As the personality emerges

Toady, grandma, Anna, Jaiden, and I went the the mall. Before we left the house, Jaiden insisted on putting on a pj top. The catch is, it is a size 4t. (He's just barely on a 2t.) No big deal. We've worn jammies out before but on top of that, he picked up a bucket to take with him. When we got to the mall and put him in his "blue stroller", this is what we found.

Enjoy and happy sunday!

Stephanie, Anna, and Jaiden

the birthday celebrations

As most of you know, this past week Jaiden celebrated his second birthday. In true Anna and Steph fashion, it stretched into a week long event. It all started on Wednesday (Jaiden's actual birthday.) We had a small celebration at work with balloons, cupcakes, and just a few presents. Jaiden was all about the balloons and presents/new trains.

That night, we decided to make a pizza together. Publix sells pizza dough that's just like home made so... we pulled everything out of the fridge that might go good on pizza and it turns out, our son is a pretty good pizza chef. That was one of the best pizza I have ever had.

On Thursday, Grandma came up from Fl. We didn't take and pictures but she brought a present from Great Grandma which was a car-carrier semi-truck that carries 4 monster trucks. Anyone who know Jaiden, knows how appropriate this is/was. As of now, Saturday evening, 2 days later, he can tell you what color each monster truck is, and what make each is, and any combination of the above information. He also had to sleep with the semi-truck portion last night... So Thank you, thank you, thank you great grandma and great grandpa!!! What a hit!

Friday was a bit of a whirl wind. Grandma, Jaiden and I did errands all day long: pick-up groceries, pick-up the cake, pick-up Jaiden's birthday present (which was interesting since he was with us...), and the other usual pre-party stuff...

Today was a great day. The party started at 1:00 and despite all of my worry about not having enough food, there was plenty of food and fun. Everyone had a great time and Jaiden got lots of new toys. For the record, Jaiden did not dive into the cake. He was more interested in the tractor and truck on the top. I'm sure the fun will continue for the next few days while we celebrate our little babies transition into boyhood.

We miss you all and wish you could be here to join in the fun.

Lots of love,

Stephanie, Anna, and Jaiden

Our Beautiful Son

This past week we received quite the compliment. Jaiden got asked to be a model for the Picture People. This is where we usually get his pictures taken but this time, they call us and asked if we could come in for some more pictures for them to use in their advertising. It did not pay anything but a few free pictures but that is enough for me. I don't even care if they ever use his pictures but it was (and is) the idea that someone else thinks my son should be in pictures too. So, to make a long story short, here is the link so you too can see our soon to be famous (and soon to be 2) little boy. They said they would contact us to let us know where they would use his pictures so we will pass on the info but for now, enjoy. :)
Love,
Steph, Anna and Jaiden

http://smilestore.picturepeople.com/
email: studio8@mindspring.com
access code: ee9119b4c5
pass word: jaidenlee

Sandals and Seaguls

This past weekend, Anna and I used the excuse of a trade show to go visit my mom in FL. I really enjoyed going to a trade show because I haven't been to one since our lives drastically and wonderfully changed almost 2 years ago. I think Anna had a great time too and I KNOW that Jaiden had a blast. He spent the day with grandma and grandpa who spoiled him ripe. After Anna and I got the business portion of our trip completed, it was time for a little R-N-R. (which I think we achieved quite well.) We were down there for 3 complete days and 2 of them were spent at the beach. By the second day, Jaiden was saying "beeech, beeech". He learned all about seagulls and just how fun it is to chase them; a skill that he and I practiced as much as we could.

(a little background about the wardrode selection - we arrived at the beach full clothed in jeans and a t-shirt and ready to go. The diaper however, was not quite ready. So there went the pants. Then we went back to the car to get the snacks for the birds and Jaiden found out he could wash his feet. So there went the t-shirt. I just happened to have a jacket in the car so, there you go...)

I think by the end of the bowl, Jaiden had eaten more than the seagulls.

Of course, my son had to find something with wheels so we just had to let him "ride". He adjusted the mirror, honked the horn and even shifted gears. His favorite thing to do while he's "driving" is to wave at everyone he sees.

Sunday we went back to the beach and this time Grandpa Guy came too. He brought his casting net so we could fish but it was more like casing practice. Anyways, we had a wonderful trip and Jaiden got lots of gan-gan time. (He can't quite say grandpa but he sure can sign it.) Here are a few pictures to keep you warm.

lots of love, Steph, Anna and Jaiden

Guy's throw...

