Happy Christmas 2012

Technically this is Aiden's 2nd Christmas, but it felt more like his 1st. After all he was only 20 days old last year.



We were lucky enough to have both sides of the family in town for Christmas. Bill's parents spilt their time between Us and Kristin's family. It's so wonderful to have family around during the holiday season.  Being able to enjoy each others company and appreciate the true meaning of the Holiday.

Here or some of the highlights

- We managed to decorate the tree with only 3 casualties ( thanks to bunks aka Aiden)

-Saw a lot of the family at "Annual Anderson Christmas Party"

-Christmas Eve Dinner with The In-Laws @ Kristin's Home.

-Christmas Day Dinner with my Family.

-Enjoyed being a parent this year and watching Aiden take it all in...

Christmas Card 2012



Happy 1st Birthday AIDEN

Happy Birthday Aiden.



On Wednesday, his actual birthday we went to dinner at the Olive Garden with Don, Kristin & Daniel Houle. It was a great way to start off the celebration. On Saturday we threw him his first ever birthday party. It was more of a "yay we survived our 1st year of parenthood" party only because there was more adults than children in attendance.

 

We hired a taco guy which was the best decision ever. I made his 1st cake, it was leaning ever so slightly to one side, but it still turned out great. I hung a few balloons and streamers and made a birthday banner. That was all the decorations we had.

I think his birthday was more than a success, he got plenty of  toys and cool clothes but more importantly Aiden was surrounded by all the people in his life that love him and care for him since the day he was born. Without all of our family and friends Bill and I might not have done as great a job as we have so far!

Twelve Months

Twelve Months

Weight: 20lbs 08oz

Height: 30in

-We made it to a YEAR!
-He loves to drag his blankie around the house... means more washing for mom.
-He take his milk in sippy cups during the day, bottles at night
-He loves his new swing out back.
 -Walking like a champ
-Communicating by pointing finger and shaking head

I know most parents feel like their child is the greatest, and that the first year flies by. I really think i lucked out with Aiden. I don't feel like the year has flown by at all. I've enjoyed 12 months, 365 days with this boy. I've seen him grow from a newborn, to infant, to little toddler. I haven't LOVED every moment of parenthood but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Motherhood has been the hardest, most challenging job I've ever held, but it's also the most rewarding and gratifying job I will EVER hold.



Newest BFF - Baby Nate-

WELCOME BABY NATE

 

 

One of my very good friends had her baby, which means Aiden's best friend is finally here. We are so thrilled and excited for Corey and Laura!

 

Nathaniel James

8lbs 07oz - 21in @ 11:44pm 11.30.12

Eleven Months

Eleven Months

 

Weight: 20lbs 04oz

Height: 30in

 

-Its official we have a WALKER (zombie style)

-Loves drinking out of a sippy cup

-eating pretty much anything and everything

-bath time is his favorite and has been for a few months now

-his own personality is really showing now

 

On Halloween day Aiden took his first 17 steps of course i was at work so i missed it, but uncle Joey got it on video.

Aiden loves to have "snack time" with his daddy. He sits on the floor eating little puffs and drinking from his sippy cup while Bill watches the news.

Aiden gets bathed every night (now with the crawling/walking he gets a little dirty) and he loves it, he gets so mad if you try and make it a quick one.

Halloween 2012

Aiden's first Halloween. 

The lil' Skunk

 



-He visited the pumpkin patch with his cousins (alice & colette) picked out a little pumpkin and went inside the petting zoo to feed and feel the animals.

 

 

-Went trick-or-treating with his best bud Beau (amanda & robbie's son)

 





Cabo San Lucas - Lupe Wedding-

Cabo San Lucas.....

10.11.12 thru 10.14.12





One of Bill's long time friends (Troy) was getting married in Cabo San Lucas. Bill was in the bridal party, which meant ADULT VACATION! This was the first time Bill and I would be leaving Aiden. I was a little worried, but more excited to have a weekend of just US.

I was pretty nervous about flying to Mexico. I've heard horror stories. Our trip started out a little rough. I didn't get to sleep till 2:30am we had to be out the door and on our way to LAX by 4:30am. The flight was leaving at 6:35am. Luckily we planned ahead and had my sister stay over that way Aiden could sleep till his normal time and one less stop we'd have to make. We Ended up getting a later start than planned but made it to the parking structure in time. The shuttle dropped us off at the wrong terminal (because Bill gave the driver our connecting flight for San Diego instead of the lax info) Needless to say we ran down the terminal to the correct one, checked in, got into VIP boarding (the lady working the gate was so nice, thought Bill was Military) and loaded the plan within minutes to spare.

