It's been too long since I sat down to write again.
We are having an extraordinary time with Jaiden. He continues to blow us away each and every day, and yes I still run home every night from work to see my lil dude.
Our lil baby is no longer...he really is a little toddler. Doing toddler things like, climbing on the chair, saying "no...no," ( I thought I would somehow skip that stage...I was dreaming), throwing things like his cars and sticks and rocks.
In my last blog I mentioned that we had bought 2 potty's for Jaiden. He checked them out for 3 days and said while pointing to the potty, "pee pee." I quickly took his diaper off, he sat down and to our grand surprise he went "pee pee' in his potty. We screamed and cheered him on but unfortunately I was not prepared with stickers and rewards. However we did the best we could at showing him how proud we were. I thought omg, our 18 month old is going to be potty trained just like that. Not so, he did not approach the potty for about 3 more weeks. Since then I have stocked up on stickers and now our bathroom mirror has about 14 stickers on it. We are not pushing the issue but we certainly are making it very exciting when he goes.
We have been on two more camping trips since our last blog. We ventured up to the Sequoia's, to a place called Peppermint, one of Jesse's favorite places. It was green and lush with a creek running through the campsite. Within a 10 minute hike we were at waterfalls and big pools where people sunbath and slide down the side of the mountain right into the water. It was beautiful. At night it would get completely dark only to be lit up by the stars. Jaiden ran around with a flashlight exploring the dark which was so cool to watch. There were two other group of friends with us and 4 more children. The kids were a bit older than Jaid but he had a blast with them. They took him to the water, feed him snacks all day long, explored trees and all sorts of bugs with him. It is definitely on the list of annual camping excursions.
Our next camping trip was to Capenteria the week before labor day weekend. We arrived on a Tuesday and left on Friday. We scored on the campsite and will try to reserve the same one on future trips. Our campsite was right on the beach, complete ocean view. All night long we listened to the ocean. During the day we rode our bikes, went into town, took long walks, played on the beach, watched Jaiden throw rocks and get dirty. Had breakfast out one day, and even ventured to a nice restaurant for dinner one night. We met some really nice people who we are hoping to meet up with again. This is my kind of camping although Jess would rather camp in a secluded place in the mountains.
Jaiden's vocabulary grows by multiple words a day. It's crazy how much he can say and how much he understands. Some new words, are "all good," "one more," and " hold me." His absolutely favorite word right now is "Da Da." EVERYTHING is "Da Da." Jesse of course just eats it up. I'm like...what about Mommy?
I always remembered seeing little tikes walking in their parents shoes but I did not know if it was something Jaid would do or when he would do it, but the other day I turned around and Jaiden was in my high heels. With his head up high he was prancing around like some sort of crazy dancer I about peed laughing so hard. Then he got to tap dancing like Elmo does on his dvd and almost ate it which of course sent me into another laughing attack. The kid is funny.
Jaiden still likes his 2 naps each day so we are just stickin to it for now. He goes down around 9:30 and wakes around 11:30. And then he takes another nap around 2:30 for an hour or two. When we are out and about which is often on the weekends he's flexible and sleeps when he is in the car or in the stroller.
When Jesse puts him to sleep at night I can hear him say "nite nite Jaiden" and then I hear Jaiden say, "nite nite." It's about the cutest thing I have ever heard. Jaiden goes to bed around 8:30 pm and wakes up around 8:00am. Now that's a kid who makes it easy on his parents!
One of our favorite rituals is every morning Jaiden comes into our bed and has his milk. Of course that's after he points to both of us and says, "Da Da" "M aaah m." He then reaches his head forward and kisses us. He's really good at playing equals!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
16/17MONTHS
I must make a better effort to write at least once a month if not sooner. So much happens and then when I sit down to re-cap it all I have trouble remembering everything. Did I just say that? Could that be a reflection of my age?
Anywho the last 2 months have been remarkable. Again Jaiden's development both cognitive and physical have been extraordinary. We have watched his vocabulary grow every single day...so many words...and he surprises us day with how much he understands. With help from Daddy he has become quite the agile one.
