Aiden's first haircut

All I can say is I am soooo sorry for not keeping up with the posts. Being back at work full-time and having the flu and then a sinus infection hasn't given me much spare time to update the blog.

We had great Christmas with the family. The Steele's and Libby's got to go on a cruise to Cozumel and Progresso thanks to dad Libby. It was great hanging with the family. Yes, I will have to post those soon. They are on facebook. It just seems easier to put them there because all the photos can be uploaded at once, as opposed to this site that only does 5 at a time.

Anyway, today Aiden got his hair cut for the first time. It was so long in the back, that I could have put it in a ponytail. So, while we were out walking around the mall due to the rain, we stopped by the JC Penny Salon. The lady was really nice. She sat him on my lap and cut his hair. He did so good. Boy, do I feel better now that it's cut. He is one cute button....as you'll see below!

We used the pacifier because that keeps him calm. The cardiologist uses that trick when checking his heart.

He did such a great job and boy, does he look handsome!

Our SERIOUSLY BELATED Christmas-New Year's E-mail

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our first BIG snow storm in awhile

We got a huge snow storm that started Friday night at 9:00 and lasted thru this morning (Sunday)! It was beautiful and we all were home (Mike, mom, Aiden, me and all 3 dogs). We didn't bring Aiden out in it because he's still getting over a cold...still he loved watching the dogs play in it!

Mike and I heading out to Whole Foods for my supplements while Nana and Aiden played..

Thanksgiving...a little late

Ok, so I am just now getting to the Thanksgiving pics. I'm playing catch-up.

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving. Mom and I baked all day. Mike had to work, but we definitely made sure he was fed when he got home. Our friend Chris came over for the feast. She and Mike worked together on the Secretary's detail and now I get to see her often while being back at Interior.

Aiden lovin' on our friend, Sgt. Lopez

Update

Believe it or not, we are all still alive and well. I am slightly amazed at how little I've put into the blog lately. Well, let me give a quick update.

Aiden's doing great - coming out of a virus that I had. He gave it to Mike. I started a job Wednesday. All I can say is GOD TIMING! I am in the process of learning that God loves me for who I am. Per the nudge from God months ago, I wrote down my heart's desires regarding a job, also to include family, etc... I love that God is still leading me, despite my many flaws. Come to find out, He isn't surprised at my humanity...considering I am His design. I have always fought fully submitting to God, for fear of being some martyr and miserable. I have a long way to go, but I am beginning to catch a glimpse of how good He really is. Enjoying the ride, for sure!

Regarding the care of Aiden while I work; currently Mike is off Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday. He has those days of the week and mom is here the other days. Aiden loves spending time with them and it has been nice having mom stay here, along with her 2 golden retrievers. Needless to say, we have a full house, but it's been nice.

What else...let's see....John (brother) and Kate are expecting a boy May 22! Soooo excited. How awesome is it that we are able to bless them with an abundance of baby/boy items! Love that!

In a couple weeks we'll be on our way to TX to see our whole family. [As I type, I guess this is turning into a journal about all of life, as opposed to mostly about Aiden.] SSOOOO excited! Christmas day, Mike/Aiden and I fly to TX to see both sides of family -- our adorable and wonderful son Ryan and his family (which is our family as well -- who says you have to be blood related!). In addition to that, we get to see Mike's side of the family as we all get to go on a cruise due to the blessing of dad Libby! Will be awesome!

Ryan's is doing so well! He is on the swim team and doing great! I tried to attach a short video of him swimming but it didn't work. He has done very well in school and has made the honor roll as well. When I think about seeing him in a few weeks, I get SSSOOOOOOO excited! We just love the Schultz part of our family! Get to hug their necks soon!

Mike's doing well and we are all adjusting to me being back at work. I haven't worked full-time since before I was married. Wonderful knowing God is taking care of our family.

Two quick videos of Aiden using his new vocal chords and even dancing.

Aiden has most definitely discovered his vocal chords lately. Hilarious! There's no question who he got that from! ; 0

VIDEO 1:

VIDEO 2:

Aiden all dressed up for a stroll in the cold

Want a good laugh? Check out Aiden in 'going-for-a-walk-with-daddy-outfit'.

Hilary and Aiden in their costumes....

We didn't do anything on Saturday for Halloween. We waited until after church on Sunday to have Harper (Aiden's little girlfriend) come over and then Hilary and I would dress up our bambinos in their adorable costumes. Hilarious!

