Aiden's Birthday Party--2nd Installment

I can't believe we've done this for the second time already! How my kid is already two is beyond a mystery to me. And he really seemed to enjoy himself today (though I think that was helped a lot by letting him play with the sweeper--but I digress), which was a plus. We had a little bit of a delay to our lunch, which was my fault for not remembering the time change, but it was a minor hiccup. After the meal, we opened gifts, which was kinda funny; Aiden would ask me to "Open it!" after each plastic-encased item was revealed. He got lots of bubbles and outdoor toys, so of course I had to "advise" him against opening them now. :) Once the gifts were opened, we headed back into the kitchen for cake (another AWESOME creation by Angie) & ice cream. He was HILARIOUS this year while everyone was singing, but unfortunately the video camera malfunctioned and we don't have it. Oh well.
By this time, folks were starting to leave, but we actually had quite a few of our guests hang around to watch Ohio State win the Big Ten Tournament. And the entire time, Aiden did not. Take. A. Nap. He was in a great mood, though, so I tried not to let it worry me too much. As soon as Mimi & Grandpa left, though, he passed out for about 10 minutes on the living room floor. Power nap, I guess.
Tomorrow we head to the pediatrician to get Aiden's two-year stats. I'm crossing my fingers for an improvement in his weight (he sure feels heavier to me). I think Aiden will just be happy to get out of there with no vaccinations!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, AIDEN!!!

WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH!!!

The View from Here

So Mike & I are in West Virginia. I think I've said it before, but I'm not such a big fan of this state; just too many gosh-darned mountains, and with all the twists & turns in the roads, I think a 70 mph speed limit is just a bit indulgent. We're in Morgantown this weekend, which actually is kind of a crazy city; it feels like all the buildings are built directly on top of each other due to the nature of the mountainous landscape. But even in the early-spring dreariness, I must admit the view from our seventh-story hotel room window is kinda pretty, with the fog rolling lazily over the Monongahela River. And I don't even have to get out of bed to see it. :) We're out of here tomorrow and hopefully will make it home for a good part of Aiden's 2nd birthday--I'm missing my little guy like crazy!

How can you say no?

First, my nicely-crafted PSA e-mail:

Hello Everyone!

After becoming a mom just two short years ago, I am still amazed at how Aiden has given my life a meaning I never knew was missing. Mike & I are so lucky to have a healthy, happy boy. Unfortunately, not every parent has this opportunity.

That's why I am the captain of a special team of people who care about the health of babies. We have banded together to raise money and participate in the March of Dimes March for Babies here in Columbus this April. I am asking you to join our fundraising efforts today by sponsoring my walk.

Contributing online is fast, easy and secure. You can donate directly from my personal Web page with a credit card or PayPal. If you prefer, I can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on my Web page. You can even print a receipt to turn in with next year's taxes.

The March of Dimes champions the needs of moms and babies in our community and across the nation. The money we raise for March for Babies will support lifesaving research, services, education and advocacy that help babies get a healthy start.

We need your help. Visit my Web page and sponsor me!

Thanks so much, everyone!

Now the really cool part: my team has already SURPASSED our goal, and we've still got 47 days until the walk! I'm so proud, and so incredibly thankful for all the donations we've received so far. But now is not the time to relax--we'd LOVE to raise even more funds! No amount is too small. If you'd like, feel free to click on the link above or on the icon to your left. And THANKS!

What Nearly Two Looks Like*

*(Well, nearly two with an odd smile and a bit of a cowlick after just waking up, anyways.)

We are less than a week from Aiden's second birthday. I'm having a hard time with the fact that my baby is turning two. Honestly, though, I'm having a harder time with the fact that I'm not even close to being ready for his party next Sunday, not to mention Mike & I will be in West Virginia for a few days at the end of the week. When am I supposed to get everything done?!

I am very interested to go to Aiden's two-year checkup on Monday, first of all to find out if he's gaining any ground in the weight area (he sure feels heavier to Mike & me), and then to hear how his other developments are going. I'm sure we'll hear how we should really get on the potty training, which I already know. I would sure like to stop paying for diapers!

In other news, it's March. BIG SMILES from me. We've actually had a nice span of days with sunshine and no sign of that icky white stuff (other than what's still melting). I should bite my tongue, but I'm really hoping we've turned the corner towards spring. Then we could play outside with some of the gifts Aiden will receive next Sunday--more on that later. :)

Enjoy the sunshine!!!