Happy and Hectic Holidays

I LOVE this time of year...it comes and goes so fast though. This was our first holiday with a child so it made things very interesting.


Because both Luke's and my parents are divorced, we have what feels like 100 different Christmases to attend. Having a baby can make this a little hectic.


Saturday the 21st was the first of many. We enjoyed the evening with my mom's side of the family. It was the first time many of them met Aiden for the first time so it was a very good time. Christmas eve was spent with my dad. Unfortunatley Luke had to work again this year but we did get to spend Christmas morning together with the baby and Luke's dad. Aiden was not too interested in opening presents which was to be expected. It was funny watching him with the bows though. I think at one point he had like 10 stuck to him all over.


Our last Christmas was spent with Luke's mom's side of the family. We had that at our house on the Saturday after Christmas. Again...it was a very hectic, BUT FUN time. Aiden was a trooper as always. I got a video camera this year but unfortunately I haven't figured out how to get the videos online but as soon as I do I will post them. Until then enjoy these photos from the last two weeks!!!

Aiden and Teagahn hanging out while the mommies get ready for Christmas

Daddy and Aiden playing!

The Ladies (and Aid) on Christmas Eve!!

Me and Nana in her new Skins Jersey!! YAY!

My Dad looking at his Callas Family Holiday Book!

A very happy Aiden

Me and Aiden being silly

Aiden and the Christmas bow fighting...hehe

Christmas presents...what christmas presents...this box will do just fine!

Me and Aiden being silly....AGAIN!

Daycare Party Pics

Here are some photos from the Daycare Christmas party last weekend.

I don't think Aiden likes Santa...do you???

He's a little happier now!

Let the festivities begin!

This weekend was a very busy one for the Callas household. It began shortly after I left work on Friday. See, I told Aiden's daycare provider that I would make the goodie bags for all the kids so last week I ordered this HUGE assorted bag from Oriental Trading of goodies. Well, Thursday of last week I went to check my order and they had cancelled it on on me WITHOUT TELLING ME. Needless to say, I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off Friday evening and Saturday morning trying to get these bags put together. I pulled through!

Saturday evening was the daycare party. It was tons of fun. Santa came and delivered lots of gifts to all the kids. Aiden didn't get an afternoon nap so I thought he was going to be a bear, but he was very good! Of course, he cried AGAIN when I placed him on Santa's lap...maybe next year will be better.

Sunday was Christmas with my mom's side of the family. We headed down to Haymarket early in the afternoon. It was the first time that most of them had met Aiden. We really enjoyed ourselves. I have to make more of an effort to see them because I really enjoy spending time with them. Aiden again was a complete doll all day. Oh yeah..and did I mention that he's WALKING.....A LOT!!!! He does that really funny beginner walk too. You know..the one where the knees are locked and they are teetering back and forth like a robot. It's really quite funny.

All-in-all it was a great weekend. Lots of family and friends...just what we need around the holidays.

I'll post pictures later!

Why won't he just sleep??

Aiden is now almost 11 months old. He doesn't need to eat in the middle of the night and should be sleeping straight through until the morning, but that doesn't seem to be the case. On and off now for the past month or so he has been waking up at random times throughout the night. I have tried to let him cry it out on several occasions but he will sit in there FOREVER and cry (of scream). A few times I have gone in and picked him up (I know..that's bad) and rocked him to sleep but when I go to put him back in the crib, his eyes spring oven and the whaling begins again.

Last night was the worst. It was two thirty when I rolled over and looked at the clock. I decided that going in there was NOT what I needed to do so I let the crying go on. AN HOUR LATER, he was still crying and the only thing that would stop him was to nurse. He's at that age (and has been for some time now) where he doesn't need to eat at night but it's the only thing that will quiet him and I can't be up all hours of the night listening to him scream his little lungs out. I just don't know what to do at this point. Part of me wants to just let him cry, turn on the radio to drown out the noise and go back to sleep. Part of me thinks he will grow out of this. I guess only time will tell...in the meantime I will do whatever it takes for momma and baby to get as much rest as possible.

Mount Staircase

Now that Aiden is more mobile, he has been exploring other parts of the house. The other evening he and I were hanging out in the front room and I turned away for a second and in that time he had managed to find the stairs (SIGH). I decided that, instead of running over to him like a maniac, I would just observe. He looked up the long staircase then glanced back at me with this "I know I'm not supposed to do this but I'm going to anyway" look and began the treck up the stairs. I thought to myself..let's see how this goes. I got right behind him and away he went. When we reached the halfway mark he seemed a little pooped out. He tried to turn himself around but I insisted that since he was so determinded to start, he would have to finish. He continued on until he reached the top and plopped down on the ground. He looked up at me with a very accomplished (and tired) look on his face.

