Welcome to our World!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Ayden!

2010-10-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? Our little boy is 3!!

He's so wonderful - talking, learning to use the potty - and using his imagination! He loves to play kitchen, house, he loves to have his own toys use the potty and play "get the baby from the crib because she's crying!"...

He's beautiful. The last 3 years have been such a joy and he's such a wonderful brother to his sister. They are so close and so protective of each other.

We had a little party for Ayden - here are some photos.
Be looking for more updates on our family soon - we're loving our life in Ashburn and living near DC - Ayden is really big into hockey and his daddy has taken him to several Capitals games.

Much love!

Animal park, July 2010

2010-10-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

Monday night football and new boots

2010-10-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ayden at home

2010-10-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Out with Baba

2010-10-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

Fun June day with their baba

2010-09-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hello!

2010-06-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

1-2-3

2010-06-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

2010-06-07T19:08:00.001-07:00

2010-05-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

Fun with robots - boooom

2010-04-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Day 2 at Dinasaur Park

2010-04-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

Wheeee - Dinasaur Park

2010-04-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

Tis the season!

2009-11-30T15:54:00.000-08:00

Our babies are growing up fast and quickly becoming best friends - we're moving from Fall into Winter, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, into a new year - where Mina will turn 1 and Ayden will turn 3. It's amazing how time flies!

Ayden is talking up a storm and Mina is crawling everywhere and pulling herself up onto everything. She's starting solid foods and absolutely loves her mommy and daddy and especially her big brother. She's got such a personality - my little diva. Here are some pictures and videos to tickle your fancy - I'm sure we will have plenty more where that came from as the season moves forward :)

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Our first trick or treat experience with both kids was a success! We went around the neighborhood some and got some candy (and even toys) from very gracious givers - it was great! Despite the rainy weather we still got both kids dressed and had a blast showing them off to the neighbors! Halloween is my favorite day so I look forward to the years when the kids actually know what's going on - I sense some decorating, pumpkin carving, and lots of trick or treating in the future!

Here they are - Mina the ladybug and Ayden the pumpkin! I think they're adorable!

Where have we been?

2009-10-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

Where HAVEN'T we been is really the question! I'm so excited to be back on. I've made a lot of changes to the blog - as you can see - and it's become my top priority to keep up with it and add new pictures and videos of our beautiful, growing family.

Mina and Ayden are doing fabulous as are Ali and I. We have moved recently and are now settled in a home that better suits are needs. Ali is working hard and the babies are growing fast. Ayden just turned 2 last week and has now started preschool! He has started talking - I love hearing him say Mama! He's so friendly and loves to say hello, bye bye, and thank you! Mina is a big girl - smiling and laughing - and already crawling at 5 months! She's beautiful and is looking more like her big brother everyday. They have so much fun together! I love watching them grow and being a mother is truly inspiring - I could not see my life any other way. I plan on posting plenty of new pictures and videos so bear with me - but for now - enjoy a few and take a look at the new layout - I promise to continue to change it and make it beautiful - being able to blog about my life that I so love has been an amazing experience. Thank you for bearing with us during our long pause - but we're back, welcome to our world again! Please keep it here for new pictures and videos very soon - for now, have a sneak peek!

Our beautiful growing boy!

A happy grandma!
She's so beautiful - our best Mina Grace!

Ayden blowing out the candles on his 2nd birthday!

Long time no blog!

2009-08-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

Things have been so busy - I'm so sorry for the lack of updates and pictures. The kids are doing great! Mina is getting so big - she's chubby and just has the sweetest personality. I absolutely love her smile! She's a pretty good sleeper for the most part but I think she's starting to teeth. It was horrible with Ayden so I hope it's a little better for her. Ayden is doing fabulous although he still doesn't talk much - he says a few things. He starts preschool on October 19 and we're really excited about that! He's going two days a week for 3 hours a day - and he'll get a lot of interaction with other kids and a really nice structured curriculum. We had a great time at the beach and we are currently in the middle of a move - we're going to a new townhouse that has a better floorplan for us, and Ayden will have his own playroom. I'm so excited about that - we move this week and next! Here are some new pictures for now and hopefully I'll be able to catch up soon and post more!

Mina Smiles!

2009-07-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl has started smiling and has such a sweet and loving personality - she's truly a Momma's Girl right now but that may change in the future. She's 11lbs 5oz and 23 inches long with a huge full head of hair - and she's just a sweetheart. She loves the hanging zebra on her bouncy chair and laughs at him...it's so cute.

Anyhoo - here are some pictures of our smiling girl.

Summer is here!

2009-06-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

Well, the hot days of summer have arrived! We have a lot planned for our now family of 4 for the next few months! We're having some pals over for July 4 to meet Mina, that should be fun, and then Ali got tickets to a professional soccer game in Washington D.C. that he's excited about on July 29...and then my Mommy's Day gift this year was a ticket to see American Idol on August 4...yay for a night off, I'm so psyched about it! We head off to our yearly beach vacation in the Outer Banks from August 8-15 - way excited for that too. I can smell football season already!

Mina has half smiling now, she's so sweet, and she's sleeping in her own bed (waking up twice a night) which is awesome! Ayden is going over to her, bending down and saying "hi baby." I LOVE it! He is such a good big brother! He's also pointing to her toes and saying "Toe" - but he doesn't do it on cue - someday I'll catch it on film!

Anyhoo, here's a few updated photos of our babies - growing so fast - can you believe in 4 months Ayden will be 2?! Stop the clock!

It's been a month!

2009-06-20T04:29:00.000-07:00

Our little girl is one month old! She's growing great - at her weigh in she was 9lbs 11oz and 22 inches long. She's precious and such a wonderful addition to our family and her big brother absolutely loves her. He's always rubbing her head and kissing her when she gets upset. She's starting to get quite a personality - I think she's a lot like her daddy, just like Ayden is! We still don't know what color her eyes are - I have a funny feeling they're brown.

Here are some new pictures of both Mina and Ayden (who is now 20 months old, only 4 months until he's 2 years old - that's crazy!) - enjoy!

Cute brother and sister!

2009-06-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

Even though Ayden has been acting out a LOT lately to get attention - he truly loves his sister and she's a cutie at that - she has her eyes open a lot more lately and has had more awake time during the day which is great - we're getting to know her and we can't wait until she gives us a sincere smile, I can already tell when she has gas that she has such a beautiful little grin!

Enjoy some new pictures!

We love hair bows!

2009-05-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

So I finally did it - I put bows in Mina's hair - I couldn't help it! I have to admit, they're so cute! Here's some other pictures as well...we're exhausted but absolutely loving life with our babies! Also some pics from Mothar Joon (I think I'm spelling this wrong, Ali's mother!) visiting over the week! Enjoy!

More Mina Pictures!

2009-05-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

As requested :)

Almost 2 weeks!