Jesse decided we needed a camper. He grew up camping and wants Jaiden to experience it. So I was forced to become a camper convert. Actually it did not take long...it happened rather quickly. Before I knew it I was cooking smores over the campfire! We ventured out camping twice, once in May and once in June. Both adventures were so much fun...who would have thunk that I would enjoy camping? Both times we camped at the beach. Jaiden LOVED it. We played on the beach, flew kites, explored rocks and seaweed, took long walks, rode our bicycles (Jaiden sits in a bike seat on my handle bars wearing his Spiderman helmet) and lots more. It was the first time Jaiden rode on the bike and he thought it was the best thing ever. Every time we stopped he would put his hands together and sign "more more" while saying it over and over, "more more." So we would get back on the bike and ride more...how could I say no?
We bought Jaiden a small giraffe pool which he has been in almost ever day. He points out the window at it and says, "puul." So cute. Sometimes he goes naked which of course I just want to eat him and other times he is in his surfer trunks. With or without clothes there is not many other things right now that are better than playing in his pool.
We have been to the Zoo a few times in the last month. We have a membership and it is only 10 minutes away which makes it easy. Jaiden is interested in the animals and blows kisses to them.
Father's day was wonderful. Jesse woke up to his lil dude handing him a homemade card. It was actually a CD that he hand painted. Really cute. Then Jaiden handed him a picture I had done of Jaiden's foot print when he 1 years old made into Jesse's dirt bike. Jesse LOVED it! And then of course there were some more bonus gifts. We made Jesse breakfast before heading to my Dad's for lunch and then to Jesse's family for dinner. Watching Jesse as a Father has made me love him even more. He is an amazing Father. I do think that I am a wonderful Mother, but Jesse is a better Father than I am a Mother and I mean that. It does not take anything away from me, it just makes Jesse that more wonderful. He is the kind of Father all children should have. He is patient, kind, gentle, fun, and understanding. He works creatively with Jaiden, and thinks of all kinds of games to play. He holds him tight, and loves him intently but gives him room to grow.
I was invited to go with Jess and Jaiden on their nightly walk- (which happens before I get home from work) the other day. They took me to see their rock collection way up the street , and they showed me how Jaiden runs down a neighbors driveway and jumps into his Daddy's arms (scared the shit out of me), and Jaiden showed me how he steps on the leaves and makes crunchy noises. After a few minutes of crunching the leaves I said, "come on Jaiden" and Daddy turn to me and said "we take our time when we walk." Kind of put things into perspective for me...I need to slow down and be in the moment even if that means in the crunching leaves.
Jesse teaches him new things every single day. Here is a list of just a few things...he gargles...snaps his fingers, shakes hands, covers his mouth when he coughs, and laughs when we laugh. Oh and I guess it is worth mentioning that he laughs hysterical when he burps or farts. Guess who taught him that?
We just bought Jaiden his training potty. He has one upstairs and one downstairs. As soon as he saw it he looked at us and sat on it perfectly. We pointed to it and said "pee pee" and so now he walks over to it all day long and sits on it, points down and says "pee pee." Jesse will show him how to use it soon. The funny thing is he like to take out the bowl part and toss it, let's just hope he doesn't do that when it's full cause that won't be funny.
Today is Jaiden's 18month bday... Unbelievable. For the first time he put two words together. I asked him this morning , "Jaiden who's in this picture?"and he said, " Daaaad...me." Both Jess and I smiled!
Anywho the last 2 months have been remarkable. Again Jaiden's development both cognitive and physical have been extraordinary. We have watched his vocabulary grow every single day...so many words...and he surprises us day with how much he understands. With help from Daddy he has become quite the agile one.
Jesse decided we needed a camper. He grew up camping and wants Jaiden to experience it. So I was forced to become a camper convert. Actually it did not take long...it happened rather quickly. Before I knew it I was cooking smores over the campfire! We ventured out camping twice, once in May and once in June. Both adventures were so much fun...who would have thunk that I would enjoy camping? Both times we camped at the beach. Jaiden LOVED it. We played on the beach, flew kites, explored rocks and seaweed, took long walks, rode our bicycles (Jaiden sits in a bike seat on my handle bars wearing his Spiderman helmet) and lots more. It was the first time Jaiden rode on the bike and he thought it was the best thing ever. Every time we stopped he would put his hands together and sign "more more" while saying it over and over, "more more." So we would get back on the bike and ride more...how could I say no?
