Here's a video of Aden in his play gym. :)
Thursday, February 3, 2011
All About Aden
This past week, we brought home a play gym for Aden. He is 7 weeks old now and has officially decided he is bored with the life of a newborn. He no longer likes to be cradled in our arms, he only wants to sit up so he can see over our shoulders. He doesn't like it when we hold his bottle, he wants to do it himself. (He can't quite do this yet...but he certainly likes to think he can) He also has gotten over his swing. It is too slow and the mobile isn't entertaining enough. So, of course, we simply had to find some more entertaining options for our growing boy!
I went out with some friends and, after an hour or so of shopping, finally picked the right one for him...including a spinning mobile, 20+ minutes of music, 15 different toy attachments and a bright and colorful light show. For now Aden is perfectly content to stare at the spinning mobile, and occasionally the lights. He loves the hippo that dangles in the center of the mobile and laughs at it ever time I turn it on. The look on his face says it all, "Mom, you are the best!" (At least in my mind, that's what he's saying)
He loved the play gym SO much that after about 20 minutes or so of kicking and waving his arms and smiling, cooing and laughing...he crashed. He was out like a light and it was pure heaven for me. Nap time!!
I went out with some friends and, after an hour or so of shopping, finally picked the right one for him...including a spinning mobile, 20+ minutes of music, 15 different toy attachments and a bright and colorful light show. For now Aden is perfectly content to stare at the spinning mobile, and occasionally the lights. He loves the hippo that dangles in the center of the mobile and laughs at it ever time I turn it on. The look on his face says it all, "Mom, you are the best!" (At least in my mind, that's what he's saying)
He loved the play gym SO much that after about 20 minutes or so of kicking and waving his arms and smiling, cooing and laughing...he crashed. He was out like a light and it was pure heaven for me. Nap time!!
Aden napping in his play gym. :)
Boo-Bear
The same day that I bought the play gym, I took an opportunity to venture into Jo-Ann's Fabric store. It wasn't a planned trip, but the biggest one in the area happened to be only a few stores down from the baby store I purchased the gym at. So of course I had to take a few minutes and stroll through the lovely land of everything nice. If I could live there, I totally would. As long as Michael's was my next door neighbor. Anyway, I had seen a little bear blankie toy thing that I thought was so cute...and apparently it's the thing to have in the infant world. But it retailed for nearly $25!! I couldn't imagine spending that much on such a tiny thing that could easily be made...so I decided to check out the possibility of making my own version of the bear blankie.
So I priced the materials and came home with less than $5 spent...and now Aden can be one of the cool kids with his very own bear blankie which has been affectionately named, Boo-Bear.
The same day that I bought the play gym, I took an opportunity to venture into Jo-Ann's Fabric store. It wasn't a planned trip, but the biggest one in the area happened to be only a few stores down from the baby store I purchased the gym at. So of course I had to take a few minutes and stroll through the lovely land of everything nice. If I could live there, I totally would. As long as Michael's was my next door neighbor. Anyway, I had seen a little bear blankie toy thing that I thought was so cute...and apparently it's the thing to have in the infant world. But it retailed for nearly $25!! I couldn't imagine spending that much on such a tiny thing that could easily be made...so I decided to check out the possibility of making my own version of the bear blankie.
So I priced the materials and came home with less than $5 spent...and now Aden can be one of the cool kids with his very own bear blankie which has been affectionately named, Boo-Bear.
^His face is a little long...but I am very proud to say that I free-handed this little fellow. Let's hope he withstands the teething stage... :)
^
Aden's little blankie I made also. $5 for two blankies definitely beats $25 for one...
^
Success!!
He loves his Boo-Bear!! :)
Success!!
He loves his Boo-Bear!! :)
A New York Winter...
It's been a good day, getting the blog caught up on all the amazing things that have gone on in our lives over the past year. It seems that since the moment Harold signed his contract with Uncle Sam, life has been moving so fast...one thing after the next we have been changing, moving, growing and finding our place in this fast paced world. If anything, the Navy has been a blessing. Some days it's hard to think of it that way...like when Harold is working mid shifts from 7 pm-7am for 7 days in a row or when those 12 hour days turn into 14 hour days and dinner goes uneaten. It's life...and we've discovered that for every 'bad' thing there is something so good. Together we've decided that at the end of the day we would much rather focus on the good and let the bad teach us how to make life even better...or maybe help us to realize just how good the good stuff is.
