STRONG

So I was told today Aiden is strong willed. Some of you may be thinking, duh, she didn't know? Well, when it is your own child you want to see the best in him. He is a great kid afterall, but yes he is a strong willed boy at times, but to give him a title....well that is only up to his parents or a dr. in my opinion. I guess when he was a little baby and I wondered is he colicky....maybe borderline is what I conclusion I came to. But he really didn't cry a ton, but was very clingy and just more high maintenance. Now that I have a second child to compare with I can see their differnces as Asher is much more laid back. So I did what I do and I ordered all of the best books on strong willed children out there and will read them all! I like to do my research! And I hope to get Andy to read my "to be" highlighted parts of the books so we can be on the same page and hopefully find some useful techniques. As a parent I do have a little wisdom (2 years worth! :). I now know some of the most difficult personality traits as an infant and toddler actually make for great adult traits. I know Aiden will be a leader, he will not follow the crowd, he will be somebody and will hopefully if guided right be a great leader for God!

Cousins

My cousin Tara & I! We always have to take a picture together every time we see each other! Love ya! Go and put your records on!!!! Da da da da da DORA! Memories!

Art

Is this really art? Seriously blocks of blue in different shades, I guess I just don't "get it." Oh well, there were some cool ones but we got in trouble for taking pictures and had to stop or I would have taken more!

I have never seen Asher so happy in his life! He had a great time at the Weissman Art Center in Minneapolis today! Maybe he is going to be my artistic boy! He loves music too. We jammed out all weekend to "Put your records on" and he loves it! He might be my mini me, as Aiden is to Andy! I can dream, right?

The whole gang here celebrating my Mom's 50th birthday and my Grandma's 70th birthday at Olive Garden (of course)! I had the Zuppa Toscana! mmmmm.

Today I also cooked meals for the month with my friend, Abby, while our husbands watched the boys. How exhausted am I? 10 total hours of cooking and shopping. But at least we are now done for the month! Just thaw and bake!

A beautiful day in the neighborhood.....

It was a beautiful day today! In the 50's which feels like the 70's this time of year! I took the boys for a walk in their new wagon. It was so much fun to watch them, they just laughed the entire ride with each other. We stopped by a friends house (Baby David) and gave him a little ride too. Some funny pictures. Aiden wearing his John Deere hat like a true farmer! Hey, we live in Iowa now! I can't wait for summer, when we stepped outside today Aiden said, "it is summer!" Ready for the green grass to come back and leaves on trees, flowers......

Say Cheerios!

Asher had his 9 month-old photo shoot today. Basically me and my Grandma with a camera! Too bad the second child has yet to have a professional photo shoot. But oh well at least we have some pictures of him! Now if I could just get them printed out we would be golden! He was a fuss bucket today, so such a bad day for pictures. He is not sick but so clingy and not eating, and has all of his teeth that were coming in so who knows. I hate not knowing what is wrong with your little one.....but soon he too will be talking and can tell us what is wrong!
What do you think of the effect on this picture. I am trying some new things, I hope they aren't too weird!

Future Rhodes Scholar

Future Rhodes Scholar?
....maybe. For now we just like to make book avalanches!




















'Catch me if you can!'
Asher loves to try to climb the stairs really fast while being chased!




















Just Right!
Posing pretty after church in his chair Grandma Debb painted for him. It fits just right!

Can't a girl shave her legs?

Note to self: don't leave toddler alone with art bin.
The first time in a long time I decide to take a little extra time for myself and shave my legs and look what happens! I was upstairs putting Asher down for his morning nap and Andy was downstairs with Aiden and had to leave for a bit; instead of putting his art bin away and putting on a cartoon or something to keep him out of things until I came down he left Aiden with the art bin alone! I made sure to let Aiden stay this way until Andy came home to see him though....and clean him up! It was pretty cute though....except the confetti! Oh yeah, there was also confetti ALL over the playroom floor. Party!!!



















Nap in a Laundry Basket
The new nap time norm. He actually takes great naps in here....plus it is exciting and fun so it is a no fuss nap! I won't complain and will comply with the laundry basket nap until otherwise!















Can't get enough of 'Beans and Noodles'
Playing more B&N with Great Grandma Rachelle