We bought Jaiden a small giraffe pool which he has been in almost ever day. He points out the window at it and says, "puul." So cute. Sometimes he goes naked which of course I just want to eat him and other times he is in his surfer trunks. With or without clothes there is not many other things right now that are better than playing in his pool.
We have been to the Zoo a few times in the last month. We have a membership and it is only 10 minutes away which makes it easy. Jaiden is interested in the animals and blows kisses to them.
Father's day was wonderful. Jesse woke up to his lil dude handing him a homemade card. It was actually a CD that he hand painted. Really cute. Then Jaiden handed him a picture I had done of Jaiden's foot print when he 1 years old made into Jesse's dirt bike. Jesse LOVED it! And then of course there were some more bonus gifts. We made Jesse breakfast before heading to my Dad's for lunch and then to Jesse's family for dinner. Watching Jesse as a Father has made me love him even more. He is an amazing Father. I do think that I am a wonderful Mother, but Jesse is a better Father than I am a Mother and I mean that. It does not take anything away from me, it just makes Jesse that more wonderful. He is the kind of Father all children should have. He is patient, kind, gentle, fun, and understanding. He works creatively with Jaiden, and thinks of all kinds of games to play. He holds him tight, and loves him intently but gives him room to grow.
I was invited to go with Jess and Jaiden on their nightly walk- (which happens before I get home from work) the other day. They took me to see their rock collection way up the street , and they showed me how Jaiden runs down a neighbors driveway and jumps into his Daddy's arms (scared the shit out of me), and Jaiden showed me how he steps on the leaves and makes crunchy noises. After a few minutes of crunching the leaves I said, "come on Jaiden" and Daddy turn to me and said "we take our time when we walk." Kind of put things into perspective for me...I need to slow down and be in the moment even if that means in the crunching leaves.
Jesse teaches him new things every single day. Here is a list of just a few things...he gargles...snaps his fingers, shakes hands, covers his mouth when he coughs, and laughs when we laugh. Oh and I guess it is worth mentioning that he laughs hysterical when he burps or farts. Guess who taught him that?
We just bought Jaiden his training potty. He has one upstairs and one downstairs. As soon as he saw it he looked at us and sat on it perfectly. We pointed to it and said "pee pee" and so now he walks over to it all day long and sits on it, points down and says "pee pee." Jesse will show him how to use it soon. The funny thing is he like to take out the bowl part and toss it, let's just hope he doesn't do that when it's full cause that won't be funny.
Today is Jaiden's 18month bday... Unbelievable. For the first time he put two words together. I asked him this morning , "Jaiden who's in this picture?"and he said, " Daaaad...me." Both Jess and I smiled!
Monday, May 10, 2010
15 MONTHS AND FABULOUS
What an incredible journey thusfar. Each day we awake to new wonders and each day we go to sleep more enriched because of our lil Jaid.
It has been an awesome month. In the beginning of the month we traveled to SB with some friends for the weekend and stayed in their beach house. Jaiden had so much fun at the beach, building sand castles with Daddy, playing squish the sand dabbs, burying his feet in the sand and then surprising himself when his toes would creep out. It was a total blast to watch him explore and be in awe of the beach, the sound of the ocean, the rocks, the seaweed and the spray of the water.
One of my favorite activities this month was watching Jaiden play with the hose at Grandma's house. It was hilarious, and I am so thankful that I was able to catch it on video. He would take the hose in one hand, would put his finger from the other hand on the tip where the water was flowing out and the water would spray in all directions. He got such a kick out of this and before we knew it he was spraying everyone all over the place. Grandma gave him a white bowl to fill up with water, which he did over and over again and then he would place both hands inside the bowl splashing and splasing. A few times he pick up the bowl full of water and poured it right over his head. For a long time we all laughed so hard.