Our 2 year anniversary is coming up. It's amazing to me how much our lives have changed in such a short amount of time. When I think about the wedding, 2 years seems like a lifetime. It feels like it was so long ago. Since then we moved to South Carolina, Harold graduated from the toughest academic training program in the military, we moved to New York, I gave birth to our son Aden, and now we are waiting on our new orders so that we can plan our next big adventure. We have an incredible journey ahead of us...one that has had the greatest beginning. I can't even imagine what God has in store for us down the road.
For now, we are in Saratoga Springs, New York hiding away in our apartment...not because we are loners or because we are indoorsy people...but because the world around us is buried underneath nearly FOUR FEET OF SNOW!!! Yes...we love snow. We love winter. But right now I'm just about done with winter...and every last flake of snow. Aden and I have spent many weeks cooped up in our 2 bedroom apartment, watching the snow fall again and again while Harold switches from shift to shift working so hard and doing so well in his final stretch of school. And now I'd like to be able to get out and enjoy the outdoors! Thankfully we should be receiving new orders around Valentine's Day and Harold will be graduating March 4th!! Which means we will be coming home!! My favorite thing about being away is just how much I've learned to cherish my time with friends and family.
Which reminds me...before I end this...for my best friend Molly: I love you and I miss you and I'm so proud to be your friend. Your mission to China is already an amazing testament of your courage and faithfulness. You are truly gifted and I know God has great things waiting for you there. I can't wait to see all the photos and to see how your life is changed by this experience!! :D ...and I'm really excited for the souvenirs!! ;)
I have a lot more to update and get caught up on...but it's so much that I just can't do it all in one day! Until next time...
Our 2 year anniversary is coming up. It's amazing to me how much our lives have changed in such a short amount of time. When I think about the wedding, 2 years seems like a lifetime. It feels like it was so long ago. Since then we moved to South Carolina, Harold graduated from the toughest academic training program in the military, we moved to New York, I gave birth to our son Aden, and now we are waiting on our new orders so that we can plan our next big adventure. We have an incredible journey ahead of us...one that has had the greatest beginning. I can't even imagine what God has in store for us down the road.
For now, we are in Saratoga Springs, New York hiding away in our apartment...not because we are loners or because we are indoorsy people...but because the world around us is buried underneath nearly FOUR FEET OF SNOW!!! Yes...we love snow. We love winter. But right now I'm just about done with winter...and every last flake of snow. Aden and I have spent many weeks cooped up in our 2 bedroom apartment, watching the snow fall again and again while Harold switches from shift to shift working so hard and doing so well in his final stretch of school. And now I'd like to be able to get out and enjoy the outdoors! Thankfully we should be receiving new orders around Valentine's Day and Harold will be graduating March 4th!! Which means we will be coming home!! My favorite thing about being away is just how much I've learned to cherish my time with friends and family.
Which reminds me...before I end this...for my best friend Molly: I love you and I miss you and I'm so proud to be your friend. Your mission to China is already an amazing testament of your courage and faithfulness. You are truly gifted and I know God has great things waiting for you there. I can't wait to see all the photos and to see how your life is changed by this experience!! :D ...and I'm really excited for the souvenirs!! ;)
I have a lot more to update and get caught up on...but it's so much that I just can't do it all in one day! Until next time...
Aden Lee Phythian
Aden Lee Phythian
December 14, 2010
9:50 PM
8 lbs. 13.4 oz.
22 inches long
December 14, 2010
9:50 PM
8 lbs. 13.4 oz.
22 inches long
Our first look at our sweet baby boy.
Daddy and his son.
My boys :)
The newest love of our lives
The last day in the hospital :)
Aden in his going home outfit
Thank Heaven for Little Boys
...and the TWO became THREE...
Very slowly our lives were changed with the arrival of our son!! Here are the photos of my pregnancy all the way up to 1 day overdue...yep...he was overdue...by 12 days!! But after the first day, I didn't feel much like taking pictures anymore...
Very slowly our lives were changed with the arrival of our son!! Here are the photos of my pregnancy all the way up to 1 day overdue...yep...he was overdue...by 12 days!! But after the first day, I didn't feel much like taking pictures anymore...
