A Little Or A lot - Blog Thoughts of a Dad

Roll with it

2012-02-01T02:03:00.002Z

We painted the lounge on the weekend. We thought Aidan was going to be captivated by the TV. But he found a little brush ("an Aidy brush") and helped us. I do think he made less mess that the one holding the big brush.

Three to become four

2012-02-01T01:51:00.002Z

I think most people know by now. We're going to be going back to the land of tiny onesies, burping and sleepless nights. Oh, and cuddles, coos and cuteness.

She's due on June 6, 2012 and we can't wait.

Yes, I said she. We went to the 20 week ultrasound scan last Monday and were pointed to girl parts not boy's. Aidan was with us when we found out. He stared and stared and stared at the screen. And on the way home he couldn't stop talking about "the little baby inside mummy's tummy, a girl." (Or Girrul, as he pronounces it).

If you're wondering why I haven't written about his before. Why the boy who couldn't stop blogging about his wife's first pregnancy has only just mentioned it now. Well, there's a reason. Or a few really.

I'm a bit more exhausted when I come from home work these days and on the weekend. And when there's time to write - like when Aidan's napping or asleep at night - there are other things that need doing.

Plus, we wanted to wait to tell everyone after the 20 week scan. We did this with our first and just wanted to make sure everything was OK before we went overboard and got thoroughly-bloody-excited.

But the real reason is that we were getting very excited around February. We were expecting then, too. We went to the first scan but found out it was a blighted ovum. Things were growing but not the baby. So it was a huge disappointment. It was also a very scary time when Erin reacted badly to the medicine she had to take. I can safely say the night she was rushed to hospital was by far the worst of my life. And I didn't even have to endure the suffering she had to.

It knocked us both for six. We're over it now, as much as you can be, and feel extremely lucky to be having another child on the way. And hopefully, having written this, putting it out there, there'll now be plenty more free flowing pages to come.

Happy birthday Amelia

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000Z

We celebrated Amelia's birthday on New year's Day. Fancy a spot of cake?

Haircut

2012-01-11T23:58:00.001Z

Doesn't he look cute?

Christmas gifts

2012-01-11T23:56:00.001Z

The kids loved getting their gifts.

Christmas

2012-01-11T23:51:00.004Z

As usual we went to Bud and Char's for Christmas. It was a great weekend with surprise presents, laughs and the traditional family photo shoot. Now there's a new tradition - the children. And we thought it was tough getting the adults to sit still.

First snow

2011-12-18T20:42:00.003Z

When we awoke yesterday morning it had snowed, dispelling all worries that we wouldn't have a white Christmas.

Our house

Scoop and Aidan will dig out the snow.

Sometime you just have to do it manually

But scoop did help, too, honest.

American Family Holidays Breakfast

2011-12-18T20:24:00.004Z

We went to my work's annual Holidays breakfast a few saturdays ago. The kids love it, get to meet Santa and Bucky and get tattoos.

I want Creaky Cranky Crane...

And Neville (and anything else related to Thomas the Tank Engine.)

Snowmen became the theme of the day

On his cheek, hands, and surrounding him

Bucky Badger (the local college mascot) came too

Olbrich Gardens train exhibition

2011-12-18T20:19:00.003Z

Aidan's never happier than when he's with trains. We took him to this exhibition for the third year in row. Let's call it a tradition. I wonder when he'll grow out of it and won't want to go anymore.

Milwaukee Children's Museum

2011-12-17T23:36:00.002Z

Visiting MCM Aidan enjoyed the grocery store but loved the vehicles.

Can he fix it? Yes he can!

He drives us crazy.

Hey driver. Watch out for the weird guy at the back.

Falling in Fall

2011-12-17T23:33:00.001Z

The annual falling in leaves picture taken just after we got back from the UK.

Surprise firefighters

2011-12-17T23:25:00.003Z

All was normal when Railton and Ruben visited Nan's house, until a fire engine turned up outside. They were going to teach the school children across the street about Nov. 5th but were willing to let two eager kids have their own private tour first. (Sorry about the pictures. The camera was acting up)

Bolton

2011-12-17T23:22:00.002Z

Back in Bolton, Aidan enjoyed the on-loan toys and built a huge tower with Nan. It ended taller than him.

Center Parcs - visitors

2011-12-17T23:12:00.002Z

Owen and Josephine came to visit Aidy at Center Parcs. Aidan wasn't well but we all enjoyed watching cartoons together- some, or one, more than others.

Center Parcs' park

2011-12-17T23:01:00.002Z

Aidan had a fab time in the pool on the Saturday morning before being struck down by a Hand, Foot and Mouth induced fever.

He tentatively took on the toddler slides then felt confident enough to graduate to the bigger ones, which everyone thought he'd tackle with his dad.

All except his dad.

I knew he'd want to go on his own. And thought I'd made it clear to grandad who was at the bottom ready to catch him. Or supposed to be. Thankfully grandad's reactions were quick enough to catch Aidy, even though he was taken by surprise.

After an afternoon nap, Aidy enjoyed the park.

Unfortunately, the poor lad was more or less wiped out for the rest of the weekend after this. The fever hit him pretty hard.

England part 2- Center Parcs

2011-12-17T22:55:00.002Z

We met up with Grandad and Nan at Nottingham Center Parcs. Aidy and Grandad enjoyed a thrilling game of flick the car across the table just before dinner.

Learning the technique

Just watch, Grandad.

Yes!

Give me an A!

2011-11-17T13:00:00.000Z

Aidan was in the bath the other night and I started saying, "Give me an A!"

He just looked at me.

I carried on and by the second A he repeated what I was saying and said "Give me an A!" back to me.

I explained that when I shout give me an A or I or D or A or N, he should just shout the letter back to me.

We tried again and he was very good.

After a high five, he said, "Daddy, give me A!"

I did.

Then he said, "Give me I,"

I did.

He carried on,"Give me O, Give me P,"

I wondered where he was going with this.

Then he said, "Give me 2, 6, 9."

"What do I have?" he looked at me cheekily.

"Daddy!"

Yes, he did have daddy. He had daddy in fits of laughter.

The 12:10 London to Nottingham

2011-11-10T02:08:00.002Z

Aidan loves trains. After enjoying being on the underground, we fed his addiction from London to Nottingham, looking out for others going the opposite direction.

I'm not sure which is best seeing all these trains or British chocolate

Searching for trains at the station

Wow, this is heaven

Sleep? Not me

Makeshift binoculars

Hampstead Heath

2011-11-10T02:02:00.002Z

Katie and Lynden live in Hampstead Heath. It was great for Aidan to get an out see the ducks, drink his first hot chocolate, and of course, play in the play areas.

Aidan and Evan

2011-11-10T01:58:00.001Z

After Wales we went to London, staying with katie, Lynden and Aidan's new best friend, Evan.

They read together

Ate together

Watched Telly together

And fished in the bath together

The godfather

2011-11-10T01:53:00.002Z

The trip coincided with Si being in the UK. We couldn't have him break his run of 5 or so consecutive bunkhouses.