We landed in San Diego headed over to the nearest hotel had breakfast and waited the 4 hour layover till Mexico!

Once we arrived in Mexico it was seriously the most intimidating experience ever! People are yelling at you to go this way or that, drunks everywhere and the most sketchy shuttles and drive I've ever been on. I was slightly worried we wouldn't make it back to our SON!

Upon arriving at the resort i finally relaxed and realized everything was going to be smooth sailing from here on out.

THURSDAY
-We arrived in Cabo 3pm ish
-Had dinner on the beach with Jennifer and Troy the Bride & Groom. along with all other party members that had arrived.

FRIDAY
-6am fishing trip for the Groom and his Groomsmen
-I slept in till 10am (it was amazing might i add)
-Hung by the pool with Cindy (married to Chis a groomsmen)
-Had the Rehearsal, and then rehearsal/dinner cruise. That was incredible

SATURDAY
-Hung by the pool again (got sunburned) played water volleyball Cindy, Bill & I
-Had lunch and then got ready for one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever seen.
-Attended the Wedding and Reception
-The whole bridal party and spouses went into town to dance the night away getting back to the hotel at 4am

SUNDAY
-Farewell brunch to say goodbye to Troy and Jennifer
-Raced back to the hotel and just barely making the shuttle to the airport.
-Arrived home safe and sound to our precious baby boy!

The trip was filled packed with wedding stuff and it wasn't exactly how i pictured spending the weekend with Bill, but i did meet a new amazing friend Cindy who we share so much in common.

I was sad to found out that Aiden really missed us and had really bad separation anxiety. He wouldn't go to anyone but me for a week after we got back and would cry if Bill or I left the room. Putting him to bed was really hard, he would just cry and cry. Thankfully it only lasted one week.



Vistiors...

September 27- October 5 2012

 

The highlights:

 

-My sister Anneke and her family came into town for a visit.

-My Grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

-We took Family Pictures The WHOLE family.

-Surprise birthday party for one of my best friend's husband.

-SeaWorld

 

 

 

Ten Months

Ten Months

Weight: 19lbs

Height: 29in

 

-Saying Mama and Dada!

-Seriously the happiest baby

-Has started to take TWO regular naps a day... finally

-Is quickly losing interest in bottles/formula (cow's milk here we come!)

 

Aiden truly is a joy in our lives, He makes life so much more...fun, loving, interesting, hard, and just better all around. He did so good on our family vacation to the river, sleeping was a little hard (sharing a room) but he was a trooper!
He's so funny because when he's done eating or drinking he tosses the container away like no "big deal i'm done with that"
But he did pick up a bad habit of hitting (swatting) away your hand or bottle if you try and give it to him and he doesn't want it. It has landed him in time-out in his crib a few times.

Avi 2012

Annual River Trip! Its that time of year and it feels so good! This year we changed it up just a little. 1. we had Aiden with us, 2. we brought my Sister Jenny, and 3. Bill's buddies "uncle" Joey and "uncle" Brian came with us too.

We headed out there thursday afternoon. Bill and Joey in the front, Jenny, Aiden and myself in the back... entertaining the little guy.. Brian and Liz joined us there late thursday night. Lea came up on friday with her parents but stayed in the room with Bill Jenny Aiden and Myself. It was a full house. And alot of FUN!

 

We spent the two days on the water with Bill's co-worker and her boyfriend. It was so nice because they had a boat which meant Me and Aiden could go out and have some fun too. Aiden did get on the jetski with daddy, but only near shore. It was a really great time.

We did the usual dinners at the casino and mexican restaurants with everyone. That's one of the best parts about going to the Avi. All the good company. Of course there was plenty of late night activities but this time around i traded in the late night lounge and gambling for hanging in the room watching tv and playing with the baby, I had Jenny's company too.

33

Happy Birthday Billiam

Today we celebrate you... the wonderful Husband, Father, & Man you have become.