^We're pregnant!! We found out at 5 weeks along.
*****
^17 weeks along, one week before we found out we're having a BOY!!
*****
^21 weeks along
*****
^25 weeks along
*****
^26 weeks along
*****
^27 weeks along
*****
^28 weeks along
*****
^30 weeks along
*****
^32 weeks along
*****
^36 weeks along
*****
^38 weeks along
*****
^40 weeks & 1 day...
...continued in next post...
Summer 2010
Power School Graduation
It was a long haul and a lot of work, but the Graduation day finally came!! Harold looked so handsome in his uniform and even though there was a small storm scare, it ended up being a warm and beautiful day in July.
Moving Day!!
Harold received his orders!! Our family was assigned to Saratoga Springs, New York. So, my parents flew in with my brother to help us pack the house up because I was 5 months pregnant at the time. We actually found out that we were having a Baby Boy only a couple days before we left Goose Creek. So much happened in such a short amount of time. We took advantage of the long drive from South Carolina to New York and made some stops along the way. We got to spend a couple days in Washington D.C. and had a great time visiting the Smithsonian and riding a trolley to see all the sights. Then we said goodbye to Mom, Dad & Evan and went on our way to New York with Harley and Daisy...and no Hobbs. :( Unfortunately Hobbs ran away and didn't show up for moving day. So we had to say goodbye to our goofy orange cat. :(
Goodbye, Hobbs.
Photos from the trip will hopefully be up someday...remind me sometime. For now, I can't find them!
It was a long haul and a lot of work, but the Graduation day finally came!! Harold looked so handsome in his uniform and even though there was a small storm scare, it ended up being a warm and beautiful day in July.
Moving Day!!
Harold received his orders!! Our family was assigned to Saratoga Springs, New York. So, my parents flew in with my brother to help us pack the house up because I was 5 months pregnant at the time. We actually found out that we were having a Baby Boy only a couple days before we left Goose Creek. So much happened in such a short amount of time. We took advantage of the long drive from South Carolina to New York and made some stops along the way. We got to spend a couple days in Washington D.C. and had a great time visiting the Smithsonian and riding a trolley to see all the sights. Then we said goodbye to Mom, Dad & Evan and went on our way to New York with Harley and Daisy...and no Hobbs. :( Unfortunately Hobbs ran away and didn't show up for moving day. So we had to say goodbye to our goofy orange cat. :(
Goodbye, Hobbs.
Photos from the trip will hopefully be up someday...remind me sometime. For now, I can't find them!Do-Over? Yes please.
So I realized that I'm really bad at keeping up with blogs. I was good for awhile...only missing a few days or weeks...but it seems that once summer hit and life got busy, blogging was the last thing on my mind. I'm a little bummed, actually...I really like re-reading the posts. This blog is my best attempt at a family journal and I am really going to try and keep it up!! So, in order to keep it up, I've gotta get caught up! This is going to be one whirlwind of a catch up...
Our 1 Year Anniversary!!
April 4 - I woke up to a folded piece of construction paper and a red rose laying on Harold's pillow with a note inside that said everything I love to hear...it was the best way to wake up! :) Seeing as we were very poor newlyweds, I thought that it was the end of my anniversary surprise. But then I went to the door, and on the floor was a little Easter Basket! Our anniversary happened to fall on Easter this year...
I picked it up and just then Harold came down the hallway and told me he had set up an egg hunt for me through the house. I spent the morning searching for eggs, filled with my favorite candies! It was the sweetest thing, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. :)
My Anniversary Surprise :)
May 2010
Summer Begins!!
Harley & Daisy started to feel the presence of our shifted attention to the Baby, so we decided to give them a special treat...a pool! In the South Carolina heat, the water is sometimes the greatest escape. So we decided to give them their own personal escape from that southern sun. They loved it! Along with their absolutely favorite toy, the hose! It was a great start to summer :)
Charleston Riverdogs Game
While in Charleston we wanted to do whatever we could to enjoy the little bit of free time the Navy allowed. So we took advantage of some free tickets to see the Charleston Riverdogs play. It was a fun night! We got to try out their famous hotdogs that we had seen on The Food Network.
Afterward,
they had a fun fireworks show in honor of the Military members present at the game.