I have mentioned before some of Jaiden's circus tricks, well the list keeps growing. He is at that mimicking stage too, and copies everything we do. He really is a mini-me Jesse. Can you picture that? Quite funny and always full of expression! His latest trick is a "Karate kick."
One of the greatest things Jaiden does right now is he stands at the spiral staircase which leads down to Jesse's office. He grabs onto the railing, leans forward, lifts his left back leg up and yells "Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad." Music to Jesse's ears! Mine too! It is SUPER cute!
The Saturday before Mother's Day is always Birth Mother's Day. Jaiden painted a beautiful card wishing his BM a wonderful day. It was blue and yellow with alot of swirls on it. The whole day we thought about Kelsie and channeled our gratitude to her.
Mother's day was extra special. For me Mother's day means so much more than celebrating being a Mother. It is a day of gratitude, celebration, blessings, and reflection.
I woke up with a lovely surprise gift from Jaiden and Daddy. Jaiden helped me open the big box. Inside was a delicious hot pink leather (like buttah) Coach purse. Darling for summer. Then Jaiden and I took a long walk before sitting down for a scrumptious breakfast that Daddy made. Can you say vanilla french toast with thick maple syrup? So damn good! We never eat such a breakfast so it was definitely a big treat. Around noon we pulled up to Grandma's house for another eating fest. We were joined by my sister Allison and her boyfriend. We ate outside in Mom's lovely garden and watched the baby run around and around. SO much fun. We played and relaxed all day! Aunt Gaby, Uncle Bob, and cousin Brett stopped by in the late afternoon.Off to Jesse's sisters around 5:30 for a BBQ and to visit with his Mother and more food...
The day ended sweetly and as I kissed my babylicious goodnight my heart was fuller than ever!
It has been an awesome month. In the beginning of the month we traveled to SB with some friends for the weekend and stayed in their beach house. Jaiden had so much fun at the beach, building sand castles with Daddy, playing squish the sand dabbs, burying his feet in the sand and then surprising himself when his toes would creep out. It was a total blast to watch him explore and be in awe of the beach, the sound of the ocean, the rocks, the seaweed and the spray of the water.
One of my favorite activities this month was watching Jaiden play with the hose at Grandma's house. It was hilarious, and I am so thankful that I was able to catch it on video. He would take the hose in one hand, would put his finger from the other hand on the tip where the water was flowing out and the water would spray in all directions. He got such a kick out of this and before we knew it he was spraying everyone all over the place. Grandma gave him a white bowl to fill up with water, which he did over and over again and then he would place both hands inside the bowl splashing and splasing. A few times he pick up the bowl full of water and poured it right over his head. For a long time we all laughed so hard.
I have mentioned before some of Jaiden's circus tricks, well the list keeps growing. He is at that mimicking stage too, and copies everything we do. He really is a mini-me Jesse. Can you picture that? Quite funny and always full of expression! His latest trick is a "Karate kick."
One of the greatest things Jaiden does right now is he stands at the spiral staircase which leads down to Jesse's office. He grabs onto the railing, leans forward, lifts his left back leg up and yells "Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad." Music to Jesse's ears! Mine too! It is SUPER cute!
The Saturday before Mother's Day is always Birth Mother's Day. Jaiden painted a beautiful card wishing his BM a wonderful day. It was blue and yellow with alot of swirls on it. The whole day we thought about Kelsie and channeled our gratitude to her.
Mother's day was extra special. For me Mother's day means so much more than celebrating being a Mother. It is a day of gratitude, celebration, blessings, and reflection.
I woke up with a lovely surprise gift from Jaiden and Daddy. Jaiden helped me open the big box. Inside was a delicious hot pink leather (like buttah) Coach purse. Darling for summer. Then Jaiden and I took a long walk before sitting down for a scrumptious breakfast that Daddy made. Can you say vanilla french toast with thick maple syrup? So damn good! We never eat such a breakfast so it was definitely a big treat. Around noon we pulled up to Grandma's house for another eating fest. We were joined by my sister Allison and her boyfriend. We ate outside in Mom's lovely garden and watched the baby run around and around. SO much fun. We played and relaxed all day! Aunt Gaby, Uncle Bob, and cousin Brett stopped by in the late afternoon.Off to Jesse's sisters around 5:30 for a BBQ and to visit with his Mother and more food...
