Thinking of my sister today- it would have been her 33rd birthday. I often wonder what kind of aunt she would have been. I know Aiden would have loved her and I can't wait to tell him all about his aunt Kathi. I am happy knowing she is at peace, no longer fighting the anorexia that she battled all but 10 years of her life. Happy birthday, Kathi!
This time last year was such a rough day. It had just been announced the MOU would not be renewed on September 1st. I was a basket case, not knowing if I would have a referral in time. I was then given the devastating news that one of my students took his own life. I have been able to keep in touch with his mom and am honored to be on the board of directors for John's Hope, a children's mental illness foundation.
Today I am in such a different place than I was last year. Today I celebrate the lives of Kathi and John and hope I can share many wonderful memories of these special people with Aiden.
Seriously- you be the judge...
From the back, I'd say no. From the front...
Uhhh, no again. Seriously, Erica and I were asked that question several times today. I just said no, they're friends. What I wanted to say, actually sing: their cousins, identical cousins... Or, even better, yes they are, but they were born 2 days apart and have different fathers. Okay, they both look/are Asian, so I guess I should cut people a break. And I have to say, Erica and I both agree their voices sound eerily similar. So what are Aiden Bao and Duc? Definitely friends for life! 
Hey look- coordinating outfits and they still don't look like twins! 
Aiden and I ventured down south to spend the day with Erica and The Spudster. Poor spud wasn't feeling well, but we still had a great time. I think I finally found some table food Aiden likes- Chinese. Should have known. The boy needs some lo mein noodles and a little spice in his diet. He even signed more for the first time (and he did it again at dinner so I know it wasn't a fluke)!
I took so many pictures today. I haven't edited any yet, but wanted to share a few of my favorites (I am going to save some for another post- or two). Erica also took some pictures of Aiden and me. We decided we need to get together once a month so we will have pictures of us with our sons. And hopefully some of the identical cousins together.
We had lots of fun at the park, even though both boys were getting tired.
Check out the pacifier thief in the background....
Fiber break
Check out Erica's blog for even more great pictures of a fantastic day. I am so thankful to have Erica and Duc in our lives. Erica and I are pretty similar in our parenting styles and we have the forever bond of going through our adoptions at the same time. And even though they are not twins :), Duc and Aiden share a birth country and a culture that Erica and I both feel strongly about maintaining and incorporating into the boys lives. I just wish we lived a wee bit closer together!
Okay, I'm ready to play
Snack break- grass: it does a body good
Taking a break on the playground
Have a wonderful weekend!
Runaway babies
And then there were two...
Aiden had a little photo shoot for his birthday invitations. I won't show the chosen pics but here are a few that didn't make the cut (do you see a theme emerging?).
And this last one cracks me up. It was the third outfut and Aiden was d-o-n-e. He didn't care what his outfit said!
I was recently nominated for a blog award (thanks, Elaine!). I promise I am working on getting out my acceptance post and my nominations. You can't rush a good acceptance speech....
How can it be? My baby is growing up way too fast. I can't believe Aiden is 11 months old today and we have been a family for 4 1/2 months. Apparently Aiden didn't know that he was supposed to sleep 11 hours last night like he has done the past 4 nights. I think we was just ready to celebrate his countdown to the big 0-1 and give a birthday shout out to a fellow Ca Mauer- Happy 2nd Birthday, sweet Lulu!
The last month has been all about mobility. Aiden is cruising everywhere and can stand on his own for at least 30 seconds at a time. He has taken one step forward, but no real walking just yet. Pretty impressive seeing that he couldn't put any weight on his legs when I first met him on November 30th. And do you think I can catch this feat on camera? Of course not. But I did get a good shot of Aiden's squat. When he falls he usually doesn't sit down all the way for several seconds. Just practicing his Vietnamese squat I suppose!
He will take steps when holding my hand. He gets more steady everyday. Aiden has moved up to the next level in Gym*boree. He is now the youngest in his class but he is trying very hard to keep up with all of the walkers in the class!
This is how he walks with his push toy....forget walking upright. Aiden does everything HIS way!
Aiden got his 5th tooth this month. Thankfully, I think the other eye teeth are giving him a break for now. Unless that is why he was up so early this morning...yikes!
He has been extra clingy in the past week or two. I don't know if it's the age, an attachment thing, or a combination of both. I wouldn't say he is experiencing stranger anxiety, but he definitely wants mama and mama only when others are around. He doesn't let others hold him. Don't get me wrong, Aiden loves a crowd. He just does his networking from Mama's arms now! Last night we went to a school dinner for students graduating from our job coach program. He thought every single person in the room was there for him. Once he got comfortable, he tried to make the rounds, crawling to each table to coo at everyone there. He will also make his coo/ahh noise to get the attention of people wherever we go. It always works!
His favorite toys seem to be anything that isn't a toy and anything he shouldn't have. The cat's food and water are favorites as are mama's laptop, camera and all associated cords.
Aiden loves to be outside. Mainly he loves to eat grass and leaves. Today he couldn't figure out why rocks weren't as edible.
As for actual food, Aiden is still eating mainly baby food. He does eat some finger foods. Cheese, crackers, cheese, yogurt melts, cheese, puffs...did I mention cheese? It's his all time favorite! I have tried scrambled eggs, waffles, french fries, diced fruits, steamed vegetables and pasta. He gums it for a little bit and then spits it back out. He won't even eat any of the 3rd food dinners yet. I guess he will when he is ready.
Hanoi |
Indianapolis |
