Monday, June 29, 2009

Even Aden is Sweating

Aden and I had more adventures this past week... Each day, he did something very impressive, and I'm sorry, but this blog post is going to be a mommy brag post. I hate to do it, but come on! I have to every now and then! It's been a SCORCHING week - close to 100 daily.

I was really proud of Aden for being so independent in the baby pool at the park this past week. He waded in up to his waist (doesn't go any deeper than that anyway) and played nice with another kid. He even let me SIT on the edge of the pool and watch him for like 15 minutes. Such independence!! Yay! He also braved the mushroom waterfall, which I thought would freak him out. Little victories.

I also noticed some developing conversation skills. His cousin Kate (John and Colleen's youngest) was talking to him at the family reunion. She said, I like cheetos! and Aden looked at her and the cheetos and said, I like cheetos too! I was so impressed with the way he said, "too!" He wasn't just mimicking her, he was responding to a comment. Once again, Yay!

Okay - so here is the reality check. Aden was SUPER cranky, and pulled some really "two-year-old" moments as well. He flipped out over a couple of meals that just didn't meet his standards, and he caused my right arm to go numb since I had to hold his hand while driving from Belleville to Bloomington. I think I have nerve damage, and this doesn't help the inevitable onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.

He loved being with "Gampa Lyndey," "Gamma Kiss," and "Marko Marko," and was very friendly toward my cousin's kids as well. Lauren (Elaine and Judd's youngest) had the cutest smile when Aden gave her a hug and a kiss. She is a doll! The reunion was great - Betty and Roger are wonderful hosts! I really enjoyed spending time with Tom and Lillie too (who stayed at my parents' house once the AC was back up and running.....)

Looks like the weather is cooling off. Aden and I plan on doing the same old, same old... pool, park, library, Wonderlab, walks and playtime at home. If I am feeling brave, we might try finger painting this week.

Happy Fourth of July!

Friday, June 19, 2009

First Week of Vacation!

This past week was my first week off of school. Aden and I have had a wonderful week! We kicked it off with a trip to Lake Monroe with my friend (lucky new retiree!) Susan and her great nephew, Nathan. Nathan is three, and an official "Big Boy," so, of course, Aden had a great time mimicking him. Oh, and Aden also loved sharing toys with him. BBBWWWAAHAHAHAH! Not really. But Aden did a great job - even going into the lake up to his waist pretty much by himself! Susan grilled us some cod after our fun in the sun and we all had a great time.

Tuesday, we played in the gym at school (oh, how I love having a master key!) and then played at Michelle's house while we had an Ophelia Project meeting. That is the group I helped to start in our county in 2003. We've received several grants to work to raise awareness about bullying and relational aggression among kids, and adults.

Wednesday, Aden was SO EXCITED to see his Zoe. She's his number one sitter, and he was thrilled she brought her Tony along to play too, while I ran errands. Aden gave them both hugs and kisses when they left. Aden also attached right away to Jackie - new roomie - when she came by. He hugged her around the legs right away. Never seen him do that before! He was smitten.

Thursday, Aden got to see his BFF from KK's, Megan (he says it like this: "May-GUN") at her house for a play date. Megan is totally into vacuuming and sweeping, and so is Aden! So, they "cleaned house" while Megan's mom, Shannon, and I talked. They were super cute when it came to sharing. At least Megan was - Aden was really happy when she shared her toys with him, but he wasn't quite ready to reciprocate. We'll get there!

And today, we hit the library, bagel shop, and Kroger's before 10am... followed by a monster nap (three hours for BOTH of us! YAY!) and a wonderful time at Dave's house out in the country. Dave's grandaughter, Lyla, was there. She is a gorgeous 7 month old, and she and Aden did indeed lock lips at one point. Dave had two little ducklings we played with, we checked out his cool chickens, his dogs and cats, and even went for a little boat ride in his pond. Aden had a ball. He's such a mellow guy - he fits right in with Dave.

Great news from the Marys! Baby Connie came home, and so now the Marys' family is all under one roof - healthy and happy (if not a bit tired). Can't wait to see them again soon!

Grandma Kris is coming for a visit this weekend - I think we'll hit the Taste of Bloomington and our Art Fair on the Square. Aden will also enjoy Father's Day with his Daddy - he made him a very nice little present to mark the occasion.

Looking forward to Week 2 of summer vacation!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Starting Over...

So, I'm starting the blog (among other things) over again. Let's just get right to it, shall we?

Aden and I are ready to embark on our summer journey! We plan to play outside A LOT, go to the many parks we enjoy, go to pools, visit Lake Monroe, hang out at the Public Library, and of course, WonderLab. We've got quite an agenda...and it might include potty training at the end of the summer!!!! We'll see about that.

Aden's favorite park has a wonderful playground, a great teeter-totter, and two features others may not think are cool, but we do. First, there is a short tunnel along one of the walking paths. Aden LOVES to go to the tunnel and just yell and clap and stomp his feet. It cracks him up to hear the echo. The second thing he loves is to take a path through the woods to the creek, where he can enjoy throwing rocks and pebbles into Jackson Creek. He gets a fistfull of pebbles, winds up (drops half of them on his shoulder) and throws into the water, which he sometimes hits; mostly he drops the other half on the bank. I usually cheer him on and collect fossils and crinoid stems.

I'll be busy re-settling into my house. Aden and I will have a new roomate, Jackie. Jackie is a second-year Language Arts teacher at my school, and she'll be living in our remodeled basement and sharing the kitchen. I'm looking forward to getting to know Jackie - she's smart and funny and I'm glad she's moving in! I'll also be going to Sacramento for a week-long training on AVID, a program we're implementing for at-risk youth, focusing on executive functioning skills, organization, and motivation. Am I freaking out about being gone from Aden for 5 nights and 6 days? Uh, yeah! But he'll be with his KK, Grandma Linda and Zaide, so I know I have nothing to worry about. Oh, and he's getting better about "talking" on the phone.

Looking forward to seeing the Muellers/Cadys/Seals at Betty and Roger's in late June! We can't wait for these fun family get-togethers. I hope to visit the Marys and their ever growing brood again before school starts.

Summer is officially here!!!!