The day ended sweetly and as I kissed my babylicious goodnight my heart was fuller than ever!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
13/14 MONTHS
The past 2 months have been incredible. February was filled with travel.
Our first destination was Puerto Villarta. This was a work vacation for me. Jaiden was terrific on the plane. We did not know what to expect but he blew us away. He was calm, playful and slept most of the flight. We had a blast with him in PV. We stayed in an all inclusive resort and never left. We took him swimming daily, he played in the sand on the beach, got splashed by the ocean water, ate out every day, and even fine dined with us. So much fun! The following day after we returned home we left for Palm Springs to continue my work vacation where we met up with friends and co-workers from across the country that work for the same organization I do.
By the end of that trip Jaid was ready for his own crib and room. But he was such a good sport as we dragged him to events, and made him smile constantly for the camera.
I came back to work for about a week and then we were off to Mammoth for a ski/boarding trip with our friends , their 6month old adopted son Sawyer, and their nanny. We had a blast. It was really wonderful because we had a built in babysitter the whole time. We were on the mountain early and skied/boarded all day long. Jaiden had a fun time, although he had difficulties sleeping. I think it was a combo of things. He was in our room, which he is not used to, he likes his space...the altitude...and all the prior travel. We pretty much screwed up his routine. To make it easier all the way around I brought him into our bed a few nights, so at least we could all sleep. Hoping this ski trip was the first of an annual trip with our dear friends and our children. The kids can start ski school when they are 3! That means less than 2 more years and Jaid will be on skis!
Every single day we are astonished by the brilliance of Jaiden. His vocabulary expands daily, his coordination continues to increase each day, and it is amazing how much he understands. He helped me make my bed the other day, and when I said bring Mommy the "red" pillow he turned around walked across the room to where all my pillows were and picked up the "red' pillow and handed it to me. I stood there with my mouth open in awe. He has many toys but truthfully he likes the things laying around the house the most. When the phone rings in the house he picks up anything close to him and holds it next to his ear and says, "ho." We bust up. Jess taught him how to do an "O" face. So if we say to him, "do your "O" face," he purses his lips together like an "O" and opens his eyes really wide. So darn cute. Jesse also taught him how to sit this past week on the bottom stair and now he will sit anywhere and on anything including Maggie the doggie. A few weeks ago I was playing with him in his room , and he completely stopped what he was doing, turned to me and then "moon walked." I know it sounds absurd but I have it on video for proof. Who knows where he got that but he totally "moon walks." It's not like he watches TV with Michael Jackson on it, or it's not like we "moon walk." Well of course when he did it I was cheering him on and on and then I named it " moon walking." So now if we are lucky and we ask him to "moon walk" he does it. Sometimes he even closes his eyes cause he is afraid he may fall. It is HILARIOUS! So many circus tricks!
We go to the park regularly, actually Jesse takes Jaid quite a bit when Mommy is at work. Jaiden loves the swing, the slide, the steering wheel, and the kids. The other day I met them there and a few different women said, "hi Jaiden." He stopped and flirted. Apparently he is a "chick magnet." I guess my husband and son get around the park!
In case you couldn't tell, we are having such a wonderful time with our son. We took him to Travel Town last weekend. He rode on the train for the first time, and LOVED it. We will go back again soon.
Yesterday was my birthday and the boys( Jesse and Jaid) came to lunch at my office to celebrate during the day and then we went to my parents for dindin. My twin Allison joined us. Dinner was delicious, babylicious was so cute and funny, and we all had a super time.
I still rush home from work every day, run into the house and scoop up my sweet boy. We play until it is time for bed and I always still want more!
.
Our first destination was Puerto Villarta. This was a work vacation for me. Jaiden was terrific on the plane. We did not know what to expect but he blew us away. He was calm, playful and slept most of the flight. We had a blast with him in PV. We stayed in an all inclusive resort and never left. We took him swimming daily, he played in the sand on the beach, got splashed by the ocean water, ate out every day, and even fine dined with us. So much fun! The following day after we returned home we left for Palm Springs to continue my work vacation where we met up with friends and co-workers from across the country that work for the same organization I do.