2009-05-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been 12 days as a family of four - and I'm shocked at how well we've transitioned. I am still just loving my little girl - and I love how great our family fits together. Ayden is an awesome big brother and he's growing and learning new things each day and he's trying to show his sister! Mina is doing fabulous and we have another appointment for her on Tuesday the 2nd - I've been doing great with breastfeeding and am hoping that will continue. Next Wednesday will be the first day that I'll be alone the whole day by myself - I'm trying to mentally and physically prepare as Mina has her nights and days mixed up - something else we have to work on. I'm running on pure love right now :)

Here are some new pictures and also a video of Ayden that is adorable.

We're Home!

2009-05-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

We are finally home from the hospital - we got back yesterday around 3 and we are settling in okay. The nights are going to be rough for a while until we establish a routine because Ayden still has sleep problems - but it was just the first night so I wasn't expecting it to be wonderful. I knew sleep deprivation was going to be a struggle for the first few months :) I'm still recovering and in some pain, especially where the spinal and epidural were, and am having a lot of dizzy spells from it as a result. I'm sure as time passes I will recover but for now, I'm continuing to nurse the pain and try and rest. Ayden just loves his little sister - it's like she was here all along! She's part of our family and we're completely in love with her - now if only she'd get her days and nights right, we'd be in business :)

Enjoy some new photos of our beautiful family!

Introducing Mina Grace!

2009-05-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

Our little girl is here! I just can't believe it! My water broke on its own ... I think sometime Thursday afternoon, the 14th, but it wasn't confirmed until my doctor's appointment the next day on the 15th. After 12 hours of labor, natural delivery no longer seemed possible, so Mina was born via c-section. Here are her stats:

Mina Grace
May 15, 2009
11:21 PM
8lb 9oz
21 inches long
13.5 inch head

She's such a sweetheart. She looks a lot like her brother (although chubbier, and chipmunk cheeks!), and she has taken to breastfeeding like a champ. With Ayden, I never experienced that first cry, and I must say with her - that was amazing. I am still in awe that I brought another life into this world! I also was not able to bond with Ayden for a while and breastfeeding truly suffered but she has jumped right in and we have an excellent bond going - I am loving that feeding time with her! I am still in the hospital but am going home tomorrow, Tuesday, and can't wait to have my family together at last. I am so happy to no longer be pregnant and at this point, we think we may be done, but won't make an official decision for about 3 more years. We are so complete and I just feel so over the moon with how things are. We are so blessed and couldn't ask for more! Enjoy some pictures and video below and keep it here for more updates on our new family of 4!

Meet Our New Ride!

2009-05-01T08:32:00.001-07:00

Meet the newest member of our family - the Honda Odyssey! We decided that with two children, my small Hyundai was no longer going to work for us - so we are now "soccer parents"! It's beautiful, has leather seats, a GREAT trunk (his stroller used to take up my whole entire trunk, now it just takes up a small fraction!), awesome space, and it smells terrific! I love the automatic doors and heated seats too! It's also very easy to drive!

Here she is!

Ayden's New Talent!

2009-04-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

He's learning! This makes my life a little easier, that's for sure!

Finally! A new camera!

2009-04-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

It has happened! We FINALLY have a new digital camera that works! As promised, here are some pictures of our little one - and of my full term belly. She could come at any point - but I doubt she will before her due date.

Enjoy - here's our 18 month old boy!

A New Word!

2009-04-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

I think it's official that Ayden is an athlete - one of his first noticeable words.

This is his daddy's fault :)

36 weeks along!

2009-04-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well, little Mina is still baking at 36 weeks as she should be - but we are now officially in a waiting stage. Things have started to progress and we are really hoping and praying she will come on her own naturally and avoid the c-section that we have scheduled for May 20, 2009 at 9 AM - exactly 4 weeks from today. She's getting bigger and on her last ultrasound measured about 5lb 9oz...we'll see if she can compete with her brother later, but let's hope she's a little smaller.

Ayden is ready to be a big brother - although he is definitely in that toddler stage that is extremely difficult to handle at times. He's such a sweetheart though and is slowly trying to talk. See the video below and also my most recent belly picture - you never know when it will be the last! The countdown is on until we're a family of 4 and will no longer, ever sleep again!

Our new digital camera is shipping so as soon as we have it and can actually take real pictures, I will certainly post new ones of our little boy and soon to be our little girl!

Happy Easter 2009!

2009-04-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

We hope everyone has had a WONDERFUL Easter! We enjoyed time with friends and family in Richmond, Virginia - and lots of wonderful food! Ayden had a grand ol' time searching for his Easter basket and found some toys inside - his Gampy also picked him out a fabulous Easter outfit that showed off his handsome face...although he is usually good about showing that off anyway :)

Little one has been scratching his face, so there are a few flaws in the pictures, but otherwise, I wanted to share some pics of our big 18 month old man...and one additional picture of me in my Easter dress. We have about 5.5 weeks until we're a family of four - WOW!

Mina's "official" date.

2009-03-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Well, they scheduled a c-section for May 20, 2009 at 9 AM. I am hoping to labor on my own before then and have her naturally. I am really dreading the c-section - so everyone hope and pray for us that we will have a more pleasant birth experience this time around, no matter what happens.

Also, this is my actual due date, so the ticker on the right of the blog, and the "days left" will officially tell you how much longer we have until the c-section. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that self-induction will work.

Introducing Mina's new room!

2009-03-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is! I absolutely love it and want to thank my mom, my husband, and especially my mother-in-law who were so patient with me and helped me buy the items. I know she won't know the difference ultimately - but I never expected to have a baby girl...and I want to treat her like a baby girl :) I admit that having a lot of pink is still really weird to me but it's kind of neat and exciting and I wouldn't give up that feeling for anything! I still have a few more items to get such as a white lamp to replace the one in there and some other receiving blankets, burp cloths, etc, but for now, we are almost there. I don't have any pictures of her closet because it is still a work in progress with organizing, making sure we have her clothes, etc and so forth, so it's a bit of a tornado at the moment. We have about 8 weeks left til she's born. You can track the pregnancy on the right side of our blog under my pregnancy ticker!

Without further ado...

The view from the door:
Her changing table area:

I just absolutely love the wall hangings here - they match the rack over the changing table, the people who made it are awesome!

And her socket covers are in her theme - I love these too...they're so cute!

Booyah! Goal!

2009-03-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

Little one is becoming just like his daddy - how appropriate! He's a great soccer player but before he would only kick and smile. Way back when, however, his daddy would yell "GOAL!!" whenever he would kick in my belly - and how he yells "GOAL - BOOYAH!!" - Ayden has caught on :) Check out this video of his reaction, even though we're not sure what he's really saying, we're pretty sure he's trying to mimic his daddy :)

Also below - enjoy my alien belly. Mina is truly making her mark in there! I'm not sure what's up with the quality of the belly videos but they were taken on my cell phone - so it might look a little weird! Also, a picture of my 31 week belly - 6-9 weeks to go but I'm not ready yet! The doctor is going to let me attempt a natural birth up until a little after 40 weeks ... if she hasn't come on her own yet (she BETTER, I don't want another c-section) - our c-section date will either be May 22 or May 26 - but we're hoping she'll just migrate on down on her own, if you know what I'm saying :)

Some more pics and video of Mina!

