My Dreaded Decisions

Since becoming a parent, decisions are ususally made after much thought is put into them and they don't normally come easy (at least to me).

Pampers or huggies?


Swaddle or don't?


Let them cry it out or not?


I mean the list goes on and on. I'm a very indecisive person any way so now that I have to make decisision for another person...YIKES!

Most of the time I have managed, but there is one decision that has taken me8 LONG MONTHS to make.


DAYCARE!


Since having Avery, we knew that our current (at the time) situation was going to change, as she doesn't take children under the age of 2. This posed a whole new set of decisions to make:

Do we leave Aiden where he is and put Avery somewhere else?

Do we move Aiden (AGAIN) so that he and his sister are together?

Do we put Aiden in an actual preschool somewhere?

AHHHHHH, it's just been too much for me to think about. It took Aiden so long to get used to this current place that I just couldn't see moving him. Plus he'd grown very fond of his teacher and her kids. BUT.....having he and Avery together would be great for both of them (not to mention easy on mommy).

The other thing is that in reality all could stay the same. Aiden could stay where he was and Avery could stay home with Nana, but this too had some major cons and I needed a change!

Luke and I went back and forth about what to do and since it was SUCH a hard decision to make we always just let it go and continued on with life. Then after Christmas I decided to make a move.

We got some reccomendations from a few friends and I knew a few of my swim moms who did daycare nearby so in January we decided to start interviewing candidates for both kids.

The first two were good, but then....we met with Miss Winsome! I've known her for a while since I taught her little boy to swim and we always talked about the possibiltiy of having the kids come to her once the new year arrived but I always disregarded since I was so wishy washy with what I was going to do. Winsome was our last interview and I was very eager to see how she ran things. From the first day I met this woman, there was something very sincere and calming about her. I could tell by her child's manners and nature that he was brought up very well too!!

Let me tell you....I've never made a decision so easily as I did once I left this woman's house! It was perfect and it was like this huge weight had been lifted off my chest!

FINALLY...an EASY decision!

We are now in day three of our new school and I couldn't be happier. Aiden and Avery both seem to love it. I don't have to fight Aiden to get dressed in the morning and he talks about Miss Winsome constantly!

YAY!

I'm crying just talking about it...I'm so happy!

Baa - Bules

Aiden has a few words in his vocabulary...the usual, mama, daddy (sounds more like yaddy), mac (for Mackenzie) but I've been waiting to hear a different word for weeks now. We work with our picture book everyday, looking at fruits and animals, but I get nothing, which is totally fine ;)

Two days ago when he woke up from nap I could smell the nastiness coming from his diaper and I said UH OH. Seconds later I heard a little faint UH OH come from Aiden. I jumped up and down with joy. I thought it was the greatest thing I had EVER heard....that is until yesterday!!

After his morning nap yesterday (yes, it seems that he's has readjusted himself to two naps again) we came downstairs to play and he spotted the large ziploc bag that holds all of his bubble supplies. Without hesitation he looks at me, points to the bag and says.....BAA BULES. I just kind of stared at him, asking myself if I had heard what I thought I heard. I said bubbles to him and he said it again. THIS was the greatest thing I had heard ever!!! It's crazy how much he's changing everyday.

I know I've said it before, but I am blessed to be able to be with him and witness these amazing changes!

Momma's Lil' Fishy

Luke and I took Aiden swimming this past weekend. Because he was still so small and our community pool didn't get above 70 last year, we weren't able to get him in the water that much. This was his first real experience in the water. It was a little iffy in the beginning but once he got used to the water it was on!

He kicked, and splashed and I even dunked him under a bunch too. He absolutely LOVED it, which makes me a happy momma considering how much I love the water. We're going to go as much as we can so that when it comes beach time, we'll all be ready!!!

Aiden Monster

Wowsers...now that I'm home with Aiden I get so see how much he changes from day to day. I also get a hand full of his monsterness (I know that's now a word but for today it is) too. He's really testing my boundaries with everything. Any time I take something away from him, he throws a fit...flopping himself onto the ground and flailing his extremites about.