By the end of that trip Jaid was ready for his own crib and room. But he was such a good sport as we dragged him to events, and made him smile constantly for the camera.
I came back to work for about a week and then we were off to Mammoth for a ski/boarding trip with our friends , their 6month old adopted son Sawyer, and their nanny. We had a blast. It was really wonderful because we had a built in babysitter the whole time. We were on the mountain early and skied/boarded all day long. Jaiden had a fun time, although he had difficulties sleeping. I think it was a combo of things. He was in our room, which he is not used to, he likes his space...the altitude...and all the prior travel. We pretty much screwed up his routine. To make it easier all the way around I brought him into our bed a few nights, so at least we could all sleep. Hoping this ski trip was the first of an annual trip with our dear friends and our children. The kids can start ski school when they are 3! That means less than 2 more years and Jaid will be on skis!
Every single day we are astonished by the brilliance of Jaiden. His vocabulary expands daily, his coordination continues to increase each day, and it is amazing how much he understands. He helped me make my bed the other day, and when I said bring Mommy the "red" pillow he turned around walked across the room to where all my pillows were and picked up the "red' pillow and handed it to me. I stood there with my mouth open in awe. He has many toys but truthfully he likes the things laying around the house the most. When the phone rings in the house he picks up anything close to him and holds it next to his ear and says, "ho." We bust up. Jess taught him how to do an "O" face. So if we say to him, "do your "O" face," he purses his lips together like an "O" and opens his eyes really wide. So darn cute. Jesse also taught him how to sit this past week on the bottom stair and now he will sit anywhere and on anything including Maggie the doggie. A few weeks ago I was playing with him in his room , and he completely stopped what he was doing, turned to me and then "moon walked." I know it sounds absurd but I have it on video for proof. Who knows where he got that but he totally "moon walks." It's not like he watches TV with Michael Jackson on it, or it's not like we "moon walk." Well of course when he did it I was cheering him on and on and then I named it " moon walking." So now if we are lucky and we ask him to "moon walk" he does it. Sometimes he even closes his eyes cause he is afraid he may fall. It is HILARIOUS! So many circus tricks!
We go to the park regularly, actually Jesse takes Jaid quite a bit when Mommy is at work. Jaiden loves the swing, the slide, the steering wheel, and the kids. The other day I met them there and a few different women said, "hi Jaiden." He stopped and flirted. Apparently he is a "chick magnet." I guess my husband and son get around the park!
In case you couldn't tell, we are having such a wonderful time with our son. We took him to Travel Town last weekend. He rode on the train for the first time, and LOVED it. We will go back again soon.
Yesterday was my birthday and the boys( Jesse and Jaid) came to lunch at my office to celebrate during the day and then we went to my parents for dindin. My twin Allison joined us. Dinner was delicious, babylicious was so cute and funny, and we all had a super time.
I still rush home from work every day, run into the house and scoop up my sweet boy. We play until it is time for bed and I always still want more!
.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
CELEBRATIONS
January 15th was a magical day. It was Jaiden's and our official court date. We celebrated with close friends and family. A special thanks to my Aunt Micki and Uncle Larry who traveled all the way from New Jersey, my sister Jordana who traveled from Colorado, friends who took off work and some traveled by car for hours. We were allowed to have people join us in court. Once everyone was inside the clerk advised that everyone who wanted to take pictures needed to stand along one wall. That was mostly everyone. The Judge talked for a little bit, our attorney answered any questions, and then Jess and I were asked to raise our right hands and solemnly swear that we will love and take care of our child Jaiden always.
It was very emotional for me/us. It was a year ago that we were blessed with Jaiden and this day signified so much. I could breath freely and shout from the rooftops with joy. It gave us permission to completely put the difficult past behind us, to embrace our good fortune, to celebrate our family, to acknowledge the power of the Universe, and so much more. We celebrated all day long and into the night. Jess and I pinched ourselves until we feel asleep.