2009-03-03T14:28:00.001-08:00

Here are some more 3/D photos of our little Mina! I haven't had a lot of time for videos but check back in another day or two and there should be some more on here :) There's one more added on this post at the bottom!

And more videos of her :) More later!

Meet Mina - in 3/D!

2009-03-03T07:59:00.001-08:00

We got to see our little girl today - in 3/D! The imaging place we go to for regular ultrasounds offered a one-time-only complimentary session with images and some video on DVD! It was wonderful. She is gorgeous, I can tell already (yep, I'm biased, but that's okay!) - she so looks like her daddy and I can see Ayden in her too. She was such a good girl and gave us some great shots. She was definitely sleepy but I loved seeing her - and she is getting pudgy, looking about the same size as Ayden was (yikes!). She is head down, which is great! She's truly precious and we are very much in love with her! So without further ado, meet Mina Grace ... in technicolor :)

This is her foot, in case you can't tell!

This is her little hand over the face!

This is her arms by her head!

She's all snuggly in there - look at her features, that's Ali!

And little Mina Grace - in video! I have lots of video but it's hard to upload, so this is just a teaser for now :)

Nursery Progress for baby #2!

2009-02-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

We've made a lot of progress on Mina's room - at this point in Ayden's pregnancy, we were already done and just waiting on supplies and such in order to complete it - but now, we only have 3 months left, and we hadn't even started yet! We took some time out this weekend to get things cleaned up and ready - and I'm so excited with the progress we've made and how it's coming together! Since we are not getting a baby shower for her, we've been able to come up with a lot of ideas on how to save money with the new stuff we need to get - and of course, we're also re-using a lot of Ayden's stuff! Pink is so different from blue, but I have to say, it's kind of fun! Here's a sneak peek at her nursery, still a work in progress, and my 6 month pregnant belly!

Belly progress first!
And now, her room!

He's got mad skills!

2009-02-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

Well, Ayden is officially my little helper! It's amazing how much he's learned and so quickly. He knows when it's time to make the bed - I ask him to help and he brings me pillows (he gets so excited when he does this!) - and when I have taken a shower, and it's time for me to put my make up on (I use natural light, not bathroom light) - he knows to open the curtains for me and he helps me put it on. He's adorable! I guess he knows mommy is having a hard time moving around because I'll say "Ayden, can you get mommy's water bottle off the floor and bring it to her?" and he'll go find it and hand it to me - he even tries to take the cap off but I'm glad he doesn't know how to do that! He's such an amazing boy and I can't imagine my life without him - I know Ali is the same way! I caught a little bit of his helping on video, see below, and we had his 15 month appointment yesterday - here are his stats!

Height: 31.25 inches (60th percentile)
Weight: 23.1 pounds (30th percentile)
His head is in the 50th percentile but I can't remember how big it is!

Enjoy the video - we are starting Mina's nursery this weekend so I will certainly keep updated on all the photos - her nursery bedding is adorable (we're doing a lady bug theme!) - thanks so much to my Mom Etebari who bought all of the stuff to make it happen!

He recognizes!

2009-02-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

We recently bought the "Your Baby Can Read" package - it's awesome. It's a set of DVD's and flashcards, etc, that are really helpful in teaching babies to read and recognize at early ages. At first, he refused to watch or learn, but now, he gets upset when it's not on! He's doing awesome and has started to recognize new things that he didn't know before! I highly recommend the package to anyone with small children and we plan on starting Mina on it way earlier than we started Ayden. It's been great.
http://www.yourbabycan.com/

See the video!

Look at our growing boy!

2009-01-30T05:20:00.001-08:00

Our little boy is growing and is so excited to have a baby sister coming in May (see the video below where he knows where she is - he loves to give her kisses!) He's communicating with us, dancing his little heart away, and loves to play with his soccer balls and basketballs. He's a little athlete already! He knows how to dribble the ball and put it into the basket and understands "throw" and "slam dunk"! He digs eating grapes, bananas, peas, raviolis (his favorite), macaroni and cheese, potatoes, rice, yogurt, crackers, apples, - and anything we eat, so we've really had to watch our diets! When I sit down to eat, half my plate goes to him! He eats pretty much constantly! He is so social and loves other kids and understands the word "share". He's identifying specific toys and is great at obeying when we ask him to brush his teeth or go upstairs. His sleeping habits aren't any better though, I swear we still have a newborn! We are getting his new toddler bed soon and will be transitioning him a little bit early because we aren't buying a second crib for Mina. We're hoping this transition will help to ease some of his sleeping woes.

We got a new camcorder for Christmas courtesy of my parents (THANK YOU!) so I'm going to try and post a few videos here. He's been really sick lately and hasn't been able to see a lot of friends and family - so this is our way of updating on how he's doing. He's a growing boy at 22 pounds and 31 inches and he already knows what the potty is even though he can't fully use it yet (he has done some business in it a few times though and then claps afterwards, he knows what a big boy does!) He's got all of his teeth now and is learning to say things such as Mama, Dada, banana, and bye. He loves to wave at everyone on the street! I will try and update when I can and get some new pictures up - for now, enjoy our growing boy, now 15 months old!

It's a GIRL!

2008-12-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

Meet baby #2...SHE looks great and SHE is all GIRL! Ali and I kind of knew it but we're still getting used to the idea :) I'm sure she'll be a little cutie pie, although I plan on turning her into a tomboy :)

Here are some pictures of her! :) I have more and will add later!!

Happy Birthday, baby!

2008-10-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Well, October 18 has come and gone, and our little boy turned 1! I can't believe how time has passed and how he has grown. Being parents has changed us in ways we could never describe. Each day we wake up and he has done something new - he knows his toys - when I say "kitty" or "puppy" he knows where to go. He also knows how to slam dunk into his basketball toy. He loves his Curious George monkey and sleeping next to his mommy. He is truly the light of our lives and we had a beautiful party to celebrate his great day. Here are some pictures! Unfortunately we have just moved and are still working on getting settled and we didn't have internet for a while and I'm very tired from baby #2 - so I haven't been able to update much - but I will try.

Our big announcement!

2008-10-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it's about time I updated our blog, right?! We've had so much going on and I've been exhausted - and that's mainly because...

We're expecting BABY NUMBER 2!! That's right, we're due May 20, 2009 - and it is just one baby! We are so happy and over the moon and hope that everyone will continue to check in for updates and belly pictures as time progresses towards Ayden being a big brother!

Ayden has new talents!

2008-09-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

See video ... he gets better and better :) ! Our big boy!

Our growing boy...

2008-09-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a video of our growing boy - we can't believe how time has flown. He is truly a joy!

