Michael and Jennifer Create a Family

I don't have the words to explain how I feel about Aiden's first year. I am so blessed to be his mom everyday. He brings me the greatest joy I have ever known. He is a happy boy, through and through, and his face lights me up when he smiles!

In his first year we struggled with putting weight on him, fighting off ear infections, and getting through many sleepless nights. But we also watched him learn to smile, sit and crawl, discover balls and books, and develop a unique bond with all of the adults in his life.

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to spend each and every day with him! I love you so much Aiden - more than mommy can ever express.

Here is a glimpse back....

Happy Birthday Aiden!!!

(He was not a big fan of the cake. Just a phase, I'm sure!)

While we were in California for Christmas I had my heart set on taking Aiden to Disneyland. After we retuned from Big Bear there was really only one day that would work for our trip to Anaheim. The day it was supposed to rain. I was hopeful that we would only get a light sprinkle or no rain at all. Michael was trying to talk me out of going, but I had my mind made up. In the end we made the best out of a soggy situation, and made great memories.

Our Christmas visit to California was jam packed with fun! I don't even know where to begin...

On our way. Such a good boy in the airport!


We are here! Brrrr, it's cold in grandmas house ! :)


Yea, new toys! We opened a few toys at grandmas house before packing up the car and heading to Big Bear. We spent several days in a cabin. In theory it was a great idea, but I don't think any of us were prepared for the amount of work it took to get us there and settled in. All in all everyone had a good time and it was an unforgettable experience.


Aiden looked so cute in his Christmas outfit. However, I might have to keep this picture hidden from his friends when he gets older! :)


Lots of new things to figure out!


Jackie prepared a wonderful Christmas meal. Michael helped, some.

While we were in Kansas for Thanksgiving and daddy was out golfing with the men, Aiden and I went to the local mall. When we walked in there was a setup for pictures with Santa. I hadn't planned for this, but there was no line so I thought we would go for it and see how Aiden would do. He was a wonderful, happy baby of course! Laughing at santa and having a great time posing for the pictures. The photo ended up making a great Christmas card!

We had a wonderful time in Kansas celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with Michaels family. We stayed in Olatha, where two of his brothers live. They rented a space were we could all gather, cook, eat, and play. It was a great visit! I think Aiden especially loved getting to play with his cousins!

Brrrrrr!

Our bath time routine had to be modified while on vacation at Grandmas house. We thought a good solution to a tub would be a bowl in the sink. It seemed to work for Aiden!

He had a great time splashing the water all over the counters and all over us! Splish, splash baby Aiden!

Cute snuggling pictures...

Boy, we must have really needed a nap!


Funny family! All of the animals needed snuggle time, at the same time!

In November 2010, Aiden came down with a really high fever. As I was taking his temperature the numbers were climbing so fast, 99, 102, 103.5... and then we were in the car on the way to the emergency room. They took his temperature there and it was 106! Wow! They ran some tests and found that his white cell count was extremely high (and some other things that I don't remember now) and decided to admit him to the hospital. For the next three days Aiden and I spent our days and nights in a hospital bed with Aiden connected by wires to machines, having his temperature and vitals taken every hour, and fighting to keep cold rags on his very hot body. They never could figure out what was wrong with him! Even after 3 days of testing. It was a pretty scary experience, but one that I will always treasure. The three days of being confined to a 4x8 bed bonded us like nothing else probably could. Even though it was not the best of circumstance, it is one of my best memories of Aiden!

Aiden, you are such a brave boy! I love you.

So happy together, happy together....

Aiden was too young for a costume and trick-or-treating, so instead we had fun at the pumpkin patch and the Fall Festival at Aiden's school. And he looked mighty cute in his festive onesie!

He did not like the feel of straw on his legs!


Cute baby boy with his favorite toy - a ball!


Music time!






Happy Halloween!

Grandma came to visit for a few weeks to celebrate Halloween with us. We love to see her, but we also love that she takes so many pictures!

Looking back on these pictures now it is amazing how much Aiden has grown! He was still my little baby back in October....

Just looking cute!





A rare photo of daddy and mommy.





Aiden and mommy swinging at the park.





Beautiful smile on a happy boy!





"Playing" video games with daddy!





Learning to drink from a straw. He likes to drink just like mommy!





Family shot!

Thanks for all the great photos grandma!