Godfather and godson just before a beardy hug.

The Welsh cottage

2011-11-10T01:45:00.002Z

We upgraded this year from the usual bunkhouse to a cottage. A few less people than usual came but we had the same amount of food, walks and laughter.

The cottage

The view

The girls

The cave

The food (and Andrea)

The flights

2011-11-10T01:33:00.006Z

Apart from having to rush back home and to get Aidan's meds which we left in the fridge, getting on the first flight in the nick of time, the two flights to the UK were relatively painless.

He loved the first "little" plane. And was a little too excited to go to sleep on the second. When he did he took over mummy and day's seats. But seeing as he slept from 8pm to 11am his first night in the UK, we can forgive him.

Going (well, gone) to the zoo

2011-09-25T23:13:00.004+01:00

A few weeks ago, as mentioned in a previous post, we went to Milwaukee Zoo. Here's a clip I put together of the animals we saw and fun we had.

Peter Rabbit visits our place

2011-09-25T22:53:00.002+01:00

We've read Peter Rabbit to Aidan. We have rabbits in our back garden. They've "enjoyed" the fruits of our labour this summer. So this seemed the logical next step.

Starring Erin and Aidan as Erin and Aidan.

Sophie and Allie as Sophie and Allie.

The dad's voice played by (and is) Jason Waller.

Inspired by Beatrix Potter and the many rabbits who jump around our back garden.

Daycare day 3

2011-09-21T03:12:00.003+01:00

An email conversation explains it all...

Hi Julie and Heidi, this is Aidan's mother, Erin. I just wanted to let you know that this morning was tough getting him up and ready for school. The first day was easy and after that it's not been the same!

I'm sure he will get used to it eventually. I'll be picking him up today and should be there around 5pm. Jason picked up someone else's report card last Thursday, Caiden's, and we didn't get feedback on how his day was but he looked completely wiped out.

If you can remember his day last Thursday it would be good to hear the highlights as it is still early in the transition.

Thank you and have a great day!

Erin

Hi Erin,
Jason and I touched base a bit this morning. Sorry about the daily sheet mix up! Between 4:30 and 5 is the busiest time at Little Explorers with lots of transitions taking place amongst the children. Jason took home last Thursday's sheet this morning but from what I remember he had a great day once he transitioned into the day. Full of smiles and very interactive. Hopefully, that is why he was wiped out. He does wake up groggy so he may not be getting as good of a quality nap as he is used to at home. Today he was sad at drop off but bounced back moments after Jason left. Jason did a great job of giving hugs and kisses and leaving without much fuss. That will help Aidan acclimate much easier to the new routine. Aidan played great with the other kids today and enjoyed our apple art project. He did mention you and Dad several times and does not like seeing other children upset for any reason. That is mostly when he has been coming up to me asking about you two. Playing and learning a new routine is hard work for any two year old and I think Aidan is doing just fantastic! We enjoy his warm personality and I am sure he will eventually take to the idea of "Repeat" visits to school. Rest assured his hesitance seems to last just a few minutes in the morning. If it should worsen or if we become concerned, I will certainly let you know right away. Thanks for checking in and we will see you tonight!
-Ms. Julie

Garbage

2011-09-18T19:14:00.003+01:00

The week before Aidy started at Little Explorers I swapped my day off and took Tuesday instead of Friday. He looked after me the whole day and showed me his usual Tuesday highlight.

It didn't get much better than that, other than looking for it again on our travels. We saw it two more times.

Sunday roast pizza

2011-09-18T19:08:00.002+01:00

Last Sunday we unexpectedly had Sophie and Allie over. They were put to work in the kitchen very quickly. Not sure Gordon Ramsey eats half the cheese he's cooking with, though.

Aidy's PJs

2011-09-18T19:02:00.002+01:00

When Aidy was born, he was given some positively prim and proper PJs from possibly our most prim and proper pals. We thought he'd never grow into them. But now he has and thankfully he loves them.

Thanks Fred and Caz

Labor Day - part 2

2011-09-18T18:51:00.002+01:00

Here's a catch-up post. The afternoon after a few of us went to see the steam show, we met up with Matt and Liz and their kids at Seth's and before stuffing our faces with burgers, brats and corn, we went to the park.

The big kids

Allie

The other kids

Swinging

Day two at Little Explorers

2011-09-18T18:29:00.003+01:00

Day two didn't exactly go as well as day one.

We don't have any photos or images as the images are powerful enough in my head.

Everything was going well enough through breakfast and getting his clothes on until we needed to leave. "You come, too, momma?" He asked. And when he realized she wasn't, it was met with a ferocious cry.

It took 30 seconds and distraction to calm him down. But as he was crying, "I don't like daddy" for the third time. I said, "Hey Aidy let's look for a truck." He was in the middle of a I don't like... when he finished the sentence with a "...oh, trucks, yes."

The journey was OK. We chatted about his first day at daycare and he pointed out a few parks.

And it was OK walking in and dropping off his jacket in his locker and seeing the other kids and building a tower.

But when I got up to leave the waterworks came back on. Miss Julie saw what was going on and promptly moved him to a set of photos to look at. But I was left the whole day with the image of tears tickling down his face.

My mate Chris has a daughter who has just started there too. He looked as white as I must have

when we met up, leaving the place. Drop-off wasn't good for either of us.

Picking him up was a little fraught too. His usual teachers weren't there and the stand-in gave me Aidy's report card. It didn't say much except that they were working on trying to get him to drink his milk slower. I didn't think too much about it except for like father like son.

But when I got home and read it to Erin, she rightly said it didn't sound like Aidy. And it wasn't. They gave us the card of a boy called Caidan's.

Our little explorer

2011-09-14T02:32:00.003+01:00

"After tomorrow, he'll change forever," said the person who's usually the least dramatic in our family, last night.

Today, was Aidan's first day at Little Explorers preschool. It was quite a nerve wracking experience. But not, so it seems, for the little guy.

At breakfast, you could tell Erin and I were nervous about his first day, getting him out of the house and drop-off, as we didn't stop asking him questions and talking to him - desperately trying to make the time go quicker so we could see what was going to happen.

Aidy pinches his mum's breakfast to get ready for his day at school

At the open evening, a couple of weeks ago, we were given a checklist of things we had to take on his first day. It was more than some take on a two week cruise.

When he left our house this morning, his backpack was full of shorts, shirts and undies; his dummy, blanket and bumblebee pillow. Then there was his sleeping bag - an alligator which eats him up before he sleeps. And lastly, there was his bag with his binder, sunscreen, insect repellent, wipes and morphine for his teachers (OK, no morphine).

I checked all three bags threes times. Looks like Erin did too as there were a few different things in each times I checked.

We drilled him on potential questions

It was my drop off today and that's been Erin's job until now. But as the place is near my work, I get that pleasure. I'm used to Erin telling of an often clingy little boy. So to say I was wracked with nerves is kind of an understatement.

