Fund Raising for Ayden

We recently added a new feature to our blog. On the right-hand side of the page, under the "followers" and our profile, you will see google advertisements. If you click on them ( you don't have to spend time looking at them, though) Ayden will automatically earn a little money that's put into a college trust fund for him. Since he's going to be a doctor, he'll be in college a LOOONG time, so please take a moment to help us save for him! Thanks!

Christmas Fun

December was full of Christmas parties and preparation for the big Day. We went with Grammy to a Christmas Tree Farm to find the perfect tree and got to take a hay ride around the farm. Later in the month, the birth center where Ayden was born, hosted a party and Ayden got to spend some one on one time with Santa, himself. He wasn't REALLY sure Santa was okay, but at least he gave him a Hi-Five.

Ayden's Choo Choo

Santa brought Ayden his first Choo Choo!

Dancing with Grammy

Ayden's Grammy is a dancing fool (so I guess that's where he gets it). This is just a cute clip of their Christmas Eve dance (and kisses).

Uncle Tom's Car

Ayden's Uncle Tom and Aunt Sue sent down a really cool toy car, well, it was two cars in one!

Ayden's 2nd Christmas Morning

We had a wonderful holiday! We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Grammy's house in Bastrop. Ayden turned 18 months old on Christmas Eve. He was ready to tear into packages this year! Thank you to everyone who sent cards and gifts. He's truly a special little boy and we appreciate all your love from afar.

Monkey Backpack

It seemed cruel, but why not give it a try? This is a little backpack from Autie Marilyn that he get to wear. It conveniently has a LONG tail that has a loop for Mommy to hold on to.

Santa!

About 3 weeks before Christmas, we started teaching Ayden about Santa. By the week before Christmas, everytime he saw Santa, he would yell "Tanta"!

Trampoline Fun

Our neighbors just over the fence have two little girls AND a trampoline. While they were away on vacation, we snuck over to check out the trampoline for the first time. What an adventure!

Our Housekeeper

Ayden has always LOOOVED playing with the broom, the mop, and the vacuum. On cleaning day, he's always eager to help with the chores, so Grammy thought he would love his very own swivel sweeper, especially since the handle can be shortened to just his height. She was right!

What is better than little Giggles?

Whenever you need to cheer up, just play this video. It's sure to brighten up your day.

What are THOSE????

My First Corndog!

Me and My Cowboy Hat

Bear with me...I was snapping pictures and filming at the same time!

I'm a Kissin' Fool!

Ayden LOOOOVES to give kisses! We are so happy that he's such a love-bug.

Farmer Ayden

Need I say more????

What a Cowboy!

Ayden got his first new cowboy hat to go with his new longhorn cowboy boots. Now he just needs a pony!

Halloween Video

Halloween!!!

Our little monkey had a wonderful first time trick or treating! It was a fun filled (long) night. We began trick or treating in the neighborhood, then headed to a neighbor's house for dancing and singing, then out to a party in the country near Grammy's house for a haunted hay ride. Mommy was a pumpkin, Mamma was The Cat in the Hat, and Grammy was a scarecrow.

A New Toy

It's so much fun to get a brand new toy......

Riding My Push Trike

What a great invention! What's even more fun is when we fight to have control of the steering....it's just like those driver's ed cars where the passenger has their own brake pedal! What fun!

Eat Your Beans

Ayden's new favorite food is eating black beans. It's fun to try to stab them with the fork and get them into the mouth.

Brush Your Teeth

Ayden is learing how to brush his teeth all by his self!

Climbing Monkey

We knew it was only a short period of time before Ayden would begin climbing on furniture....Well folks, we've arrived. He's 16 months old now!

Ayden's First Mylar Balloon

Who knew a balloon could be so much fun?

Kisses for the Camera

Ayden has become quite the little kisser! He even makes a "mmmm" sound each time you get one.

Cathy the Cowgirl

October brought not only my 30th birthday, but also a much needed week at the beach...our first vacation without the little man. Cathy and I enjoyed a beach front condo with beautiful waves and smooth sand. We also treated ourselves to a horseback ride on the beach and through the dunes, which was Cathy's first time ever on a horse. They gave her Dozer (yes, as in BULL DOZER) to ride, but he turned out to be quite a teddy bear. Although she was sore the next day, she's ready to become an official Cowgirl! Yeeeeehaaaaaw!

Playing nice with Handsome

Handsome is the family's oldest and grumpiest cat. But today, Ayden made friends with him, even if only temporarily. Oh, in case you are wondering, Handsome really has long locks, but he gets a "lion cut" twice a year :)

WHAT am I wearing????

Ayden got his Halloween costume from Auntie Marilyn this year early. Can anyone say "Monkey"? Why do I have 4 hands????

Oh, yeah....I can't forget my song...."Ashes, ashes, we all fall.....DOWN (new word)!!!"

Where's Your Nose?

The sprinkler is one of Ayden's favorite afternoon games. He doesn't seem to care that he's carrying around a 20 pound diaper. What fun!

He Loves Corn on the Cob

Who knew eating corn on the cob could be so much fun? He likes it with butter, salt, and pepper! And he's not afraid to get his hands dirty.

These Boots Were Made for Walkin'!

Ayden got his first new pair of cowboy boots for his one year old birthday. They are blue with white longhors and red stars. It was a little bit of a challenge the first time, but he's just about got it down. Where can we find a cowboy hat to fit?

Ashes, Ashes, We All Fall Down!!!

Can you believe one of his first words is ASHES????

Ring Around The Rosey.....

Our first attempts....

Auntie Marilyn Comes to Texas

Cathy had an exciting birthday with a visit from her sister, Marilyn, all the way from Tampa, Florida. Of course, she really came just to see her adorable nephew, but we won't tell Cathy! It was a lovely week with lots of hugs and kisses. We can't wait to see Auntie Marilyn again.

Ayden's Extended Family

We were fortunate enough to meet Ayden's half sister (they share a donor). Regan and her mother Wendy came down from Washington D.C. to visit with us for two weeks while Wendy attended training in Austin. Regan is about 6 months older than Ayden and it was fascinating watching them interact, comparing mannerisms, and features. It was also quite a shock to Ayden to learn the word "share" and to have someone else playing with his much cherished toys. The two got along well overall and we all had a wonderful time.