shaun's diligence in opening windows and closing shades at all the appropriate times.  In the evening we went and crashed at my sister's pool, even though they were not home.  Luckily, the neighbors didn't call the cops. :) The five of us had a great time splashing around and both girls are making great progress in Daddy's Swimming School.

July 13

Aiden's actual birthday.  We went out as a family to a place where they have balloons, a favorite of Aiden's, and the girls thought he should be sung to and get dessert.

July 14

I used to wonder why my mom always wore the same old clothes, while us kids were regularly getting new ones....now I understand.  If the clothes still fit and don't have any (major) holes, then they are still good.  I'm not a trendy enough dresser that my clothes go out of style fast (no skinny jeans for me), so they are passable for some time. 

However, Shaun has started to make fun of some of my "1980's" clothes and occasionally when I put something on he says 'do not wear that again'.  Prior to 2004, I used to shop regularly (no kids, so disposable, dual income went directly to me without passing through three children) but over the last six years between being pregnant, recovering from being pregnant and less money coming in, shopping for new clothes took a way-back seat.  Plus, over the years shopping has offered less and less enjoyment for me and is down to about none now.  Unless...

Unless your husband takes you out on a date to a nice mall and filters through the racks and stacks of clothes.  He was on a mission to find me something suitable to wear for my photography jobs and we were successful.  I tried on no less than 30 pieces of clothing and he gave his yea or nay right on the spot.  We both had a really fun night being teenagers at the mall.

July 15

The girls learned how to blow up balloons.  Throughout the day Amanda was on her game, spreading her Amanda-ness at the two different doctor appointments we had.  The doctors, nurses, receptionist and waiting room people...we left smiling people in our wake.

July 16

Perhaps my favorite shot from a series that I took in my sister's back yard while we were hanging out.  Can you hear the laughter?  They were having a blast!

Second favorite... 

July 17

We went to the lake for perhaps the last time.  My mom is selling her place and the closing is this week.

The youth group held a fundraiser dinner after church.  Our kids had fun hanging out with the teenagers.

 That's it for me.  Thanks for hosting Sara.

A Celebration

On Sunday we celebrated Aiden's first birthday.  We have such a loyal, supportive family and it was so special to have everyone here.

A cousin tickle session.

Cousin Alayna will be one in September...

...cousins Rocco and Levi have been one for two whole months already.  Here they are giving Aiden some insider tips.

Great-grandpa...1 and 91!

The girls decorated the "smash cake" especially for Aiden...he liked it!

This video is mainly for the family that could not be there.  If you are not family, it may just seem like craziness in the background. :)

We also had a dedication service for Aiden.  Our church situation has been...um complicated over the last year, so we finally decided to just do it at our house.  My dad did the service and our immediate family was present.  It was a very unique and special time and now he is officially the Lord's.

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.  So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.

I Samuel 1:27,28