Sunday, February 27, 2011

Sunday Funday!

 Aaron is having so much fun with his underwater camera- and it's a great motivator for Aiden too!  He's getting more and more comfortable with going underwater- and in this shot even braved a little smile- funny, crooked little smile- but still a smile!
Today was a super fun pool day because it included splashing time with Hallie Grace!  
Best buds in the making!

Friday, February 25, 2011

You know you love being a Mommy when...

You know you love being a Mommy when folding laundry is an exciting event because it includes big boy pants!  Stacks and stacks of big boy pants!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Potty time!

Just one week after Aiden decided he'd start peeing on the potty, he's so proud to do it more and more!  Sometimes do get a bit silly, and this was one afternoon that he was only willing to sit on the potty if he could have his seat on his head!  Let the potty time antics begin!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Bake your cares away!

When it's been a rough day, nothin' a little baking can't fix!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Good job, Bonnie!

So while swimming today, I was showing Aiden how to close his eyes and mouth to go under water. 
The rest, as they say, is "water under the bridge!"

Sunday, February 20, 2011

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

 First day this year back in the pool...ok- so it was a bit chilly- especially when we got out in the cool breeze- but totally worth it!  Aiden splashed and played and splashed some more!  Even better was having Grammie and Papa with us in the pool today.  They came down to spend the weekend with us, and it's felt like a real weekend since Aaron was able to get off of work too! 
We even had time to take a trip downtown so we could visit Best of Everything, or as Aiden called it, "The Ladies Store" and of course the boys took that time to go find ice cream.  We then had a great dinner, and of course lots of dancing, at Joe's Crab Shack.  What fun with Grammie and Papa!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

this runners necessities...

Give me shoes, some tunes, and race number and I'm ready to go!  Lisa and I did the Edison Festival of Lights 5K tonight.  Sad that no one was really interested in coming to Ft. Myers for the parade, but we always make the best of our time.  Lots of great people watching out on the race, and then an even better walk after the run.  Ok- so it wasn't a planned walk- but we couldn't really find our car.  Made for some interesting moments- including me getting picked up by an officer for his son... Me: We're looking for our car.  Him: You looking for a date tonight?  Me: Sure.  Him:  So is my 30 year old son.  Me: Think he'll mind my wedding ring?  Him: {embarrassed belly laugh}  Me: {feeling of improved self-confidence!}

So on to the next race- 10K run for music in just a few weeks...keep those laces tied!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Olivia!

Well, we were not sure who Olivia was when we got to storytime at Barnes and Noble tonight, but we sure were excited when we met her!  Aiden was quick to pop up for a picture, when most of the other kids had to be convinced.  No surprise there- give this kid a stage, and he'll get on it! he even held her hand for a picture perfect moment!  So after storytime of course we talked all about "that big piggy" and made a plan to get some more Olivia books at the library on our next visit!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Surprise!

What a surprise!?!  Tio and Tia stopped by tonight for a quick visit.  The best part (well, ok, their hugs and kisses are pretty good stuff!) was this yummy, messy, chocolaty, sticky mess of a cupcake.  As you see, Aiden was so concentrated on getting every last crumb in his mouth, he couldn't even take a second to look t to the camera for a picture! 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Vroom-Vroom...

Well, there's gotta be a first time for everything, right?  After dinner at Olive Garden with Mammy and Babu, we came out to find our car surrounded by about 20 bikes!  Aiden could hardly handle himself- and was especially excited about the bikes that had purple and blue lights on them!  One of the guys came over as he heard us talking about the bikes and asked if "the little guy" wanted to sit on one.  He took the time to find one with a low and cooled muffler, since they had just parked and were still hot!  Aiden was thrilled to sit, but even better was when the guy put his own glasses on Aiden- the coolest "little guy" on a bike!  Just look at that grin on his face.  This picture is a keeper- will be the closest Aiden gets to a motorcycle....ever! (Famous last words...)

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Dr.'s Orders

My personal at-home Dr. knew just want I needed after a dinner that upset my tummy, the onset of cramps, and a long and stressful day...Gas-X, Motrin and a glass of wine!  This was waiting for me on the bathroom counter after a relaxing shower.  So sweet, so kind, so thoughtful, so wonderful to have an at-home Dr.!