What an amazing time! We are about to celebrate Ayden's 1st birthday, and with the move, and reuniting with family, we are very busy - so forgive our lack of blogging! Hugs from all of us!

Long time, no blog!

2008-08-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well, time flies, doesn't it? We have been beyond busy. I've had no time to fill everyone in on our wonderful life changes that are taking place. First and foremost, our baby is doing so great. He's beautiful, so smart, and absolutely the most loving human being I think I've ever known....and...he's going to be A YEAR OLD! I can't believe he's already 10 months. He's learned so much and he teaches us something new every single day. He's taking little steps and is working on standing on his own - he is a 20 1/2 pound, 30 inch long cutie pie from up above!

Another big piece of news - we are MOVING! I am so excited to announce that Ali has accepted a new position in Ashburn, Virginia - in the hills...the country...just like home. We have rented a new townhouse and are so excited to start a new life there. We move October 4 - so keep here for updates on the new place and the new changes in our lives!

It has been such a long summer! We've traveled so many places and have met new people. Ayden has done beautifully and is growing at lightspeed pace - right before our eyes! We are proud to say we love being parents, and are looking forward to being new parents again ... hopefully soon :)

That's about it for now! Enjoy some new photos of our baby - look at how big he is and all his hair! He's our star, that's for sure! I promise to do more blogs once I get rechargeable batteries in my camera!

He has 8 teeth!!
He's truly a momma's boy!
He's such a gentleman...so handsome.
He loves to read with daddy...he says "tv bad, mommy, I want BOOKS!"
He has the cutest mohawk in the world, that's for sure!

Who is this baby?

2008-07-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Wow, where has the time gone? Our baby is growing up so fast - he's gone from this innocent little pint sized bean in the crib - to a crawling, cruising, cooing little cutie who has so much to say and do. He is amazing. I can't believe he came from us.

He has learned to say "dada" all the time - really, that's all he ever says. He looks up at Ali and says "Dada" all the time. I think he has forgotten how to say "Mama" and I really miss that. Still, yet still, he looks up to me with those puppy eyes - and sweetly reaches up - and as I pull him in and give him those big hugs and kisses that he seems to crave - I know he knows - and remembers where he came from, and who could never live without him.

Here are some new photos of our boy and what he's been up to - he's into everything!

3 months to go...

2008-07-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

3 months to go until the day I have been dreading since he was born...his 1st birthday. Time flies so much. I can't believe that it was 9 months ago that I first held my little boy - the last time he kicked my ribs, the last time I felt him push his little foot out my side - or raise his little bum out the top of my spleen. It feels like it was yesterday - but it wasn't. These 9 months have been so wonderful and I've learned so much - and no matter if I do sit here sometimes and contemplate how easy life was with just me...I would never, ever change it for anything. The 3 AM wake up calls are still so worth it. The temper tantrums, poopie diapers, scratches to my face, and bangs to my head - all worth it. What is life like without children? I couldn't imagine my life any differently and I know this is what Ali and I were meant to do.

Ayden's 9 month stats: 8 teeth (yowza!), crawling, cruising, pulling up, standing on his own but unable to take a step yet, cooing, cahing, saying "dada", "mama", and "achoo", and as of yesterday, finally clapping! I woke up at 3 AM this morning to him clapping. He is so cute. He weighs in at 19 pounds 4 oz and has his 9 month check up on July 25. What a beautiful boy we have raised. I thank the Lord everyday for his blessing - honestly, I think we might be the luckiest parents alive.

Our little stander!
That beautiful smile!
He's such a happy, light-of-our-lives, little one!
I love his little toothy grin!
He's pretty darn smart too!
I think he's got a lot of mommy and a lot of daddy!

Hot Fun in the Summer!

2008-07-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it! We had our first major vacation to the beach with my family! Overall, it was a wonderful time - some bad weather and bumps along the way (I ended up being sick part of the week, which was awful!) - but it was such a great time! Ayden LOVED the water and the beach. We had some wonderful moments walking him along the ocean, playing with him in the pool, showing him mother nature at her finest. What a great trip it was! We enjoyed lots of food, family, fun...and our first vacation - as PARENTS!

A milestone to sneeze about...

2008-06-29T11:01:00.001-07:00

Well, our boy has learned yet another trick - when we say "achoo!" he says it back. It is absolutely the cutest thing. He will also say "dadadadada" back to us as well. We are so amazed everyday by him and the things he does. I just cannot believe that he has learned so much and is showing us how smart and brave he is every single day. He's so wonderful. I see now why people want so many children - even though it's difficult, you lose sleep, you don't eat or shower or use the bathroom peacefully - children are the best thing to ever happen. They really are. He's the best thing that's ever happened to us - and I love waking up every single day to him.

A few new photos because we know you love them!

Here's a little snippet of our boy's new trick!

He may be a daddy's boy...

2008-06-27T04:31:00.000-07:00

I think we have the classic" daddy's boy" syndrome on our hands! I always thought this little one was a momma's boy - since he sees me all day and daddy at night and on the weekends. I always thought he wanted MY attention. Well that's changed! Yesterday when Ali came home - Ayden immediately started crawling towards him, hoopin' and yellin' for him. When Ali looked at him and said he was going up the steps to change his clothes, and then disappeared, Ayden immediately started to cry and scream - and quickly cruised to the end of the kitchen, around the corner, and started to struggle up the steps - screaming all the way. Ali put his head outside the bathroom door and said he'd be right there - and little one got so excited, then he disappeared again, and he screamed to get up the steps. It's amazing. He's growing so fast and so much and he just loves his daddy now - I think he still loves me, what do you think?!

And of course he loves his daddy - and looks like him too!
He can do magic tricks! (Doesn't it look like the spoon is balancing on his head?!)
I guess he still loves me if he still smiles at me!
He's our little tax deduction - but we love him more than that!
Sweet face boy...
He's so tall and handsome!
He makes life worth living, no matter who he loves more!

Playdates and Personalities...

2008-06-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

You know, I never thought my child would become the bully of the playdates. I mean - that's exactly what is happening! I think the other moms are scared of him - like "oh no, Ayden isn't coming is he?" because he has been jumping on their children - pulling hair, biting, pinching...hitting. He's made several babies cry. I don't know where I went wrong! I know he's curious and active, and of course, exploring - but ... he's my sweet, innocent baby and he's turned into a basket case! He is constantly whining to get what he wants - he's learned to scream, and pull up on me when he wants me. He's very impatient.

Gee...I wonder who he got this from?

I'm hiding in the corner now - can you see me?!

See...we may not look that much alike - but when he's being sweet, we're both in a good mood!
He looks curious here at this particular playdate...
And then he proceeded to maul another child. She of course, cried.
Buuttt after all was said and done, and he became extremely cranky with the other parents and children, he decided to fall asleep. Ah, parenthood! Welcome to the club, right?!

Our boy is growing...

