Unto the Hills

Photo Book

2011-05-01T17:33:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Locked doors and hyperactivity

2011-04-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is how we spent the majority of the early afternoon yesterday. Ayden locked the door going up to mine and Corey's bedroom. We were never given a key from the landlord so Corey had to work his magic. Ayden says it was an accident but his face in this shot tells me otherwise.

http://moms.today.com/_news/2011/03/29/6369981-why-some-moms-have-banned-artificial-food-dyes-from-their-kids-diets

The above link is from an article on TODAYMoms that discusses that artificial coloring in foods have been found to cause hyperactivity in children. When we moved to Michigan and I was actually able to give more attention to my dear boy, I was noticing a direct link to him eating and him having horrible behavior. He couldn't sit still in his seat, couldn't focus, unresponsive to me trying to redirect him, etc. I started testing out different foods and how he was reacting to them and I concluded it was anything that contained artificial additives that turned my sweet child to a monster. We have now gone organic on our foods (a little more pricy, but if you shop around to your local stores, you can find ways around paying outrageous prices...it just takes a little work and investigating). I look forward to the day when all foods contain natural ingredients.

That is it for my post today. Corey is off work today so we have lots planned. Love until next time.

New Adult Institute Class at Christ Church. Let's be challenged.

2011-03-31T12:19:00.001-07:00

Long awaited Spring

2011-03-31T07:08:00.000-07:00

Today is day two of the sun shining in Grand Rapids and the temperature reaching a grand high of 45 degrees. I am extremely ready for the spring weather and so is Ayden. Yesterday you would have thought it was 70 degrees outside for that kid as he played quite hard for over 3 hours in our backyard (some of which was with the sweet neighbor kids). He keeps asking when he can run in the sprinkler and when the flowers are going to come up. He is such an outdoor boy like his mom and dad. :) He has been getting stronger at riding his bike, which is exciting for me because one of my fondest childhood memories was riding my bike around the block thousands of times. Yesterday we went around the block four times, stopping a few times to pet the neighbor's cat. It is simple times in my day like these that I am thankful to have the time with him, to have a yard, and a friendly/safe neighborhood. Today it is on to Ayden practicing writing his letters, probably more out-door play, and wrapping up our day at the Y swimming.

In closing, today I am dedicating my prayers to the people in Japan that they might find God in the midst of this suffering and trust him as their rock and strength. My heart breaks for what has happened and since I can't just jump a plane right now to help with clean up, I feel prayer is my way to contribute to helping.

Rest

2011-03-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

I know, I haven't posted on this thing since our grand move to Grand Rapids. It has been nearly four months Corey and I have been married and in our new home. We have loved every moment of our new life as a family. I have been able to stay at home with Ayden full time, which helped with the transition and has given me some much needed rest from the previous years of stress. Our four years apart was an extremely painful and dark time for Corey and myself but today we thank God for it because it made us stronger in our walk with Him, in our marriage, and in our parenting. I honestly don't know how much I will keep up with this blog but I will do my best for the sake of my family in Maryland.
Much love.

Wedding day

2010-11-30T16:36:00.001-08:00

I am getting married in four days!

...that is all. :)

Prayer requests

2010-10-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

With only 43 days left until the wedding, time is sure flying by fast. Corey and I have a lot to get done before then but the only way is with God as our guide. Our prayers are as follows:

*Corey taking and passing the NCLECS
*Smooth transition into Corey's nursing job at Pine Rest
*Strength for Jo to finish final days at OSMC
*Finding an affordable house that fits our needs as a family
*Finding help to move all items from Maryland to Michigan
*Rest for Jo while in the midst of wedding/moving/marriage planning
*Fabulous celebratory wedding
*Restful, peaceful, spiritual honeymoon reconnecting Jo and Corey and giving us a new strength as husband and wife, father and mother
*Comfort for Ayden when with grandparents for 10 days so we can have our honeymoon
*Job for Jo that fits Corey's schedule so that Ayden won't have to be in any daycare
*Financial needs met
*Living debt-free

:) More to come!

I'm back.

2010-10-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted on this thing in a year, but decided I better give it a fresh look and new posts so that yaya and pop pop will have something to look at while we are miles away. So many changes, so many blessing. More to come soon.

By the way, 47 days left and Corey and I will be wed. :)

Not enough time in my day.

2009-04-26T18:45:00.001-07:00

I don't like the slow picture upload on this thing. Maybe I'll try again later.

At it again.

2009-02-22T18:13:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow a man from church is building a trap. That squirrel is as good as gone.

A squirrel's home.

2009-02-21T19:33:00.000-08:00

Money saving new hobby.

2009-02-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

Ayden's napping. Mama's planning.

*Stamps are going up to $.44 in May. Stock up now on the forever stamps.
*Rack Room shoes. Buy one pair, second pair 50% off.
*http://www.eatbetteramericacommunity.com/newsletter_archive/EBA_CouponBooklet/index.html
*http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/06/little-steps-100-great-tips-for-saving-money-for-those-just-getting-started/
*restaurant.com has a new 80% off code DINE available. The $25 gift certificates are normally $10, but are $2 with the code.
*UGG Boots, Shoes, & Slippers-Superlamb footwear. Save 40% with code LOYAL. Shipping is free if you spend $100 before discount code (or $60 after code), otherwise shipping is a Flat Rate $7.50.

back for more later.

