Time to Learn How to be Gentle

Regardless of what others think about gender, we have introduced a babydoll to Aiden. We have seen him use gentle skills much better with this doll than with the dogs. We have also seen him do imaginative play for the first time. It was pretty incredible. Here he is with his new baby.

Aiden is a Monkey for sure!

Russ and I sometimes feel like Aiden hasn't changed in weeks, and then bam! over night, he is a new child with new skills. He just amazes us. Well, on Saturday, he turned into a monkey. I found him on top of the entertainment center. I took pictures (not thinking I was encouraging him) to show Russ.

As you can see, he is very proud of himself! The little booger!

The Little One Update

I haven't forgotten that I am pregnant; there just isn't as much to report! :-) I am seeing a different doctor, so my ultrasounds have been only twice, and when I do go to the doctor, we talk. I had my last appointment yesterday. I am happy to report at 33+ weeks, I have only gained 10 pounds so far! Woo hoo! I am super excited about that. I asked the doctor to check to make sure the baby is head down because when this baby moves in extreme positions- like completely around- I actually lose my breath! And it is usually when I am driving home on the highway! The other night I was sitting on the exercise ball and laying back onto Russ (who was sitting on the couch), and I was able to stretch out my belly. Well, I think the baby liked it too...the baby's bum stuck right out on my right side making me very lopsided! It was hysterical! A few nights earlier, I was feeling my belly for the baby. Well the baby kicked me back! Twice! It was cool but I have to admit, it kind of scared me too! I know there is a baby in there but when you don't see it but only feel it...hard to explain. Anyways!

Lastly, I asked the doctor if he was of the same thought of my last set of doctors about inducing me shortly after my due date if I don't go into labor sooner. He is because of something to do with my blood thinners. So, regardless of what happens- we will have this baby by March 19th or so! :-)

So Many Good Things...

Aiden is up to so many things these days that are worth mentioning. (Well, I think so anyway.)

He is loving to chase bubbles. He thinks they are great- plus, he can say bubbles! Tonight Tanner ate some bubbles, and Aiden and I laughed and laughed!

He is saying many new things: dog, ball, duck, bubble, up, down- the funny part is is he only says the first half of these words except for bubble. He can say all of that.

He loves to take showers, and really loves them when I splash him with water. He thinks it is hilarious.

Yesterday, we bought him a little doll to teach him how to be gentle. He is not gentle with the dogs AT ALL! So we are trying to get him to be more gentle. Well, he is in love. He loves this doll. Some men out there might have an issue with it but you know what??? This is the first time I have really seen him take on imaginative play. It is really fascinating.

He is asserting himself more--trying to tell us what he wants, how he wants and it when. This isn't the best feature due to tantrums and whining but it is necessary and good to see him grow!

Some Photos of Christmas

The first two photos are of Aiden after he received his Tonka truck. Aiden is starting to speak but mostly still says his ohhhs and ahhhs. That is what he is doing in the first picture. The second picture is of him inspecting his fork lift. The third photo- well, that was the end of the day! It even looks like Tanner had a hard day even though he was in his crate for most of the day! (BTW- this photo was taken around 5:30 at night!)

Christmas Morning

I was so excited that it was Christmas morning, that when I woke up at 5am, I couldn't understand why no one else was awake! I laid quietly in bed until 5:30. I heard Aiden starting to stir, so I went downstairs, made coffee, opened all the shades, turned on the Christmas lights and music, and made sure everything was just so. I got my coffee all ready, and I went back upstairs to get Russ up.

We had the video camera all set up, so Russ came down and turned it on. We put a mechanical Tonka forklift under the tree, unwrapped---a way to entice the little one. That did the trick! He was so excited! We would partially open a present, and when he could see what was possibly there, he would finish unwrapping the present.

One of his favorite presents from Santa was a farm book that he has been carrying around now for days. Above is a shot of him reviewing the book right after he opened the present. I can't wait until next year (with two little ones!)

We were so tired at the end of the day that I was in bed by 8:30 and Russ who never goes to bed early, was in bed by 10:30. We were pooped!

Swollen Ankles

Last time I was pregnant, I remember the first time my feet and ankles swelled, was when I went to NY for work as well as the for the company holiday party. I was seven months pregnant. Well, my feet and ankles have been swelling for about a month now! I am going back to NY this week for the holiday party. We shall see how my feet and ankles hold up this time around. I will be sure to pack some comfy shoes- just in case! Last time, Russ had to bring them with him, but this time he isn't joining me.

I am finding I do not have the stamina or ability to do as much as I did when I was pregnant with Aiden or maybe it was just that I didn't have as much to do! I think the latter part is more true. With my first pregnancy, I could lounge any time I wanted, and I could put my feet up whenever I desired. Not so anymore! I get so tired, so easily!

I had my blood sugar test done last week, and it came back just fine. My issues with my blood have also stayed the same. My stomach is measuring normal, but as the doctor put it, "You don't have much of a torso, so that baby has got to go somewhere."

I am going to work on my belly book too. I have been very bad about it this time around, and I really didn't want to be. I have enjoyed going back to look at it and read from it.

Well, tomorrow is the annual family Christmas party. I can't wait to see how Aiden reacts to Santa. I think his elf told me that he is bringing him a vacuum cleaner! I bet he is going to love it!