My throw... (one of the better ones I might add.)

My bounty!!!

The perfect ending for the perfect weekend!

Truck Maintenance

This year for Christmas, Jaiden really succeeded at the art of manifesting all of his worldly desires. Among the many toys he got, he also got a motorized truck. We have no idea where it came from but when we came back to work after the holiday, it was sitting behind our warehouse. It is obviously used and it doesn't have a battery but Jaiden LOVES it. He will spend an hour at a time just sitting in it and checking the tires and just enjoying it. Every once in a while (about once a day) someone here will push him around the shop a bit. The other day we caught him doing a little truck maintenance. Hi was looking under the hood and "checking the engine". I don't think he could have gotten in there any further and there's nothing in there but the cord for the battery. Of course I didn't have my camera with me but we were prepared today and since he does his engine maintenance on such a regular basis, the shot was easy. Martina even taught him how to fill the tires up with air. I'm so glad that our compressor is getting some use. :) So, enjoy the pictures of our little mechanic.

Just as a side note, the other day, when we got home, Jaiden went into the garage and found a socket wrench. He tried it on several things before he went to the tires on my car. The wrench didn't fit but I just know that one day I'll find my car in pieces.

Love and hugs,

Stephanie, Anna and Jaiden

When GA Freezes Over...

Down here in the south, we're not quite as used to the cold weather as our wonderful northern counterparts. When we get snow (or more often ice), the whole world stops. All you can see on the TV is the weather reporters broadcasting a minute by minute update on what's going on where and the other 5 reporters at the grocery store trying to predict what's going to sell out first. And still, with all of that hype, we're lucky if we see a flurry. With that said, we waited (with not quite baited breath) on Wednesday for "The GREAT Winter Weather!" to see what would happen. At about 5:00 pm, Jerry came around saying "Hey, it's snowing". I was thinking that he must have good eye site to see that little bit of snow when it's almost dark. A few minuets later I looked outside and OMG, it was like a thunderstorm with snow. I haven't seen in snow like that since I've been here, but alas, it didn't last long. Jaiden and Martina had a great time playing in the snow for a few minuets but it was cold. It was so nice driving home though. We were in the warm car watching the snow falling like big fluffy rain drops. I even managed to take a video but by the time we got home (a mere 20 minuets away), the snow had turned to rain and what snow had fallen was already starting to melt. Anna and I reflected a bit that evening saying that it was nice to see some snow and that that was probably it for another 5 year and we were happy.

The next day, things were back to normal. There was no trace of the excitement we had had the night before. All was right with the world and the news reporters were back to covering sports and the 1 guy that got shot on the south side of town. So Friday night, we were a bit shocked to see that there was snow in the forecast yet again. One report said it would start at 4:oo am and we could get up to 4" while another said 12:oo pm and maybe 1-2". So, when we finally rolled out of bed on Saturday morning at 9:oo, I was not at all surprised to see... nothing... Jaiden and I went about our normal morning routine while we let Anna sleep a bit more. Then, About 10:00, it started snowing. I decided that this time we were going to go play so we went back upstairs to put on every piece of clothing we had so we could brave the elements. Of course Jaiden wanted to part of his jacket and when I insisted, he threw a fit. I managed to get in a few shots before he started crying but here it is. My photo journal...

As I write this now, on Monday evening, there is still a bit of snow on the ground. Most of it melted Saturday afternoon but 2 days later, there is still evidence. Jaiden and I went crunching around a bit today. (I learned my lesson. I put 3 shirts on him so he wouldn't have to wear a jacket...) He learned how to walk on ice today. He did a good job until he stopped to think about what he was doing. All in all, it's been a great week. I know Jaiden won't remember his first snow storm but I know that I won't forget it.

Love and hugs,

Steph, Anna and Jaiden

Martina and Jaiden playing behind the shop on Wed night.

On the drive home Wed night.

The Jeep...

Saturday morning at around 10:00 am.

Toby enjoyed the snow too!

Our little walk around the neighborhood.

11:15 am Saturday 1/19/08

1:00 pm

our drive home wed night...

Our Mexican Christmas

As many of you already know, We had a very different Christmas. We went on a Mexican cruise. We had a great time. We rested a bit, laughed a bit more, and ate a LOT. I'm not going to post all of the pictures on the blog but here is the link to the snapfish site: http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=364181200698815626/l=343250950/g=5029776/cobrandOid=1000131/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Here are just a few to tempt you. I hope you're Christmas was as restful as our.

Love,

Stephanie, Anna, and Jaiden