Baby-led weaning.

2009-01-31T16:26:00.000-08:00

Ayden is officially weaned! I actually never thought I would see the day. Nor want the day! But I really have been wanting him fully weaned for 2 months or so but he just would not budge. I was thankful to get him down to the one nursing at nighttime, which ended up not even being very long...just enough to calm him down and say goodnight. On Friday, Ayden had not napped and fell asleep at 5:30! My attempts to wake him for some dinner failed (course I didn't try very hard! woops) so I thought it would be a prime opportunity to "dry up." Then on Saturday he did the same thing (he is in a huge growth spurt). Tonight when it was time for our routine, he did ask but when I said it was for babies, he just said, "oh" and laid down! YES. What a tremendous joy nursing him has been and I would not have wanted anything different. He has been the healthiest boy, is secure, and soooo happy! But it is due time to get my body and strength back.

There are many benefits of extended breastfeeding. See below:

*Your baby continues to get the immunological advantages of human milk, during a time when he is increasingly exposed to infection. Breastfed toddlers are healthier overall.

*When he is upset, hurt, frightened or sick, you have a built in way to comfort him. Often a sick child will accept breastmilk when he refuses other foods.

*Many of the medical benefits of breastfeeding (lower cancer risk in mother and baby, for example) are dose related -- in other words, the longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effects.

*Human milk offers protection for the child who is allergic.

*Mothering a toddler is challenging enough -- nursing makes the job of caring for and comforting him easier. There is no better way to ease a temper tantrum, or put a cranky child to sleep than by nursing.

*Nursing provides closeness, security and stability during a period of rapid growth and development.

*Letting your baby set the pace for weaning spares you the unpleasant task of weaning him before he is ready.

Mama's Milk.

2009-01-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

Breast was, is, and will always be BEST.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/01/19/090119fa_fact_lepore

Firehouse Santa.

2008-12-20T08:11:00.000-08:00

So since Ayden has been born, I never got into the whole Santa thing. Mainly because I didn't want to fight the crowds of annoyed parents and squirmy children waiting to get 2 seconds on Santa's lap, with a picture that never turns out because the child is overstimulated, uncomfortable in their dressed up clothes, and scared. Not to mention you paid a day's work of pay for the picture that never turns out. This year I got lucky, so lucky. One of Ayden's nursery school classmate's father (you following me?) works for the Edgewater firestation. They decided to put together a breakfast with Santa. Come to find out they had even posted an ad in the newspaper, but it only seemed to attract the kids from Ayden's school. So at 9 this morning, Ayden and I headed over to the station, where we were fed pancakes, sausage, coffee, and juice and ate alongside of Santa and some of the firemen. I couldn't have asked for anything better! Ayden was thrilled. I don't know which was more exciting-Santa, the firetruck, the firehat, or the sausage. Ha. These shots capture our great morning.

"Ho Ho Ho" is what Ayden said the entire ride over.

Yummy sausage.

Enjoying a candy cane.

Ayden gets up close and personal with Santa as Santa ties his shoe.

Give a big smile!

Ayden and Lilly, one of his classmates.

Two, going on big boy.

2008-12-02T17:35:00.001-08:00

For Ayden, life is now:
In 3T clothes, size 8 1/2 shoes.
He knows his ABCs.
He is almost potty-trained.
Can sing, on key, twinkle twinkle.
Knows the basic colors.
Can pick out numbers 1-5.
Only wants to play instruments.
Or some form of ball.
Doesn't have all of his teeth.
Crawls into my bed in the morning and rubs my back.
Still nurses in the morning and at bedtime.
Insists on holding hands for prayers before meals.
Talks to his dad every day on the phone.
Loves to eat yogurt.
Plays in the bath until the water is nearly ice.

And in a blink of an eye, he is a big boy. And knows it.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T09:44:00.001-08:00

2008 things I am thankful for:
*Finding a great nursery school for Ayden that he loves and that is teaching him about Jesus.
*Hearing Ayden's first words (ball, football, cheese, please, juice, water, pooh, read, sit, let's go, eat, up, hello, dark, bubbles, dance---notice a trend? ha)
*Getting to know the Ball family, receiving countless blessings from them, gaining a friend for life.
*Watching my brother (Erich...Kurt will be in 2009!) get married and gaining a sister.
*Having God pour out financial blessings onto me and Ayden when I never thought possible.
*Taking on many different jobs, all that were a perfect fit for that period of my life.
*Joining the Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Center team, showing me how all the hard work and schooling finally pays off.
*Being a part of Rachel's wedding.
*Reuniting with Corey every month.
*Having faith and trust in the Lord that my future family will come, but in God's timing.
*Gaining security that Corey loves me more than anything.
*Corey getting through his first round of nursing school.
*Wise support and counseling from my father.
*Trip to Disney World.
*Trip to Hilton Head Island.
*Having the strength to continue nursing Ayden.
*Mom's care for Ayden half of the week while I work.
*Ayden's neverending joy for life, showing me a greater appreciation for life.
*Support from some of the Godliest women I know from my Sunday school class.
*The freedom to pray and worship.
*Moving to the basement so Ayden and I can have more of our own space.
*Highschool and college friends who still keep in contact.