The following day we celebrated Jaiden's 1st birthday with 130 people. It was marvelous. Hot Dogs and Hot Rods. The color theme was red, white and black. We had big clusters of balloons which looked great, and cute car centerpieces for the tables. His cake was the most awesome cake I have ever seen. It was a convertible red hot rod car. The kids could not wait to put there fingers in it. We had face painting, a jumper, and an arts and craft table where kids decorated a picture frame we had for each of them. Jesse made a big banner of a hot rod car with a hole cut out so that kids could put there face in and it would look like they were driving. I was going to take a Polaroid of the kids to put in their picture frame but the camera did not work. Bummer. However Jesse decided to take pictures of all the adults with their head in the banner which was a scream. We partied all day long.
Thank you all for celebrating these tremendously special days with us.
It was very emotional for me/us. It was a year ago that we were blessed with Jaiden and this day signified so much. I could breath freely and shout from the rooftops with joy. It gave us permission to completely put the difficult past behind us, to embrace our good fortune, to celebrate our family, to acknowledge the power of the Universe, and so much more. We celebrated all day long and into the night. Jess and I pinched ourselves until we feel asleep.
The following day we celebrated Jaiden's 1st birthday with 130 people. It was marvelous. Hot Dogs and Hot Rods. The color theme was red, white and black. We had big clusters of balloons which looked great, and cute car centerpieces for the tables. His cake was the most awesome cake I have ever seen. It was a convertible red hot rod car. The kids could not wait to put there fingers in it. We had face painting, a jumper, and an arts and craft table where kids decorated a picture frame we had for each of them. Jesse made a big banner of a hot rod car with a hole cut out so that kids could put there face in and it would look like they were driving. I was going to take a Polaroid of the kids to put in their picture frame but the camera did not work. Bummer. However Jesse decided to take pictures of all the adults with their head in the banner which was a scream. We partied all day long.
Thank you all for celebrating these tremendously special days with us.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
1 IS FUN!
Jaiden turned 1 years old on Jan 12th. So amazing to think our lil dude is 1. When we heard him awake in the morning both Jess and I walked into his room singing HB carrying with us a huge bunch of balloons. Jaiden stared in amazement. He must of been thinking, "are you kidding me, I really get to have all these balloons to myself." Jess gave him a handful of balloons while he was still sitting in his crib. He laughed and laughed, not quite sure what to do. We sang HB to him over and over again.
For lunch Jaiden and Coco joined me at my office where we continued to celebrate. Lots of singing, playing, and gifting. The girls made him feel so special.
I could not get home fast enough from work that day to see the birthday boy...again! We played until dinner time. After dinner, Jess and I put a candle on his birthday cake. We videotaped the whole thing, a moment we will not want to forget. He was in awe of the burning candle so before he grabbed it, I blew it out. We then cut him a piece and plopped it right on his highchair and let him go for it. We expected more than we got. Jaiden was very careful, not aggressive whatsoever. I gave him a taste of the frosting from my finger to try to inspire him to dig in. That didn't really work. After some time he did get his hands filled with frosting and put some in his mouth in between the squishing between the fingers. When all was said and done he had a little frosting around his mouth, a few bites of cake, and his hands were covered with frosting. Easy wash. We took a quick bath and played with all our bath toys.
That evening when I stopped I quieted my mind to think about the last year. I thought about it all day long, but I really wanted to contemplate. Hands down this was the fastest year of my life. I reflected on the day Jaiden was born and what that whole experience was like. The emotional rollercoaster. I thought about our stay in Minnesota, how Jaiden came to be, and all the people involved. And then I thought about all the weeks that followed and how truly astonished I am at the growth of our lil son. The development is so remarkable. How did that little (or not so little) baby become a lil dude already...in just one year.
As Jesse said so eloquently the other night, "it is a privilege to be in the presence of Jaiden." How right he is, we are so privileged. I've said this before and I will say it again...I know people say Jaiden is so lucky but we are the lucky ones. This year he has brought us such incredible joy. Our hearts have expanded in ways we never knew were possible. We are captured and transformed by the way he effects us each and every day.
Happy Birthday dear son...Mommy and Daddy love you!
For lunch Jaiden and Coco joined me at my office where we continued to celebrate. Lots of singing, playing, and gifting. The girls made him feel so special.
