Potty party!

Well, what a great way to end the last day of January!  After bath, Aiden was on the changing table and I asked him if he needed to go pee-pees...his answer, "Yes, on the potty!" So as quickly as it came out of his mouth, I swooped him up, and took him into the bathroom.  So it's been a strange yes/no battle with the potty since our big potty party weekend back in October- on or off, standing or sitting, big potty or little potty, backwards or forwards... Since that drama, we've talked alot about it, but NO PRESSURE!  If he seems like he wants to try it out, fine- and if not, fine too.  Most of the time, he'll say ok, but then end up not even getting close to the potty.  Or if he does get close, surely he won't drop his pants!  But tonight seemed different- he was more calm, and just coming from the bath, he was naked already- so maybe that helped.  First he tried standing on the stool at the big potty- that lasted about 2 seconds.  Then standing at the little potty- which also lasted about 2 seconds.  I suggested gently, "Why don't you try sitting down?"  Ok- fine- no problem- and he did- and he pushed- and he concentrated- and he told his pee-pees to come out...and sure enough, out it came!  Ok- it was only one little drop....but what a celebration we had!  A big potty dance, and an M&M of course!  On the way back to the changing table I suggested we just make this part of what we do at nighttime.  And Aiden's response, "And eat all the rewards!"  Sure. Why not.  If a little piece of chocolate will make it happen- amen and hallelujah for M&M's!
And no, no pix of the potty celebration were taken, but here is a shot of Aiden's lunchtime drum line-up.  Yes, that's 4 drums!

Jessie and Brookie play at babysitters!

Although the plan was for a run-walk with Yaya and hims Mommie, Aiden decided instead, at Brookie's invitation, to stay and play at the Lefkow house.  No question- he was all about playtime with Brookie!  He must have had an energized time, because by the time we were back, Aiden was just as sweaty as we were. ...And apparently, got so hot that he did a strip-off of his pants!  Jessie says that how he got Leauna's pink and purple pants on- they were not as hot as Aiden's sweatpants.  So not only do we find a sweat ball when we come in, but a sweat ball in the cutest, girly-est pants ever!  Yes- there are pix of that image, but not to be published (but surely saved for future blackmail use...say, 12 years down the road!).  I understand there was lots of laughing, reading, drumming, dancing, and more laughing while we were out (and I don't think any mixed drinks were had, or at least shared with Aiden!)  And here is one of the most excited rides of the evening- Leauna's pink Caddy (yes, it's pink!).

Park play!

After my lessons this morning, and before Aaron had to go to work, we took a trip to the park!  Vineyards has such a great playground, and since we hadn't been there for so long, it was like going for the first time! Even more fun about today's playtime was that Aiden was so much more confident and willing to try things out on his own.  He did lots of climbing- slowly, and usually with my or Aaron's hand just below his butt- but he was so proud of himself for making to the top each time.  I think this might have been the first time he was willing and really wanted to do a big-kid swing by himself.  He loved it!  Kept asking for "higher and higher!" Such fun to see him play and grow into playing with more and more confidence!  Love this big kid!

Future Maestro!

Aiden has started walking with Ma'am again in the mornings, and his favorite thing to do while strolling along- yep- conducting!  He's got Mahler cranking in his speaker and doesn't even need a baton in his hands!  But of course, all this conducting can be exhausting...

Coldy-cold!

It was a bundle up kind of day today!  But as you see, Aiden got good use of his scarf and hat- a purchase that Aaron made and I laughed at, saying- "Ah, cute but he'll never wear that cold weather stuff!" So I eat my words on these kinds of days.

This was also a funny moment because Aiden is now strolling along with Maamy with speakers in hand!  Mahler, Beethoven, and who knows what else blaring out the speakers.  Gotta love the diversity he hears, depending on who he's with!

Give me a reason to smile...

Yep- All I need to do is look at this face and I can't help but smile!  Today was tough day for me, after hearing just yesterday that our leader, CEO, mentor, and reason for the Phil, will be finally leaving us.  It's such a strange atmosphere, with lots of uncertainty, unknowns, and just as many questions for the future!  But when I come home to this face, it all goes away!

This was a hysterical evening, as we did a quick trip the store, and he insisted on bringing his harmonica in with him.  And boy did he ever play it!  All the way up and down the aisles he played and played!  By the time we left the store I was in tears because he was having such fun playing away, making lots of heads turn, and giving lots of smiles and giggles to the other shoppers around!  What joy!

