Wednesday, September 30, 2009

When life gets crazy...

...it is good to stop and breathe.

The last two days have been hectic. Oakley (the 3 month old I watch) screamed for 45 min. and would not be pacified yesterday...he also would not eat for several hours. After a long day with him, he took a little visit to his doctor and was diagnosed with his first cold.

Aidan has been battling ear infections, congestion, cutting teeth, and a nasty diaper rash (thanks to antibiotics). He went ballistic last night went I tried to change his diaper and would not lie down or let me clean him in any way. He ended up peeing on me and after much coaxing, I managed to use a damp towel to gently wipe him and diaper him up. It was stressful and no fun.

This morning had an early start because Aidan decided to start screaming 1.5 hours earlier than normal. I confess...I made a bad choice at that moment, and decided to be grumpy about it for most of the day.  Then end result was not good. Aidan sensed my tension and threw temper tantrums all morning, things were falling out my cupboards, food was flying, and nothing seemed to be going right.

Then I stopped.

I pondered and decided.

I need to be the one to change this day.

I rebuked any sort of evil attack on our lives, and I went about my day.

Thankfully, we did much better the second half and I was relieved to realize just how much power my decision to change my attitude can hold.

I hope I remember that tomorrow.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

I love Fall

Yesterday was a beautiful crisp fall day and I fell in love.

I love the way the cold air smells, the anticipation of what lies ahead....

You know, babies look so adorable in jackets too.

I kept looking at Aidan yesterday in complete awe of how much he has grown up and how much responsibility he brings to my life.

I am blessed.

There are things in life that feel so discouraging, but I am loved by the King.

There is nothing better than realizing that love....

...and making chocolate chip cookies to end the day.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Old Settler's Day Parade

Every year since we've been in Kansas, we've been a part of the Old Settler's Day Parade. Our church does some big floats with our worship band, hands out water, candy, and popsicles, and has a huge brigade of motorcyclists bringing up the rear.

The first year we participated, I was about 9 weeks pregnant with Aidan and battling morning sickness. The parade was exhausting!

Last year, Aidan was 5 months old and he rode in the stroller and was awake for the whole thing.

This year, Aidan, now 17 months, rode some in his wagon and then my mom carried him the rest of the time. He enjoyed it, but was a little tired.

Here are some pictures to enjoy!



Aidan getting into a big ice chest. He is on the far right and his look alike buddy Emerson is in the middle. (They are just one week apart in age)



Pretending to drive the golf cart



Watching everyone intently



While the pastor was yelling out instructions to the group, Aidan started yelling too...something he does whenever he hears other people talking loudly. Oh yeah, and he always straightens his arms out too.



Riding in the parade



The worship band



Walking with Grandma

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Good Friends, Good Times

About 3 weeks ago, Seth and I were given the privilege of going on a little getaway with some dear friends. Cody and Kara are our absolute favorite couple ever...Kara and I were roommates and best friends in college and Cody and Seth also shared a room for a semester and became friends due to similar nerdy interests :). They have been living in Arkansas since college days, but are moving to Ireland for the year while Cody pursues more schooling. Since we knew we weren't going to see them for awhile we decided to plan a 4 day, 3 night trip with them.

We decided to meet up near Branson and stay at a smalltown little "resort." It was wonderful! We laughed, talked, played cards, sat out at the pool, played more cards, ate bbq, played miniature golf, and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. Seth and I (especially me) loved having a break from parenting and savored each morning we slept in. We did miss the little guy even though he was in good hands at Grandma's house.

On the 3rd day there, Cody came down with some stomach bug and our plans got rearranged a bit. Seth and I went out for the day alone and ended up spending our time listening to a long pitch about timeshares, going to Silver Dollar City, and seeing the Haygoods. After the Haygood show we left for home and made it back around 2 am. It was a long night for us especially since we are not really late night people. We got up the next morning around 11, went out for a late breakfast, and picked up our precious boy that afternoon.

It was a refreshing and wonderful time away, but so good to be home again.



Me and my bestie!



very dear friends



me and the hubs



what I love about SDC



making memories



two crazies



we don't get out much!

Monday, September 7, 2009

17 months-a few days late

Man, where has the time gone? I can't believe a month has passed and I never updated on here.

Well, it's time again for the little boy update/letter of the month.

Here are a few pics from the last month:



Aidan's new activity: Coloring!



He loves his little table



Watering the flowers at Grandma's house



A little thirsty!



Aidan and Oakley (his pretend baby brother)



Scrubbing the sidewalk in a monkey costume (preview for Halloween)



What am I wearing?



Please get this off of me!

Aidan,

You are unbelievably funny. Your personality is continuing to develop and we absolutely love it. You are growing up so much now and it is amazing to see all these wonderful changes. You are now very skilled at going up and down stairs and can walk down with some assistance. You actually walked down once on your own when Mommy was too busy to help you and although it was a little scary to watch, you did so well. You have continued to be a little climber, but because of so many falls last month, you have grown a little more timid. You are talking more and more these days and while most of it is gibberish you say many words: dog, duck, hallelujah, mama, dada, Steph, keys, bottle, baby, snack, night night, Jesus, eyes, ears, nose, knock knock, hot, bubbles, bye bye, hi, ball, uh-oh, banana, love love, Elmo, and sometimes (please, thank you, and gentle). You make several animal noises, but the elephant is by far your favorite. You also make noises for a rooster, chicken, cat, and dog. You still sign more, please, all done, and thank you.  You seem to understand almost everything we say and we have to be careful when we talk about going outside or about certain foods you like because you will instantly want to "go" or eat whatever it is. You shake your head no when you don't like something or when we ask you questions. You say no to things that you want to do too, so sometimes it isn't that helpful. You are still super attached to your blanket and we have started saying "bye bye" to blanket during the day so that you don't carry it around with you everywhere. Your favorite thing right now is to play in the car and we seem to do so almost every day. You love to put the keys in the ignition and "drive." You also really love to dance and since we have music on a lot of the time you have plenty of time to practice your moves. You also love to play your tambourine and clap. You have started to clap on beat at times and we can't believe how well you sense rhythm already. You love to go to church and you start clapping when you see the building. You are always great in the nursery and really love other children. You are always trying to kiss them or talk to them. You LOVE to be chased or chase others and you are so full of laughter and joy. Your energy is endless and you always seem to be going a mile a minute without ever tiring. You do love to go to bed at night and are also really great about taking your nap. You go right down without a fuss almost every time. Your are finally taking just one nap a day and that frees up the morning for playdates and outings. Recently, Mommy started watching a little baby (Oakley) and it has been quite the transition for you. You seem to love him and if he is anywhere near you, you can't stop saying "hi" and "baby" and you kiss him all the time. You are a little too aggressive though and Mommy can't trust you for a second with him. You have started biting Mommy when she feeds the baby, but hopefully this is only a phase that you are working through. You have definitely been high maintenance since Mommy started this job, but you are doing much better at playing independently. You are also easily distracted with movies (especially your favorite-Elmo) and popsicles. :) Aidan, there is so much more that I could write about you because I don't want to forget you at this stage. I know that I will miss the morning cuddle time in bed and the funny little gestures you make. Your laugh is contagious and sweet and you are so loving sometimes. I will miss the innocent kisses, baby gibberish, the cute way you suck your thumb, your funny expressions, your cute little features, and your sweet little baby chubbiness. You are and always will be an absolute joy!

Love,

Momma