Well, at 7:30 - 15 minutes before planned - Aidan and I set about our merry way. We didn't sing nursery rhymes as I'm sure some parents make their kids do, but we listened to NPR's headlines for a bit, just in case he was asked about what was going on in the world. And if he was, which he didn't seem to be (standards must be slipping in schools these days), he would have been able to say that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is going to free some US hostages, Obama was on the campaign trail and Wisconsin has sworn in their new Democrats.

After that we talked about school, looked for trucks and buses, and he counted from 6 to 11, adding twenty for a final touch.

When we got there, Aidy dragged his sleeping bag to the entrance and I dragged the other two. All was going well until we entered the classroom and there was no-one there. His hand gripped me harder than ever and I could hear his mind ticking, thinking - you're not going to leave me here are you?

The class was next door waiting for everyone to turn up. And when they returned, so did Aidy's smile and colour in his cheeks. He played a little with the kids on the sensory table and gave his sleeping bag to Miss Julie saying, "it's an alligator."

He seemed fine. I on the other hand, had to be guided to his locker, find out where to put his binder and almost put the sunscreen in the wrong place. I was becoming a bit of an awkward mess at this stage.

Aidy then spied the box he'd played with last time containing trains and cars. That's when I new drop-off was going to be a success. I said bye and he didn't even notice.

The last moment of drop off - you can't see, but we're both smiling

After that, who knows what really went on but he came up with a great report card:

He had a great day! He happily went through the day enjoying the new toys and reading stories. Very talkative and a real joy to have in class :)

At least he didn't get the old "could do better" like the old man often got.

Erin picked him up. She got there just as the other kids were preparing to go out on the slide. This was possibly the first time he didn't have a beaming smile for her when he saw her, "but we go outside on the side, mama," was the reply. After a little whining he got in the car and went they home.

I put him to bed tonight and it took a few times of me returning to him for him to calm down. But on my last chat with him he told me about his new best friends, Ttttoooooeeemms, Urrssssssleee, Aaannnnnoooaaa - I'll get the correct spellings later.

His story went a bit like this:

Urrssssssleee new best friend. Fun but she cry. Miss her mummy. I say I miss mummy too. Boo hoo. Then mummy pick me up and happy.

Great bedtime story.

Tractors and trains

2011-09-06T20:06:00.001+01:00

On Sunday, we went to seth and Alissa's for breakfast then the boys (and Amelia) set off to go to the Threshers train and tractor fair in Edgerton. It's only a few miles away so wouldn't take 10 minutes to get there.

An hour and half later, due to cars getting stuck in the mud, we arrived.

It was quite the exhibition of all things steam and combustion. Needless to say we got covered in soot and the train was the highlight for Aidy.

Aidy at the helm

Aidy and Seth mechanically milling corn

Train rules

Pat and Amelia taking in the view

Aidy practicing his royal wave from the train

A proud moment for the boy

We saw a lot more than this which we preferred to commit to memory rather than photos - that and the chief photographer was out with the girls.

There was even a parade of tractors showing the evolution of the vehicle. For something which is technically boring to me, it was quite the sight.

But the highlight for me was the journey there. During the traffic jam, Uncle Seth and Aidy would constantly tell Pat to "go faster, Pat," to fits of giggles. While Aidy learnt the term old fogey. But I won't tell you who that was aimed at.

Milwaukee Zoo

2011-09-06T19:42:00.001+01:00

This weekend was fun packed, as you'll see in the next few posts. The rain tried, but didn't put a stop to our fun.

We saw giraffes, apes, penguins and wild cats at the zoo but you'll have to wait for the video to be put together for those.

Starting the day with train ride - and a rare family photo

The favor is returned for Pat, Amelia and Roby

The view from our carriage.

Escaping the raindrops we visited the dairy area. It seems that Amelia loves tractors more than Aidy.

Aidan tells daddy that even though it's cold outside, this isn't a Friesian. Pull the udder one Aidy.

Camping

2011-09-06T03:20:00.002+01:00

We ventured into the deep dark Wisconsin Dells to Mirror Lake one weekend in August with Pat, Roby and Amelia.

Before

During

Matching camping chairs for the cousins

Batman came too

And we had lots of fun

We did the usual camping stuff: campfire, bbq, got rained on, played in parks, fumbled around getting the tent up, went for a hike and swim, forgot things, ate great food and moaned about having to wash the tent when we got home. Like I said, it was great fun.

Gardening

2011-09-05T20:47:00.005+01:00

This Spring and Summer we put our garden together. My dad built the raised beds when he was over, Erin planted the seeds in March and we have all been watering ever since.

Here's our little garden plot. The peas and beans have long gone. But you should still be able to see the tomatoes, green peppers, cucumber and broccoli - no zucchini (courgette) we failed on that one.

Aidan's not the best eater in the world but he does like anything we pick from the garden.

Split shfts

2011-08-15T13:02:00.004+01:00

Aidan wasn't well the other day. He went to bed at night with some Tylenol and was due Ibuprofen at 2am.

We decided to split the nightshift. I took the first half and after a few bouts of crying from him, I went into his room. He had a rough time between 10pm and 1am. But from 1-2 he slept fine,awaking with a jolt at 2 when he needed his meds.

It was a bit of a comedy of errors as I tripped up and bumped into his bed while giving him his dose of Tylenol. He woke further and started asking where my pillow was, randomly. I decided things could get done quicker with the light on. But when it shone he immediately saw his cup with the animals on it and started doing impressions of elephants.

I thought I was never going to get him back to sleep. But after he'd taken the meds and the light was switched off he turned over and found a deep comfort. I, on the other hand, was awake for a couple of hours. He ended up sleeping all the way through until 7 - all of Erin's shift.

Breakfast

2011-08-08T13:20:00.002+01:00

The other day, we were a bit busy and Aidy was desperate for his waffles. There was apparently no time for get get to the table. He had to devour them where they were being prepared.

Best friends and more - a rare post from Mom

2011-07-30T02:53:00.006+01:00

At Olbrich Gardens' park on Friday, Aidan quickly joined a group of kids playing at the slides. When asked his name he replied smartly "Aidy!" The boy wasn't sure of his name and asked again.

Aidan replied loudly "Aidy Don Wadder!"

He then chose the youngest one, probably about 6 mo. his junior and followed her around saying "she my best friend". The little girl didn't really mind having a new shadow but also didn't seem to respond with as much enthusiasm. When the group of kids left he was devastated, "me too, me too" he told me as I tried to bundle him up for our trip back home.

Later on the weekend we were at the beach and he saw an older boy playing with a dump truck. He told me, "He my best friend, dat boy." He then went over to him and started playing. As we were leaving he told me again that the boy was his best friend.

Other things about Aidan at the moment:

*He told me today that he got pushed and that is why he has an owie. I asked him who pushed him and he replied "Claire did." He hasn't seen Claire for 2 months. Hmmm...