Happy Thanksgiving family! I am really enjoying mine with the newlyweds (Erich and Lisa), not having to work, soaking in love from Ayden, eatinggggg, talking to family on the phone, getting vitamin D from a beautiful day, napping, watching the Macy's parade and reminiscing on memories of being there last year, relaxing, going through wedding photos (which I have more that I will put up later), praying.

Congratulations Erich Walter and Lisa Marie Meyerhoff!

2008-11-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

Throughout my life, I have been to numerous weddings of friends, cousins, best friends, etc, but never to one where it was my immediate family member. It is an odd thing watching your own brother get married, but I could not be happier for him because I have never seen him so happy. The wedding was such a praise and celebration of not only the two of them joining as one, but as a thankfulness to God who spared both of their lives from serious car accidents. Those two truly are a miracle from God and it was an honor to be such a part of it.

I hope some more pictures turn up that other family members took (can we say Jo needs a camera...Christmas is coming up you know). It was such a whirlwind day that I don't know if there is even a shot of Ayden (or me with Corey for that matter. ugh.), other than the ones the professional photographer took! Hopefully there will be a way to share those with you. Until then, here are few.

Watching the flower girl and ringbearer (Ayden) make it down the aisle.

Bride, groom, and my parents.

Me, mom, Kat

Newlyweds!

My family.

The Meyerhoff clan.

Haircut #2

2008-11-02T16:50:00.000-08:00

Next weekend, my brother Erich is getting married! And since Ayden is the ring bearer, I thought it fitting to get him his second haircut. He sat so still and was so proud to show it off. I do love his shaggy curls, but he's really looking dapper with the new cut. I cannot wait to see him in his knicker and bow tie.

He looks so intense. As always.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, look at all of that. Which one should I choose?

Oooh this looks good.

Mom, check it out. A lollipop.

Yumm.

Only God can carry me home.

2008-10-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

MAC love.

2008-10-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

Every year across the street of our church, there is a pumpkin patch which opens up for the entire month of October. For some reason, I have never checked it out until this year. Since my brother was in town, I thought it would be a perfect day to take Ayden. It was a great afternoon fall activity for free (err, besides the cute 2$ pumpkin Ayden picked out!).

Headed to the patch. Those two have so much fun together!

Oh look mommy, a man is stuck in the hay!

Ayden checks out the rabbit.

And attempts to feed him.

*Laughter*

Look at all that corn! How fun!

Scooping it up.

He had just dumped it on his head.

Let's get buried.

Covered in corn!

There is nothing sweeter than watching the pure joy and laughter of innocent fun your own son is having.

Now it's time to find that perfect pumpkin.

Picking out the best.

Hey, I found one!

What a great afternoon!

2nd birthday and fall festival.

2008-10-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

Happy 2nd birthday Ayden!
This week has been a crazy work week for me so I never got a chance to post some pictures up of Ayden's 2nd birthday weekend. His birthday was on Sunday so the Saturday night before, Corey and I spent the majority of our evening putting together Ayden's kitchen set. These first cheezing shots of Ayden is him about to get slap happy awaiting to play with it. He loves to try to take pictures of himself with the camera.

THREE hours later, we had it up and ready for play.

His actual party was low key with just our family and who I call my second family, the Balls. Unfortunately, all the shots I had of them too turned out really dark and blurry. The party was Elmo themed because that, along with Pooh, is Ayden's character obsession for, um, this month (last month it was curious George). I attempted to make Elmo cupcakes that turned out nothing like I had imagined. Thankfully I had my mother come in for the rescue at the end to fix my decorating. Apparently I need more practice on going outside of the box in art projects.

Grace EP Annual Fall Festival.
Since Ayden was literally 2 days old, we have gone to our church's fall festival. This year it didn't fall on his birthday weekend so we ventured without Corey. It ended up sad for me because it had become a tradition for us, but Ayden really enjoyed it (and that's all that matters anyways, right?). Plus the weather could not have been more beautiful.

My mom was at the face painting station and I thought Ayden would jump at a chance to have a football painted on but he couldn't stop squirming when my mom would touch him with the paint brush. So I got a football instead, which made him just as happy.

Ayden LOVES his pop pops. And balloons.

A determined child, and thankfully a chicken that didn't bite.

Slide.

Maze.

Jamming to the bluegrass band playing in the background.

Inside the ambulance, Ayden attempts to open one of the cabinets. This is the look I get every day when Ayden is doing something he is not supposed to be doing. That child wears his guilt on his sleeve.

Driving the firetruck!

Ayden is offically all TWO.

By the way.

2008-09-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, my camera is still broken. It will never be fixed because the cost of repair would be just the same as getting a new one. So I am waiting to buy one until I get that promotion from going from temporary employee to full-time at Central Special. Let's pray that it is by December!

But never fear! My sister has oh so sweetly said she will allow me to borrow her camera for Ayden's birthday weekend next weekend. And then there are always those random shots I can post on here from my camera on my phone. Those actually turn out really good.

Wow, two nights in a row of updating! I am on a roll....actually, only because there was not any doctors in the clinic today that I could transcribe for and all the work from this week was finished last night. That's the only downside on transcribing. No work, no pay.