I could not get home fast enough from work that day to see the birthday boy...again! We played until dinner time. After dinner, Jess and I put a candle on his birthday cake. We videotaped the whole thing, a moment we will not want to forget. He was in awe of the burning candle so before he grabbed it, I blew it out. We then cut him a piece and plopped it right on his highchair and let him go for it. We expected more than we got. Jaiden was very careful, not aggressive whatsoever. I gave him a taste of the frosting from my finger to try to inspire him to dig in. That didn't really work. After some time he did get his hands filled with frosting and put some in his mouth in between the squishing between the fingers. When all was said and done he had a little frosting around his mouth, a few bites of cake, and his hands were covered with frosting. Easy wash. We took a quick bath and played with all our bath toys.
That evening when I stopped I quieted my mind to think about the last year. I thought about it all day long, but I really wanted to contemplate. Hands down this was the fastest year of my life. I reflected on the day Jaiden was born and what that whole experience was like. The emotional rollercoaster. I thought about our stay in Minnesota, how Jaiden came to be, and all the people involved. And then I thought about all the weeks that followed and how truly astonished I am at the growth of our lil son. The development is so remarkable. How did that little (or not so little) baby become a lil dude already...in just one year.
As Jesse said so eloquently the other night, "it is a privilege to be in the presence of Jaiden." How right he is, we are so privileged. I've said this before and I will say it again...I know people say Jaiden is so lucky but we are the lucky ones. This year he has brought us such incredible joy. Our hearts have expanded in ways we never knew were possible. We are captured and transformed by the way he effects us each and every day.
Happy Birthday dear son...Mommy and Daddy love you!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
ALMOST 1 YEARS OLD
Jaiden will be a 1year old in 4 days. I ask myself over and over again, how is that possible?
This year has gone by faster than any other year in my life. It seems like just yesterday when we got the call...and now a 1 year old.
I am filled with such joy as I plan for his 3 big days. The first day is Jan 12th which is his 1st BIRTHDAY! How I remember the minute he was born...I thought to myself now that is a beautiful big baby...he took up most of the bassinet they had him in. And I remember the minute the nurse looked at us through the window in the nursery and held up 9 fingers and then 1.3 fingers, telling us in sign language that our newly born baby boy weighed in at 9lbs 1.3oz. Jess and I stared through the glass into the nursery eyes only focused on our child until the time they wheeled him somewhere else and at that point our hands wanted to reach through the glass and keep him right there. We tried to plead with our eyes not to move him out of our sight but it didn't work. What a MAGICAL surreal night that was!
The next big event for us is his official court date celebration which is Jan 15th. We are thrilled that relatives are flying from out of state to join us. Just thinking about that day brings tears to my eyes. This is the day that we will be named Jaiden's parents. WOW...how we have waited for so long for this day. Everything does work out exactly the way it is suppossed to.
Last but certainly not least is Jaid's 1st birthday bash. Can't wait to celebrate Jaiden.
This year has gone by faster than any other year in my life. It seems like just yesterday when we got the call...and now a 1 year old.
I am filled with such joy as I plan for his 3 big days. The first day is Jan 12th which is his 1st BIRTHDAY! How I remember the minute he was born...I thought to myself now that is a beautiful big baby...he took up most of the bassinet they had him in. And I remember the minute the nurse looked at us through the window in the nursery and held up 9 fingers and then 1.3 fingers, telling us in sign language that our newly born baby boy weighed in at 9lbs 1.3oz. Jess and I stared through the glass into the nursery eyes only focused on our child until the time they wheeled him somewhere else and at that point our hands wanted to reach through the glass and keep him right there. We tried to plead with our eyes not to move him out of our sight but it didn't work. What a MAGICAL surreal night that was!
The next big event for us is his official court date celebration which is Jan 15th. We are thrilled that relatives are flying from out of state to join us. Just thinking about that day brings tears to my eyes. This is the day that we will be named Jaiden's parents. WOW...how we have waited for so long for this day. Everything does work out exactly the way it is suppossed to.
Last but certainly not least is Jaid's 1st birthday bash. Can't wait to celebrate Jaiden.
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