Get Medieval

In May, Uncle BJ and I bought Medieval Times Groupons.

So you know what that means? In July we got to get Medieval again! This time with Asher and Sawyer, Aunt Kari, and Uncle BJ!

We hooted, we hollered, we cheered on our YELLOW knight until he was decidedly executed in his first battle. Then we cheered on whomever was left, and whomever was winning.  

There were three Lords, who picked a fight they definitely won.

There was a regal lady who CAUGHT the carnation thrown to her by the Yellow knight (pre-death).

And there were goofballs, jesters, chicken on a bone, and a LOT of fun!

The pageantry continued at home, where the royal lifestyle suited us medievally. 

Growing up...not so fast.

Aidan, you grow and change and amaze your Mom and me every day. It's hard to keep up with sometimes, let alone write about it.

I remember being floored last week: you brought me a book to read, Dr. Seuss' "I can read with my eyes closed." You flipped it directly open to the only page in the book that you like, and you already had your fingers on your nose to act out the page: "And what to do about Owls on noses."

Then you got up, went to the book shelf and grabbed "In my tree," the only other book we have that's all about owls.

The fact that you just made that connection blew my mind. But that was already a week ago and since then you've blown my mind a few more times, made me laugh, made me frustrated, made me happy, and made me feel loved a million times each!

What a crazy journey we're on together. I'm definitely along for the ride, even though you're the one captaining it.

Here are some of the amazing/fun/awesome (or maybe even regular, day-in-day-out) awesomeness of late:

You love to drink from the faucet (and fill up your water bottle and cup there too). You figured this out all on your own, and cracked us up!



You're really (kinda) getting the hang of (kinda) feeding yourself with a spoon!




And, when not trying to eat the food for yourself, you love to feed others too!


It's gotten cooler outside, so you've been able to explore the playground for the first time since you learned to walk.

You love swinging:








And putting mulch on things:



And sliding:

And bumping into friends in the park...

and elsewhere...


And you even got to go on your very first bike ride:

So, as you can see, you've been a baby on the move. I'm not even trying to catch up any more; I'm just enjoying the heck out of the ride!

You're Number One!

You're one!Actually, you've been one for over three weeks, but we've been having so much fun playing with your one-year-old self that I've hardly had time to sit down and write in your blog. And what fun it's been! About a month ago you hit the big o-n-e! We spent the day quietly with just your Mother, Me and you! It was a lovely day with lots of playing inside,

outside, fun pictures to be taken and good cuddles...

and eat a delicious avocado all over mommy and daddy.

We sang to you and bought you a balloon and just - all in all- had a wonderful day.

A week later we revisited the birthday theme with a lot of family and friends. That's right...it was your first birthday party!

A bunch of great folks came out to help you celebrate your 365th day on earth!

Everyone had so much fun!

Except for you. For just a little bit of it.

That's right: you had a major meltdown, and so I took you outside, where you and I watched the festivities from the window.

But your doldrums got a little better when we sang to you and gave you your first "cake!"

But, alas, you didn't really like the cake too much. But you did like plain old bananas a lot!

And, then you started to have fun again! Playing with and hugging/climbing on your loved ones!

Despite the minor meltdown, I'd say you had a great time at your first birthday party. you got to be with a lot of very cool people who love you very much. It'd be easy to say that the end of your first year gives a sense of closure... I mean, you're not a baby anymore, you're a toddler. You're not "Zero" any more-- You're "One." You're growing up so fast...too fast...right before our eyes!

But, this isn't an ending, it's a new beginning, and this year -and all the years to follow- will be full of new adventures, new fun, new milestones and new experiences for Mommy, Daddy and Aidan as we continue to learn and grow as a family (and Toby and Preston too).

We love you, birthday boy. And although we'll never forget our time with you as a baby, we are so thrilled to be with you everyday as you grow into a little boy.

I guess technically, I shouldn't call this journal "To Baby Weinstein, From your Dad" anymore--you're no longer a baby. But, you know what, I understand know when my Mom (your Mimi) would tell me that no matter how old or tall I got, I would always be her baby.

I feel the same way, Aidan: you will always be our baby, whether you're 1, 10 or 100. Happy Birthday, Baby-- we love you!