*Who is Peter Rabbit's best friend? "Batman!"

*Favorite breakfast- waffles with butter and some "sur-ip"

*Aidan loves hooks and especially "Creaky Cranky" from Thomas the Train. If he picks something up off the floor he acts like his arm is a crane and slowly picks it up with his "hook".

*Chase me Mama! is heard every day.

*Who is Aidan's best friend? "Sophie"

*How old is Aidy? "Aidy Don Wadder!"

*How many times can Aidan jump from the dock into Daddy's arms in the lake? I lost count.

Overall Aidan is a good boy.

At the picnic outside of Olbrich a table of rowdy girls kept Aidan's attention. He whispered to me 'Mama, dose girls are naughty."

He will walk when told to as we walk down a pier. I do need to remind him every other step.

He goes in the bath when told to, after getting all of his trains and cars to join him.

He goes to bed when it is time, although he does stay up and chat to himself for an hour or so.

He says 'puleeeaase' and 'sorry' a lot.

And he loves kisses and cuddles. Although this morning he did tell me he wanted 'Ipeam (icecream) followed by buckets of tears on the kitchen floor when I said no.

Iphone, my phone and mummy's phone

2011-07-30T02:28:00.004+01:00

I'm not known for not losing stuff, or randomly making mistakes every now and again - OK, more often than the average mistake maker.

And today I got to the office and put my phone down on the desk. I switched my computer on, stood up and put my phone on the desk again. Except there were now two phones on the desk.

Yep, I'd taken Erin's as well as mine.

I thought it through and came to the conclusion that Erin could cope without it, work out that I'd still got it from when she gave it to me last night and I'd drop it off back home for her at lunch.

Which is exactly what happened. Except when I rolled up in the driveway Aidy was playing in the sand pit.

He said, "Daddy," with a big beaming smile. Then the smile quickly wiped away and his brow furrowed. He followed up with, "Daddy take mummy's phone."

And as I raised it up to show him and mummy, we all laughed and cheered.

I think it's the first time he's communicated something from something he's picked up, without being prompted.

Glad I could be the source of another first.

Bedtime stories

2011-07-27T01:50:00.004+01:00

On Saturday night, I took Aidy to bed. We were at Grandma and Papas. So he took some trucks and cars, and I took some books.

He was sleeping in a borrowed "Cars" bed, which he loves, but as it's small and low I thought we should read on the "big bed" before we he went to sleep in the small and low bed - purely and simply so I didn't have a bad back for the rest of the night.

We read a Thomas the Train book, then a fish book and then a truck book. All while he intermittently looked at the pictures and played with his trucks.

I then said, "one more book." I got off the bed and moved towards the smaller bed and got ready to read Goodnight Moon. It took me less than 30 seconds. It took Aidy five minutes as he wanted to move all his trucks and cars to the side of his "Cars" bed - there's a reason we don't usually allow cars and trucks in his bed.

He then asked for the fish book, and after that, the "Tommy book".

Not great.

Anyway, anything for a quiet life, I read them then got out The Blankie book. As you've probably guessed it's about a boy who takes his blankie everywhere.

Aiday saw this and said "Blankie...that one yellow...mine one blue one... mine new... got it from garage sale."

His is blue but it's far from new and it was given to him at birth, not, unlike many of his trucks and cars, bought from a garage sale. I just smiled and read on.

Last night I put him to bed and could tell he wasn't going to go down. I gave him a goodnight kiss but he saw this as time to cry rather than a sign to calm down. I left the room with him shouting, "No daddy. Daddy sleep here, Daaaaddddddeeeyyyyy."

After 5 minutes or so, which is far longer than it usually takes him to calm down, I went back up to him. He instantly chirped up and said, "Daddy sleep next to Aidy." When I said no he said, "milk?"

I got him some milk then told him he had to go "Night night" and daddy had to do something outside. "Outside?" he said. And I answered "Yes, to fix the lawnmower."

No sooner as the "L" left my lips I knew it was the wrong thing to say. He shot bolt upright and said, "Aidy help. Aidy help daddy." I said no, but this didn't stop him. "Aidy help fix lawnmower, Aidy fix it. I got screwdriver," he said, as he made a twisting hand gesture.

I left the room with him calm. But 10 minutes later Erin had to go to him as he was shouting at the window ledge to me in the garage, "Daddy fix it, Daddy and Aidy fix lawnmower."

She told him he could help tomorrow, and as he was so tired that seemed to calm him down.

Sophie's birthday weekend

2011-07-04T02:25:00.004+01:00

Aidy and I missed the party at Pump It Up. I was designated nap-putter-downer-er. Thankfully. Aidy made up for it when we got to Sophie's house for the birthday meal - and slip and slide.

Ok, so the kids prefered to pool part to the slide part.

Chillin'

Bubblin'

Storytellin'

Sophie's birthday weekend

2011-06-27T02:37:00.003+01:00

Last weekend was Sophie's 5th birthday party - she's big girl now. Before the party we met up with some of the family and went to Olbrich Gardens.

Little and Large or Skinny and Skinny

Aidy shows Amelia how to splash but I think she already knows.

Seth and Aidy look for alligators.

Cute cousins

The obligatory Aidy on daddy's shoulders shot.

Visiting Grandma and papa

2011-06-07T03:10:00.003+01:00

A month or so back, when I went to new York to meet up with some pals, Aidy and Erin took Sophie up to grandma and papa's.

They saw the nature growing in spring.

They visited Franconia Sculpture park, too.

And took a great photo in grandma's hot tub!

Our little dandy

2011-05-29T03:58:00.002+01:00

I was away last weekend in New York. Aidy and Erin went up north. But before they did they had some fun in the garden.

Nan and Grandad - The Terrace

2011-05-29T03:29:00.004+01:00

On the last day my mum and dad were here we met Matt, Liz, Sophie and Allie. Here are the results:

Last night

2011-05-27T01:54:00.003+01:00

Last night Erin and I went out for dinner. My friend from work came round to babysit. She said she'd do for a cheap rate as long as she didn't have to put Aidy to bed and could just watch a movie or surf the internet. As he always goes to bed at 7 and always sleeps very well, never waking up between 7 - 10, that was never going to be a problem.

Or was it? I got a phone call 2 minutes away from the house. "He's awake," she said.

Apparently, he was at the window crying, obviously having heard his loud dad bang his car door shut and drive off down the gravel driveway. But a Green Eggs and Ham and Sneetches book later he was ready to sleep. Sorry Britt.

I say sorry because the reason he hadn't gone to sleep as quickly as usual was probably due to what had happened just before bedtime.

After I changed him into his new diaper and night T-shirt he ran a round a little then into my arms which I then naturally flipped him over onto the bed. He looked at me and simply said, "more-more-gain?" How could I resist? Three times later and he was sufficiently wound up.

We read for quiet time before bed but that didn't seem to work either. He was looking at the Busy Town people and telling me what they were doing. Sometime he'd get it right."Look policeman". Correct. Others not so. When he saw a pig driving a car, "Grandma!" No, Aidy.

