Happy Thanksgiving

We headed through the woods to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving. I was a little concerned Aiden wouldn't nap well there, but of course he took a stellar nap (one that I rarely get at home). My other concern was this was going to be our first attempt with Owen not napping or having quiet time. The past two days he has not napped but stayed in his room for 1.5 hours. But he did great as well. Having all the people was a great distraction but also made it hard for him to get some downtime and chill. It was wonderful visiting with family and the meal as always was absolutely delish. During the meal the boys did wonderful. Owen was not ready to eat a meal when we ate so he played us some music on the piano and kept his brother entertained. Aiden on the other hand after playing a little wanted to join the table. He stood on the chair next to me and gnawed on a roll. We had to leave right after the meal to get the boys home in time for bedtime, and Owen was also melting. Poor guy was so tired that he fell asleep in the car before we left the driveway.

Even though my house is filled with two snotty kids, one who is teething and up half the night, I am trying to be thankful that I have wonderful kids that I get to wipe their snotty noses. :) I am very thankful all that I am blessed with and my two smiley, happy children (most the time), my amazing husband and my loving dogs. My heart is filled with a lot of joy. I am also thankful to have so many wonderful and caring family and friends.

Emma, Aiden and Owen all played the piano. Sadly Owen left the scene by the time the camera made it.

Little Mozart

Very Proud of His Piano Playing
Cousins Swinging

Sliding

Bouncing

Trampoline Fun

Bouncey Boy

Owen and Emma tried to find some peace in the tent.

Alice and I took Emma and Owen on a walk around the farm to see the donkey and cows. Look at this view, we are the tiny spots near the fence.

Mooing at Cows

9 Months

We can't believe that it has been nine months since Aiden has graced his presence in our home. Every time I go out with Aiden the most common comment is "He is such a happy little guy." Yes, he is. He is super sweet and smiley. Aiden still proves to be a little piggy, and loves to eat almost anything we present him. And of course wants to only feed himself. We are a little shocked that he has not started to walk being that at 6 months he was cruising furniture, but it is okay by me. The earlier they walk the more bumps they seem to get. Right now he is enjoying still walking with assistance and standing for long periods of time trying to figure out what to do next. His favorite activity is definitely throwing and chasing balls. He also enjoys a good game of pass the ball. He is meeting most all the development milestones but still has not waved or clapped, but this should happen within the next month. Within the past three months he has gotten his top two middle teeth and right now is cutting the next two top teeth (along with a cold!!!). His sleep is still a lot to be desired, we really need to bite the bullet and work on this. His naps have gotten much more normal but he still wakes often during the night and wakes too early (he is not ready but can't seem to get back to sleep). I am hoping that when I write his 12 month review that I will happily report he is sleeping through the night...send me good vibes. One thing that makes me smile all over is how cute the boys are together. Siblings are challenging but oh how amazingly wonderful they are too. Owen is taking a lot of pride in being big brother and Aiden is happy to follow his brother. They are so cute when they play together and when Owen asks or seeks out Aiden.

Weight: 17 lbs 10 oz (15% down from 50% but not concerned as he eats a lot, looks healthy and moves so much)
Height: 28.5 in (75% - same)
Head: 17.75 in (60% - same)

Table Climber

Aiden is by all means an active little boy and with watching all the stuff Owen gets to do Aiden is very eager to do what his big brother does. One activity that Aiden can't stop being curious about is play-doh. The problem is that he is very oral and immediately tries to eat it. Well the other day I helped him sit at the table with Owen and they played play-doh together. I just made sure Aiden kept his suckie so he wouldn't eat it. He did pretty good.

Well today we were all playing around the table and Aiden pulled himself up on the chair. I couldn't believe it and he was so proud of himself. Then he climbed up on the table. He had a wonderful time playing on and at the table.

Pulling Himself Up

Made It Up!

Goal! Got the Little Animals
Watching Owen Play Cars

Aiden Climbing on the Table. Owen was saying "WOW! Look at crazy little Aiden."

On the Table

Boys Playing

Proud Aiden

Little Animal Fun

Sitting at the Table

Looking Like a Big Boy

Yes, Two Oral Boys

Tunnel Baby

Aiden loves to tunnel as I have mentioned. He honestly gets excited when we pull them out.

Dancing Aiden

Aiden loves music. He loves to shake his shakers and even the tamborine. He also loves the music from the singing toolbox, he always does a little bouncey dance.

Goofy Owen

Owen loves to make Aiden laugh. He acts super silly just to get some baby brother giggles. It is very sweet. This morning while Aiden was trying to eat breakfast Owen was giving him some entertainment. Aiden was cracking up laughing at him and then we got the video camera he was still laughing but not as big, but still super cute.

Enchanted Forest

Yes, the Christmas season has begun. Last year we visited the Enchanted Forest and had a wonderful time so we headed back this year. Will be honest, we had several 3 year old episodes but after Owen calmed down from all the excitement we had a nice time once again.

Train Room First, but of course!

Winter Wonderland

Randomly ran into our friends Matthew and Elizabeth. The boys enjoyed watching trains together.
Excited Owen

Aiden was interested too, he kept trying to grab everything.

The Enchanted Forest

Go Hokies!

This year they had a Science Room. Owen enjoyed making a fossil.

Also enjoyed watching a volcano.

Aiden liked the volcano too.

Making bubbles to stay stick to Owen's gloved hands.

Admiring the Car Tree

Mr. Anklyosaurus Looking at the Tree (this dinosaur is Owen's best friend, as he announced to us)

Aiden always wants to move, crawling all over.

Owen took a break to watch the Nutcracker.

The Boys Playing

As always a girl came over to play with the boys.

The two girls followed Aiden every where.

Aiden Tree Exploring

Posing with his new friend

We got Aiden a HUGE polar bear.

Excited Aiden

Bear Playing

And yes we bought the car tree. Owen had a blast taking off most the cars (we hid some for Christmas)

He ran and got his "safety scissors" to cut the cars off

Excited Owen

Driving his new cars

Car Play