All boy

That describes Aiden in a nutshell. 100% boy. If you follow me on FB, you know that Aiden rolled his cozy coupe yesterday. He only cried because he was pi$$ed off that he was trapped inside. The little maniac also skinned his knee for the first time yesterday. I'm actually surprised he hasn't gotten one sooner.

We went to a make up gym*boree class yesterday. The owner asked me about moving him up to the next level. This usually happens at 16 months. But as she said, "Aiden is ummm....busy. He needs more of a challenge." We will try the new class tomorrow. I think he will do just fine.

Aiden has mastered going up and down stairs. He does it with ease. He also figured out the door on the baby gates with said ease. They are down now because they were more of a danger than a safety measure. That is actually fine by me. Having 3 flights of stairs gets old with a baby. Having 3 flights of stairs with PITA baby gates that come loose when you catch diaper bags, grocery bags, etc. on it is...well a PITA. How does Aiden feel about his new stair freedom? You be the judge...
Yeah, he's lovin' it. And I love that he is all boy. It is so fun and I couldn't ask for anything more. He is rough and tough. He is a hunter and gatherer. I find things from the upstairs bathroom in a bucket in the basement. Aiden loves to be on the go but he is also SO loving. He gives great hugs and kisses. He likes to cuddle every morning and at night (lately it's been the middle of the night but we're working on it). I love my little man more than I can ever put into words! How could I not love this adorable (and popsicle sticky) face?!?

Giving back to Vietnam

Part of my heart will be forever in Vietnam. If was afterall, Aiden's birthplace. I am honored that the people of Vietnam trusted me to raise Aiden. And the time I spent there? As much as I couldn't wait to get home and start our new life together, everyday in the gorgeous country was special and I can't wait to go back. I received an email from a dear blog friend about a new project she was involved in, called Mothers in Action for Vietnam. Because I am a bit behind, these moms have already reached their initial goal of raising $600 to provide surgeries for two boys. Now they are working on providing a mobile medical clinic, and hoping to raise $500.

From the Mothers in Action for Vietnam blog:

Spending time living amongst an amazing people, many of whom are struggling with poverty, changes you. We cannot forget Vietnam, or the people we met there.
Several months ago, the three of us watched a video about a young boy living in the Tam Binh 2 orphanage located in Sài Gòn, a video that touched us deeply. That video set into motion the events that would lead to Mothers In Action for Vietnam. We began a dialogue about finding a way to unite the large number of bloggers we know for a common purpose. We started researching non-profit groups working in Vietnam with one goal in mind: to bring medical aid to disadvantaged children, orphans and families. In that spirit, we hope to partner with various non-profits in Vietnam by sponsoring projects that align with our goals and passions.
This idea has been born out of a great passion to see what kind of good we could do if we all united to support a series of projects with different organizations. It is our hope that with enough support, we will be able to expand our partnerships to encompass projects in the areas of orphan care, family preservation, HIV/AIDs care and education. It is in honor of our sons that we have united to form Mothers in Action for Vietnam.

Please visit their site, and consider making a donation. I plan on making one in honor of Aiden's referral day anniversary (can't believe it's about a month away).

What She said...

and she said and she said and she said....

Lots going on with adoption legislation (that I am very wary of). I honestly don't have the energy or time to blog about it. Who knew molars would be the death of me this summer. Hurry up and leave us alone already. Poor Aiden. Poor mommy. Luckily, many bloggers did blog about this legislation. Props to them. They have just as much going on as I do (probably more because they all have more kids than I do), I am just lacking all around. I really think that, on top of the molars, I am sinking into a deep deep depression about going back to work in less than two weeks. I can't even form a coherent thought. But this post isn't about me, well really it is because I support international adoption and want to adopt again someday. I just don't feel this legislation will make adoption more ethical and transparent. In fact I feel it may do the opposite. And that folks, is my reasoning in a very tiny nutshell.

As I already said, many bloggers had great posts about it and share my feelings. And? One blogger, who has 2 more kids than I do and probably has way more going on, created a lovely post that links many terrific posts....that aren't my own. Am I making any sense to you? Probably not, so just go check out Tracy's post where you can find links to all of the great posts. Enough of my rambling- go read these terrific posts!

For Stellan

Today my mind has been preoccupied with thoughts of Stellan. Aiden had me up bright and early at 5:30 this morning so I was able to check MckMama's tweets fairly early. My heart sunk. Stellan's condition was deteriorating.