I just want to say one more thing that I love the fall. Maybe it is just the changes of seasons that I get such a thrill watching take place. God's creation is so beautiful that I cannot help but weep at it!

Downtime perhaps?

2008-09-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

I nearly forgot I even had this page set up until my dear friend Jasmin (we miss you!) created one for herself and reminded me how wonderful blogs are for communicating with loved ones around who are not "around."

Things for me lately have been quite the whirlwind, to say the least. Within nearly a week, I managed to be hired through not one, but two jobs! I finally had a company, based in Grand Rapids of all places, hire me to work as a medical transcriptionist. My dear college roommate's brother works for the company and they hired me right away. I was overflowing with joy because it seems like any MT company wants at least 3 years experience in a hospital before accepting to work at-home. VanBelkum has been more than gracious to work with me...and boy it has been work as my medical knowledge is still very elementary, even with all the classes I took! I pray that one day I can use it as full time to work at home and be with Ayden (and a future family, Lord willing) but for now, I need to get my knowledge up in order to make it worth my while.

Right as I was hired for the MT job, my mom heard about the special needs school always having positions open as a teacher's assistant. I called up the vice principal and after going in for less than a 10-minute interview was hired! Convenient for me, the school is less than 2 minutes down the road. I am being extremely stretched and growing a lot in this job. I was placed in the classroom with highest behavioral children in the school (and maybe even county?), all autistic but all extremely aggressive. I am used to dealing with the aggressive aspect from my work at Pine Rest in Michigan, but the autistic part has brought on a new challenge for me! I get the biggest thrill out of going to speech therapy with them and observing the therapist work on getting them to communicate somehow, even if it is in a nonverbal way. I have also been able to work alongside an amazing behavioral therapist who has given me some great advice and guidance towards making a step closer to a career possibly in behavioral therapy.

One of the biggest goals of the school is to graduate a child at age 21 in a formed way that that particular child can work out in the community. They have had a lot of success with many children. It is a blessing on the days to be able to take them out in the community to acclimate them to the world around. Today I was able to go sailing with three of the kids from our classroom!

Along with having two jobs comes extreme exhaustion and constant struggle to have a balance in everything else like MOTHERHOOD! I miss Ayden painfully while I am at work and have probably been undergoing more separation anxiety than he has. He is with my mom half of the week and the other half with the Ball family, which is just as much like being around siblings as he, Doran, and Marilla have a great bond from all the childcare I did for them in the previous months. I know my baby boy is in the best of hands, but it still is hard to be gone when for the first two years of his life he went WITH me to work. This shot sums up Ayden trying to seek his mommy's attention.

If there is anything I need prayer for right now it is for strength to make it through each day and comfort to know that Ayden will be ok not having me being with him all the time. My school job seems to seep every ounce of energy from me along with me feeling a lot of guilt from leaving Ayden. But realistically speaking, I need to be doing this right now in hopes that our future will be smoother and healthier.

More to come...hopefully sooner than later!

The long-awaited reuinion.

2008-06-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

Thankfully for my sister, I was able to have a camera with me during my trip to Michigan. I got some fabulous shots. Corey and I were able to get back connected from not seeing one another for 6 months and it was beyond wonderful. I feel like a giddy school girl who has found her missing puzzle piece.

Broken camera.

2008-05-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

My camera is currently broken (hopefully not indefinitely) so I have neglected to make any postings. Well, I guess I cannot blame all on my camera...I have been working insane hours nannying as well as rounding up my Medical Transcription studies and starting the job search! And for some reason, I only think to post when I have a picture. Do I really have that little to say? Gah I remember those days when I would post nearly 3x per day on Xanga-online journal for anyone's curiosity, and really, nosiness. Not that I am beyond that, I LOVE to journal, I just...don't have the drive at this point in time. It will change soon though.

So with all that nonsense said that really made no difference to the point of this post, here is my dear sweet child after he awoke from his nap. Wild hair, and sweatiness included. My goodness, I love him.

Loving the car.

Thank GOD for a working camera phone to capture moments like these!

Orlando, Florida

2008-04-05T12:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter.

2008-03-23T12:13:00.001-07:00

Popsicle love.

First hunt.

Christ is risen indeed!

****my dad's sermon's are now online! Check them out!http://graceep.org/dialogs/graceEp.aspx?pageCd=Listen%20to%20Sermons

....next stop----DISNEY WORLD! :) :) :)

Letting go.

2008-03-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

Well it now looks like Ayden has my pink eye. I knew that it was more than likely inevitable, but I really tried everything to make sure he didn't get it. Thank God for breastmilk that pulls through again!

It's times like these that make me realize that I have a tough time relaxing and just letting go. I HATE missing church on Sundays (especially my Sunday school class!) and whenever my schedule is tweaked in just the tiny way, I get all out of wack. And it's like I am incapable of relaxing. Ayden is downstairs sleeping like a baby, and I just can't seem to stop thinking about everything that needs to be accomplished! Not that I am mad at my poor sick baby, but it's really hard that my day has been altered. Ugh. Well, I thought that if I made an entry that is totally mindless and random might help. Here goes.