2008-06-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

Look at how big he's getting! He looks like such a little man - so adorable in every way and has such a personality. He's become what we like to call "whine-esy" - he loves to whine in order to get things, and he screeches, and squeals, screams, and cries if he doesn't like something a certain way. I swear I didn't teach him this! But he is very persistent, and I think that's a great quality to have. He's such a wonderful baby and I couldn't ask for more...

Doesn't his hair look light?!
He snuck onto the coffee table and got my glass...luckily it was empty!
He's such a cutie when he's trying to troublemake.
He loves his feet too!
The puppy face I get each time I say the word "no". He knows what that means now and he doesn't like it!
Simply irresistable!
The "I don't like pictures with you, mom!" stage has officially started...15 years early!

Little Boy Blue...

2008-06-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

He toots my horn, that's for sure! Here's our 8 month old beautiful baby boy!

Can you resist him? I can't!
The "stink face"...
The "I'm trying to look innocent but I really just broke this tape" face...
Sweet...sweet...little boy in blue...
Howdy, folks! This way to the hay ride!
I'm comin' for you!

Happy 8 Months, baby!

2008-06-18T04:27:00.000-07:00

And a beautiful, wonderful, exciting, happy 8 months it has been...today, our little baby turns 8 months old. On October 18, 2007, at 5:47 PM, Ayden Ali was born safe and healthy at 8 lbs 5 oz. It was the worst day of my life with the c-section gone wrong, the horrible recovery, him being taken away - but also the best because my son was born - and I couldn't imagine my life without him. He has 5 teeth and is sprouting two more, he's eating lots of solids and loves squash and peas and bananas - he loves to coo and razz. He says "Momma" and "dadadadada" and loves to sleep on his daddy's chest or in mommy's arms. He's wonderful and has changed so much. He's growing so fast. I wish I could stop the clock sometimes because before you know it, I won't be able to hold him in my arms anymore and kiss his head, and tell him I love him - at least not without him telling me to stop because it's embarrassing. This is my time with him now, and I'm loving every moment.

Here's a trip down memory lane...

Whose that baby in there?
Mommy's big belly...she is still paying for that!
Just born....mommy's favorite picture.
Mommy saying hello for the first time...the greatest moment of her whole life.
One day old...
In the car seat on the way home...October 21, 2007.
In the carseat today...June 18, 2008.
My sweet baby boy today...all grown up...

Happy Father's Day, Buh Buh!

2008-06-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

So Ali's first Father's Day has come and gone - and the best father in the whole world seemed to have a wonderful time bonding with his little baby boy in Richmond. We visited my parents again this past weekend and enjoyed Ayden's little coo's and cah's - and him pulling himself up onto EVERYTHING! We gave Ali a lovely collage of his favorite pictures of Ayden and he also got a 30.00 gift certificate to Home Depot (his favorite hang out!).

Here are some pictures to celebrate the best daddy in the world - of course ,they're mostly of Ayden, I mean he makes Ali the father he is ... doesn't he?

Ayden and his daddy!
Chillin' in the stroller (it was pretty hot though!)
He still loves his mommy!
We would die for that smile!
We swear ... he IS perfect!!
He loves his feet!

I'm melting...melting...

2008-06-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

Oh he just melts my heart...every...single...time, as you will see why - in the following video and pictures...oh heaven help me - hold me up! I'm in love! (and in the video towards the end, yes, that's me saying "Can I have a kiss?" - and yes, he gives me one right back!)

To the Pool, mommy! To the Pool!

2008-06-05T15:17:00.001-07:00

Ayden had his first experience in our pool today. He absolutely hated it. I wish he would have liked it more - but it was slightly cold on his cute little "feets" as his daddy calls them. He got a little used to it but never warmed up completely - we're going to have to work on that! I wanted to share some pictures from the day...Ayden's first pool experience...sort of.

Getting ready for the day...I got my cool beach clothes and my neat beach hat...
I'm ready, Mom. Bring on the water...and the chlorine...and my cool float.

Leaves from the storm? Oh that's ok. I'll eat them.
I dunno, Daddy. It's a wee bit chilly in there for a pint little one such as I!
This is not a happy face!
She's tryin' to talk me into it...not so much!
But I don't wanna!!

Now this is livin'!
See, I forgave her!

Ayden stands up for a cause! (Well, almost!)

2008-06-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, I'm a big promoter of child welfare. I used to work as a Volunteer Coordinator for a wonderful non-profit organization known as CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. My beautiful co-workers sent Ayden a onesie - in particular, his onesie is special to Henrico County, VA CASA - which is where my heart is.

I wanted to present Ayden modeling this cause today and hope that you will check out the national CASA site to better understand their great cause - and see if you would be interested in volunteering or donating!

http://www.nationalcasa.org
http://www.henricocasa.org

Headin' to the Park with Friends...

2008-06-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

Another lovely day here in central Maryland - so of course, we met up with the mommies group and went to a park. It was great fun. We had a little picnic and enjoyed a child across the way who decided to pull down his pants right in front of us - and pee right there in the mulch. Needless to say whenever Ayden dropped a toy - I was a little weary of what the mulch actually consisted of.

It was lovely fun. The weather is supposed to turn bad again - and this morning when he looked up at me with those glowing brown eyes and said "Moooommmm" (he really did) - I thought, how could I deny him the last nice day of the week? The basement doesn't do him justice! Here are some pics from our day in the park with friends...

Ayden and his friend, Scarlett, she's 13 months - and so adorable! When Ayden was eating his sweet potatoes, she kept going "Yummm."
Speaking of yum, I know you wanted to see what I had for lunch!
How am I supposed to start my ride without the keys? Darn it, loosen the belt!
Callin' all grandmas - Mommy is letting me chew sticks!
Just kiddin' ... that's a teething stick...it's not really a stick. I am going to love to do this out in public though, like at parks, or on hikes...I can only imagine the looks I'll get when my kid is doing this...
He even went down the slide again today! I think he had fun!

He has many faces...

2008-06-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Oh boy. Ayden has become expressive. He has a personality - now when I say personality, it's not like when he came out type of personality - like "oh isn't he cute, look at his little dimples, aw, he has the sweetest cry when he's hungry!" - no, not like that.

I mean pure personality. He has such spark, such wit, such a way of getting what he wants. He knows exactly how to press my buttons. He has learned to squeal. He has learned his "fake" cry which is "tearless" and sounds like a literal "Wahhh." He whines worse than his mommy! He's so funny the way he tries to manipulate the situation - "maybe if I look cute, I can have that toy instead of this one" - "maybe if I give her the puppy face, I can have sweet peas instead of winter squash." Oh what a spitfire we've created!

I swear each time I think I love him all I can - like I have no love left - I find more. It's amazing.

So I introduce to you, without further ado, the many faces of Ayden.

"Okay mom, I know I did something in my pants, but I'm not sure if it's a Code Yellow or a Code Brown...it doesn't smell like roses though!"
"Mom, as if?! First off, I want the plastic keys, not the plastic car, and secondly, why are you all up in my face? Pipe down. We all know I'm cute, you don't have to prove it!"