I am trying the 1-2-3 method with him. It seems to be working. I'll keep you posted on how it's going!

OH..and it seems as though he's beginning to regress with sleeping. Things were going so well for so long and now he's waking up at 3am and WON'T GO BACK TO SLEEP. What....what....what? Maybe he's growing...by his eating habits you would think so :)

We are also trying to get rid of the pacifier. Now I know why they say to not introduce it in the first place..if only I had listened. He's using it only at sleep time but if he spots it (which he can usually do from across the planet) that's when all heck breaks lose. I have to try to discract him but 9 out of 10 times it doesn't work.

Ah, the life of a toddler...

One Extreme to the Next

If you have been following my blogging lately, then you already know that our family has been sick and for a while Aiden had not been eating...or at least eating normally. Well my friends, let me tell you...THAT HAS CHANGED. For the last several days, my child has been a hoover when it comes to meal time. For example, yesterday for breakfast he ate the following:

1/2 of a banana
3 mini pancakes
a cup of blueberries
1 yogurt

OH YES...I'm still going...

cheerios
a cup of milk
a slice of raisin bread

GEES! He's and Luke told me that it was the same for lunch. For dinner he ate 4 dino chicken nuggets, an ENTIRE can of peas, a biscuit and for desert he had a fruit cup. Then he drank an big cup of milk. WHOA!!!

I don't even eat THAT much. I'm glad my little baby is healthy and eating again!!


A healthy, happy boy...trying his best to be like daddy
and keep the floors in the house dirt free!!

He's ONE!!!!

Wow! I know I say it a lot on here but time does fly by so fast. My little Aiden is One.

After scrambling around on Friday and Saturday morning the party got under way at 2 on Saturday. We celebrated with close friends and family. He did quite well considering all the people and chaos that birthday parties can sometimes bring.

Watching him dive into his cake (made specially for him by Miss Watterworth) was quite the scene. It took him a little while to dig in but once he did...HE DID. What a mess but it was all worth it. He got some really great toys..not to many though which made me happy...he alreay has way too many.

I will post the pictures from his party later.

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!

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!!

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!!

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!!

Four Generations!

September produced many of the members of Luke's family, including his grandpa, who's birthday is on September 11th. He's 81 this year!! We ventured to Waynesboro, PA through the rain and wind on Saturday to spend the day with him and Luke's mom's side of the family. It's not every day that you can get four generations of one family in the same room. I really hope that Aiden get's to know his Great Granddad because he is truly a wonderful person!

We started the day off with some bowling. Turns out Luke's granddad and his wife are excellent bowlers. It's been so long since Luke or I bowled..needless to say we were terrible, but it was loads of fun. After bowling we headed over to thier house for some good eatin'. Aiden was so well behaved all day. It's the first time meeting most of the people there and he was such a happy boy all day long. The three of us were exhausted when we got home which made for a great night of sleep.

Sunday was full of football in the Callas household. After Luke's flag football game, we went and met some friends out and enjoyed some adult time! It was a fun filled weekend!

Bowling with the fam!

Daddy and Aiden having some fun!

Aiden and his Great Granddad

Aiden playing with his second cousing Joshua

Aiden's found a new hobby...drummer!!

Daddy and Aiden watching football!

SUCCESS!

So I have been a MIA lately. It's probably because I've been so busy....busy LOSING WEIGHT that is!! Yeah, that's right...FINALLY, I have found something that works for me. I am currently on weight watchers and Monday will make three weeks. I have lost 8 lbs so far and the weight just keeps coming off. I am now 4 lbs away from my "pre Aiden" weight!! It's really much easier than I ever imagined. I can eat whatever as long as I portion my meals and exercise (I have been running/walking 2 miles a day). I'm loving it!