If you didn't already know, here are some quirks about me:
*I love linen. If it didn't require ironing, my entire wardrobe would be linen.
*I hate ironing! Seriously, give me any other housechore (heck, I'll even mow the lawn!) but ironing. I get extremely uptight and impatient, taking it out on the clothes. Half the time my clothes turn out hardly ironed because I get so angry. It's an issue.
*I would much rather eat the batter of the brownies than the actual brownie itself.
*I equally love cookie dough as much as the cookie itself.
*I love to wear skirts. If anyone wants to ever give me an article of clothing, give me a funky skirt. size 6. Thanks. :)
*I LOVE summer! Not only is it my birthday season, but there is nothing more satisfying than not having to wear shoes (or come on, let's admit it, much clothes).
*My new favorite show is Jon and Kate Plus 8 on TLC. I am obsessed. Literally. I want to be them. They inspire me, make me laugh, and have even made me cry. Somedays I feel like their relationship is carbon copy of mine and Corey's. 8 kids??? hm.
*I have extremely sensitive ears. I think I was actually in denial of it when I was younger because I did the usual teenage thing and blared my music, but it always ended up in anxiety and headache. My sister knows this about me and likes to come in the house shouting. We have a text message-type lingo that when I say "UN" I mean unnecessary noise and cut it out!
*I am really trying to seek balance in my life. It needs it BADLY. The exercise catagory is the worst.
*I read the same magazine 3-4 times before moving on to another one. Not in the same day though. I noticed this at the Gallagher's house because Renee always has great ones to look at. And everytime I go back, I see something I didn't see before.
*Oh, and I usually read them from the back to the front. Yeah, I'm weird.
*I have high hopes one day of teaching a breastfeeding class at a crisis pregnancy center. Gawl I would love nothing more.
*I have high hopes to also learn how to play the piano, sew, and take dancing up again.
*I am bound and determined to go skiing or snowboarding next winter. I miss it.
*I've never had any chili better than my mother's. And that's a fact.

Okay, that's all for now. Must go help the madre with making lunch. Maybe more ramblings later.

...I bet you can't wait.

All in a week's work.

2008-03-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

This week has been a bitter/sweet week. Ayden and I have been busy busy busy with helping out families and their children, but despite the business, we've been having a blast! However, today I was out of commission for pink eye. Maybe God's way of telling me I needed a break??? Only He knows when I need to stop, because I'm never the one of initiating it.

There have been some things brought up this week that have struck me down. I just want to praise God not only for my Bible study on Tuesday nights but also for those moments in the car when Ayden (yes, he sings too!) and I are worshiping God from songs off the Christian radio station. Without those moments, I wouldn't have had the strength for this end of the week...er...satan's attacks?? There was one song I really clung to and have had the words in my head ever since. I thought I would share.

He Will Carry Me, By Mark Shultz
I call, You hear me
I’ve lost it all
And it’s more than I can bear
I feel so empty

You’re strong
I’m weary
I’m holdin’ on
But I feel like givin’ in
But still You’re with me

And even though I’m walkin’ through
The valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And I’ve been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will
Ever need
And He will carry me

I know I’m broken
But You alone
Can mend this heart of mine
You’re always with me

And even though I feel so lonely
Like I’ve never been before
You never said it would be easy
But You said you’d see me through
The storm

Out of desperation to steal mom's camera, Ayden signs please.

And now he's figured out the sounds of the camera so anytime he hears me turning it on, he goes in for a big cheese!

Art time. Working so hard!

This week I helped out our newest addition to Grace EP, the Ball family (assistant pastor, Kevin and wife Erin)! We loved the 65 degree weather and snack time!

Ayden has recently been obsessed with the dog cage at the Cho house. While warming Paxton's milk, I find him like this...

Getting some fresh air with Paxton!

This kid loves anything with wheels.

My Copilot

2008-03-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

On Friday Ayden said bus. Every afternoon, Ayden and I venture down south of route 2 and meet one of our many kiddos that we (yes I say we because Ayden is my nannying copilot) work with. She gets off at the bus stop so Ayden gets a daily interaction with a school bus. Hence his new word, bus!

I've compiled a slideshow of pictures of Ayden helping me at work, our Grace EP bowling day, and some randoms of the past weekend. Enjoy!

First words.

2008-02-29T05:54:00.000-08:00

Ayden has been chattering it up like CRAZY lately so I've compiled a list of all the words he's said so far. The first few ones are pretty much in his daily vocabulary.

In order:
Mama/Mom
Light
Dog
Door
That
This
Blueberry
Cheeto
"I did it."
Diaper.
Juice.
Toe.
Booboo.
"All done."

Over the course of this week, he's said a new word everyday. Yesterday's grand winner was....BRA (only because moments before I said it to him as he was pulling some out of my drawer. haha). I can only anticipate what today brings. :)

February 14th-18th fun.

2008-02-18T16:55:00.001-08:00

The new stool.

2008-02-04T09:24:00.001-08:00

A couple weeks ago I used some of my Christmas money and found this super cute stool. Ayden would stand on it and brush his teeth all day if I allowed it. The pictures capture his excitement.

For the love of hats.

2008-01-12T07:54:00.001-08:00

Ayden's new thing is putting things on his head...and cheezing while doing it. :)

I just had to capture how long his hair has gotten. And yet, I am still holding out on that hair cut.

