First steps

Andrew is starting to take steps, he has done as many as 4 single steps, I think me have a walker in a few weeks.

Aidan swimming

Singing Happy Birthday to Aidan

This is the first year you could hear us sing Happy Birthday to you so I wanted to get it on video. I think you paid more attention to the candle though. It took 3 tries to get a good take as Daniel decided he needed to change up the words to his own name so I had to get him to sing correctly, silly boy. Happy Birthday Baby!

Happy Birthday Aidan

Today you turn two. It has been a long road to get here yet seems like it has gone by in a flash. You amaze me everyday with what you do-whether it is copying your big brother by carrying your chair into the kitchen, climbing onto the stove just to get to the microwave to see if there is food in there, or you sitting with me on the couch, content to let me read you a book. You are finally doing really well at holding my hand to go down the stairs and not running off the moment I ask for your hand while walking in a busy parking lot. You love to help me with the laundry, I hope that lasts! Since your recent surgery, we are in the middle of a battle of the wills with your other implant. Anytime something pisses you off, you yank your ear piece off the moment you can, and believe me, you get pissed off quite a bit in any given day. Alex likes to take your toys, mommy doesn't let you help walk the dog or run around outside in 105 degree temps, etc set you off and off comes the ear piece. You did this for a few months when you first got it and then eventually realized it allowed you to hear and then became eager to use it. So I am hoping soon you decide to like it again. We are all looking forward to having your left ear activated on August 3rd and are all hoping it gives as much hearing as your right implant. For your birthday you got plenty of things--a new big wheel bike from Mimi, some dino pajamas from your Great Aunt, some money from different people, Alex picked out a shape sorter-I think that is your most favorite as you have carried it around all day. You also got a movie(Space Buddies) from Aunt Jennifer, and your online birthday buddy Rylee got you 2 really cool puzzles and a coloring book. We usually go to the zoo for birthdays, but since yours is in the summer and 100 degreee weather, we decided to let you have a pool party. Everyone loved it. You have a swim vest and you can go all over the pool with that thing. You love jumping into the pool, such a daredevil you are. In the last few days I have really noticed your words and that you have 2 consistent words now that are correctly used. You love saying UhOh and when someone drops something, or something happens on tv or any other situation, you use it correctly. You also have been saying Mom and seem to have finally connected it to me. I thought you had over the last few days but on your birthday I went to the movie with Aunt Katie after the party, and when I came home at 10:30, yes you were still up for some odd reason, you said "MOM" I asked daddy if you had been saying it all day or if you had only said it when I came in and he told me he hadn't heard it since I left the house and then came home. So it seems like you have finally figured out that I am mom! Yay!\

Mimi gave you presents early since she was here when you had your surgery and post op appts:


Dino pajamas:


Birthday party fun, we had pizza, Sesame street cake, presents, and then the pool





At the pool, you are a little fish!

A boy and his cat

Jasper found a cozy spot with Andrew and the jumperoo this morning


And Andrew found himself a soft spot on Josie

Our 4th of July

Didn't go quite as planned, Aidan got burnt on the grill lid which resulted in him screaming for the next hour and a half and then he was fine. Went on the boat with the kids, Andrew wanted to dive head first off the boat :) but overall went very well.
Alex ready to leave the house

Andrew with Katie

Aidan on the deck at the cabin

On the boat:






Watermelon eating, Alex not pictured as he doesn't eat watermelon



Cupcakes the day after

Tooth #2 for Andrew

Andrew popped his 2nd tooth last night, it wasn't there in the morning and was there at night when I was settling him down for bed!

Andrew's official 10 mth pictures

Apparantly I went picture crazy, but oh well, at least when my children are gone and moved away, I will be able to look at how innocent and sweet and cuddly and adorable they used to be.

More 4th of July style pictures

A little more cooperative today, I love how happy Andrew is, truly a sweetheart.





Group shot was a lot harder to get


I think Alex is a really good looking boy, especially when he smiles!




Modeling his new shirt I got him from the Audubon zoo

And Mr Aidan, oh that's right, Aidan was moody and refused to partake in picture taking, so not many from him.