When we got to the firefighter page, he looked up at me and in a strange deep monster voice he said, "fire fighter." It tickled me. I was the child this time wanting more. And he complied. We both laughed long and hard for about 5 minutes as he said everything in this new found comedy voice.

Unfortunately, one more book, even Goodnight Moon, wasn't enough to calm him enough for him to be asleep and not notice when I left.

Again, sorry Britt.

A few fun things

2011-05-18T03:34:00.003+01:00

When My mum and dad were over Aidan started putting his colours together. Except the colours weren't so much as green, blue, black - although that has come now. They were Percy, Thomas and Douglas.

So a green pea was Percy pea, or his blue shirt was a Thomas shirt.

But now he's got most of his colours down. Except yellow is still a bit tricky.

Having watched a lot of Thomas and Bob, Aidan loves hooks. He looks for them everywhere and even creates them with his hand.

Actually, the other day he proved his problem solving skills with one. Something fell down the sink which we couldn't get to which Aidan desperately wanted. He turned to Erin and said"hook." He then ran to the sun room and grabbed his truck with a hook. When that didn't work he looked at her and said, "digger hook". He ran and got it. Unfortunately what he was trying to dig out was stuck, but it was great to see his mind working.

And this morning he woke up around 5:30. He was moaning and groaning loudly and finally Erin went in to see him. Immediately, when Erin walked into the room he stopped his moany cry, looked at her and said, "Mamma get it, got it, look, two boogers."

Classic.

Post-royal wedding party

2011-05-17T02:25:00.002+01:00

Welcome

Cups of tea, hats and ties were the order of the day.

Royal-themed Lymerics were read.

And the kids played.

And played.

Aidy's treehouse

2011-05-17T02:07:00.004+01:00

Thankfully, he loves it.

He slept on it before it was finished.

Thomas loves it too.

He shows it off to his friend Claire.

Treehouse - phase 1

2011-05-17T01:50:00.004+01:00

When Erin, Aidan I were house-hunting, and we'd been upstairs and downstairs, Erin would check the place didn't have damp, Aidan would dance around the lounge, and I checked the back yard to see if there were any trees - for a treehouse.

I don't know why, I've just always wanted Aidan to have a treehouse.

The house we bought has three trees in the back yard and we've been mulling over which one to put it on and how it should look. Here's how phase one went when my dad came to visit - and he thought he was coming for a holiday:

Left a bit, right a bit. To me, to you.

Aidan's hat came in very useful.

Are you sure you want it here?

Yes. Job done. Two very proud men.

OK, so it's only a platform at the moment but stay tuned for stages 2, 3 and 4.

Nan and Grandad - Easter Sunday

2011-05-16T02:07:00.003+01:00

On Easter Sunday we hunted for eggs and ate ones brought from England. We also went to church off to where Brewers fans worship.

Nan and Grandad - Down on the farm

2011-05-16T01:49:00.003+01:00

On the Saturday, we went to the Farmers' Market for breakfast then set off for an Easter Egg hunt at a farm near cambridge, WI.

The rules were that you could collect 12 eggs. I'm sure that bag has more.

After the opening the eggs to find presents, they were put back together and the kids rolled the eggs down the bagatelle.

We weren't sure Aidan would like this dark slide. But after the fifth time down we presumed he was enjoying it.

Mum and Aidy go bikin'.

Don't worry Grandad came on the trip too. He's actually behind the camera here shouting, "Come on, Aidy."

Nan and Grandad's visit

2011-05-16T01:41:00.004+01:00

Nan and Grandad visited just before Easter. We weren't sure what Aidan's reaction would be to having to share his house for two would be. But as soon as they arrived, he showed them round the house, upstairs in his bedroom and welcomed them with lots of jibber-jabbering.

They arrived on the Thursday and Friday morning we went to the Children's Museum.

Aidy showed Nan how to get the balls up so they can fall down.

Then he got dad to do it for him.

An afternoon with the kids

2011-03-15T01:13:00.012Z

Yesterday, I looked after Aidan and Claire because our nanny had to attend a funeral. I came home just after lunch and was given the run down of the day so far - who'd eaten what, who'd had a diaper change when, and when they'd gone to sleep.

Yes, they were asleep, so I had a few minutes to myself.

Claire woke up first and wanted milk and a book. Half through the cup of milk and This Is London we heard Aidy and both went up to see him. He seemed pretty happy to be greeted by his, "daddy."

After both the kids were fully awake and fed, we set off for an errand. Then we went for ice cream. Or Ow-ceem, or I-Peen, depending on which kid you talk to.

After we'd all wiped our faces, we set off for a walk. Well, Claire and I walked and Aidan took his big red push car.

There was a moment, during the walk, which I saw myself in Aidan. And it wasn't great. I took my phone out and asked them to say, "Cheese." But as soon as I did I saw panic all over Aidan's face and he just shouted, "Cam-ma."

In the last few days when Aidan has been out with his car he's taken a black alarm clock with him, which he pretends is his "cam-ma". It wasn't there. And Aidan pulled the same face you've all seen me pull, when I've misplaced my keys or lost my wallet.

We went back in the house and found the cam-ma. I then took picture of Aidan and Claire while Aidan took pictures of me.

It's great witnessing kids learn the English language. First you have the unintentional swearing. Aidan loves trucks, and lots of the time says TRUCKS but if he says FIRE TRUCK, the TR gets changed for an F. And if he gets excited and sees two trucks, sometimes the same thing happens but he adds an ERS at the end. It sounds like he doesn't like them, but he really does. A lot.

Also, it's funny how out of context words can get. Obviously when someone bumps into Aidan they say sorry and he's picked that up. A bump on the head means sorry. So when he got bumped by the fridge door yesterday, he turned round to it and said, "Sorry."

After some food Aidan and claire finished their homework and waited for Claire's mum. It was a great afternoon but I did sleep well last night.

Aidy's words

2011-03-11T13:19:00.003Z

Two things have happened to Aidy recently. He hasn't been very well. Over the last three weeks he's had two fevers, a fair bit of vomiting and hasn't been sleeping well, at all. The other thing is that his vocabulary has exploded, and he repeats everything we say.

When he wasn't well he learned the word cry. He'd cry then finish by telling us he wanted to "cry".

The other morning, when he was much better, he woke up, a bit too early, calling for, "Daddy, daddy, daddy." He stopped for a little bit then tried, "Mummy, mummy, mummy." He stopped again. Then he just simply said, "cry, daddy, cry."

He knows how to pluck at my heart strings. I went to him right away.

Babysitting

2011-02-27T20:53:00.003Z

Last night we looked after Sophie and Allie. Aidy loved it. They all did.

You'd have thought with all the exercise we put Allie through she'd be exhausted. We got that wrong. She didn't want to miss any excitement and stayed up until 9:15.

