Happy Third Birthday Aiden!

I am in shock that I have a three year old. It seems like just yesterday that he was a baby. Over the past year he has accomplished so many things. Things that seem just so natural to adults, but turn a toddler's world upside down. He moved into his new big boy bedroom and out of the crib. He became potty trained. And the biggest change of all, he became a big brother! He is a wonderful big brother. It took some warming up to her. His personality is like his father's. He must get to know you and trust you, then he will move mountains for you. He loves his little sister very much and always worries if she is fed, dry and happy. Jay and I have been told in the past "I love Rory the most". Aiden is all boy. Rough, dirty, stinky, he does NOT stop moving, and he is lacking in personal hygiene skills. But as his mother I take his punches, comb his hair through the screams, and kiss his stinky fungus feet when he stumps his toes. Because all of those traits make me love him more (though admittedly, they sometimes drive me crazy). He still loves all forms of transportation. Cars, trains, trucks, airplanes and boats. I remember thinking when I was pregnant with Aiden, that my son would not fall into traditional gender roles. I quickly realized before his first birthday that I was delusional, as he pointed at big tractor trailers on the road before he even uttered the words mama or dada. He is persistent. Always. Which at times gets him in to trouble. But I also hope that this persistent trait carries him far in life. He is independent. He could go for hours without knowing where his mommy and daddy are and be ok with it. At theme parks this is evident. Scares me half to death. I love to see your eyes light up when your read a book or I tell some exciting new information. You get super excited about the little things in life. Blue sprinkles, dollar tree trinkets, ice cream, leaves, trains, chips, taking a walk, splashing in puddles, flashlights, cupcakes, and cracking eggs. I could continue this list forever, because honestly most things make you happy. And you son, make me happy. I love you Aiden. Happy Birthday!

Where's your nose?

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Another incident report...#5678

So this week, I decided it was time for me to pick up the weights at the gym again. It will really help me with my running, make me gain muscle and most importantly I miss it. So I lifted weights on Tuesday. I squatted, did push ups, step ups, seated rows, and jackknifes. So Wednesday I was sore. My legs especially. Really sore. I tried to run it out. It helped a little. But I am walking around really stiff legged. Walking up stairs and bending down hurt. At this point you are like "what does this have to do with anything?" Don't worry..I am painting you a picture, people.

If you are a mom you know what I am about to refer to. If you are not a mom yet...listen, read, learn.

When you have a toddler, you have 2 options when entering a grocery store. 1) Put them on your hip, run in, get a few things, leave. 2) You put them in a buggy..which takes a ton of time to get them settled. They cry..you redirect...offer food...point out animals..it takes a ton of time..after that 15 minutes is over, you had better be in a for a long trip or else it isn't worth it.

Today I chose the hip/holding hand option and a basket.

Got meat from the deli..done..onto yogurt..."No Aiden, you can't run, hold mommy's hand"...

Then in as in a classic toddler video we plop down on the floor at the grocery store kicking, screaming, rubbing his back on the floor. 2 options again...let Aiden get Hepatitis B and C from the grocery store floor or pick him up..ok..
pick him up..ouch
drop basket..ouch
purse falls on floor...
get hit...
then a nice man comes over to help me pick up all my items as Aiden pulls my hair so hard it looks like I got a bad face lift.
Screw the yogurt...leave... with my head held high and old ladies giving the side eye. Stiff legged.

We go home. I go to the pantry to get out the bread for lunch and knock over a glass jar of salsa all over my foot, and pieces of glass fly everywhere.
"No Aiden, you can't play in the "chards o'glass salsa".

Now we begin to wail..

I pick up what is left of the jar and a toddler pulls and pushes on me to pick him up. I drop the jar for a second time. I let out a loud grunt.

Aiden decides mommy needs a time out...and leaves the room.

So my dear husband when you come home and wonder in your head (because you are so wonderful you would never say it aloud) why the house looks the way it does..I had 2 options during nap time 1) Take a shower and write this blog post 2) clean.

Pennies From Heaven

The day before Grandpa's memorial service, Jay took Grandpa's car to get cleaned. He brought it back and I got in the car to drive it and cried. There were so many things that flooded my thoughts when I got into that car.

Grandpa only owned Lincoln Town Cars. He even bought the last model year that they made them because it was his last chance to buy a new one.

I learned to drive in one of Grandpa's town cars.

Those big leather chairs and roomy interior just embody my cuddly Grandpa.
As I got out of the car, there was a penny in the driver seat. I saw it as a sign from my Grandpa that he was there with me. That penny now resides in my wallet and most days I check to make sure it is still there.

Talking to Grandma today she told me it that it was really weird, because she kept finding "darn pennies" randomly around the house. And she thinks of my penny story everytime she finds one. She also said that she woke up the other morning with the song "Pennies from Heaven" in her head and couldn't get it out.

A long time ago
A million years BC
The best things in life
Were absolutely free.
But no one appreciated
A sky that was always blue.
And no one congratulated
A moon that was always new.
So it was planned that they would vanish now and them
And you must pay before you get them back again.
That's what storms were made for
And you shouldn't be afraid for
Every time it rains it rains
Pennies from heaven.
Don't you know each cloud contains
Pennies from heaven.
You'll find yor fortune falling
All over town.
Be sure that your umbrella is upside down.
Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers.
If you want the things you love
You must have showers.
So when you hear it thunder
Don't run under a tree.
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me

Sleeping

Mommy's Shoes

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic