7 Years

Today is our 7 year anniversary. When I think back about the past 7 years, I can't believe how many different paths I have been on with my husband. We have experienced more in our 7 years than most people experience in a lifetime. And I have been so thankful to have Jay by my side the entire time.

We have built a house, sold it, renovated a house, moved to 3 different cities, moved states, lost a baby, had a baby, coped with the diagnosis of a lifelong illness, but most of all we have laughed together every step of the way.

If I had to describe my marriage in one word it would be laughter. We laugh together every day. We find laughter in the oddest and most inappropriate places. But, at least we keep it fun.

I love you so much, Jay. Thank you for filling my life with an unexplainable amount of joy.

Pumpkin Patch

Walking

Aiden started taking unassisted steps last night. Sorry it is to the side, I can't figure out how to turn it right side up.

1 year old!!??

I have the uncontrollable urge to write a blog post about Aiden turning one.

But, it is hard to write a blog post when you have so many different feelings. Maybe a list will help...

I feel:

1) Pride- watching my son grow from the minute he was born to a year is amazing. You can't help but wonder about all of the wonderful possibilities life holds for him.

2) Relief- I made it through the sleepless nights, teething, infant reflux, RSV, Hand/Foot/Mouth Virus (3 times), all the while moving to a different state, quitting my job, and completing my master's degree. But, we made it through it all and really, all of those things are nothing when it really comes down to it.

3) Fear- Will we raise him to be a great man? Will we raise him to be a good person? Will we make it through the rough teenage years in one piece? How will we take it when he gets hurt, the kind of hurt that really affects who you are and who you become?

4) Excitement- Each day is exciting with Aiden and how much more excitement lays ahead?

5) Sadness- My baby is growing up...enough said.

Pictures from his birthday party

Walker

Aiden will be celebrating his first birthday in under a month. He wants a walker so bad. But, if are a mom you know that time right before a holiday or birthday where you refuse to buy anything because your child will get presents. So this is what he did yesterday since his mom is so mean. As we were putting up dishes we decided to get resourceful with the diswasher basket. He did this all on his own, no help from mommy.

Adventures in mommyhood incident report #1216

This morning when Aiden rose bright and early, I lifted him from his bed to sit with him and give him his bottle, which is our sweet mom and son ritual. You see, Aiden must have his bottle immediately. So we do that first thing, or else he acts like well, a baby. I love each morning with this little guy. He is so happy and excited to see you. While he was drinking his bottle, I noticed he had 2 spots on his forehead. So as his mother I of course promptly licked my finger to rub it off. I did this about 5 more times to get the mark off. Licking my pointer finger and rubbing his forehead.


Then it happened. I looked down and realized that Aiden had poop coming out of his diaper. Lots of poop. All down his leg, all over his arms, on my legs from laying on me while he was taking his bottle. Getting up from the chair I see it all over his sheets too.


::Light bulb moment::

Gag! That was what was on his head too! I just licked my child's poo!


Having been an elementary school teacher, I thought I was completely prepared for all of the gross things that come with mommyhood. I mean for goodness sake, I dealt with pee, poop, drool, boogers, and snot for several years. Let me tell you, nothing prepares you for the grossness that comes with being a mommy. NOTHING!!

Jay~ I can't wait to give you a kiss when you get home. :)

Beach 2010

My best friends and I take a week long trip to the beach each summer and thus will be our tradition for years to come, if I have anything to say about it.

This year:

Catherine, Luke, Aiden and I went on many walks. One where we got caught in the monsoon of 2010, saw a tree fall down right beside us and a very nice couple pulled over to give us a ride back to our home.

Jaimie and Jimmy got engaged! Amazing! Thank goodness I don't have to keep that a secret anymore from my best friends. I thought I was going to die.

I had to deal with a husband who asked for a motorcycle every hour because Will brought his. I am still in the process of forgiving Amy.

Aiden cut 3 teeth while there. Really? That is my luck!

Can't wait until next year!