Aidan at 2 years, 1 month

2011-01-30T20:33:00.003Z

We haven't sat down and wrote what the boy's up to for a while. So here's a list:

As soon as he turned 2 he seemed to latch on to words. He still speaks long wah-wah sentences but now ends these with an understandable word or two.

No has entered his vocabulary - a bit too often.

He loves riding on his Big Red Push-Car. And other favorites include his toy car park, train-set, and shopping trolley.

He recognises most farm animals, shapes, body parts and different vehicles. And shouts out when he sees them.

He's started eating better with pancakes, butter and syrup being a breakfast favorite - of course. He even helps out when making it. He likes spicier food - but we're skeptical at giving him too much.

He goes swimming on Thursday evenings. Well, he splashes in the right places when it comes to the actions during all the songs we sing.

He's started singing along to at least the first few lines of nursery rhymes.

He likes to zip his footie PJs up and down, pretends he is a 'big scary monster' a little too much and still loves to chase around as much as possible. He has become somewhat bossy when we stop out of exhaustion and he points at us to 'Go!' and giggles with anticipation of the next chase.

His sleep has become much better in the last two years, sleeping-in sometimes until 8.30 (hallelula!) and with hardly a peep overnight. Unless of course he has a tooth or two bothering him. Then we know it will be a disrupted night. Luckily he has a lot now so we hope the worst is over. He goes to sleep at 7pm like clockwork and has only occasionally refused a nap.

Fun in the snow

2011-01-30T20:25:00.003Z

Winter doesn't always provide great photos. But yesterday it was warm enough to go outside, slide, build snow-people and have fun.

Aidan at his playful best.

Great idea to slide into the snow, mum.

Daddy, mummy and baby snow-people. Twigs for arms and smiles, leaves from shrubs for eyebrows and berries for eyes.

Walking to find the ducks who didn't fly south.

Happy birthday Amelia

2011-01-30T20:15:00.002Z

While in Wausau we celebrated Amelia's first birthday. She loved her party.

Great birthday dress.

The 1st of many to come.

Aidan, it's Amelia's cake.

Winter ice cream

2011-01-30T20:06:00.004Z

We went up to Wausau for new year and visited the local art gallery. Aidan breezed past the art pretty quickly but loved serving everyone at the faux ice cream parlor.

I hope these guys tip well.

You want more, mum?

There you go.

Merry Christmas

2011-01-03T03:34:00.002Z

Every year we the De Vos family take a Christmas photo. The family's getting bigger and bigger and the picture's getting more difficult to take. The best strategy is to sit down, smile and don't expect perfection.

Twin Cities Children's Museum

2010-12-29T04:59:00.004Z

There are a few posts to be blogged about Aidan's birthday and Christmas but I couldn't help putting these photos up now. Erin, Grandma and Aidan went to the Children's museum in the cities today. I was working, so Erin sent me the below photos from her phone. Let's call them before and after.

Happy birthday Aidy

2010-12-22T06:33:00.002Z

Aidy's birthday celebrations started the Friday before his birthday. We let him open one present. We got it right too. A Thomas The Tank Engine extravaganza thanks to Jenny and Alan. He loved it and his Thomas - he now called Thomas Tommy - hat is the only one he'll wear.

On the Saturday we went to Wausau. He opened a few of his presents from family and had fun.

Birthday breakfast.

He loved his new books, puzzle, car map, and trucks.

At home on his birthday, he celebrated with Matt, Liz, Sophie, Allie, and Tyler. A few too many candles this time. But he loved his cupcakes.

Annual Christmas treats

2010-12-19T02:13:00.003Z

Alissa, Erin, Aidan and I went up to Pat and Roby's place - Grandma came down - today to make our usual seasonal candies.

Here's what we made:

Sea foam
Chocolate honeycomb
Chocolate peppermint cookies
M&M cookies
Baileys fudge
Nut toffee
Anise candy
White chocolate covered pretzels
Sugar cookies

Aidan loved his chocolate treats. And Amelia sneaked her first taste of anise. She loved it. But not when her mum swiped it from her.

Happy birthday mama

2010-12-09T00:56:00.002Z

Happy birthday Erin.

Snow

2010-12-06T02:55:00.002Z

Last year it happened on December 8, this year it was the night of Dec 3. Fall turned to Winter overnight and we'll probably see the ground in March

White and cream should be seldom seen.

The blind leading the young.

Aidan did pretty well clearing his patch.

We're not sure Aidan's going to love the winter. He got very excited when he first saw the snow. He shouted, "Noooooo." He did it with a smile. He was learning a new word, not being indignant. But he was indignant when he took his hat off. If he doesn't get used to it it's going to be a long winter.

Early Thanksgiving - part 2

2010-12-06T00:07:00.003Z

The adults had fun too.

Pat - King of the Carvers

Yum.

A wee nipper.

Don't drink too many nippers or you'll dress like this.

(And lose at ping-pong).

Early Thanksgiving - part 1

2010-12-05T23:56:00.005Z

These posts are a bit out of wack but that's the way my mind works sometimes. The Saturday before Thanksgiving the De Vos clan all met up at Seth and Alissa's palce and shared a turkey, giggles, and ping-pong.

The two eldest cousins burn some energy.

The nearest we get to a photo shoot of the kids.

"What's all the fuss?" says Allie.

Si and Sar - Sunday

2010-12-04T20:02:00.003Z

On Sunday we had a trip out to New Glarus Brewery. It's built on top of a hill and has beautiful surroundings.

Aidan didn't bother with the tour. he just played with the water feature and scared his dad to death as he walked along the edge of a very steep drop. He couldn't have cared less.

Let's go guys...

...to the park.

Si learned how to never lose at naughts and crosses again. Until next time.

Good times.

Si and Sar - Saturday

2010-12-04T19:57:00.002Z

We ventured down State Street for Freakfest. Dressed as The English Tea Party and a Nudist On Strike, we had a blast. Unfortunately, we had to forfeit the cucumber sandwiches at the front gate - classed as dangerous or something.

Speaking of trips...

2010-12-04T19:46:00.005Z

A few weeks ago Si and Sar came out to visit us. It was a great week chock full of the adults acting like big kids gadding around Madison and Wisconsin, often with Aidan tucked up in bed.

First stop on Friday's Milwaukee trip was Lapham Peak.

Ayeeee. It's the Fonz - on the left. Next stop the Spy Bar.

The day was capped with a trip to the hockey. As they scored 5, we won Free ice cream at Culvers.

Choo-choo

2010-12-01T05:43:00.002Z

Aidan's favourite part of the Washington trip was taking rides on the Metro around D.C. He could have stayed on the trains all day. He loved to shout out to them as they passed outside Fred and Caz's too. He was a true trainspotter that weekend.

Cheese

2010-12-01T05:33:00.004Z

Aidan may only have a few words but he can be bossy sometimes. He takes pride in his daily work, which mainly comprises of running cars up and down a track or a windowsill. If he sees his mum with her camera in hand he'll get her to take a picture of his handy-work.