As happy as I am that he's becoming this independant little man, I think for now, we'll just keep the baby gate up :)

A Walk Around the Block (or House)

Yes...time flies by so fast, especially now that I'm a mommy, but I really can't fathom the concept that my little monster is already WALKING...well sort of. The other evening Luke and I were sitting in the living room and Aiden was cruising around the couch. I was sitting in the middle of the room trying to get him to let go of daddy's leg. All of a sudden he did, and then proceeded to take three...yes THREE steps toward me. Luke lept off the couch (while almost tossing the laptop onto the kitchen floor). We tried very hard to get Aiden to walk again but he was of course too tired (and confused about why mommy and daddy were jumping up and down with such enthusiasm).

That was few nights ago and since then I have tried to take every opportunity to get him to do it again..but it's almost as if he knows that's what we are trying to do. He has no interest.

Aiden has also hit this new phase where he likes to copy everything we do. Pops (Luke's dad) was over the other day and he stuck his tongue out. Without hesitation Aiden stuck his tongue out right back at Pops. Luke also shakes his head back and forth when telling Aiden "NO" and now, when Aid sees anyone shaking their head he does it right back at them. He even arches his eyebrows just like his daddy. It's really quite cute!

Here are some more pics from the last month:

Long Time, No Post

Gees...have I been MIA lately. I come home each day with full intentions of posting and before I know it, it's 10 o'clock and I'm exhausted. Alot has been happening around the Callas household. Let's see...where to begin....

Halloween....Aiden was a HOOT...literally, he was a little owl. The cutest little owl you have ever seen. He helped me hand out candy that night...we had a blast together.
Aiden has been sick on and off for the last month. It did take 9 months to happen, but now that it's here IT SUCKS! First it was Bronchitis, then a double ear infection, and now the nasty wet cough is back again. On a happier note, he's moving all around the house. He's becoming braver by the day. On occasion, he will take a step in between toys, but it doesn't happen often. He's growing up so fast.

Work has been keeping us busy and how that the holidays are here it seems like things are only going to get CRAZIER. We decorated the house this past weekend and Aiden's face lit up (no pun intended) when he say the Christmas tree with all of it's lights turned on. At first he had a look of concern on his face, but that quickly turned to glee. I don't think I have seen a smile so big. He just loves the blinking angel at the top. It was quite a sight to see him so excited. I absolutely love this time of year and I am going to involve him as much as possible so that he will grow to love it as much as I do.

We also took Aiden to see Santa this year. I thought that he would do really well considering that I can hand the child to a complete stranger and he will just sit there completely content (we have to work on this). I guess the big white beard and red suit kind of changed things a bit. As soon as I sat Aid down, he threw a fit. We were able to calm him down just enough to get a picture. It's actually the perfect one..half crying and half smiling. Maybe next year will be better.

Thanksgiving was a hit this year. Unfortunatly, Luke has to work most of the holidays this year, AGAIN, but we managed to squeeze in a dinner on Thursday. We had his dad over and I surprised them with a Leg of Lamb. It was my first and I have to say it was excellent (not to toot my own horn or anything)..hehe.

Well that's a summary of the last two months. I will get better at making time to post...PROMISE!!

Pottie in the bed???

Sunday morning started very different than most. I awoke to Aiden fussing (basically telling me it was feeding time) so I strolled into his room. I reached in to pick him up and realized that he was SOAKING wet. I placed him on his changing table and with a closer look, I noticed that his jammies were unbuttoned and one side of his diaper was basically hanging off of his body. I guess he was tired of being wet so he decided to do somthing about it.

I proceeded to remove the rest of the diaper and to my dismay I found a nice surprise. Without hesitating, I looked over into the crib and there it was...another surprise. All I thought was, 'Oh my god...Aiden has been rolling around his his own poo all morning...YUCKY'. I took him to the bath and as he sat there splashing around, I just started to giggle. In retrospect..it's pretty darn funny.

Maybe I will have to start duck taping Aiden's diapers on him, then there will be no more surprises!!

The Deep South!

Last week we spent some much needed time away in good ole' Al-a-bam-a. Luke, Aiden and I all traveled via air to the sunny south to visit my mom and James. It was a much needed getaway and a whole lot of time was spent catching up, resting and relaxing. We arrived on Tuesday. We spent most of that day sitting around the pool. Unfortunatley it was a bit chilly for swimming so mom turned the hot tub down and Aiden and I got in. We had a blast. I haven't seen Aiden so happy about anything EVER.

Thursday we headed to the Mongomery zoo were I was surprised to see many really cool animals. I think Luke had more fun than any of us (he took about 100 pictures of the rinos and lions).

Friday mom and I went to get our hair cut by her very nice very "stylish" hairdresser Kong. Later that day my sister lisa came over from Atlanta with her husband and two kids. We spent the afternoon hanging out and playing the wii. It was so great to see them and it was the kid's first meeting with Aiden. They all seemed to enjoy each others company.

Fast foward a day and we are back in Virginia. Overall, Aiden did great on the flight there and back. It got a little hairy for a bit and I think that Luke sweat enough for the both of us, but I have to say he was a little champ. Our visit went WAY to fast. Why is that?? I don't know whene we will make our way back down but I hope soon!

