Timing

It's all about timing, right?

Well, this past week my poor little man suffered from severe congestion coupled with a double ear infection and some emerging molars on the side. YUCK! As expected, with a few doses of anti-biotic under his belt, Ayden was up and running again. Nothing made me happier than to see that smile and watch him run (inevitably) in every direction but mine. (Well, truth be told I didn't mind the cuddly, mommy-clinging, under-the-weather bundle I had on my shoulder all weekend....but not more than him feeling good!)

But.... back to the issue of timing.

It just so happens that the day Ayden began to really feel good, Mommy began to really feel crappy...really crappy. So, Ayden in tote, I checked myself into the nearest Minute Clinic (side note - whoever came up with this idea, I could honestly kiss you. And for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about....that's what Google is for and you are seriously missing out!!) Thankfully, we were the first ones on the list and were taken right in to the approx 4x6 closet they use to see patients. (Another side note - I fully recognize this seems like a dig at the aforementioned 'awesomeness' of the Minute Clinic, but read further for the full context of the statement). Once in the closet....eh hem... room, I was able to set Ayden down and take the designated patient seat. The next 60 seconds was a bit of a blur - granted I could barely see through the fog that my throbbing head created, but I'm pretty sure it went down something like this...

1) Ayden's feet are already running (picture the Roadrunner in the old Wiley Coyote cartoons) prior to them actually touching ground as I gently set him down and take my proscribed seat.

2) Ayden's feet propel him straight for the (unlocked!) medicine cabinets wherein he finds all sorts of interesting 'toys' to throw at a high-rate of speed behind him.

3) I quickly do damage control pondering (praying for) the possibility that in the 4x6 closet in which we found ourselves, whether the on-call NP could have somehow missed the medical projectiles.

4) Before I can shut the cabinet doors, Ayden has taken to tearing any and all papers from the walls. Let me tell you....if you need some de-cluttering of your walls from say 3 feet down, have I got the guy for you.

5) While the NP begins her diagnostic questions, I nonchalantly collect the rip, torn, shredded papers - do a quick assessment of salvage-ability (of which there was none) - and place them in a 'neat' pile on the counter behind her and again return to my seat.

6) By this time Ayden has found the printer, conveniently located on the floor beside her desk and garnishing many many cool colored and flashing lights. While I hold Ayden's probing hands back (with all my strength), the NP proceeds to take my blood pressure......only to conclude that it is 'slightly elevated.' Hum....gee....wonder why?!??! I chuckle and say, 'Only slightly??? Yea, I think I may be little stressed today"

7) Minute 2 commences with a lot of the same....

You get the point. But if I must spell it out....C-H-A-O-S in a 4x6 closet.

It should be noted that through all of this I was (appropriately or not) laughing. Because what else would one expect to happen when you combine sick mother with toddler, a 4x6 closet and more medical supplies than a hospital?!?!?!

Sometime later we emerge and begin the waiting process for the prescription fill.  Looking at the surrounding shelves stock-full of projectiles, no mater how much strength it took, I willed myself to hold on tight to Ayden's squirming body. (who needs the gym when you have a toddler!!)

The day progressed in a very similar fashion - the details of which I won't bore you with, but go something like this....unexpected detour to Lucas'......unexpected work task due in 15min..........after a three hr delay in hitting the road, a U-Turn about an hour outside of Tucson on the way to Palm Springs to visit brother and fam  (I just felt too crappy to go on).

When we finally arrived back home (car packed to the gills for our expected road trip), Ayden's energy was no match for my sick sick head. But what toddler understands that?? So we played and played and played until an angel arrived on my door step.

 An angel in the form of Gram-E, who helped give Ayden a bath and put him to bed.

 (Who'd a thought an innocent face like this could cause so much chaos!)

Lessons learned....
1. *SIGH* Thank God for Moms!! (more a lesson reinforced) and,
2. Ayden is no longer a baby....he's a full fledged toddler!!

The Things We Do for Our Kids

Personally, I found this quite amusing - and obviously Ayden did as well.

After watching this video over and over again...................Oh, what I would give to be able to read Ayden's mind.

I'm sure I could think of a few fitting phrases =)

Another Park , Another Birthday

For those of you who don't know, March is the month of a million birthdays. This past weekend we celebrated KimO's big TWO - EIGHT!! (old foggie) a Ft. Lowell park. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay long, but Ayden still showed up in style for his fans.

 In true Ayden style, it took about 5 min to find the direct route to the lake. 

This kid and water....like white on rice.

 Small detour to check out the old tree.

I can just see the wheels turning...'how cam I climb this thing??'

 Distracted yet again by Ayden's second favorite thing...a dog.

(Ayden is peering around the tree to see Denali.)

 "Daaa!!!" - aka dog!

 Denali was too fast for Ayden, so he turned his attention back to the ever tempting water...

 I think this is what every girl dreams about when they think marriage and family....

Or maybe just me - either way, when you look up 'happiness' in my dictionary you see this picture.

 *Sigh*....My boys!!!

 This just confirms my suspicions when I married J........ 

He really is the best dada!!

 My favorite family photo

 Cunningham manning the grill - those kabobs were spectacular!

 Even Gram-E made an appearance!

