Beach Baby!

We made our annual trip to Myrtle Beach this month and Vic and I were so excited about how much fun Aiden was going to have. He was only 6 months old the last time we were there, so we really considered this his "first" time at the beach. We decided to make our trip a little longer than in years past, we usually only stay a week, since it was going to be such a long drive. But boy, did we have a great time!!!

Our biggest concern was how Aiden was going to fare during the long drive down to South Carolina. But our little man did absolutely wonderful! It took us about 11 hours to make the trip, stopping only for meals, gas and to replace an unexpected flying wiper blade. Daddy set up the iPad so Aiden had his friends Dora and Diego to keep him company along the way.

The next day was our first at the beach. It was a perfect sunny 87 degrees. This is a picture of Aiden's first few steps on the sand. I was anticipating a mouthful of it going into this mouth, but he resisted the urge. It was funny to see his reaction feeling the grains of sand between his toes.

It only took a few minutes for Aiden to fall in love with everything about the beach. He loved the ocean, building sand castles with Daddy, and playing in the sand.

Aiden loved helping Daddy build sand castles. Poor Daddy had to build one every day! =)

One thing I can say is that if you want your child to take a serious nap, take them to the beach!

By far, I think Aiden's FAVORITE thing to do was jump the waves with Daddy:

This has to be my favorite picture we took. I love my boys. <3

Every day after the beach we would head to the pool to cool off and de-sand. The condo we stayed at had an amazing children's area with 2 kiddie pools and little fountains for them to run through. I think the swim classes paid off because Aiden was really comfortable in the water! Once he was in, it was hard to get him out!

For the most part, the weather was amazingly perfect. There were even a couple of overcast days so we could spend some time enjoying some of the other activities Myrtle Beach had to offer.

Our first adventure took us to the Ripley's Aquarium:

I think I win Mom-of-the-Year for this picture. =( I had no idea he was that mortified! In my defense, I didn't see his reaction until I saw this picture. But the dinosaur's mouth was a slide, and I was really trying to get him to slide down it... really I was!

Jellyfish!

A few days later, we took Aiden to Wonder Works. It is this really cool playland that features educational rides and games. Our little man was still a little too young to enjoy all of the activities, but we think next year this venue will be a must-see!

Vic and I always make sure to stop by Sugar!, a delicious candy store that has absolutely everything and anything sweet! Here's a little clip of Aiden busting-a-move in the store:

One of the prettiest things we did was visit Brookgreen Garden. It's a historic sculpture and flower garden right outside of Myrtle. It was the perfect place for my energetic little man who loves to just run and run and run... and run he did!

Aiden is obsessed with flowers. I think the bright colors catch his eye. The garden was filled with so many vibrant colors.

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To say we had a great time doesn't even describe it. It was so fun to get away from everything and just enjoy some quality time with my family. Watching Aiden experience things for the first time is priceless. Next up, Florida!! =)

Toddler Time Flies!! Almost 18 Months!

Oh my goodness! 

Aiden is almost 18 months!! I have to send my apologies for not blogging in awhile, but in all honesty, I'm exhausted after chasing my little man all day. But there is so much to share!

Aiden has grown so much since my last post. My baby has most definitely achieved full- fledged toddler status, with a personality to match. It's amazing to see how much he has changed in just a few short months. 

Bath Time

Aiden loves bath time. Vic and I were sure we had a water baby on our hands... until swim class that is (more about that to come). Aiden especially loves when Daddy creates "waterfalls" for him to run his hands through. Despite all the bath toys we have for him, his favorite thing to play with is a cup! Simple pleasures. =)

Mother's Day

For some reason, this Mother's Day was particularly tough for me. It was the first time I really allowed myself to miss my mom. Thinking about how wonderful it would be to share this type of day with her made my heart ache.

I took Aiden with me to visit my parents in the morning. We left flowers for them both, but extra special ones for the extraordinary mother who taught me how to love my son selflessly. It was a gorgeous morning and I felt my mom's embrace around me and her grandson.

Vic planned a low-key Mother's Day for me this year, exactly what I wanted. We had a picnic lunch at Black Hills Regional Park down the street from our house. They have a huge playground there, so after we ate Aiden spent some time checking it out.

Swing Time!

Daddy managed to get a nice pic of Mommy and Aiden near the fishing pier.

Aiden LOVES looking at water, so he really enjoyed people watching on the pier.

After lunch (and ice cream, of course), we spent the evening with Vic's family. It is heartwarming to see how much they love Aiden and how much Aiden loves them! He is always ready to greet Grandma (and especially Grandpa) with a warm hug and smile. We are so blessed to be surrounded by so much love.