Aiden's costume had a big stuffed tummy. He wasn't used to it and even fell over trying to get used to it. It was funny. Harper was a beautiful pink cat. They were SSOOO cute together.....as usual.

VIDEO:

Birthday present from Aunt Susan and Meg

So I waited until today for Aiden to open his presents from his Aunt Susan and Aunt Meg. I wanted him to get used to his other birthday toys and then give these to him when he could enjoy them more.

Meg and Susan....He loves it!! Oh, and so did Molly and Velvet (Nana's dogs) so I'll have to wash them. he-he

Mommy Dawn making cookies for Ryan

I was busy making Ryan some fun cookies today, while Nana played with Aiden. Ryan is now on the swim team, and of course he loves dinosaurs. Therefore, I made two dinosaurs--one with a swim suit and goggles on and the other in a wet suit getting ready to go surfing.

Oh, I also made a yellow dog (Nana's golden retriever, Molly) with a weak attempt at making him dress up as a Parasolarophus (a personal joke between Ryan and I). Oh, do you love my one piece long-john? Comfy with hurting tummy....(ok, so that is my excuse. I just like it.)

Aunt Gloria's visit

I just have to say how blessed we are. Not only did I get a wonderful Aunt, but Aiden gets to be loved on by her also. Aunt Gloria (my mom's sister) lives in southern Virginia where my grandma used to live. She used to live in Springfield, VA but retired out in the mountains and built a beautiful home. We don't get there as often as we like, but hope to change that soon.

Anyhow, she was so tired of seeing cute pictures of Aiden and had to come see him. She has made that trip numerous times to come be with me and the baby (of course Mike as well).

We had SUCH a nice visit. Aiden has been noticing strangers so I wasn't sure how he'd respond when he woke up from his nap. He reached right out for her to hold him. Soooo sweet!

Gloria got on the floor with Aiden and chased him around the house. You go, girl!

Aiden playing in the mirror in the guest room.

Aiden laughing at her...LOVE those dimples!

All that playing made him tired. He just snuggled up with her. So precious!

VIDEO:

Aiden's 1st Birthday Party

Sunday was the day we celebrated Aiden's 1st birthday with close family and friends. We had A LOT to celebrate this year!! Aiden and I have recovered very well and are thriving. So, of course I thought I would just throw something simple together. Yeah right! I know myself better than that and knew I was full of crap when I said it. I spent the night before the party reupholstering the kitchen chairs and making curtains. Hilarious. Anyway, it all turned out beautifully and Aiden had a blast!

This was the photo card that was handed out to our guests thanking them for all of their prayers over this past year while Aiden and I recovered.

Daddy and Aiden

Chris and I cheesing it while Hunter laughs at us.

Aiden playing with one of his favorite stuffed animals.

Julianna Lassiter playing around with the party hat.

I'm tying a doggy balloon on Ashlyn's backpack. Love her curls!

As usual, Aiden and I were chasing each other on the floor.

My dear friends Sara and Carole. Don't know what I'd do without them being next door!!!

Aiden and Andre waiting for other guests. (Andre was born 1 day after Aiden!)

Chris snagging some love from Aiden.

Brooke finally able to hold Aiden. She's been missing him.

Maybe he looks like me just a little bit???

Justin and Brooke chillin'

Harper, Aiden's girlfriend, is my little princess! I just love her!!

Harper and Aiden playing.

Nana and Aiden while Christie, Ashlyn and Julianna are being goofy.

Daniel and Nickolas playing volleyball with the balloon.

Nana soaking up some Aiden love.

Let's just say I put more effort into the party decorations than into the cake. Sadly, I started decorating the cake when my friends were arriving. It was supposed to look like our dog, Niki. I won't tell you what I called it. This is a family/friendly blog. LOL!

We used the theme THE DOG-CLUB for 1 year birthdays. I chose it because Aiden just loves dogs!!

Aiden walking to the table so everyone could sing 'Happy Birthday' to him.

Mike, Aiden and I are enjoying the mess we've created!

Messy!

I had to sneak some sugar from my little pumpkin!

Momma Cooch and I adoring little guy

Aiden did pretty well opening gifts...especially for a 1 year old.

Christie got Aiden an adorable outfit that came with a hat. I LOVED it on him!!

Aiden just loved playing with the balloons. Thank God none of them popped!

Momma and Daddy Cooch gave Aiden a cute car. Aiden loves it!

I felt like this was a taste of Aiden as a teenager showing off his cool car. All the kids just loved it.

What a great -- and exhausting -- day!