Even Harold enjoyed himself, and he isn't that big of a baseball fan. :)
Days at the Park
Just down the street from our house on the base is a park that the dogs and I visited almost every day. I walked to the same spot each time, to a bench right below a giant acorn tree. It was my favorite tree, mainly because it did an excellent job of shielding me from the sun. Most days we would spend an entire afternoon there, unless the weather was absolutely unbearable. (which some days it was!!) The southern humidity is really intense...thank God for acorn trees!!
April 2010
Our 1 Year Anniversary!!
April 4 - I woke up to a folded piece of construction paper and a red rose laying on Harold's pillow with a note inside that said everything I love to hear...it was the best way to wake up! :) Seeing as we were very poor newlyweds, I thought that it was the end of my anniversary surprise. But then I went to the door, and on the floor was a little Easter Basket! Our anniversary happened to fall on Easter this year...
I picked it up and just then Harold came down the hallway and told me he had set up an egg hunt for me through the house. I spent the morning searching for eggs, filled with my favorite candies! It was the sweetest thing, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. :)
My Anniversary Surprise :)May 2010
Summer Begins!!
Harley & Daisy started to feel the presence of our shifted attention to the Baby, so we decided to give them a special treat...a pool! In the South Carolina heat, the water is sometimes the greatest escape. So we decided to give them their own personal escape from that southern sun. They loved it! Along with their absolutely favorite toy, the hose! It was a great start to summer :)
Charleston Riverdogs Game
Afterward,
they had a fun fireworks show in honor of the Military members present at the game.
Even Harold enjoyed himself, and he isn't that big of a baseball fan. :)
Days at the Park
Just down the street from our house on the base is a park that the dogs and I visited almost every day. I walked to the same spot each time, to a bench right below a giant acorn tree. It was my favorite tree, mainly because it did an excellent job of shielding me from the sun. Most days we would spend an entire afternoon there, unless the weather was absolutely unbearable. (which some days it was!!) The southern humidity is really intense...thank God for acorn trees!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Meet Our Baby! :)
Today we had our first ultrasound and got to meet our baby! We also heard the quick little heartbeat! It was an amazing experience, and I'm so glad Harold got to be there with me! I had lots of blood work done, which was easier than expected...and now we're just waiting for the next appointment which will be May 14th! Things are just moving along, and we couldn't be happier! Baby is growing right on schedule and the heartbeat was perfect. We're very excited to see the progress! :)
And HERE is our BABY!!! :D Very little...about 1/2 an inch long right now.
We also know the dates for our visit home.
We are going to be flying into Salt Lake City on July 29th.
Then we will be spending time with family in American Falls the 30th.
Destin's wedding is on the 31st.
Then it's off to Boise on the 1st of August (My Brother's 16th Birthday).
My Baby Shower will be on August 2nd - Invitations will be sent out by my sister.
Then we will be flying home on the 3rd.
As much as we would like to stay longer, we also would like to save Harold's leave time for when Baby is here! Since we will be using only a small amount of time now, we can hopefully stay about 3 weeks come December/January. We aren't quite sure when we'll be making that trip home with Baby...depends on how things go! We're so excited! Yet another full year for the Phythian family. :)
And HERE is our BABY!!! :D Very little...about 1/2 an inch long right now.
We also know the dates for our visit home.
We are going to be flying into Salt Lake City on July 29th.
Then we will be spending time with family in American Falls the 30th.
Destin's wedding is on the 31st.
Then it's off to Boise on the 1st of August (My Brother's 16th Birthday).
My Baby Shower will be on August 2nd - Invitations will be sent out by my sister.
Then we will be flying home on the 3rd.
As much as we would like to stay longer, we also would like to save Harold's leave time for when Baby is here! Since we will be using only a small amount of time now, we can hopefully stay about 3 weeks come December/January. We aren't quite sure when we'll be making that trip home with Baby...depends on how things go! We're so excited! Yet another full year for the Phythian family. :)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
5 Days...
Until my first ultrasound! We are getting super excited to hopefully get to hear our baby's heartbeat!! The appointment was scheduled a little earlier in the day than I had hoped...but thankfully Harold will be able to leave school early, so he will get to be there! So far, I've been feeling the 'morning sickness' all day, every day. Followed by some pretty major heartburn...and I think that's probably because I can't keep any food in my stomach! (Well, except for McDonald's cheeseburgers and fries) It seems I'm just going to have to stick to what works and for now, I'm on a pretty awful diet of McDonald's, club crackers, popsicles and sprite. So far I've actually lost a few pounds. I'm told I'll gain that back pretty soon, however. We have also picked out a boy name! But are struggling to pick only ONE girl name. :P (I think it's going to be a boy anyway...) I am loving all this baby stuff!! :D
And of course I have even MORE good news!
