Going to jail

Aiden has always been a pretty picky eater. Mostly vegetables, but he definitely has certain foods that he won't touch with a ten foot pole. Two such foods are pop and tacos. He has never liked pop, ever since the first sip he drank. Something about the fizz, it just isn't his thing. As for the tacos, I don't actually think he has ever really tried one, but he doesn't like the name and therefore won't eat it.
Yesterday, I was explaining why he had to sit in his car seat. I told him if he didn't that I might get pulled over by a police man and they would put me in jail. He then started talking about jail and what must go on there. He was sure it was pretty miserable and said "I bet, when they put you in jail, they make you drink pop and eat tacos! Yuck! And that is all they will let you eat."

Status quo!

I'm pleased to say we are status quo! Sometimes it is just great when NOTHING is happening. We survived the New Year and have been doing the usual routine. Aiden is loving school, learning more everyday. He brought home one of his many works of art yesterday. As I have mentioned before, he has zero artistic ability. I'm glad to report he (sort of) colored within the lines on his latest creation. However, his painting project, which was suppose to be a truck, looked more like a tornado. Oh well, at least he is giving an honest effort. Turning 4 has definitely turned over a new leaf. While we still have the occasional meltdown, Aiden has been so happy and helpful I hardly know what to think. He is such a big kid! One of the things I miss the most is his toddler talk...the way they distort their words is such a cute way. There are still a few things left that I get to enjoy: he still can't say breakfast (barfast - too funny) and package which comes out as padgack. He is really looking forward to the completion of the new swimming pool. He loves the water and can't wait to turn in to a little water bug!
Kaylen is officially a walking machine. She really started to walk during the holidays. We like to say it was her three different Christmas dresses that persuaded her to get up off the floor. She hated having to crawl and get the dress tugging under her knees. Whatever it was, it worked. The other night, she was even trying to run and chase Aiden around the house. Pretty cute. She is continuing to grow in her talking capabilities too. The other night she said "where de do" when asking where Daddy went. She loves to do all her animals sounds: moo, neigh, baaabaaa, meow, woof and duckduck (quack quack). She had her 15 month check up on Wednesday. She weighed 22 lbs and is 29 1/4 inches tall. She is a little on the short side, but would we expect anything else from these family genes? Her favorite things lately are her dolls. She just loves them; baby ruby, baby Betsy, Vivian, the list goes on and on. She usually has anywhere from two to five dolls in her crib at any given time. Also on the top of her list are books. This is usually what she wants to spend most of her time doing. It is also one of the few things that will stop a meltdown in its tracks!

It's all about the accessories

Kaylen is such a girl! She has decided accessories are a girls best friend. Most often you will find her walking around the house with an extra coat, hat, scarf, bracelet or hair bow. Often these all have to be on at once. We have to watch her in the laundry room because she will take the dirty clothes out of the laundry basket and want to wear them. She often has Aiden's underwear pulled up on her arm and a dirty sock draped over her neck. Also, she LOVES shoes. She always wants to have a pair on and often has to switch shoes throughout the day. I've had to hide her shoes that are too small or too big because she still wants to wear them and gets mad when they don't fit. The picture above is her new headband and tulle skirt that she got for christmas. She absolutely loved it and wouldn't take it off. So cute!

Merry Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas to all! The Greenwald's had a blessed holiday season, filled with tons of presents, food and family. What more could you ask for?

Kaylen sort of figured out the whole present business. She would take one rip at the wrapping paper. If that didn't open the present, then she lost interest, but she was very excited once the toy was out. She got lots of dolls and stuffed animals...her favorite. She was sure to give each one a big hug and kiss. What a little love bug!

Aiden, of course, was totally in to the present opening. This year I think his goal was to see just how fast he could get them all open. Record time! Trent and I were worried that he wouldn't be pleased with his present from Santa this year. He wanted a back hoe contruction truck - JUST LIKE the one his friend Carson has. Well, we couldn't find that truck and settled on a different one that wasn't near as fancy. We left a letter from Santa to Aiden explaining that Santa didn't make the other "scooper truck" but he had his elves make this new super scooper truck instead. Aiden was so happy with it and said "Santa really spoiled me this year!"

The peanut dance

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there." No word are more true in our household. Aiden is so excited for Christmas he can hardly stand it. Trent and I are so excited too. It is so fun to watch the kids open their presents, the excitement dancing in their eyes!
We have been enjoying the holiday festivities to their fullest...looking at Christmas lights, going to Christmas concerts, watching all the holiday movies on TV, etc. Last night we were watching the Nutcracker. Surprisingly Aiden was really enjoying it.
So tonight, as we were settling down for the evening, Aiden says "can we watch the peanut dance again?" The Nutcracker...get it...ha ha!

Birthday Party!

Can you believe that Aiden is four years old already? Where does the time go? Now that Aiden is getting older, he is asking questions about when he was born. So, here is his story...

It was a dark and stormy night...literally! Is was super cold and hadn't been above zero for days. Fresh snow had fallen and the change in weather had begun to stir up some contractions. I was still working night shift OB and had worked the entire night before I went into labor. After a long 12 hour shift, I went home to sleep for three hours and then went to my doctor appointment. While I was at Dr. Ellis' office, my water broke. Up to this point, it was one of the happiest days of my life because it meant I wouldn't be pregnant too much longer AND because that meant Aiden was almost ready to join us in the world! So, after only a few hours of sleep, the excitement began. That was at 1 in the afternoon. By two by contractions had started. Unfortunately I wasn't blessed with my mothers fast labors and Aiden didn't arrive until 12:32 the following afternoon. 22 HOURS OF LABOR! It was all worth it to hold him in my arms. What a blessing. He weighed 7lbs and was 18 3/4 inches long. Up to that point his name was Gavin, but that name really did not suit him. We decided to change to Aiden and later found out "Aiden" meant fiery spirit. I guess that name was meant to be as fiery spirit fits him to a T.

I always tell Aiden that 2's and 3's are his lucky numbers. He was born on December 3rd at 12:32 in room 32 after 22 hours of labor!

As you can see by the pictures, Aiden chose to celebrate tractor style! Grandpa Bill was nice enough to bring over a real tractor for the boys to play on. Hard to see, but in the tractor is Aiden, Parker, Chance and Braylen. Aiden hasn't had a single birthday where is has been nice outside and this year was no different. The tractor excursions didn't last long as it was only about 10 degrees outside and the wind was blowing at least 30 mph. Brrr! All the kids had a great time, especially Aiden. He is now to the age where he will start remembering some of this stuff. Hopefully this was a birthday worth remembering. Happy birthday sweet boy!

Little ladybug birthday

Here are a few pictures from Kaylen's first birthday. She had a great time. While I don't think she realized all the hoopla was centered around her, she was thrilled to have so many people she knows in one room. She loved all her new toys and had a great time demolishing her lady bug cake. So, now she is officially a toddler. That sounds so weird to say. Baby or big girl, we will continue to enjoy all her sweetness. (until the terrible twos hit that is...yikes!)