My pictures don't really to the day justice. The weather was 70s, sunny with a slight breeze. We were surrounded by friends and their little ones - be that kiddos or puppies ;) - all playing together in perfect harmony. The group shared lots of laughs and tons of food (yes Andy, your salad was AMAZING and we give you all the credit)!! While we did have to cut our time short, the group went on to play kickball - and let me tell you, this group doesn't mess around with their kickball =) - sad we missed it!

J and I have always loved Tucson (for many reasons), but with each passing year, as our friendships weave stronger through shared experiences - both good and bad - and the new additions to our lives entwine themselves into the fabric of everyone's life, it is hard to imagine life any other way.

Ayden Hits the Park

Over the past week, Ayden and I spent a bit of time enjoying the outdoors at some of our local parks. He just LOVES being outside - to which I can't help but think - wahooo =)

One day we went to Ft. Lowell park where we met a little boy named Parker who is the exact same age as Ayden, to the day....only this little boy was about 25% larger than Ayden (I know Mike, amazing huh!). I was flabbergasted too, as I was fairly convinced J and I had created a little giant! Also, Ayden had his first experience of intimidation by another child - lets just say Parker was a little inquisitive about Ayden's eyes, mouth and ears. We are going through that same stage in our house, but J and I don't poke Ayden in the eye when we locate and label 'eye', despite the frequent eye gouging, nose taring, earring ripping treatment we endure from Ayden's labeling! I think he learned first hand the meaning of 'eye for an eye...'

Ayden survived the probing, eyes still intact, and made his way to the swings where we met Great Grandmere and Grandpere. As you can see Ayden thoroughly enjoyed the ride care of Grandpere.

You can also see that I wasn't joking in my last post about him being a little bruiser (granted there is some dirt mixed in here). I swear there are no more bruises than before....they are just more pronounced!

Ayden loved loved loved the swings - a child after my own heart.



Another day we visited Brandy Fenton where Ayden enjoyed climbing around the baby jungle gym. Before taring it up on the playground,we had a lovely (but too brief) visit with Great Grandma Joanne.

Ayden took the challenge head on!

Determination

My little driver!

Already going against the grain...

Briefly, we moved to the big kids playground. 

A few more years Ayden!!

These are the days I could live in forever....

My Little Bruiser

Last Sunday we went to a St. Patty's day themed birthday party for Cunningham.The party was great,  but despite being of Irish blood, I wouldn't say Ayden's luck was in full bloom.

In the mere two hours we were there, Ayden managed to bump, trip and fall his way through every inch of Cunningham's house and yard. It didn't help that he decided he no longer wanted to continue to walk (or waddle) his way through life...clearly better to run!!

Look at that face! I am almost embarrassed to post this picture. If it wasn't such a day of realization for me I might not of.

But this sunday was the first day of life with a little boy. Not a baby....a real live boy. A boy who has no fear, poor depth perception, and is perhaps a little top heavy!

Ayden's Comedy of Errors...

The Beer Bin- not too long after arriving, Ayden found himself thoroughly entertained with the large bin full of beer, ice and water. He had bottles to cling, ice to suck on, and cold water to splash in. After 15 or 20 minutes of playing (which is like two hours in toddler years), Ayden decided he needed a very specific bottle of beer and reached to pick it up....to find not only were his little arms too short, but in fact, his head, being bent past the equilibrium point made it quite impossible to straighten himself and thus, he took a head first tumble into the refreshments bin. Yes, feet dangling in the air and all. (for those of you appalled right now picturing a little boy head first in water, do not fret, there were too many bottles to reach the water I was a mere 6 inches away) Instead, Ayden's poor little cheek caught the brunt of the fall on a bottle top leaving a oh so lovely bruise.

Ayden's reaction - stunned........ then tears of shock
Momma's reaction - chuckling...... then comforting

Result - Ayden back to pulling bottles out of the bin

Inclines/Declines - Ayden hasn't quite learned how to navigate inclines and declines. When running down a decline, his momentum tends to get the best of him with the only hope of slowing being a spill. (this brings back memories of learning to ski!) It doesn't help that sometimes, when say a walkway is built on a decline, there may be a small stair thrown in for effect. Being the ripe age of 1, Ayden hasn't yet learned this elusive design technique. So here we have Ayden running far too fast, in fact gaining speed with every step... Dada trailing a few yards behind.... and Momma coming from the side at a full sprint.

Who would hit the deceiving stair first???

Why Ayden of course, but thankfully Momma was close enough to intercept Ayden's last wayward step keeping the damage to a mere arm pull followed by a pirouette.

Ayden's reaction - fear, shock and aw.....then reactionary tears
Momma's reaction - *SIGH*.....then comforting

Result - Ayden takes another go at the ramped walkway. Based on his actions I could only assume his thought process was one of more speed, better lift....similar to that of Keanu Reeves in the movie Speed...the faster you go, the easier it is to make the leap....

My own feet - Ayden finished his hat trick off with a good old fashioned trip over his own feet and
face plant into the pavement move. His first road rash (poor little nose!!) If anyone knows my history, it would be very apropos here to say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree - just wait until there are bikes involved!!

Ayden's reaction - pain and tears
Momma's reaction - lots of soothing and offering of the blankie

Result - Time to go home. We had done enough damage to one little boy head for the day and Gram-e was waiting with dinner.


Is it too soon to assert that he should learn from his mistakes!! =)