Wow!

Although this shot is from June 2010, it's one of my favorite memories with Mrs. Daniels, right after Aiden sang Happy Birthday to her, and she gave him a $1,000 bill!

In our last hour of work today, we got an email for a mandatory meeting stating that an important decision had been made and that Mrs. Daniels would share it with us at 5pm.  In my heart, I knew what was to happen, but I was not prepared.  I was overcome with emotion and came home with teary eyes to the shocking news all over the web- it's real...

PHILHARMONIC CENTER FOR THE ARTS                                                          1/25/11

Myra Janco Daniels, Chairman and CEO, (239) 597-1111

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILHARMONIC CENTER FOUNDER

MYRA JANCO DANIELS TO RESIGN

Myra Janco Daniels, Founder and CEO of the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples, today announced her plans to resign at the end of 2011.

            “I have had the honor and privilege of working on this project for 30 years and feel that the time has come to close the curtain,” Daniels said. “Together we have built the Phil into a rare jewel for the arts, which has enriched this entire community. I am grateful to my staff and to all of the many people who have supported the Phil over the years.”

            The Philharmonic Center’s board of directors will begin a search for her replacement, Daniels said.

            William J. Schoen, chairman of the Philharmonic Center’s Executive Committee, issued this statement: “Myra has built our Philharmonic institution and has made it an icon for the arts for American cities. We members of the board are grateful for her vision and her dedication. We are entirely supportive of her decision to retire and are grateful for her continued devotion to this institution. We look forward to her continued leadership through 2011 as we head into the challenge of finding her successor.

            “The Phil is the house that Myra built and she will be leaving very large shoes to be filled.”  

Manic Monday

Mondays in this busy season are getting harder and harder!  So, when my phone blinks at me, I get so excited to see a little glimpse of what Aiden is up too.  This one just warmed my heart.  He hasn't done his version of the "I love you" sign for so long!  It was so sweet to see! Gave me smiles all day long!

Cheeeeeese!

Two hams!  Can't you just hear these silly kids yelling, "CHEEEEEEESE!"  What fun we had in the back of Victoria Park tonight.  Lots of wheels of all sizes, zooming here and there.  The most exciting was that Leauna did her bike without training wheels on for the first time!  Talk about a big kid!!! This one was Aiden's favorite ride- sitting next to Nan's, with her pedal to the metal, going round and round!  Such fun!

Big boy...

 

It seems we talk more and more about Aiden being such a big kid...but I'm over it!  Seriously, this kid demands a big kid cup more meals than not, and really, in my opinion, he looks all to grown-up.  I take it all back.  I don't mind scrubbing 10 parts for each bottle, I'll keep letting the sippy cups parts drip dry all over the kitchen....

Really, just give me my baby back!

North Naples Firehouse party!

It was such fun to see the parade of fire trucks and all the fire men at the block party tonight!  Tio and Tia met us there which was so fun, but I think the most fun for Aiden was playing with the Dalmatian!  Although he looks a bit disturbed in the shot with the "doggie," he sure did keep looking for him and asking for him to come play again! 

Peek-you!

A new toy in the house provides hours and hours of play for this little boy with a big imagination!

How many ways can you play "peek-you?"  I think Aiden came up with about a million today!

Messy Maamy dinner...

Dinner at Maamy and Babu's house is always lots of fun...and the best part?  

Maamy gives me the best dessert- chocolate tonight!

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho...

This is Kindermusik day!  Not sure who loves it more...me, or my musical little prince!

Jordan Christian Davidson, Punky, my Punk Rock- this is for you!  Mom and Lis cleaned out the heritage boxes this weekend and found this...it's a classic...and I'm crying thinking about all the days and nights and days and nights that you wore OUT this green outfit.  The funniest thing though- Aiden is 2ish, and there are probably 3 rolls in the pant legs but...You must have been 10 when Mom finally hid it from you because it was squeezing you in places that could have been harmful to proper growth and development...ok- so maybe you were 6...but still...I'm just sayin!

So, I love you my Punk Rock- and couldn't stop thinking about you today!

Flip-Floppies!

It's amazing how much dancing one boy can do, all in the name of a new pair of flip-floppies!  

Perhaps he got his Mommies love of shoes?!?  

That's not good...

Soccer fun!