"I do love you, mom, but you're flat out weird."
"So if I'm quiet - maybe they won't find me with my hand stuck in the VCR...she's going to give me that darn alphabet ball again - and I really want this cool ditty instead...so shhh."

"If I show 'em my munchers, I'm more likely to get what I want - just because it's THAT cute!"

"Okay, Mom. It's gettin' old. Don't make me break out the squeal."

"If I give you this face, can I sleep in your bed tonight?"
"How much cuter do I have to be so you'll let me climb up the treadmill? Come on now!"
"Ah...indecision...the walker looks fun too...I'm not sure, Mom. Gimme a few minutes!"

The Great Outdoors

2008-05-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

What a great day it was today! We had high 70's and sunny - clear blue sky - absolutely beautiful! I took Ayden out on a walk at a local place with some other mommies from the area. It was so relaxing and nice! We also discovered Ayden likes teething biscuits. My friend let me borrow one (well not like he's going to give it back, right?!) and he loved it. He also had his first Cheerio - he chewed it well and swallowed it. I'm going to have to buy him a box!

But we enjoyed the lake - the geese (they find strollers interesting, does my son smell like bread?) and we had a nice lunch at a local bakery. It was great to interact with adults. These reruns of Project Runway are getting old and I think Ayden is bored with the basement. Everytime I start walking down the steps with him - he starts to cry. I walk back up. He smiles. I walk back down. He cries. It does smell funny, like old soup, but I can't imagine it's all that bad...so we're taking advantage of the weather and enjoying life, enjoying this little one, who is just now learning to explore the world. The lake in this great weather wasn't the only beautiful site to see!

This is where we went walking...

Enjoying the stroller...
Aw Mom, I love you!
You crack me up, stop being silly, mommy!
And my first teething biscuit - yummy!

Do you hear that?

2008-05-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

I hear something .... it's the little whisper - a faint, but beautiful sound - the sound of our son's voice, speaking to us! I wish he could actually say words that make sense - the goo goo, gah gah, BAH BAH, is a little bit hard to understand - but it really is the best thing. Recently Ayden has started making the cutest sounds - little razzles, little coos, that he didn't use to do before. He really is trying. He looks up at me - with those blaring brown eyes - as if he is trying to say something - as if he thinks I understand. When I peer back down - he reaches his arms up for me now - I feel so loved each time. He has reached so many milestones!

He has perfected crawling.
He can pull himself to a standing position.
He can pull himself from lying down to a sitting position - he does this on the diaper changing table and in his crib - diaper changes are so difficult now, and we had to move the crib down a notch. He's a smart boy!
He is slowly trying to crawl up the steps - this usually leads to his little boom boom hitting the ground in a hard thump after he loses his balance - it is adorable.
He has also learned to cough for attention. How lovely. He knows I jump if he chokes on something, so needless to say, this has become his attention-getting mechanism.
He loves to hit things, especially the edge of the treadmill. We're not sure his motive here. Ha.
He loves his cat - he will go to the cat's gate and climb up, shake it, and scream to me out of anger that he can't get to the cat - instead he sticks his hands through the gate while the kitty cat rubs against him.

He has also learned what kisses are. I say "gimme a kiss!" and he'll grab my face and pull me in. I love his little kisses - they're wet - but the best.

He is such a great baby. He is having some sleep difficulties when he's alone in his crib and since he sprouted his 5th tooth - is still having issues with his teeth. He is so cute with his little buck teeth up front.

But what a great thing - to see the little human you created ... growing, learning...imitating. I am such a proud mommy.

Floridian Fun!

2008-05-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

So, we're back from our first major trip of the summer - we ventured down to Orlando, Florida to visit my friend, Allison, who is expecting her first child (a girl, Carli) in June. Her baby shower was this past Saturday and I promised her I'd be there.

Ayden took his first trip to the beach. He hated it. I thought for sure once I put his little feet into the ocean for the first time - that he'd be enthused, that he'd love it! I was so wrong! He started screaming immediately. I felt so horrible. I wanted him to like it - but I think the combination of a new place and new things - and the heat - were too much for him. He certainly looked like a true Floridian, though:
Allison's shower was really nice - her parents and friends really put together something beautiful that I'm sure she will remember forever:
While we were there, Ayden sprouted his 5th tooth - that's right, ladies and gentlemen, his 5TH TOOTH! I was wondering why we were so sleep deprived! I was also wondering why he was drooling so much:

He's now officially crawling too and is into everything:
I wasn't feeling well the majority of the weekend but I managed to have a great time with everyone and with my family on our first major vacation. Even though I'm still worn out, I'm looking forward to the weeks to come when we continue to travel with Ayden and show him more of the world. He's getting so big...so fast...but he'll always be my baby, and that's what gets me through.

Emotional Flooding...

2008-05-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

So we went to see my parent's again this weekend, it was unexpected - Ali needed to help someone out, so we took a nice trip home. Whenever we go, it's like a mini vacation for me - but without the beach, without the nice hot weather - I have an extra set of hands, someone to help me out - I even got a nap.

Then it was Mother's Day - it's so special to finally know that I am a mother, that I have a reason to celebrate, that I'm great at what I do - that I'm appreciated. We decided to stay late and spend the day with my mother and my family - and to try and avoid traffic, we were going to leave later.

This was a huge mistake. Around 4 PM, some monster storms hit the area, and we ended up being stuck in Richmond. Originally we weren't going to leave until 4 AM Monday, but decided to go ahead and go once the weather cleared out of Richmond. The problem with this was that the weather wasn't cleared out of the Northern areas, and flooding was a major problem. The trip ended up taking 4 hours, and even though we were safe, I can tell you that the whole way I realized that everything truly has changed. I was so scared. Not for me, but for my baby. I hated knowing he was in danger. I would have done anything to keep him safe. I held my head near his car seat the entire way while he slept - and dreamt of being at home, cuddled up with him, and knowing he was okay. It's amazing how things like that change when you have your own baby, the being you made. Braving forces of nature so you can be comfortable becomes a whole new ball game. I learned next time that we'll have to so what's safest - no matter if I want to get up early or not - we shouldn't have gone. We put him in harm's way. It taught me a huge lesson - and on Mother's Day, not only did I feel a huge amount of appreciation from those around me, I found a new appreciation for what being a mother really is - he truly is my reason for living.

I think he might love me too!

Lazy Summer...not so much!

2008-05-07T10:02:00.001-07:00

Boy does Ayden have a hectic first summer coming up!! Wow! He won't even be a year old yet and he's already going to have been to 6 states! He's so far been to Maryland, Virginia, and New Hampshire, Maine, and once the summer is up, we'll add North Carolina and Florida to that list too! I just can't believe how much we have to do! But in case you're looking for us, or there appears to be a lack of blogging - there's probably a good reason! Here's the rundown!