Pics from our trip:

Mommy and Aiden on the flight down!

Aiden, Apollo and Looey (the craziest, most "love crazed" dog I have ever seen)

Aiden and mommy hangin' with Apollo

Aiden bouncing in this cool tye-dye sweatshirt grammy and James got him from the beach (it's a 2T by the way and WAY too big for him right now)

Daddy and Aiden

Mommy and Aiden in the hot tub

Pics from the Zoo:

New Pics

Here are some new pics!

Aiden and mommy having a little fun!

Aiden loves chewing on mommy's sweatshirt string.


Our little model


Aiden knows he's not supposed to get into the dog food.

What a smile this boy has!!

Our First Illness

We made it 8 and a half months. Aiden has finally gotten his first illness. He was diagnosed wtih Bronchitis yesterday. Poor little guy has the WORST cough and a little fever. He's hangin in there. We leave for Alabama next week so I'm hoping he gets better before we leave. Hopefully the amoxicillin will kick some butt! Despite being sick, he's still the BEST BABY EVER and happy as can be!

20 lbs DOWN!

WW Update:

I have officially lost 20 lbs from the day I started (which was August 19th)!!! It's very exciting, as I am continuoulsy having to pack clothes away that no longer fit! I'll keep you updated, as I am 7 lbs away from my goal!!

Dental Woes

I HATE THE DENTIST...more than most people I know. I have always had very soft teeth which make the best homes for cavities, and believe me, I have had my fair share. Lately though I have been on this awesome stretch, CAVITY FREE.

Unfortunately, my last visit brought some bad news. My dentist informed me that I would need a crown and after cancelling on two separate occasions, I finally went in last Thursday to begin the process. They put in a temporary crown and sent me on my way. Well...here I am six days later and I am still in pain. I have been taking Tylenol which makes the pain go away but as soon as the meds wear off, the pain resumes. I have been back to the dentist once already and I have to go back tomorrow so they can check things out again. If the pain doesn't subside, I will be forced to get a root canal. UGGG.

Did I mention that I HATE THE DENTIST...

I guess it could be worse, I could look like this chic...

A Day at the Races!

Every fall my company sponsors the Virginia Fall Races in Middleburg, so we get this amazing spot on the finish line. It was this past weekend and we all had a blast. I even won some money betting on the last race!

Aiden is intrigued by the horses!

Nattie stole my hat

Luke and I enjoying the day!

The ladies

Happy Fans!

Our Skins are 4 and 1 now and the Callas clan couldn't be happier!

(We really need to get Kenzie a jersey too!!)

Saving the World one bottle at a time!

I have always been one to care about our environment, but lately I have been on one HUGE recycling kick. I set up a recycling program at home (hehe…Luke hates it) and I have even taken it upon myself to collect and deliver all recyclable items at work to our local center. Unfortunately our local trash collection doesn't do it where we live but it's even crossed my mind to try to get a program up and running there too. I even went as far as to say that I would take some time on the weekend to drive around and collect trash from the side of the road for recycling (which in turn got me one ugly/confused stare from my husband). I know it's a little extreme, but it REALLY BOTHERS me to see people throw away things that can be recycled. I'm doing my part...and I guess that's all I can do for now.

If you wanna join my crusade check out the Virginia Recycling Association.

HAPPY RECYCLING!

Apple Pickin'

This weekend was wonderful. Saturday Luke, Aiden and I got up, hung out for a bit and then headed out to run some errands. In the afternoon, Aiden and I headed over to Clarke County to visit my good friend Kelly who's visiting from Colorado. Karm, Megan and Stace came too and it was such a pleasant afternoon of catching up. We picked apples with all the kiddies and ate some grapes right off the vine. I love hanging out with my good girlfriends from high school. We are so blessed to still have each other and to be so close. It's so funny to look around and think about where we were just five years ago. Now we are settling down and starting families.

Good Friends!

Aiden w/ his new friends!

Sally w/ Auntie Karm

They grow SO Fast!

Well...he's crawling now...not your standard crawl but the army crawl. It's actually pretty funny to watch him, but gosh is he FAST! I will turn away for a second and when I look back, he's across the room, tangled in some cord (he loves those too) or reaching for the dog's bowl.

I headed to Target on Saturday to get some things I needed and I finally used my last gift card from the baby shower to buy Aiden some toys (thanks Karm). I looked for the Fisher Price Peek-A-Boo blocks but I couldn't find them so I ended up buying the Roll A Rounds. They are great toys, but couldn't be any more inconvenient for a mommy who "tries" to keep her house somewhat organized and clean. PLUS as soon as I pour the package of them on the ground they all roll away from Aiden under some piece of furniture. Aiden is left there sitting with maybe one of them in his hand.

Aiden now has both of this front bottom teeth. We had a few rough weeks with teething. It started to get better, but now he's getting three, YES THREE up top now. Poor little fella...hopefully they will come in quickly!