Ayden LOVES lounging with pop pops.

While at the Gallagher's house (family I help out with after care), Ayden decided to play dress up with a helmet and Kristen's jacket.

Believe it or not, this shot was taken with my phone. He loves to sit on that tractor!

Christmas with the Kruenegels.

2008-01-11T09:28:00.001-08:00

I really wish blogger would come up with an easier and faster way to upload photos on this site. Hence my reasoning for just now getting up Christmas pictures! I still have a slew of shots that are really good, so if you guys want me to post or email you more, let me know (especially you, Amanda, because I have some great ones of Emerson).

To say that the trip to Kansas City was a blast is an understatement. There was constant laughter, relaxing, and memory making! These photos do not even do justice to the fabulous time...

Kruenegel Tree.

mmmm good ole kitchen cooking time!

Ayden and Emerson into the food!

Christmas Eve, after church service.

Stockings.

Emerson and Ayden into the Emerson's new play kitchen.

Ayden giving a look to Corey, saying, "Daddy, I want one next year!"

Emerson and his new chair.

Kevin and Ayden.

Ayden tearing into his gift.

Uncle Bruce with the most creative and popular gift.

Ayden taking over the chair.

Katie, Emerson, Aunt Linda at the Modern Art Museum.

More shots from MAM.

Plane ride home. Ayden still sick but daddy pulling through for some TLC.

Wishing you a very Merry CHRISTmas!

2007-12-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

Ayden and I wish you all a Merry CHRISTmas!

Get a kiss under the mistletoe.
Rest up from all of this year's responsibilities.
Laugh.
Make memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank God for the blessings of 2007.
Watch movies, play games, and be goofy with the people you love.
Toast to a new start, a new year.
Appreciate life.
Praise God for sending his son.

Photo shoot

2007-12-15T12:02:00.000-08:00

Now that everyone has received their Christmas cards, I thought I would post some of the shots I took while at Homestead Gardens. Hopefully this elf can put you in the Christmas spirit!!

And the winner goes to...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Forget that idea.

2007-12-06T16:35:00.001-08:00

So my earlier comment was about me going to find Ayden a coat that fit a little better. Um yeah, that coat he is wearing in the pictures below is 24 months and every coat that we tried on tonight that was 18 months was too small!! I can't believe it...my 14 month old baby boy is wearing 24 month clothing. Sheesh, his growing wears me out!

:)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2007-12-06T10:07:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we had our first snow! Not only was it beautiful but also exciting! I wanted Ayden to get a feel for what it was like (he doesn't remember last year-he was only 3 months old!) and see how he would react to it. These pictures completely capture the moment because I couldn't get a smile out of the boy. He put on his curiousity/exploring face and slowly walked around then decided he was done. Course, it probably didn't help that he couldn't even move because I put on the snow suit that is too big, to say the least! Hand-me-downs are such a blessing but I think I may have to take a trip out and find something that fits better so he doesn't look and feel like sumo baby. haha!

That's my boy.

2007-11-30T19:13:00.001-08:00

A last glimpse of fall...goodbye leaves!

Thanksgiving 2007 festivities.

2007-11-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hi family and friends! There were so many pictures from our Thanksgiving trip that I put them on a slideshow for you. If you would like a copy of any one of them, please let me know! ENJOY! :)

Video of Thanksgiving meal and Ayden signing:

Hayride.

2007-11-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Grace EP's annual hayride/bonfire. This year was much more fascinating for Ayden than last (as he was only one month old!)...he especially loved diving into the cornbread! "ummm" as he says while pointing.

A mother's cub.

2007-10-31T18:21:00.001-07:00

h.a.p.p.y. h.a.l.l.o.w.e.e.n.!

Wednesday's Babies in Bloom at the Edgewater library...our friend Jacob from church had the same costume!

Working on those pointing skills.

Getting love from grandma.

"alright, enough already. this is hot in here!"

Trick-or-treating on the flyer.

Pooped out, but happy about the sucker.

My FAVORITES

2007-10-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

Daddy comes to visit!

Our Children's Place poster boy.

Checking out the snake at the DC National Zoo.

We had a fabulous time! We went on a cloudy day that apparently scared the rest of the people away, giving us a private tour of the zoo!

baby panda.

cuteness.

The next day brought lots and lots of rain...

...so we ventured to Chuck E Cheese.

Spending more time away from the rain at the petstore.

Then (Great, to Ayden) Grandpa and Grammie AND cousin KATIE Kruenegel came for a visit!

Out to dinner with pop pops and the rest of the clan.

Erich, mom, cousin Katie

Sassy gals and a series of great shots.

Stealing mom's glasses, as usual.

Weekend fun

2007-10-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

New birthday Radio Flyer bike!

"Check it...I'm so cool."

I love this ball.

Practicing for the NBA.

Ready.

Set.

Hike.

Learning to blow kisses.

Leaf fun.

More leaf fun.

"Yeah, I'm an outdoorsy boy."

80s pants.

Waterboy.

2007-10-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

I think the whole country can relate in that October has been hotter than usual. Yesterday Ayden took delight in helping grandma water the flowers:

Festivities of turning O.N.E.

2007-10-02T08:35:00.001-07:00

"It's my birthday and I can cry if I want to!"