 Briana had a soccer competition in Naples today, so we had such a fun time playing with her and Carolina out on the soccer field!  Aiden wanted to stretch while the team was getting ready, as you see...he thinks he's such a big kid! 

Ahhh...

Sometimes a nice glass of wine (pretty enough for a picture!), a good book, and the lull of a baby monitor in the background is just what a girl needs...

Zippity-doo-dah!

Aiden got a Zippity for Christmas- thank you Grammie and Papa!  It finally made it's way out of the box today... way too much other stuff has kept us busy!  But my, how much fun is this interactive game system!  I got a few great shots- the one with his hat on was when he was playing with Handy Manny, who wears his hat too!  And the shot of him posing is a color matching game that he loved!  But my favorite is the shot of his little piggies- still such baby toes!

NO snow day!

It's January 12 and Florida is the only state that HAS NOT seen snow...Thank the good Lord we can still go outside and play!  Yes, we did bundle up, but no snow is fine with me!

Library Day!

Maam and Babu took Aiden to the first storytime of the new year today!  What fun reading with Maamy and doing com-poo-ter with Babu.  What a blessing to have Mom and Dad in Aiden's life- not something I ever had with my grands!  Love the relationship they have!

Com-poo-ter!

Aiden loves playing on the com-poo-ter!  

His favorite site these days is PBS kids- lots of games, songs, videos, and so many fun characters!

Circus circus!

We visited the animals before the show.  Here's all the kids but of course Aiden couldn't take his eyes off the youngest of elephants- baby Obama- born on the eve of the inauguration.  Just a few weeks younger than Aiden!

Bienvenido a Miami!

Our visit to Miami included dinner at Harry Havana's- best cuban food! 

And this time, Aiden wanted to read the menu himself!

Roadtrip!

Roadtrip to Miami- and even better- we have Nana and Yaya along for the ride!

Crazy climber!

It's COLD outside...OK- cold for this Florida native, and my little prince!  But he demands to come take Harley for her walk with me, so he's all bundled up and so ready, he decides to climb into his stroller by himself.  Crazy boy!

Santa jammies? Really?

Yes, those are Santa jammies!  In fact, they are Aiden's special Christmas Eve jammies, from our PJ's and Pie tradition- we each get new Christmas jammies to sleep in and wake up on Christmas day!  And pie of course was lots of fun to make with Aiden this year- a berry ice-cream pie!

So, those jammies were actually in the pile of "to-be-put-away" clothes, but in order to avoid a meltdown just before storytime, we put them on!  It's January- but really Santa can stay around all year, as far as I'm concerned!  And clearly, Aiden agrees!

shhh...

I love coming home to see quiet moments like these.  I had to be ever so quiet to sneak up and them and catch this moment- and especially sweet is Aiden's hands behind his back!

Babu was on afternoon Aiden duty, and when I pulled in, I saw them standing by the lake, watching a boy fish.  They weren't talking, they were just being.  What magic can happen in the quiet of a still afternoon by the lake!

Umm- Honey!

Got some honey from the honey tree!  It's a perfect spot right int he middle of our "forest" between our house and Maamy and Babu's Casita, where we always stop to get a lick of honey!  

Can't you see it dripping from Aiden's finger? Yummy!

home again, home again, jiggity-jog!

to market, to market, to buy a fat pig-

home again, home again, jiggity-jig!

to market, to market, to buy a fat hog-

home again, home again, jiggity-jog!

Funny how much more I learn as a parent myself...Mom and Dad used to say this to us all the time as we pulled into our driveway from some trip or errand. But it was just that line- "home again, home again, jiggity-jog."  And somewhere along the last 2 years with Aiden, I came across the full rhyme and love that it gives me the same warm, homey feeling in my tummy as it did in my childhood.  But best of all is hearing Aiden saying it when he recognizes that we are almost home!  I thought those words almost all the way home from our Orlando trip- knowing that 'home again, home again' meant 'home with Aiden again, home with Aiden again!'

welcome 2011...it will be a happy new year!

Aaron and I are spending the first day of the new year being kids again- playing lots of video games, being silly, creating and riding on virtual roller-coasters (13 loops next time, Punk!), eating french fries and ice cream, and just being big kids!   We came to Orlando to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary yesterday and met up with Punk today at Disney Quest.  We've had a blast, but are both missing our prince very much!  Tonight we went to a silly mobster dinner show, but got this great (although a big tired eyed!) shot. It's the first in the new plan of 365 days of photos!