I know many of my readers read MckMama's blog. If you don't, you can visit her blog and read Stellan's story. Stellan is not well and awaiting an airlift to Boston for another heart ablation. I know how worried I was when I found out about Aiden's heart murmur. I can't begin to fathom how difficult it is to watch your son's heart beat at a dangerous 210+ beats per minute for 3 days and counting . This family has been an inspiration to so many and Aiden and I have prayed extra hard for baby Stellan and his beautiful family today. He has defied the odds before and millions are praying he will do so again.

Aiden also wore orange for Stellan.

And we would have been sporting our Stellan Will Live bracelets if Aiden hadn't successfully stashed them in a special spot only he knows about!

Tonight we hung out on the deck eating popsicles (molars are really bothering my poor boy tonight). I let Aiden eat mine (they are the mini slow melt kind) after I opened the door to the deck on his forehead. He forgave me pretty quickly. So we sat, enjoyed the evening together, I gave Aiden extra hugs and kisses and I thanked God for my healthy son.
Be strong Stellan!

Tagged: Crazy Eights

Christine tagged me oh, about 3 1/2 weeks ago. No time like the present to finally complete the tag. Ahem. Please forgive my tardiness (or lateness because in our school, the kids are never tardy, they are late. Apparently tardiness in not PC?) Sorry, on to Crazy Eights!

8 Things I’m Looking Forward to:

1. Fall break and Winter break

2. Taking Aiden to Heritage Camp (in 2 years maybe?)

3. Finding out what words Aiden will say next.

4. Oh yeah, spring break and summer break 2010

5. Getting a day to myself this week so I can read a book at the pool for a few hours

6. Going back to Vietnam one day

7. Hopefully adding to my family someday- Aiden really needs a brother ya know!

8. As much as I don't want to go back to work, I am looking forward to getting on a better schedule once school starts again.


8 Things I Did Yesterday


1. Did two loads of laundry

2. Went for a 4 mile walk

3. Shopped at Target (and of course spent over $100- $101 to be exact)

4. Vacuumed and tried to spot clean my dirty carpet!

5. Played outside with Aiden

6. Went to Gymboree with Aiden

7. Ordered Aiden's backpack and lunchbox for MDO *sniff*

8. Played hide and go seek with Aiden



8 Things I Wish I Could Do


1. Move into a house with a backyard

2. Move to Vietnam for a year or so and teach

3. Learn Vietnamese (so I could do #2)

4. Find more time to scrapbook (or any time for that matter)

5. Volunteer More

6. Get more willpower so I can lose 20 pounds a little easier!

7. Make it to the gym more often

8. Keep up with my housecleaning


8 Shows I Watch


1. Big Brother (oh yeah, I have no shame)

2. Bravo Reality TV- my fav Jeff Lewis is coming back soon! Life on the D list is another fave

3. Grey’s Anatomy

4. Ugly Betty

5. Friday Night Lights

6. General Hospital (yep, since I was like 11- my grandma got me hooked)

7. CSI (the original)

8. Ellen (I DVR it daily)



And I’m tagging: ummm...everyone who hasn't done this, consider yourself tagged (lame, I know, but since i was tagged eons ago, I can't remember who's done this!)

You Don't Know What You Got Til it's Gone

Sleep, glorious sleep. I truly didn't know how good I had it until it was gone. Well, yes I did. Aiden was a great sleeper until exactly one week ago. I had a sweet and flawless nighttime gig but this week it was gone. If you follow me on FB, you know Aiden had been sleeping with me 5 of the past 7 days. Bed time became sheer torture. Torture for me and for Aiden. He would cry. I would try to comfort him and leave. Again and again. It wasn't working and his cries were distressful. He was panicked and so was I. So I brought him to bed with me. I do not let Aiden cry it out. Sure, sometimes, when I know it's a whiny cry or a fake cry, I will let it go for a while. But this was sobbing and I truly felt he needed me. So I went with my instincts and let him sleep with me.

But I wanted to figure out why this was happening. Possibility #1: Aiden slept with me 5 nights in a row in Disney World and he got used to it. Possibility #2: Molars. Possibility #3: Attachment related? Does that 3rd possibility ever leave your mind as an AP? Aiden has been with me for almost 8 months. But we APs know attachment is ongoing. He had been a lot more clingy during the day, so of course I think attachment and wonder if I am doing something wrong or if this is just another stage in the attachment journey. I want to be the best parent I can be for Aiden, physically and emotionally. That is another reason I kept bringing him to bed with me. I didn't want to scar the kid for life.

