March 2011

Aiden has really gotten the hang of pulling himself up on pretty much everything and then proceeding to shuffle along the wall, boxes and toys. He’s even been able to stand unassisted by himself for a few seconds – while not all that sturdy it’s still impressive to see. He loves holding his bottle and feeing himself. We think he’s teething again so we’ll keep a close eye on the next white present. We paid a visit to Tahoe with mimi and pops and Aiden spent a few seconds in a sled just long enough for some photos in his bear suit that’s all too adorable. He got to experience his first real snow storm. Mimi has been visiting quite a bit and Aiden loves spending time with her. It’s clear that Aiden has been developing a strong bond with his grandparents and as soon as he recognizes that they’re in the house he automatically reaches for them. He’s been a bit clingy lately which we don’t mind all too much because that means we get lots of hugs. Aiden got a visit from Amber and we know he’s growing up because he let her hold him with little fuss. Aiden got his first ride up front in a shopping cart and he very much enjoyed the experience. He’s definitely a curious child and loves touching everything he can get his hands on and at the same time trying to put everything in his mouth.

February 2011

We introduced Aiden to chicken and sweet potatoes and he loves both. We also put him in a backpack carrier and it’s hard to imagine him liking something more – he laughs, coos and smiles ear to ear when in the carrier. Daddy has been taking Aiden on more Marin hikes and both are enjoying the time outdoors exploring some new terrain.Mommy and daddy took Aiden on a sunny afternoon hike along the coast on the owl trail and then the Muir Beach overlook with some amazing ocean views. Aiden has been spending some days with Bac Bac while mommy and daddy are at work and has been enjoying the family time. Aiden absolutely loves to hold onto your hands and walk around the house then grab onto something and hold himself up, he’s been getting quite good at pulling himself up.

January 2011

Happy New Year! We all went to our friends Beth & Marcus’ for New Year’s along with a slew of other friends that Aiden got to meet. We took advantage of having mommy and daddy off of work and decided to explore the SF Zoo – thank you Lin/Steve, Academy of Sciences & the Exploratorium – whew busy first week of 2011. Aiden now sits up all on his own, he has a little white bottom tooth poking through – he’s been a trooper but really likes to drool and bite on everything – we go through bibs like they’re going out of style. Aiden was developing a bit of a comb over so we decided to give his 10 or so long hairs a bit of a trim – don’t worry mommy saved them for something she has up her sleeve. Our doctor praised Aiden for his development and gave us the green light to start introducing new foods to his diet – first up eggs – we love eggs, so great – not so great for Aiden it turns out and he had an allergic reaction – no more eggs for a while. On a good note we introduced applesauce and some beef and he’s been taking that like a champ. Still not sure what his next introduction will be – surely something wonderful all blended up. Aiden has finally started to like spending more time in his bouncy-chair. He still loves bath time and can’t get enough of story time, which seems to be all the time now.Daddy has been taking Aiden exploring the different areas of Marin on their time off and both are very much enjoying the bonding time, putting lots of miles on the strollers. We headed to Tahoe for a weekend with some friends and Aiden got everyone reading his baby books at one point. He seemed to like his first taste of the snow but it did take a few timid feels of the cold material before he got into it. Aiden had his first taste of mashed banana and we think it’s his new favorite food. Mimi came to visit for a few days and we took a nice walk along the marsh in Corte Madera and through Tennessee Valley to the beach. We met up with some friends Jade, Isabella and Noah for a beautiful stroll through Muir Woods. Aiden has really started to develop bonds with Mimi and PoPo and his face lights up when he sees them come into the room. Aiden still has no desire to spend time on his stomach and is all too happy to grab someone’s hands, pull himself up to a stand and start jumping around and even take a few ‘aided’ steps around the room.

December

Aiden has continued his thrill of smiling much to the pleasure of those around him – he lights up a room. He can now sit up by himself but we still need to keep a hand at the ready for those quick topples. He still doesn’t like tummy time but he loves standing up, supported of course. He’s developed a cute little laugh that’s such a joy to hear – just can’t get enough of that especially when it’s combined with his glorious smile. We think he’s started teething and he loves to gnaw on his Sophie the Giraffe – he loves to put everything he can his hands on in his mouth. At our monthly checkup the Doctor commented how impressed he is with Aiden self-soothing – aka sucking on his middle two fingers in a hang loose fashion. We’ve started using a new bathtub for Aiden and he absolutely loves bath time and getting to play with his books and floaty toys. We had some new visitors this month – Will and Erica & Chris. Joanne and PoPo joined us in getting the Christmas tree – Aiden couldn’t get enough of feeling the pine needles, in fact he loves touching just about everything he can get his hands on. We decorated the tree as a family and Aiden helped daddy hang the star on top of the tree. Aiden is enamored by the trees lights and gets a huge smile every time we turn on the lights. We started Aiden eating solids and he really likes carrots, and is still partial to the cauliflower and zucchini. It’s a big milestone for Aiden – he’s moved up a clothing size and can now fit into some of his 6 month outfits. He seems to really focus on everything around him and is quite quick to turn his head to peer at something. Mama took Aiden to his first picture with santa this year along with Jade, Isabella and Noah and we actually got some pictures of Aiden smiling. He loves his Bumbo chair and has recognized that he gets food when he’s in it. Mama was recommended a car seat toy that Aiden most likely now couldn’t live without – such a great little invention. Daddy started his second paternity leave so we had a family lunch @ Stowe Lake in SF and a nice little walk around the area. Aiden got to meet a new friend Genevieve who was just born and a new addition for Ben & Keleigh and we went down and had a meet and greet lunch with all of them. Daddy took Aiden on a morning walk New Year’s Eve day around Lake Lagunitas and then run in the New Year’s Eve celebration with PoPo.