Speaking of Aidan's words. he seems to be really gathering them now. His current favourites are choo-choo and kitty-cat. But he also likes to say moon, stars, and pee-pee and poo-poo.

He says, "all done," when he's finished with his food. And his new favorite food is "Cookie".

Mamadada seems to be used a lot too, meaning both my mum and dad. He does differentiate though. When flicking though a magazine the other day he saw a picture of Wonder Woman and shouted, "Mama, Mama." I, on the other hand, have been called Homer Simpson and Thomas The Tank Engine's Fat Controller.

The Simpsons

2010-12-01T05:22:00.002Z

On Thursday night, in a moment of weakness, we asked Fred and Caz if they had any cartoons for Aidan to watch. They had The Simpsons - 11 seasons of it. Aidan loved it; the Michael Jackson one, the Washington one, every one he watched.

Each time he wanted to watch one he'd climb up on the same seat and say, "see-see". He didn't always get what he wanted but when he did, and it was accompanied by a cookie, he was content.

"Cheese."

OK, it wasn't just Aidan who enjoyed it.

D.C. - Washington Zoo

2010-11-30T13:08:00.007Z

On Sunday Fred, Erin, Aidan and I went to Washington Zoo. We got there around 10. Most of the animals weren't awake. The first animal we saw was the red panda - asleep. Next we went to see the elephants. But they didn't see to be about until we saw one throwing dust over itself - sunscreen for elephants, apparently - in the distance. Aidan did his elephant noises and it came out looking for him.

The pandas were next. Notorious for being lazy, we didn't hold much hope.

Aidan thought this was as much action he was going to see from a panda.

He tried to wake him by cuddling.

But finally he saw one, alive and eating. Mr. Panda even walked around and entertained a little.

We went into the Small Mammal House were the best show was put on. Tamarins and owls made Aidy laugh. But the naked mole-rats darting through the transparent tunnels were his favourite, even though the adults thought they were disgusting.

Gingerbread house

2010-11-28T20:00:00.003Z

When Fred and I returned from an evening of burritos, and a few cheeky ones at the Quarry House Tavern, us adults decorated a gingerbread house. Aidan didn't get to take part in the fun but he devoured the gingerbread man in the morning.

D.C. - Saturday

2010-11-28T19:58:00.006Z

After the trip to Georgetown we walked to the White House. We saw where the West Wing gang shot the basketball episode. But not where Obama had his little accident.

The White House.

Aidan looking grumpy as he knows he might work here one day but he won't be President as he was born in the UK.

On a cold sunny day, we took in the monument tour with Washington, Lincoln and the Korean War memorial.

Aidan was heartbroken during the Vietnam War Memorial but I think it was more to do with being cold and tired rather than the emotion of the 58,000 names.

Georgetown Cupcake

2010-11-28T19:37:00.004Z

Mmmmm. Cupcake.

We ummed and arred whether or not to go to get some Georgetown Cupcakes. They are hyped up to the max here and are supposed to be the best cupcakes ever. There's even a reality TV show about the place. The downside is that the store is tiny and people are usually queueing for over an hour to get in - to buy half a dozen. But when we happened to stroll by on Saturday morning the queue was minimal and we decided to get half a dozen.

Unfortunately, Fred isn't in the shot, nor managed to capture the Georgetown Cupcake bag in the photo.

Erin snapped it.

Here's our review:

Red Velvet - You'd understand why this is Georgetown Cupcake's biggest seller. Icing like cheesecake - in a good way. Unsure what the red colour of the cupcake is but it's a fluffy winner.

Double chocolate - If you like dark chocolate you'll like this. But it is very rich. A bit OTT.

Salted Caramel - Tasty, buttery icing but where was the salt?

Mint cookies and cream - The mint lover didn't love it. But the rest of us thought it was mintilicious.

Vanilla Vanilla - "So good I didn't share," says Fred.

Peanut Butter - Holy Moly that was good.

Aidan loved all the icing he was given, which wasn't all that much. Greedy adults.

D. C. - Friday

2010-11-27T00:15:00.012Z

Yesterday, after 2 flights, 3 Thomas The Tank Engine books, a Bob the Builder book, watching trucks and airplanes at the airport, playing with toys cars, taking a nap - thank goodness - and a lot of distraction by his mum, Aidan - and his mum and dad - arrived in D.C. We were met by Fred and went off to see Caz.

We were treated to a great Thanksgiving meal - we won't tell the American's it was a delicious roast lamb - and had a fun evening of catch-up.

Today, we went to the Museum of Natural History where Aidan seemed in awe of the stuffed elephants, lions, flying foxes, zebras and giraffes. We went to see as blue whale, a few dinosaurs and then he'd had enough.

We had a few hours to spare before we were due to go on the capitol tour so we walked to the Washington Monument, hoping the boy would take a nap. Traveling with children is very different to being without. Before we set off to walk around the monument and see Lincoln's Memorial, we put Aidan's dummy in his mouth, gave him his blankie and hoped that would be the potion for sleep. During the walk, his sleep was all we could think about, not the history.

He was just falling asleep when we got to the The Mall Carousel. But as we passed it, with its organ music piping out, he pointed at it with tears in his eyes. The fight was over. He was staying awake.

The capitol.

We finally got a family photo.

The dome.

Aidan and dad looking at the dome.

Aidan listened intently to the tour guide. Later he told me a few facts:

The British only lost the Revolutionary War because of the French
The Brits were still living it up in the US at least 7 years after the war.
The architect of the dome was British - the painter Italian.

After so much learning, you just need a rest.

After the tour, we met Caz at Union Station where we ate soup and cookies.

Aidan loved his cookie.

A look back - Wausau - part 3

2010-10-26T00:18:00.006+01:00

Regular readers will notice there aren't many family portraits on the blog.

These next few pictures might explain why.

One and a half people looking at the camera.

2 here.

Almost.

Time to go home.

A look back - Wausau - part 2

2010-10-26T00:09:00.002+01:00

A trip to the apple orchard was in order for Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful day. Perfect for apple turnover, apple crisp (crumble to the Brits), apple dumpling and Dutch apple pie - all topped off with vanilla cinnamon ice-cream. Oh, and there was hot apple cider to keep us warm, too.

Watch where you're going, Sophie.

Roby and Ally keep warm.

Aidan likes to kid around.

Even tempting him with lashings of ice-cream we couldn't keep him away.

A look back - Wausau - part 1

2010-10-25T23:48:00.004+01:00

Erin and I were looking at our photos last night and realised we didn't blog our trip to Wausau about a month ago. It took 5 adults to look after 4 angelic kids.

Leo meets Aslan

2010-10-25T01:52:00.003+01:00

Aidan was pretty reluctant to put his lion outfit on this afternoon at Madison Zoo's trick or treating event. Actually, I guess kicking and screaming shows more than reluctance but he got over it when we said he didn't have to put his lion head (hood) up.