 

 

Nine Months

Nine Months

Weight: 18lbs 5oz

Height: 28.75in

 

-we have not ONE but TWO teeth!

aiden got both bottom teeth within a few weeks of each other

-had his first fever, rash, and cold (that was fun for mommy and daddy)

-is saying mama.. well it sounds like it anyway

-aiden's favorite past time... unrolling toilet paper and shredding it..

 

Ohio Visitors

Becky, Lexy, and Ravyn came for a visit. it's been awhile since we've scene these family friends. I will always have a special place in my heart for these three ladies! It was their first time meeting Aiden, i was a little scared one or all three of them were going to take him home with them, lexy sure seemed to love him.

while they were in town we had a few afternoons going to the park, shopping and visiting family. We still made time to have some fun! we went to Disneyland, the la brea tar pits and even found time to celebrate lexy's birthday!

Girls Disneyland Trip 07.29.2012

 

La Brea Tar Pits 08.05.2012

 

Lexy's Birthday 08.052012

Eight Months

Eight Months

Weight: 18bs

Height: 28in

-has found his voice

-not only crawling but trying to walk

-walks around holding onto furniture

-sleeping about 12 hours a nights

-might be teething soon (he chews on EVERYTHING)

 



Dogwood 2012

We had our annual family camping trip this year at Dogwood, Ca. (08.01.12 - 08.03.12) I grew up camping and have such fond memories, i wanted to pass that down to my children. So we decided to take Aiden on his first camping trip. It was by far one of the funnest and most challenging camping trips yet.

He was crawling which presented a challenge, we wanted him to have fun but wasn't to excited about all the dirt.... we brought our "baby jail" and my dad had some fake grass to use inside. That worked out alright, but Aiden being his usual self hated being left alone in "baby jail". The second biggest obstacle was the sleeping arrangement. We decided to have him sleep in the middle of us instead of trying to bring a pack-n-play. That worked out okay, if only our air mattress hadn't deflated the first night.

Although we had some new and interesting things to over come with bringing a baby i had the best time. I love being in the woods with my family playing games, cooking over a open fire, roasting marshmallows and eating s'mores. One new tradition that has started since instating the annual family camp out is the morning walks. I'm by no means a exercising machine especially while on vacation, but I really do enjoy the morning walks with the parents, dogs and baby. Some great conversations have happened while hiking in the woods.

Aiden and Grandpa haning in the hammock together, Aiden was an angel in the hammocks. We would swing in them all day even take a nap! He doesn't even nap at home! I told bill we need one in the back yard.... hint hint....

 

OC Fair 2012

We all know how much mia LOVES the oc fair.... And yes we went twice this year. First Jenny Aiden and I went, and the second time was with my grade-school friend Jennifer and her cute little family, and my "weekend sister" Paige!

We didn't ride any rides (totally bummed about that) with two little kids it makes it kind of hard to do. We ended up eating mucho fair food!

 

as always Bill won a stuff animal this year it was a blue dog for aiden, he loved it, didn't let if out of his sight the whole night!

A Tea Party Tradition

 

For my maternal Grandma's birthday every year my Mom hosts a "mini" tea party. Everything from decorations to food all of it is miniture. The tradition started when my sister Anneke and I were little girls. It is one thing i really look forward to each year, and i know my grandmother does too.

 

Seven Months

Seven Months

Weight: 17bs

Height: 27.5in
 

-Bill thinks Aiden said his 1st word mama

-has learned the art of crawling

-a very good eater

-still only naps when he wants to

Happy 4Th of JULY!

This year we decided to have a small gathering for the 4th at our place. Bill bbq'ed hot dogs and hamburgers I made my famous jello/graham cracker dish and we had red, white,& blue popsicles to be festive.

We played a few rounds of ladder ball and birdie toss and ended the night with LOTS of Fireworks.

 

 

Jennifer's Graduation Party

We were invited to a graduation party for Bill's cousin Jennifer. She graduated with her Bacholer in Philosophy from UC Irvine.

 

The party was hosted at Newport Dunes. It was a great time meeting up with all of Bill's family that lives in CA. His Uncle Gary & Aunt Ellen Came into town from San Jose, and we were lucky enough to have them stay with us! I seriously loves these two so much! *side note: it was Gary's bday*  This was also the first time for most of the family to meet Aiden! He sure did love all the attention.