Grandma indulging in another one of Aiden's loves... reading!! I used to think that he just liked to turn the pages, but as he is getting older, he is more and more interested in the pictures and colors. Hopefully this love will last through the ages! Thank you, Grandma, for always reading to him!

Aiden is very spoiled at Grandma and Grandpa's house... which may explain why he sometimes doesn't want to leave. Grandpa set up a nice big pool for him on their deck, perfect for the summertime heat! Thanks, Grandpa!

Playing at the Park 

As long as it isn't too hot out, Black Hills Park is my go-to when I run out of things to do with Aiden. He loves just walking and walking.... and walking and walking. When Aiden was about 14 months, I started wondering when he was going to start walking independently... but look at him now!! He's running!!

Water Park Fun!!

To beat the summer heat, we found a water park near our house. No pool, but lots and lots of water mushrooms, fountains, and sprays galore! We figured our water baby would love it!

Aiden was a bit tentative at first... after all, up until now the only water exposure he really had was at the beach pool, the bathtub and at Grandpa's house... all standing water.

But he adjusted quickly and had a great time!!

Oh my Love, please don't drink the water. =)

OH MY GOODNESS... Swim Class 

Since our little man loves the water, Vic and I figured swim class was a must. We wanted to make sure we finished the class by the time we left for our annual trip to Myrtle Beach. So, off to class we went!! The purpose of the class was for water introduction. We picked a Tues/Thurs 9am class so that Mommy could take him each week. I was so excited about it! On the day of the class when I met the instructor, Susan, and the other parents, I was bragging about how much Aiden LOVED the water.  

Oh dear... EPIC FAIL....

Aiden was so upset!!! I still haven't figured out whether or not it was the time we picked or the structure of the class, but for the first 3 classes, my pumpkin was NOT having a good time. HUMONGOUS shout out to my friend Kris for giving me some suggestions on how to prep him in the morning for class. By the 4th and 5th class, I at least got a couple of smiles and giggles out of him. 

Daddy felt left out so he took Aiden to the last class. I was able to get some shots to remember this traumatic time for him.

Climbing up the water wall. 

Aiden didn't mind this activity since he was able to feel the water falling on his hands, which he enjoys from our bath time adventures. Daddy is much stronger than Mommy... when I did this in class I was only able to lift Aiden about halfway up.

Forward gliding.

One of the class exercises. After a few classes, Aiden grew more comfortable with this. He really did not like trying to float on his back.

Aiden's favorite part of the class, and the only time he wasn't upset, was during the last 5 minutes when the instructor brought out water toys and let the kids play. Aiden especially loved sprinkling water from the watering can and playing catch with the balls.

Despite the fact that Aiden did not enjoy swim class, I'm glad we did it. He was definitely better towards the end and we learned some activities to do with him to increase his comfort level. Aww, don't worry, baby, class is over!

So many developments over the past few months!! Here are a few more:

- Eating: Aiden has officially transitioned to solid foods. It's fun to see his facial expression when he tries new tastes and textures. He's a bit of a picky eater, but when he finds something he likes, he eats a whole lot! His favorite things to eat right now are: tangerines, mangoes, rice, spaghetti, cinnamon raisin bread with peanut butter, noodles of any kind, black beans, potato chips and french fries. Seems like a lot, but I feel like I'm feeding him tangerines and spaghetti all the time! Vic and I agree that once we can get him to eat chicken nuggets, we'll be golden!!

- Talking- I love love LOVE the sound of Aiden's voice. It is so sweet, yet filled with so much wonder, amazement, happiness, and curiosity all at once. He has quite a few words in this vocabulary right now:

* English: Da-da, ball, up, wow, uh-oh, peas (I think means "please"), and his all time favorite- no!

* Vietnamese: Vic's family has been doing a wonderful job teaching him to speak Vietnamese. Aiden knows how to say "shoe" and "go" and can understand simple phrases like "give me a kiss" and "where's your head".

Now... if only I knew some Korean!!!

- Motor Skills- My little man is a runner!!! Arms flailing... that boy is quick!! His fine motor skills are also developing. He can grip onto wide crayons to draw (his first masterpiece is already on the fridge), experimenting with a fork and spoon, and loves to build little towers!

-Teeth!- Aiden is finally sprouting some pearly whites! He has 5 that are in and 4 breaking through. Teething has been uncomfortable for him this time around, but he's a trooper and just needs something cool to calm him down.

- Dancing: Aiden also loves music!! We try to play all types of music when we're home and it's so cute to see Aiden pumping his arms and swaying to the beat. He's even starting to try to sing along!

If it's possible, I love Aiden more and more every day. I truly understand what my mom meant when she used to tell me "you'll never understand how much I love you until you have a baby of your own". I never imagined I could love someone so much. I can't wait to see what's in store for us next!!