I’ve decided to revise Aiden’s first word. For a while, I thought it might be ‘hat‘. He said it twice, very distinctly, but never again. There are lots of words that Aiden can say now, even if they’re not all exactly right or used very often. Looking back on Aiden’s vocabulary development, however, it’s clear that the first ‘word’ he said in context, and consistently, was “this.” He said it then, and still says it now, as “diss”, but his meaning is pretty clear.
Aiden began pointing when he was around 10 months old. At that time, the “diss” emerged. He would say it questioningly, as in “what’s this?”, as he pointed from thing to thing. I thought he also said “that” as “dat” for some time, when pointing out things he thought were interesting (more of a statement, not a question), but he stopped saying it.
Well, Aiden still says “diss”! He absolutely loves to be picked up by strangers to show them his world and to have them explain it to him. He loves the new perspectives that others bring to his world.
More recently, Aiden has mumbled a couple of variations, including “whassis” and “reediss”, which I took in context as “what’s this” and “read this”. Fun!
There are a couple of words that Aiden can now say perfectly, including (in the order they appeared): wow, hi, uh oh, baby, eyes. And I’m going to stick ‘nom nom’ in there since we totally use that as a word in this house. ;)
Ianiv entered our Flickr info into Pummelvision and, using approximately 2500 of our latest photos, we were delivered this video of our life. The video gives you a snapshot into your life… or Aiden’s life, since 95% of the photos are of him! Timing wise, the photos began on the second day of his life, so it was a nice “Aiden in a flash” summary of his life to date:
You can create your own video with Flickr, Tumblr or Facebook images.
Since Aiden turned one, I’ve been meaning to do a photographic study of how he’s changed. Sometimes it seems, to me, that he wakes up completely different. Other times he changes so slowly I hardly notice. But change he does, and here’s proof:
One photo taken during each of his first 12 months. You can really see how is face has developed! Crazy!
Aiden celebrated his 1st birthday party on October 23rd, a day before his first birthday. We held a big party with family and friends, including his best friends Zayden and Elizabeth. Aiden had a great time at the party, playing and eating watermelon and cake and enjoying all the attention.
Highlights from the special day include the dragon cake (thanks Bobe & Auntie Tamara), the pinata and checking out his new books. The helium balloons were also a big hit and, though quite deflated now, they still capture Aiden’s attention every day – he’s going to miss them when we throw them out!
It was a very special day for all of us. We were so lucky to have so many great people involved in our lives. Thanks to everyone who came, particularly to Auntie Tamara and Uncle Josh, who flew over from Edmonton for the party. I still can’t believe my little baby turned one, but he has! Continue reading →
Exactly one year ago today, at 3:45am, you came into our lives. It was a moment that completely overwhelmed me and one which I’ll never forget. All I wanted to do was just hold you in my arms.
Holding you in my arms is still one of my favourite things to do, one year later. I can’t believe it’s been one year! I barely remember you that tiny – so cute and kissable right from the start. You were born with a need to see and to do – a curious and social nature, at heart. You have spent your year exploring your world in new and amazing ways.
I remember the day you first smiled at me. The day you started crawling. And now watch as you embark on talking and walking – huge milestones! Of course, there has been so much in between. It’s amazing what you have accomplished in your first year.
Though our first 4 months together were very difficult – definitely lacking in sleep! – I can now recall fondly the long walks we took together, you nestled in your carrier. I can recall your sweet baby smell as you slept nestled against me. I remember cradling you in my arms as you slept on one of our many outings. You needed your Mommy 24/7… but now I only recall that need with affection. Those times are fleeting.
My days now are filled with your infectious laughter and your cooing cuddles – nothing is more amazing to me than for you to crawl over, gently lean in to bump heads and cuddle, making your happy coo sounds. I love you every minute of every day.
You have brought our family together in ways you’ll never fully realize. You made us Mommy and Daddy, and brought together a wide family of support. You are loved beyond measure. You have wonderful friends too – even best friends.
I have many hopes and dreams for you, but above all I wish you health and happiness. I hope that you will always want to come to Mom for a hug. That you’ll always want to show me the world, as you do now with your enthusiastic pointing. The world is yours for the taking.