We are coming home in July! Harold's Best Man, Destin, is gettin' hitched and Harold is in the wedding. :) This is happening on July 31st. We also have a friend here getting married on July 24th. (Stealing away Harold's birthday thunder) AND my family is coming to visit from July 4-13th then we are going to go with them to Washington DC for a few days before heading back here to find out if we will be moving to New York or staying in South Carolina for the next year. Phew! And we thought LAST summer was busy!
Oh, and while we are home in July, my sister is planning a baby shower in Boise...but I also have a friend planning one for friends and family in American Falls...and there's even talk of one happening here in South Carolina! Baby Phythian is already SO spoiled!! We are also planning on a vacation back home where we hope to stay for at least a couple weeks once Baby arrives. We haven't decided on whether that will be for Christmas or for New Years...either way, we'll be sure to see EVERYONE we possibly can while home.
For now, I guess that's just about all I have to update. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers and notes of encouragement! It's tough being away from friends and family, but I've got a pretty amazing husband and a wonderful support system...and we couldn't be happier!! :) :)
And of course I have even MORE good news!
We are coming home in July! Harold's Best Man, Destin, is gettin' hitched and Harold is in the wedding. :) This is happening on July 31st. We also have a friend here getting married on July 24th. (Stealing away Harold's birthday thunder) AND my family is coming to visit from July 4-13th then we are going to go with them to Washington DC for a few days before heading back here to find out if we will be moving to New York or staying in South Carolina for the next year. Phew! And we thought LAST summer was busy!
Oh, and while we are home in July, my sister is planning a baby shower in Boise...but I also have a friend planning one for friends and family in American Falls...and there's even talk of one happening here in South Carolina! Baby Phythian is already SO spoiled!! We are also planning on a vacation back home where we hope to stay for at least a couple weeks once Baby arrives. We haven't decided on whether that will be for Christmas or for New Years...either way, we'll be sure to see EVERYONE we possibly can while home.
For now, I guess that's just about all I have to update. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers and notes of encouragement! It's tough being away from friends and family, but I've got a pretty amazing husband and a wonderful support system...and we couldn't be happier!! :) :)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Oh, Baby...we're having a Baby!!
Yes, it's true! Baby Phythian is now under construction...and is making its presence VERY clear! I have been sick and tired...and sick...and tired...but I can also say that I've never been so happy to be sick and tired! :) Harold and I are looking forward to this journey, no matter how long or difficult it turns out to be. I know it will be worth it!! We are so thankful for this incredible blessing and for all of our friends and family who are supporting and loving us! :) Every time we learn something new, we'll be sure to keep everyone updated...and this time we mean it!! ;)
Oh...I am 5 weeks pregnant today!! Yay! I know there is a looong road ahead of me...but I already have so much love for this baby I just can't help but celebrate each and every day of its life! Also, a lot of people have been asking, so I thought I might answer on here...we WILL be finding out the sex of the baby, but we have also chosen to keep our name choices a secret until our baby is born.
This is going to be a grand adventure...I can tell already. :]
Oh...I am 5 weeks pregnant today!! Yay! I know there is a looong road ahead of me...but I already have so much love for this baby I just can't help but celebrate each and every day of its life! Also, a lot of people have been asking, so I thought I might answer on here...we WILL be finding out the sex of the baby, but we have also chosen to keep our name choices a secret until our baby is born.
This is going to be a grand adventure...I can tell already. :]
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas 2009! (continued...)
Our Christmas has been so amazing!! Here are just a few of our special memories so far...
<3
Daisy got to play Santa :)
And so did Hobbs...
...I'm pretty sure I was more excited about it than he was...
Wake up, Hobbs!!
Doesn't she make a lovely little reindeer?? :]
Christmas Cookies!!
Sporting his new hat :)
Our ONE and ONLY attempt at a family self-portrait...
Tired after a full day of festivities! :)
Hope your Christmas was fantastic!! :)
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