I guess the bottom line is I listened to my mommy instincts and, it turns out, mama knows best. Aiden needed that time with me. I think the main r eason was the molars but I am glad he finds comfort in me, his mama. My rockstar sleeper returned from his break last night and I couldn't be happier. There is nothing better than putting him in his crib with a book, listening to him "read" it on the monitor and then hear his pacifier sucking noises less than 10 minutes later. Sleep, glorious sleep. For me and for sweet Aiden! And he needs the sleep so much. He is super active during the day and we are transitioning to one nap. Hopefully we won't have anymore sleep interruptions until I am settled into my school routine...which begins 2 weeks from tomorrow...WWWAAAAHHHHHH!

On another note, I have added Aiden's word list to the bottom on my blog. He seems to be adding new words on a daily basis. Big boy!

Favorite Photo Friday

A few more Disney favorites. Arriving at the hotel. Little Brown (oh, did I mention Aiden's blankie has a name now) went everywhere and Aiden wouldn't sleep without it, even when it was 100 degrees outside.

First time on It's a Small World. It's a world of wonder...

Lovin' Auntie Kelly

Being a good sport while Chloe was "Kim Possible" at Epcot.

Pool time!
First ice cream on a stick (meant to be shared with mommy- I didn't get much. Not a bad thing. I actually lost 2 pounds on this trip!)
Playing in the baby care center. I could've taken the kid the freakin' Chuck*E*Cheese. Seriously though, I wish I would have used the centers sooner than the last day. It was a great place to change diapers, warm up food/bottles, get out of the heat, go to the bathroom without worrying your child is playing on the nasty bathroom floors. They have one in each park and Aiden loved the playroom!

Fireworks at Magic Kingdom
And if you didn't get enough, you can check out all of my photos here.

Dancing with the Stars

Aiden loved dancing with the "stars" at Hollywood Studios... Chloe did too at the Magic Kingdom!

He also loved dining with the stars at the Magic Kingdom....

Playing peekaboo with the stars (in Mexico at Epcot)...


Collecting autographs from the stars...

And just hangin' out. So many stars, so little time!

My Little Prince at 14 months

The last month has been so fun. I have loved being home with Aiden. Loved taking our vacation together- I think that time together brought us even closer together (just when I think we have reached the best attachment ever, it just continues to grow).

• Words: more, mama, go, up, car (I have heard it a few times), all gone (sounds lik ah goh) and uh-oh. He also says "ga" alot and holds each index finger to his temples. I can't help but laugh and wonder if he knows he is calling himself a chicking in Vietnamese!


• Signs: Mostly signs more and milk. He has used fish (for goldfish crackers), eat, thank you and please but doesn't use them consistently


• Started shaking his head no

• Will say "baaa" if you ask him what a sheep says. According to Aiden, all animals say "baaa"


• Loves to be outside. Aiden loves to walk up and down the sidewalk (sometimes holding my hand, most of the time not), swing and play at the park

• Loves the water...in the pool or in a fountain. In the past month or so he has started to not like his baths which is odd for him. I tried a shower and that was worse!
  
  
• Is getting better and better and using a fork and spoon. Today he ate his yogurt all by himself and I was amazed at the lack of mess.


• Loves to jump. When he jumps he now yells "up"!
  

• Loves to dance. He claps his hands, shuffles his arms and bounces. He still needs to find the beat!

• Foods- loves veggies, especially peas and carrots. Aiden ate corn on the cob for the firsts time last week and loved that too. Mac & cheese, grilled cheese and turkey dogs are staples in his diet. He will not eat any fruit. I am a bit frustrated by it especially since he is starting to turn down the baby food fruit now. Any suggestions?
  

• Still holding strong at 20 pounds on the nose. I think he may have gotten a little taller, but it's hard to tell. Aiden still wears 9 months, but some of the 12 months stuff is starting to fit (not pants, though).



• Still gives great kisses. At Disney I got a few kisses with his lips pursed.
  


• Loves to push buttons and see how things work. Aiden is fascinated with a rubber tip on our door stop in the kitchen. I sit and watch him like a hawk because he loves to put it in his mouth, but he will sit for 10 or 15 minutes taking the tip on and putting it back on.

• Wants to be Mr. Independent. I had to buy a harness/leash for him for Disney. He loves to walk on his own but darts when there is something he wants to see. Has meltdowns when he wants something to go a certain way and it doesn't

• Last but not least, Aiden got his first pair of ears this month- what a great milestone :)!