Chalk fun.

Walking.

Happy one year old.

Gotta love the bday hats.

Pop pops, the monkey.

Party.

Birth-one bday board.

How big is Ayden?

Happy boy.

The best birthday cake ever. Thanks to SAMS.

"Uh mom, what is this?"

"Ok fine, I'll try it."

"mmmm, this is pretty good!"

"here, you try!"

icing face.

"okay, i have had enough!"

So great to have them here!

Grace EP fall festival...first time petting goats!

It was a perfect, fall day.

Ayden's first pony ride!...not too sure about it.

Playing with Kaitlyn.

Favorite sport.

Walking through the maze with dad.

"Heading into DC, asleep in my new car seat, cuddled next to Curious George---thanks Aunt Linda and Uncle Bruce! How did you know that was my party theme?!?!"

Smithsonian-National History museum.

Checking out the dinos.

Taking a break from riding on dad's back.

The Magic School bus!

Checking out the water.

So apparently if you take your child into Toys R Us around their bday, they sing to them over the intercom and give them a balloon.

Oh the things we do for our children!

But look how content he is!

Walking!

Classic.

Gotta love hand-me-down toys!

Ayden loves to push this!

So we all took late afternoon naps and decided to take the night tour of DC...
Capital building.

WWII monument.

Checking it out.

Stars.

Lincoln.

Video of Ayden eating his first cake:

Video of first pony ride!:

Thanks to everyone for making Ayden's birthday so special!

Happy 1st Birthday Ayden!

2007-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

...first birthdays are sentimental for first time mothers!

As I look over this past year, I am filled with nothing but sweet memories. Naturally, I will never forget the moment I held my helpless and tiny baby boy in my arms. Or the fact that he peed on me TWICE when the nurse was working on getting the amniotic fluid out of his lungs. Ha. And that's how it has been since...nothing but smiles and laughs with the little guy. Here's a glimpse of what I have learned as a new mother in one year:
1. There is nothing more joyful than being a mother.
2. Make every holiday a huge deal---they grow up so fast.
3. Buying the cheaper diapers and wipes only causes more stress.
4. LEAN on God during the hard, and even easy, times.
5. It never really matters what mommy looks likes because people only look at the "cute baby" anyways.
6. "If mom ain't happy, noone is."---the truest statement...Take time to take care of myself. Mom's deserve a pedicure every now and then!
7. I appreciate and admire my own mother wayyyyy more. She is simply amazing. But it is okay to have a difference of opinion with her.
8. Family really sticks by you in the times of need.
9. I have a new outlook on all mothers...especially single mothers...we are like this unit, understanding one another. But it can get ugly on fighting to see who has the best kid and brag about it!
10. It is okay to ask for help. I can't do EVERYTHING. That's a hard one for me. We all know how stubborn I can be!
11. Going back to school takes on an entirely different meaning. I cherish it more because I have something huge to fight for!
12. Be comfortable in your own skin and own methods of child-rearing. You will always find someone to argue against your ideas. Stick with what you believe.
13. Baby boys are so much fun!
14. Ayden's mere presence turns me into a more patient person.
15. Christian community is KEY. I would be a wreck without the constant guidance, support, love, encouragement, and prayers from my fellow believers.
16. I have never felt more blessed in my entire life.

Ayden's characteristics at age ONE:
1. Seeing how many blueberries he can shove into his mouth at once.
2. Cheesing for the camera.
3. Dancing anytime he hears music.
4. Throwing a ball, any ball.
5. Socializing with anyone.
6. Wanting to push the stroller instead of actually ride in it.
7. Thinking he is 1 going on 3, thanks to Matthew and Jackson! :)
8. Loving to cuddle and get kisses!
9. WALKING!...zombie style, arms flat out in front of him. it is HYSTERICAL.
10. Seeing how many times mother will actually bend down and pick up the sippy cup he threw from the highchair...and while she's bent down, smear food in her hair.
11. Sucking out of a straw.
12. Throwing his own diapers away.
13. Brushing his teeth.
14. Riding in the baby carrier.
15. Singing himself to sleep.
16. Having curiosity about everything!
17. Playing with boxes.
18. Reading books.
19. Praying "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food..."
20. Head-butting Aunt Katrina.
21. Unrolling the toilet paper.
22. Taking baths.
23. Figuiring out how to undo the safety gate.

I've put together a slide show of some of my favorite shots of Ayden as he is moments old up until his first birthday! ENJOY!:

....birthday party pictures to come!

From baby to toddler

2007-09-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

I heart football season!

2007-09-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

This is the first year in AACS (Anne Arundel Christian High School) history of having a football team. Despite my sister's wishes, the little man and I joined in the fresh excitement of last night's game. I loved it. He loved it. Everyone loved it. A nostalgic rush overcame me when I entered the football stadium. I suddenly had flashbacks into the past and heard the sounds of the announcer over the intercom say, "annnnnd THE BETSY BAND" followed by the sweet tune of "Go Ye Ole Betsy" and the fans cheering. Friday nights in Elizabethton were surreal as the football games became the main social event for the ENTIRE town. It was a chance for the band to march their show that was going to compete the next morning, the cheerleaders to look cute (but sometimes annoying...I can say that because I was one of them), the elementary school girls to hang over the stands with that twinkle in their eyes saying "mommy, I want to be a cheerleader when I grow up!", the mother's to brag about their son who's name was just announced for a good play, and the students to show off their brand new fall clothes while holding the hand of their new "fall" boyfriend. Oh. Those. Were. The. Days. And it is completely captivated in this picture!

