Happy Mother's Day to Me!

I didn't actually take any pictures yesterday, but we had a great day. Ayden gave me a cute card and potted flowers. I got my real gift the other night when Ayden said "Mommy, you pretty like a princess?" It's sweet things like that that get me through the "terribleness" of the "terrible 2's."

On Friday, Ayden's preschool had a Mother's Day Tea. The kids came out and sang "You are my Sunshine" and Ayden scowled the whole time. I'm not sure what his problem was, but you can see how thrilled he is to be there in the pictures.

He's joined the world of computer users

I bought Ayden Jumpstart Preschool the other day because it was on clearance at Target and I can rarely pass up anything that is on clearance at Target. I figured it would be a while before he was able to use it, but he insisted on playing it when we got home. I was blown away at how quickly he picked it up. It's really kid-friendly with very few mouse clicks needed, but he can even do the "mouse" on the laptop. After playing it with him a few times, I decided to let him try on his own - mostly so it would keep him occupied while I cooked dinner. He did really well and didn't screw anything up. We have an old laptop that I think I'm going to put his game so that I can let him be a little more independent with it and I don't have to worry about him messing up my computer. Here are a couple of pictures that I snapped in between making dinner.

Our Little Man

Is now, officially 2 1/2.

We didn't get any professional pictures taken because he had his school pictures just a few weeks ago. His actual half birthday was Thursday, but after sitting in RIF (Reduction in Force) hearings all day Thursday and Friday, my brain was not functioning to post anything.

So here is our big boy!

Or as he says, "No, I a yittle boy." This picture shows just how grown up he is and it's hard to believe that he is already old enough to have school pictures, cheezy backgrounds and all. These days, Ayden is more and more independent all the time. In true two year old fashion, if we want him to do something by himself, he wants help and if we want to help him, he wants to do it by himself. He wants to walk everywhere (except where we want him to) and gets distracted by everything. It's fun to stop and see how excited he gets by bugs and anything new or interesting to him. He knows more than we think he does. Yesterday when I was taking him to school and I turned right to go to the gas staion instead of left to go to school like I usually do he said, "No mommy, my school is that way." It was so cute! He is getting to be a good little helper around the house (except for picking up his toys). He calls the things that he does his "job." Last week when I was doing laundry and I emptied the lint trap in the dryer, he came in crying saying, "That's my job," which it usually is. He took the lint out of the trash and put it back in the lint trap so HE could take it out - he's not stubborn at all! His other "jobs" include putting away the sliverware, watering the plants outside, and helping to feed the dog. I know we have to take advantage of him wanting to help because very soon he will not find chores fun.

Guess I wrote quite a book, but it's just so fun to share how grown-up Ayden is!

Happy Birthday Gerret!

Our favorite North Texas cousin turned 12 today....Can't believe how grown up he is! Ayden has his own birthday wish....

Easter Festivities

Our Easter weekend started with family coming over on Saturday night for pizza & games. Can I tell you how SPOILED Ayden is. I don't remember ever getting presents for Easter when I was little (other than my basket from the bunny, of course!).

Ayden got a package in the mail from the Aunt & cousins in TX:

Presents from Grandma Brenda

And more from Grandma Newton

Then, there was the basket from the Easter Bunny

This is the cheezy face that I get when I ask Ayden to smile now - that is when he isn't running away from the camera!Ayden pointing to his name on his basketHere's a video. As you can see, he was not interest in answering my questions at all. Translations: At the beginning, when I ask him who it's from - he said, "Wal Mart." When he talks jibberish - that's what it is- jibberish. He's really into making up words right now and experimenting with sounds in words. Silly boy :)

A family photo after church
After Ayden's nap, we headed over to my Aunt & Uncle's house. Ayden tried out croquet.
and hunted for eggs

Here he is checking out his loot

Easter Eggs

Ayden had lots of fun dying eggs for Easter. He made a mess, of course, but that is to be expected when you have a 2 year old and fun colored water.

Ken, ever the brilliant one, thought of the best idea to clean Ayden's hand. He put dish soap all over the plastic tablecloth I had put down and told Ayden to play in it. Then he added a little lemon juice. After a few minutes the dye was gone from his hands! What a smarty pants I'm married to!

First Trip to the Dentist

Ayden went to the dentist for the first time today. He was nervous going into it, but once we got there, he was happy to play with the toys in the waiting room. By the time it was his turn, he was just curious about everything. He wasn't sure about the x-rays at first, but when I reminded him that he would get a treat afterward, he did everything they asked without even a whine. She counted, polished and flossed! I was really relieved because it could have gone the other way very easily, depending on his mood.

George had to come to the dentist too.

With a balloon from Dr. Lora.