May 15-19: Orlando, Florida (Allison's baby shower, Carli is almost here!)
May 23-26: Richmond, VA and Virginia Beach, VA (to visit the grandparents and also Ayden's Godmother, Karen!)
May 30-June 1: Richmond, VA (Alan and Erica are getting married, yay!)
July 3-July 13: Richmond, VA and Nags Head, NC (it's Ayden's first trip to the Outer Banks, we're so excited! The last time we went, I was huge and pregnant!)
August something or other - we're going to Jacksonville, Florida for a conference and also to visit Allison and her new baby in Orlando!

Somewhere in there we're also going to New Hampshire for a few days and also to Maine for a soccer tournament. Phew. I don't know if I'll be able to catch my breath! Ali is also going to Portugal for a few days to a week, probably around the end of June, Ayden and I will be going to stay with my parents in Richmond until he gets back, but that's not set in stone.

I'm so excited to travel with my baby and show him the world! Apparently we're going to Hawaii next year too for a week, as Ali has to travel for work. I've always wanted to go. I'm in for it with a toddler, I'm sure, but how fun will that be?! Ayden looks excited doesn't he?

Driving down Milestone Road...

2008-05-03T04:43:00.001-07:00

Wow, when they hit 6 months, it really does become a path of milestone, after milestone, after milestone.

The other day, I was walking through the mall alone with Ayden - he got hungry. I passed him a bottle - and instead of having to lean over the stroller, like before, and feed him while I walked, I was able to hand him the bottle - and he could hold it himself - and I got to continue on. This was WONDERFUL! I mean, before it was constantly having to stop, get him comfortable, plan trips around his feedings - and now since he can entertain and feed himself, it's much easier to go when and where I want to. It sounds selfish but after being pregnant with him and then devoting every waking second to him - I enjoyed being able to think about myself for a second.

See, look at how cute he is - holding his own!
He's also learning about toys. He's also learned that if mommy or daddy takes away a toy that he really wanted - he can cry, scream, and throw his hands up in the air - and this little bit of tantruming couls possibly get his toys back. He loves his Leap Frog Learning Table, Jumperoo, and alphabet ball - among many.
He loves to turn the pages on books and to eat books - now that he's gotten the hang of standing supported on his own - he can stand up at the table - and while he quite often gets way too happy and ends up falling down - it's great to watch him interact with the music and sounds and to press the buttons and get that total look of enthusiasm - "I made it do that?!"

Now there's crawling - the milestone that while I've been waiting for it, and have been working hours upon hours with him to learn to crawl - it's one that makes me a bit sad because now instead of being that cute little dumpling face that looks up at me, stares at me, depends on me for every little thing - he can actually move around himself. He's into everything. He's getting more and more out of my control and becoming his own little being - and every little new milestone he makes, I look at him and continue to think that it's because of my husband and I that he is able to do this, that he's even here - that he exists, and that amazes me.

Now if only he would sleep through the night - that's a milestone we just can't wait for! He has his moments but he's certainly not consistent - but each time I look in the mirror and see these dark, swollen, sleep deprived eyes - I look back and him and smile - because someday when he looks at me and says "I love you, Mommy" - and walks out the door with his friends to go to Prom - I'll remember those nights holding him in the middle of the night, rocking him to sleep, nursing him, seeing those little eyes peer up at me - and I'll miss every second of it. Milestones, while they're amazing, also remind me that my little boy is not so little anymore - and someday, won't totally be mine.

Weekend at Gammy's!

2008-04-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

So we traveled down to good ol' Richmond, VA to visit with my parents - aka Gammy and Gampy - for the weekend since Ali was going out of town. Although I'm totally exhausted, it was so nice to see everyone and to be able to spend time with people older than 6 months, have adult conversation, and be spoiled myself a little bit!!

There were several nasty storms while we were there - Ayden slept through the overnight ones, and we missed a tornado by 20 miles. Yikes! I enjoyed my sausage biscuits and gravy and a few nice beers - only to come home and find out I've gained 8 pounds in one month. I cried for a half hour. I'm so devastated because I worked so hard to lose that pregnancy weight, and because I haven't been able to exercise the past month because I haven't felt well and injured my back, I'm almost to square one. I just bawled my poor little heart out. So it's back to the grind, 2 miles per day at least, and back to my diet. No more fun homestyle Richmond food. It really does break my heart.

But Ayden is such a reward - how can I not have all but love for him :) Here are some pictures from the weekend...

Little Beginnings

2008-04-24T17:24:00.001-07:00

Before I was a parent - I couldn't understand the excitement of little things...a haircut, a bath, a smile, a simple, little "coo." I never knew when I saw a parent in a shopping mall sitting next to their baby - that if the baby looked up and smiled, or waved their hands...took a bite of a sandwich - that it could be a first, that I may have just witnessed something so special.

Then I had Ayden and the little things became so much more than - little. They became huge. I remember his first smile when Ali yelled from his bedroom "he smiled! he smiled!" - I remember his first bite of rice cereal, his first little giggle, his first reach to me - as if to say "please don't go, I need you now."

And then he got teeth. Who in the world gets excited about teeth? I do! I do! I'm waiving my hand in front of the computer at you. He has two teeth! They're so cute. I remember the morning they cut and I called everyone!! "It's teeth, I feel two teeth!!" - it was like I found out I was pregnant or something - it was a major milestone, something so happy, something I'll never forget - and it's just ... teeth. I can't help but to look at him and think - it's all because of my husband and I that he has teeth at all - those teeth came from something I created, those are beautiful teeth. So I thought I'd share a picture of his adorable teeth he has...it just makes me laugh to think about how these things are so exciting...something new to look forward to every single day.

And that makes every single 2 AM wake up call, every single temper tantrum, every single day I just don't want to get out of bed - but have to - so very worth it.

It's the little things. I believe that now.

Life Is a Picnic...sort of.

2008-04-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

I finally was able to take Ayden on a picnic today! I had been anxious to do so - I wanted to see how he would interact with the earth, the weather, his surroundings ... and I took him with other kids, so he could talk goo goo and be more social.

First off the weather is fabulous - but so hot! Ayden was wearing a cute outfit that got stripped about 5 minutes into it - no more shoes, no more socks, no more jeans - just a onesie and cute baby bare feet. We hiked down a trail to a lake and sat under a tree. An older gentleman turned around from his chair and waved hello - he exclaimed that it was his birthday - and it was the 20th anniversary of his 48th - so we did the math, at least I did. Ayden just smiled.

He loved to play with pine needles and slap his little hand into the ground. He looked at the other kids in amazement and felt around - who is that? Why do they stare at me too? What do I do, mom? I managed to eat a nice sandwich while he played on the ground, but then quickly realized his Huggies had given out - very rare...luckily I had packed him another outfit and he did a quick costume change to a baby Hokie.