Bathtime

It's really becoming my favorite time of the day. Aiden just loves his baths. He especially loves it when I turn the water on and it comes pouring out of the faucet. He giggles and splashes around and it just makes my day. We usually make it a family affair. The three of us pile into the bathroom and Luke and I just watch him go nuts. We bought a chair that attaches to the side of the tub and it's the GREATEST THING EVER. It makes it so that I don't have to hold on to him every second. He can just sit and play!

Aiden's Half Birthday

Today is Aiden's half birthday. I think it's the only time in one's life when those around them will be excited about the "half" birthday. I can't believe how fast these 6 months have gone by. Gees, it seems like yesterday that I just found out I was pregnant with him. I do know one thing...I can't imagine what my life would be without him in it....probably pretty boring.

This week Luke is on nights so every evening Aiden and I have been hanging out together. We've been taking long walks (and an occasional run) in his jogger and he absolutely loves it. Ocassionally, when I hit a bump he'll giggle, which makes me giggle. There really is nothing better than the sound of your child laughing.

My mom's coming to visit tomorrow and I am very excited. She hasn't seen Aiden since he was a month and a half old so there will be lots of catching up and hanging out. I have to say, it's been a wonderful week so far and a great "half" birthday!!

Our Funny Boy

Here are some of the pics that Robyn took of Aiden on Saturday. He really makes some of the craziest faces!

Relaxing Weekend

We didn't do much this weekend. Luke, Aiden and I hung out on Friday night. Aiden is sitting up so well on his own now. We played on the living room floor for a long time.

Saturday the three of us got up early and headed out to do some shopping. We were going to go to the pool but the storms put a damper on things (no pun intented). On a side note...thunderstorms don't normally bother me, but the one that came through early Saturday morning did...I haven't seen lightning or heard thunder THAT LOUD in forever. Poor Kenzie had wedged himself so close between Luke and the headboard that he got stuck. Any way, back to Saturday. We went out to Costco and Luke even agreed to go grocery shopping with me. These trips usually end in an argument of some sort but this trip went pretty smoothly. it also helps that Aiden is so good in public. We went out to lunch and I decided to try out the high chair. Aid did really well with it. I had to prop a blanket in behind him but he sat there like a little champ while Luke and I enjoyed our lunch. Luke's mom came over that evening and watched the baby for a little while so we could meet some friends of Luke's for drinks. (Robyn got some REALLY FUNNY pics of Aiden that I will post later) We weren't out too long but we had a really good time.

Sunday I got to finally clean my house!!! I can't stand clutter and things were starting to clutter up the house. I had some things to take back to Jess for the baby that were piling up and I was finally able to get them back to her. Danielle and Teaghan came over in the afternoon and we hung out for a while. They stayed for dinner and Danielle got to help me give Aiden a bath which is becoming more and more fun every time. I bought one of those chairs that clip to the side of the tub so that he can sit up on his own and I don't have to hold on to him every second. He LOVES it.

Mommy's Big Helpers

Ok, so I know this probably isn't the safest thing in the world for him to be doing...but you gotta give it to him for multitasking. Dinner on the table AND a happy baby...what more could a mommy ask for?

Sleep!!!!!

All I have to say is YAY! For the first time in who knows how long I got five and a half hours of CONSECUTIVE sleep! Apparently the Ferber sleep method is working for Aiden. He fussed for about two minutes last night and then fell right to sleep. I went down about an hour after he did and then at around 4:30 this moring I jumped up out of bed and ran to his room thinking that something must be wrong. To my surprise, there he was sleeping so peacefully. I wanted to pick him up and give him the biggest hug and just scream thank you as loud as I could...but of course I didn't, I wanted to go back to sleep!

It really is amazing how much better they feel in the morning after getting long hours of sleep themselves. The last two mornings I haven't even heard him, he is just playing in his crib and he is so happy when I come into the room. He looks up at me and smiles and it makes my heart melt. Again I say...MOMMYHOOD IS THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD!!!