Monday, February 14, 2011

My funny valentine!

Silly Aiden making a monkey face just like his Valentine sock monkey!
I love love love this boy!  
He got so many hugs and kisses today, I wouldn't have been surprised if he had told me to stop!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Whoa...

"Whoa!" That sure is what we both are saying- well, alright- I'm saying it with my eyes, and Aiden with his mouth!  He was really trying to balance by himself, as best as he could, but of course needed me for support.  But even funnier than this picture is the fact that Aiden kept saying, between the "whoa's", 
"This is challenging."  
Funny stuff this kid is- where does he get this stuff from?!?

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Tire swing!

Not sure if Aiden liked the swing, or the Daddy under the swing better...

Friday, February 11, 2011

Mercy

Aiden knows very well that he must say "Mercy" if he wants the tickles to stop!  It's an old Davidson tradition...that I actually am going to find out how it all began...but in any case, Aiden sometimes seems to love the torture of the tickling and waits for the "mercy" until he can hardly get it out of his mouth...this is one of those moments!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Ride please?

Yes, one of Aiden's favorite "games" these days is riding in the laundry basket.  And no, he doesn't seem to get the fact that I was in the middle of folding clothes.  I guess it does make for a more comfy ride...

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Mommie- I'm texting!

So after I sent a text to Mom and Lis, Aiden demanded that he get to send a text too.  He sat in this chair for about 3 minutes "typing" away.  The message was mostly p, f, and s's but was long enough that I told him I'd send it.  When I asked what it said, he said, "I'm coming to play with you after nappy's house."  Of course it did!  Even funnier was that Aiden get a text right away back from hims Maamy saying, "I love you too Aiden.  See you later!"  Funny stuff.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Pinch me!

What more can I say?  I love this little face!  And sometimes I have to pinch myself that he's really mine!

Friday, February 4, 2011

BIG mouse...

Ok- an extra picture for today- but this was a great moment...
We had our first friday family dinner tonight at Il Posto, Mammy's new favorite neighborhood Italian "place."  She had packed some snacks for Aiden, and of course his favorite was the pieces of Parmigiano Reggiano. They were NOT little pieces, and besides, this cheese is a nibbling cheese!  
Lisa and I were trying to explain, after he had popped 2 or 3 big hunks into his mouth, that he should nibble each piece.  I said, "You know, like a little mouse nibbles on a piece of cheese."  Aiden thought about it for a second, tried a little nibble once or twice.  And then very matter-of-factly said, "I'm a BIG mouse" and went right back to popped the whole chunk in his mouth!   So funny, I seriously almost wet my pants!

Reading time with Mammy!

When this is the scene I walk into after a long day at the office, I can't help but smile...big smile! 
Aiden + Mammy + reading + cuddles = happiness!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Mr. Mahler

Aiden is obsessed with conducting these days- and often asks for Mahler (thanks to his Mammy)!  But the greatest thing about this picture is that Aaron took it (along with about 50 others!) of Aiden in the midst of his "practice."  I have no idea what he was listening too, but the thing that makes me smile is that Aaron made the whole thing happen!  He took the time to give him a podium (he's standing on his bathroom stool) and made him a baton.  When I came home from lunch today, Aaron told me all about his conducting, and then Aiden came running up with his baton that his Daddy had made especially for him!  None of this was spoken, but I get the feeling that Aaron really understands how much Aiden loves music!  And that makes me smile!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

XOXO!

Aiden and I talked all about Valentine's day as we were taking pictures for our cards.  
Aiden loved pretending to be an O and I loved that it started a big conversation about letters!  
I think the cards ended up perfect- how could they not with this cute face on the front?!?

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

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!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

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!).

Saturday, January 29, 2011

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!

Friday, January 28, 2011

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...

Thursday, January 27, 2011

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!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

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!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

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.”  

Monday, January 24, 2011

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!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

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!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

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!

Friday, January 21, 2011

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! 

Thursday, January 20, 2011

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!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

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!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho...

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

Monday, January 17, 2011

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!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

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...

Saturday, January 15, 2011

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!