Girls Rule and Boys Drool?

I guess it is true; Ayden has started drooling over the last two weeks. To my dismay-I think that this must be the beginning of teething. I was hoping for teething at nine months-not three. The poor child always has a wet shirt now, which I imagine would be absolutely miserable-especially with it being cold. He is going to have to wear a bib all of time!

Breakfast with Santa

We went to eat breakfast with Santa on Saturday with Grandma Betty, my sister-in-law Cami, and my nieces. We had a great time. The tables we cutely decorated and had all sorts of toppings for your pancakes. The girls had fun singing Christmas songs, getting their faces painted, writing letters to Santa, best of all-sitting on the Big Man's lap. Although Ayden had no idea what was going on, I am sure enjoyed himself!

Work it Girl!

It has been a while since I have made a post-mostly due to the fact that I am a working girl again. Oh the sorrow! My first day back found me breaking down in tears a few times during the day while putting Ayden down for a nap, eating dinner, etc. I am working nights so that Kipp can be home with Ayden. Secretly I was hoping that Kipp would have a miserable night with the baby-so he would appreciate me that much more, and so that he would be convince that I shouldn't be working. Didn't happen. Ayden was great for Kipp (I guess Kipp also played a part in that-he is great with Ayden). I on the other hand had a miserable night. Three months-although it flew by-is a long time. Throughout my entire shift I was uncomfortable-second guessing myself the entire time. Do I remember how to be a nurse? I came home from that shift wondering if I could ever go back. Gladly each time I have worked since then has become much easier, and I have great coworkers that I found I really missed, and help me whenever I need it.

Blessings!

After a fun-filled Thanksgiving week, it came time to count our blessings and also bless Ayden. It was a beautiful blessing. And the best part about doing it on the 25th-no pressure to bare my testimony afterwards! The family and some close friends came over afterwards for some delicious sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, muffins, bagels and fruit-thanks to our wonderful families! Ayden did great-no crying! What a good baby!

Strike!

We had a great Thanksgiving week. My brother Brandon and his wife Janae were in town with their two kids. I think that we always try to play really hard when they are here because we want to spend time with them. So our week was full of very late nights. By the time Sunday afternoon came-Kipp, Ayden and I all crashed for a three hour nap. Wednesday night we went bowling. It was a lot of fun. I had not been for quite a while and while I am not a good bowler by any means, I had a great time. The best part about the bowling experience was actually just before we left to go bowling. My dad is always falling asleep fairly early in the evening while we are all sitting around hanging out. Well, Wednesday was no different. He started heading up to his room when my three-year-old niece Avery asked her mom if she could come bowling. Janae told her that she could come if Grandpa Rex was coming. So Avery walks over to a half sleeping grandpa Rex and says, (in her high squeeky voice) "grandpa, I can go if you come!" How can you say no to that? So grandpa and grandma joined us for some bowling.My brother Bandon helping his daughter Avery bowl.

A Thanksgiving Feast (a little early)

This year I must have hit my head really hard-because I found myself volunteering to make and have the Ware family Thanksgiving dinner at my house. I was nervous as the day of the feast approached and I found myself watching hours of the Food Network (only to crave other holiday treats and not to find much help creating a practical beginner dinner), writing grocery list after grocery list, and making countless calls to my own mom asking question after question about recipes and ingredients. I found cleaning the turkey not quite as bad as I had imagined and not near as bad as Kipp found it! He started to help me, but quickly returned to playing Halo (how he spends most of his free hours-especially since the weather isn't ideal for golf now), after discovering the drippings the turkey left behind. I am happy to say that it is over...and I am darn proud of myself. Although not everything tasted as good as mom makes it, I would have to say that I enjoyed it. And it really was kind of fun. Here's to my first Thanksgiving dinner!Our nieces eating dinner. What cute gals!
Kipp and Ayden playing Halo. Actually Kipp playing Halo and Ayden sitting by dad feeling neglected!
Ayden in a cute little hat keeping warm while Kipp put up the Christmas lights outside his room.

Two Cripples

Big week for Ayden and I...Ayden got his first big set of immunizations! He was so good. He cried when he initially got poked but as soon as I picked him up he stopped. I did the bicycle motions with his legs several times a day and gave him tylenol and he seemed just great. What a trooper!Check out those legs! He weighed in at 11 lbs. 7 oz. at his check up-and still putting it on!

As for me...after being so excited that running has not been hurting my knee I took it to the next level. I went to a dance class on Wednesday night. The warm up went smoothly as well as the first few combinations across the floor-and then pop! Chelsea was laying on the floor in the middle of the studio. My knee re injured. So the next morning Kipp helped me downstairs, brought the baby to me and put anything and everything I could possibly need all day on the coffee table and the two gimps spent the whole day on the couch. So much for planning to run a half marathon in the beginning of March! I have an appointment on Thursday with my doctor. Surgery may be in my future. Just when I was getting motivated enough to get back in shape! Actually though-I am getting movement and strength back much more quickly this time around. I am already walking around without my brace-much to Kipp's chagrin.

A few more pictures of the bambino...