Ayden and pop pops enjoying the game

Ayden steals the remains of grandma's sucker (er, lollipop depending on what region of the US you are from). No worries, it was basically gone. He just wanted the stick.

Mother and son, about to watch the halftime show of the band. Mother gets teary-eyed, thinking of her precious days marching in the Betsy band.

...by the way, they lost. BUT made their very first touchdown. In the football players' and fans' eyes, they won. :)

taking advantage of a beautiful morning

2007-09-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

This morning was a perfect, fall morning; a cool breeze with a hint of crispness and not a cloud in the sky. I decided I couldn't miss out on this day so I finished my coffee outside while Ayden turned on his usual exploratory mode. The last shot is Ayden watching an airplane go by. He LOVES airplanes.

random

2007-09-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

Kat and I had a random picture taking moment on Erich's lap top.

Ayden decided to join and show off how proud he was to be in between two of his favorite gals!

And of course, gearing up for football season, watching our buddy Jason Witten - Go Cowboys!

etiquette class turns into art

2007-09-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight I made it a point to spend some extra effort in teaching Ayden how to eat properly. A gentle, spooning of food motion turned into this:

(the red mark on his forehead is leftover kiss marks from his grandmother. she likes to do that everytime she leaves the house.)

Here's a video to get a taste of how determined and concentrated my son was. He wanted those green beans so badly he even tries to eat the container:

A moment like this

2007-09-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

There are moments in your life that you will never forget. Sunday was one of those...(it was grandparent's day, might I add to the "specialness") My mother and I were hosting a baby shower at our house. Nearing the end of it, as women were mingling around the food table and gifts, Ayden woke up from his nap so I brought him down to join the festivities. Upon request, I placed him next to a lady who has watched him before in the church nursery and I went and got some food. Ayden must have noticed my retrieval of crackers, because as I was coming back to him, he decided he wanted to meet me first...by WALKING. A few days prior, he had been standing quite sturdy and taking ONE step, but this was, I believe EIGHT! The best part was, in the middle of it, the entire room (to help with the mental picture, filled of women, hyped-up on sugar and cheesy games...) started squealing. He, being the natural comedian/performer that he is, soaked it all up and continued walking with that all-time famous cheese of a grin. Naturally, my eyes filled with tears as I thought "I'm in for it now!" It was one proud moment and I was one proud mama.

My baby's not so much a baby anymore. It is a sad yet exciting thing to think about. "He'll always be your baby, no matter how old" says Melissa. And I believe she's right.

....walking video to come!

An awakening.

2007-08-30T10:49:00.001-07:00

At about 6:30 this morning, I woke up to Ayden hollering. This is somewhat normal character, as I'm slow to move out of the bed. But this morning was an especially high-pitched holler when his normal mornings are more even-toned as if saying, "HEY! get your butt up, MOM!" Naturally, the raise of pitch had me jumping out of bed quicker than usual...only to find Ayden has discovered his diaper! And the removal of it! I always wondered when the time would come when I would find him this way, and to my dismay, it came a bit sooner than I hoped. Well, basically Ayden's usual nighttime bath was pushed to a 7AM soaking and scrubbing all while I found myself throwing sheets and bumper in the wash and disinfecting the entire crib. Ayden was quite the artist...if you catch my drift.

Ew.

And THIS is called motherhood....

Fauntleroy

2007-08-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

My good friend Jasmin gave me a huge box of hand-me-downs that were Toby's. As I was rummaging through, I came across this sailor outfit that was still with the tags. So this morning for church, I decided to see if how it fit on Ayden. He must have thought he looked as cute as everyone made him out to look because he was giving me some great poses. The last one is him standing in the kitchen sink, watching "pop pops" (grandpa) grill. Too funny.

Look out sophomore boys!

2007-08-25T08:28:00.001-07:00

Shhhh! I was finally able to sneak a photo of Katrina (my sister) with her braces off...she is oddly shy about it. I thought I would show off those beautiful teeth!

Playground.

2007-08-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Ayden loves to go. Anywhere. Yesterday we went a whole 2 miles to the north pool...er, the condos...er, opposed to the south pool...that is, in the "house" portion of South River Colony. Katrina was working as gate guard (no worries, grandmother, this means she takes pool passes...) and was finished with her shift. I decided to come a few minutes early and check out the playground. Ayden decided he LOVED the swing.

...and showing off his standing skills

...and giving mama some special looks

Michigan Adventures

2007-08-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

Many of you know I have been lucky enough to take many trips to Michigan to visit with friends, Kaitlyn, and most importantly, Corey. Here are some shots from my recent visit for my good friend's wedding.

Ayden loves the water!

The beautiful bride!

A movie night with Corey

Ayden cheezin' for the camera, as usual

The strong Hill family gene shining thru---Kaitlyn and Ayden

Getting started on those summertime favorites!

2007-08-24T15:31:00.001-07:00