I loved being out there with him - showing him the world and also showing the world what I created. Despite a nice little tantrum in which he refused to sleep - wanting to so badly - I couldn't help but admire how much he wants to discover and see - his little head would go under my chin - but quickly back up - a serenade of Twinkle Twinkle didn't even do the trick.

Flash forward about 3 hours later, back in the car seat - a little tired cry, and my little baby's first picnic was over. It's amazing how much more you enjoy the little things when you have your own little one - so much I want to show, so much he does not yet understand, but I can see in his little eyes that he's just as excited as I am - and someday, he will be able to tell me.

I forgot my camera but my telephone did the trick for a little reminder of the occasion. I can't wait to do it again with him, and maybe see him pick himself up, walk himself down the trail, and turn to tell me "hurry up!" - so he can see just a little bit more of the world.

Zoo Blues

2008-04-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

So the Zoo is one of my favorite places - the last time I went to the zoo was in Los Angeles in February of 07 - I was pregnant at the time and had no clue - (although you would think that the gagging to the smell of animal poo would have triggered me to think so) - so technically, Ayden has already been there - but he went for real this past weekend.

The problem with Washington D.C. is there is no parking. The other problem is that the weather tends to be a bit on the weird side and I swear we were in the depths of the desert this past weekend. It was so HOT! This worn us all out. We walked a mile or so from the car, about 2 miles around the zoo, and saw maybe 5 animals ... and a lot of birds. It was so packed and crowded, and mostly UPHILL! It was about 85 degrees - and our water got warm real quick. We did see a cute cheetah and some Tucans - but really, in the end, I could have settled for watching Animal Planet all day...

So in short, although the trip itself was probably a little bit on the boring and tiring side, we did get to experience the zoo with our son - finally - and we got to hold him and show him and see the cute look on his little face when we showed him the zebra - and that, my friends, is truly priceless - and so worth it.

Keeping Track of Our Little Man!

2008-04-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

This is how I do it, cute isn't it?!

A Few of Our Favorite Things!

2008-04-21T11:27:00.001-07:00

I thought after I grew to be ... I don't know, 20 years old, that I'd stop wanting toys as gifts. Now, since I had my little one, he has changed me into a toy lover ... yet again. I went from wishing for CD's and DVD's - to wanting toys - toys, toys, TOYS! I look at everything, and I love seeing how he grows, learns, develops, and discovers.
I wanted to share a few of my favorites!

The Leap Frog Alphabet Ball

The Leap Frog Learning Table

Link Letters

The 3-in-1 Exersaucer by Evenflo

Jumperoo

Leap Frog Learning Maraccas

Amazing how 6 months flies!

2008-04-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Our baby turned a half a year old on April 18 - I prefer to say "6 months" because it doesn't make me look and go "whoa, where did the time go?!" - but I'm so happy, things have changed so much, and only for the better (although diaper changes are so hard now!). He's got such a personality. He's handsome and smart, and is amazing me more everyday.

We had his shots today and they were terrible. He becomes more and more aware each time we go and get them and today his little lip quivered and shook while he got the shots. I started to cry. I could hear him - speaking to me - "Mommy, how could you?!".

He's such a good boy. We are so blessed. It's amazing I cannot remember what life was like without him. What did I do with myself? Did I sit on the couch all day, go to the mall...travel? Because everything is so different with him - it's like he's always existed, and when I think about life without him - I just can't imagine what it would be like.

Here are his stats now:

16 lbs 6 oz of pure perfection!
26 inches
43 CM head

Here's our special boy - enjoying life...enjoying us - like we enjoy him. Every single moment.

How did this happen?

2008-04-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever asked yourself that question?

I spilt milk on my pants and it looks like I peed ... how did that happen?

I gained 15 pounds in one week...how did that happen?

I thought American Idol was on at 9 and it was 8 and I missed 45 minutes of it ... how did that happen?

Yeah - that question - well, that's what I ask myself every single day. I think Ali does too. Ayden is getting so big. He went from this little peanut in the Pack and Play - to almost taking up the whole thing...how did that happen? He used to stare in one place - straight ahead, he had no idea about his surroundings - what he was in for, what the world was - and now, he grabs for everything, shoves a spoon in his mouth, mumbles "Mama" even though he has no idea what it means ... how did that happen?

My little baby. I hold him at night. I feel his little head under my chin - listening to my heart, and the soft sound of me singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"...and he drifts to sleep. Someday, I won't be able to hold him like that. I won't be able to sing him that song without hearing "Mom! That's for LITTLE boys!". Someday - I'll dance with him to that song I dread so much - letting him go at his wedding. There will come a day where he will say "Mama" and know what it means, but now - he's so innocent. He's all mine. He's not anyone else's ... but in 6 months, he's changed so much - and I fell so in love with someone I'd never met - that I'd never seen. He grew from a tiny, microscopic group of cells into this beautiful human with a heart, eyes...he grew two teeth.he had two sweet little hands and a wonderful, gorgeous smile...and he grew inside of me, because I made him - because WE made him. How did that happen?

I look back at it all and I remember those moments when I would feel him moving inside of me, and then in a split second - he was out - he was looking at me. His life had started. He is my son. I'm a mom. Each day passes and he does something new - something that makes me light up, giggle...cry...and I thank God each day for this beautiful little creation and wonder how I got so lucky to have the most perfect human being that ever existed...I mean really...

How did this happen?

Everything Changes...

2008-04-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

So here I am...wow how life has changed. I remember when I used to be the one who had to ask someone to drive me to the mall, whose mother was worried constantly, who was trying to get A's in school and bring home the great report card to my parents. I remember graduating from elementary school - and then high school, and college ... twice.

I remember my first boyfriend, my first kiss, my first trip on an airplane. There was a time I fit into a size 2 - when my feet were a size 6.

Wow. Life has just come at me fast. Now at 28 years old, I sit here and sometimes - it seems so surreal. I have a husband. I always dreamt as a little girl - what would it be like to be married? And now ... I have my baby boy. I always thought I'd be a mother, but it was only in my dreams - nothing that I ever thought I'd achieve, and I'm so proud.

Ali and I met in 1998 and have been together since 2000...here we are in our prime, our first year together...

Aren't we cute? Then we decided to get married - how cool that was (literally, 40 degree weather and 40 MPH winds - my poor bridesmaids were in sleeveless dresses!)

Then we decided to have a baby - our beautiful boy...first we saw him like this...

And then...he was born...on October 18, 2007 at 5:47 p.m. weighing in at a holy cow amount of 8 lbs 5 oz, 20.5 inches long, via emergency c-section. He's beautiful. Here's his first picture:

Now he's 6 months old ... and I'm just now starting a blog! Wow...life has changed. Gone are the days of mall shopping and bar hopping...here are the days of diaper changes, sleepless nights...and a brand new love I never knew existed. We're finally starting to think about having another baby - when God blesses us, is when the time is right, and we'll be so happy and excited. I'm so excited to share my life, our lives that is, and the way life has changed - and has become...a whole new world.

Welcome to ours!