He was in awe when he met the king of the zoo.

I'm not sure who's taming who.

Go Badgers

2010-10-25T01:36:00.006+01:00

We went to the Badger basketball Scrimmage today. It's become an annual De Vos-Waller family event.

The Badgers won.

It may not look like it, but Sophie shared a lot of her popcorn.

"It's called a slam dunk , Aidy."

Quick comparison - a year ago.

Aidan met Bucky. He was a bit too scared, last year.

Rough-housing

2010-10-25T01:31:00.002+01:00

Aidan loves playing rough. This weekend we've wrestled around the house, he's tickle-tortured his mum, belly-flopped me, and found a great new toy. Apparently there's nothing more fun than rolling around the floor in the laundry basket.

Odd

2010-10-19T12:44:00.004+01:00

Aidan had a funny old morning, yesterday.

I went home at lunch time and our nanny told me there were some parts of the morning when he just wanted to be on his own, lying somewhere; on the floor or on the sofa. We both said in unison, "that's not Aidan."

Teething? Not sure.

But after his nap and a trip to the pet shop he seemed fine when I got home. He just wanted to chase me around the house while I was making his evening meal.

The things we did this weekend - part 6

2010-10-18T03:38:00.004+01:00

There were lots of things which Aidan did this weekend which weren't documented by Erin and her camera. They include:

Sharing copious amounts of ice cream with Papa Bud.

Running through leaves which were being blown at him.

Chasing the kitty-kat - Beijing - at every opportunity.

When catching Beijing, giving her Fisher Price medical treatment.

Having two evening meals on Saturday night.

Jammin' on his harmonica, drums and shakers with dad and grandma.

Here's one shot that couldn't be missed...

The things we did this weekend- part 5

2010-10-18T03:33:00.002+01:00

Some of the exhibits were fun, even if they look spooky.

Things we did this weekend - part 4

2010-10-18T03:26:00.003+01:00

The nearest we got to taking a family portrait.

Things we did this weekend - part 3

2010-10-18T03:05:00.006+01:00

On Saturday afternoon, we went to Franconia Sculpture Park.

It was great to have Pappa Bud with us.

Aidy leads Grandma to his favourite exhibit.

I think he thinks we can get some inspiration for next year's big project - The Treehouse.

Things we did this weekend - part 2

2010-10-18T02:56:00.005+01:00

After a morning snack, Aidan experienced his first bouncy castle.

He loved being bounced by the oder kids.

At least I think he did.

Things we did this weekend - part 1

2010-10-18T02:43:00.011+01:00

We went to the Grain Bin in the middle of nowhere, nowhere near Grandma's house on Saturday morning. First, we stopped off to say hello to a few animals.

Aidan got a little too close to the moo cows.

And got way too close to this little puppy dog. Thankfully we could get him away, pointing in the direction of cinnamon buns and tasty treats.

Road Trip to Amery

2010-10-16T13:19:00.005+01:00

We're at Grandma Char and Pappa Bud's for the weekend for a fun visit. Aidy's watching a pre-breakfast Winnie The Pooh. He loves it here.

But here's what happened on the way up:

While Erin and I discussed Christmas presents for friends and family, Aidan started reading. He has a new truck and car book. After about ten minutes or so, we heard some noises coming from the back like a strange kind of tune. Erin and I stopped talking without looking at him and he was telling the story of the book. He was going up and down in sentence cadences, using the odd words and vehicle sounds he has and it sounded something like.

WhurwhuurbahbahhCAAARRRbububublaWOOWOOWOOOWOOWOllalblahhTRUCK.

WOOWOO is the sound of a fire engine - as if that needed explaining.

I could see the pride in his mum's eyes.

Then came the wristband. I found a green and yellow flower wristband which flicks on and wraps around your wrist and I put it on my right wrist. Aidy saw this and pointed at it and obviously wanted it for himself. We that it was this he wanted for a while and I just thought he'd taken offense at me all of a sudden. Erin being the perceptive one in our parental partnership, saw what I had on my wrist and gave it to him.

The day before, on the way to swimming, Aidan had found this wristband and struggled getting it on, but eventually, he did and was very proud of himself. We heard the same noises of frustration I'd heard the night before and left him to his own devises. But when we looked back a few minutes later Aidy had wrapped the band around his head, saying "eyes, eyes" and pointing at them. For the next ten minutes he'd take it off and put it on again saying - each time, much louder - "nose, mouth or eyes".

He played to the crowd and time passed by very quickly.

Towards the end of the journey, when he should have been asleep, we started singing a few calming nursery rhymes. But every time we'd finish one, from the deepest dark heart of the back of the car, we heard a little chuckle and applause. Instead of ignoring this, Erin and I, both rose to the occasion, said "thank you very much" and carried on. This led to us exhausting our repertoire and getting a little boy who needed to sleep, very excited.

We tested this excitedness by visiting Grandma Jane. Needless to say he crashed, was grumpy and was asleep in the back of the car within 5 minutes of leaving.

Now he's up, drinking his milk and playing with cars, while Pooh is on in the background. He can't wait for the adventures that usually happen while we're here, to get going.

Words

2010-10-04T00:29:00.004+01:00

The switch seems to have gone on for Aidan's vocabulary. He's repeating a lot of what we say and giggling a lot when he does.

His personality is coming through now, too. Here's three stories to prove it.

The three of us went for a walk the other evening and we walked by a man who said hi. Erin and I said hi back and Aidan did too, but he was a little too late for the man to notice. A minute later a woman did exactly the same thing except Aidan said hi back to her immediately. And let out the proudest giggle as we went on our way.

Another night, Aidan and I were upstairs reading some books. There's one which we use most nights and Aidan tells me what the pictures are. Theres a picture of a ball then chair then car. As I was asking what the pictures were Aidan picked up an other book, started looking at that and in a bored teenager's voice just said, "ball, chair, car," without looking at the right book. He's getting too smart - and cheeky - for his own good.

And last night we visited some friends. Aidan happily played with a Mr. Potato Head and a toy camera while we sat around chatting. A few minutes went by then Aidan walked up to us all, held the camera up to his eyes and started saying "cheese". He went round the room repeating it until he'd snapped us all.

All fall down

2010-09-30T02:16:00.005+01:00

Aidan came over to help me when I was raking the lawn the other day. Or so I thought. Actually, he just wanted to run through the leaves and dive into them.

Lovin' summer

2010-09-30T02:02:00.001+01:00

When he's done his mowing he just loves playing.

Gardening

2010-09-30T01:52:00.001+01:00

Aidan followed his mum all around the back garden the other day helping with the mowing.

Aidan and Papa

2010-09-30T01:37:00.003+01:00

It's always great seeing these two together. I think I know who has more fun when they're with each other. The big kid rather than the little one.

Spot the difference

2010-09-07T03:38:00.002+01:00

Aidan used to look like a free living hippy.

He had his hair cut on Saturday.

No more tree hugging. Now he's our preppy soccer boy.