Aiden is Ten Months

It pained me to type "ten". I can no longer deny that he is closer to one than newborn. But when I start to wish I could go back in time with any of my kids, I wonder where would I want to go back to? I'd miss the person they are right at this very minute.

For example, right now Aiden absolutely lights up when he sees me, just because I'm his momma. He didn't do that when he was one week old. My vast mothering experience of nearly five years has shown me that there are trade-offs with the growing up process. Ten months, for instance. He no longer stays where I put him but because he gets to where he needs to go, he's much better about entertaining himself.

He is a cruising machine and is confident getting up and down. He claps his hands, which delights the girls. He waves, but can be a little shy about doing it. He loves to be held and cries when I leave the room.

His schedule hasn't changed much since last month. He goes to bed between 8 and 9, gets up at 6 for a feeding and then again at 9. He takes two naps, usually the morning one is longer. He's still nursing fairly often and we both really enjoy that time together.

When he went for his nine-month check-up three days ago, he was 18.12 lbs and 27.5 in, so he's dipped back down into the 10-15th percentile. The doctor is not worried and I assured her he eats just fine.

Aiden has two bottom teeth, which came in without incident. He "talks" quite a bit...da, da, da and dat! dat! He's so smiley and happy most of the time, especially when he's being held. He really likes to be held and I haven't necessarily done anything to discourage it. I know time will take care of that.

He likes to be outside and spends quite a bit of time in his swing watching his daddy work and watching his sisters be crazy. He also enjoys playing in their room with them where there are bright pink toys and things to climb on. His sense of humor is developing and he "gets" some of the games we play, such as peek-a-boo

We've had such a fun month with him, here are a "few" photos from the month.

Looking at Amanda being silly next to his chair.

Avery took this one while the kids were playing on their own.

The view from my office chair

He gets very excited when its bath time...he starts giggling and bouncing up and down while I'm trying to undress him.

First time at the beach.

We spent an evening at the park and I let him loose.  Surprisingly, he didn't try to eat all the woodchips.

Get Down!

On Saturday my brother-in-law hosted a karaoke party at our house.  It was in honor of a couple who are getting married in a few weeks so the theme was "wedding".  Guests were dressed formally and they did all the corny wedding dances, cake cutting, etc.

Naturally Amanda was happy to join right in.  This is what every 3 year-old is doing at 10 o'clock at night...right?  She sang Wheels on the Bus and danced every song.

My BIL Nathan on the left, the groom is on the right with the garter belt on his arm.  For some reason, whenever I am talking about Nathan and his crazy fun group of friends, I feel the need to explain that there is no alcohol involved.  They are just naturally, well...crazy.

I know...more video of Amanda....she's just so video-tapeable.

God's thunder sets the oak trees dancing A wild dance, whirling; t

he pelting rain strips their branches. We fall to our knees—we call out, "Glory!

Psalm 29:9

Project 365, Week 19

Happy Mother's Day to all you who are moms!

May 2

The girls and I took advantage of a four-day sale on flowers, went right home and got to work.  For the most part they are actually good helpers and the little part that they are not helpful is offset by their company.

May 3

Little baby toes. 

May 4

When I can beat his sisters to it, its so much fun to get Aiden up in the morning or after a nap.

May 5

For all their girliness, the girls like to play with worms.  They brought in this particular one because he was so tiny.  I'm not afraid of them but am not fond of them, still I try to act interested yet not grossed out.  This one can't be old enough to drive.

May 6

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Ps 13:5

May 7

We had an impromptu birthday party for Kiki.

May 8

Avery and I attended a mother/daughter brunch with my mother-in-law at church .  Good food, good music, good company.  Later, Nathan hosted a karaoke party at our house.

I'm linking up with Sara.  Have a blessed day with your families.

Florida, Day 6

Our last day was spent at Busch Gardens Tampa.

A meeting of the minds and maps.

Every time the characters came out in to the audience, Avery was careful to give up her aisle seat to her willing sister.

Nana and Avery on the roller coaster.

Amanda didn't quite meet the height requirement, but somehow between Amanda and Shaun they were able to sweet-talk the attendant into letting her go.  She is a roller coaster junkie.

See her face?  And this was her second time.

Aiden could not have been any better.  He sat in his stroller and took everything in and then when he was tired he slept.  We really didn't hear a peep from him all day.

This bridge overlooked the Flume ride.

I don't think she was planning on getting quite that wet.

After a generous serving of cotton candy to round out the day, we headed to the airport to catch our 8 pm flight.  The kids really could not have been better travelers.  The girls spent the ride home looking at the map of Disney, Avery reading all the stops we made and I held Aiden in the next row back.  He stood up on me and faced back and talked and smiled to the back third of the plane for nearly two hours.  Then, three minutes before we landed, all three kids fell asleep.

We had such a fun time away and yet all five of us were happy to be home, too.  It made me feel a little pride to hear both girls separately say they were happy we were home.  I gave myself a little pat on the back for the fact that I am making our home a sanctuary and a haven for my family, a place where they like to come back to, even from Florida.  And then as I thought about it more, I realized it was more likely they were happy to be back where ALL their clothes are, not just the limited selection in the suitcase. :)

Thank you, Nana and Grandpa John for making it possible for us to spend a fun-filled, memory-making week with you!

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

I Timothy 6:6-8