Another Milestone

Last night AJ decided he would sleep in the big boy bed - or rather Mommy decided he would sleep in the big boy bed because he kept vaulting out of the crib after he was tucked in. It was a rough start that included many trips back to the bed after he was discovered leaving his bedroom. ( I figured this trick out quick and stayed on or close to the landing to stage the intercept).

He woke up an hour early this morning and was a bit disoriented but otherwise we seem to have survived the first night in a big boy bed at home.

New Favorite Buddies

As some of you have heard, AJ is currently transitioning to a new room at school but that isn't where he has found his best buds. This past weekend AJ really bonded with extended family and is still asking for folks who have had to return home.

Auntie Sydney came down for a long weekend in VA and AJ loved it. They spent hours playing trains, driving cars and running around the house. First thing he asked for each morning and after each nap was his Auntie Sydney. I think he has his first crush :-)

We headed North to MD to see the Sarikas clan on Sunday and he loved that as always. As if seeing Cuddles and playing on the Wii wasn't enough (let's be honest, the adults played on Wii!) AJ discovered Uncle Jim's stash of race cars. Aunt Bridget turned it into a game and they raced to line them up before AJ could crash them. Very cute. Later that day AJ kept asking for Uncle Jim - instead of driving back up North we all watched the race at our own homes "together".

Mommy, It's Brrrrr Cold Here

That was the first thing AJ said about our recent trip to Chicago. And he was right - it was single digit temps without the windchill and downright frigid with. AJ has never survived a Chicago winter but his Mommy who grew up in them is getting soft when it comes to the cold.

We had a good visit with Gramma, Grandpa and the Aunties even if a stomach bug was passed between Aunite Megs and Mommy. At least AJ escaped no worse for wear and quite enjoyed his day away from the germs - he and Auntie Sydney baked, stomped in the snow and had a great time. He learned that when the snow is deeper than a couple of inches it gets harder for little men to run in it.
Grandpa let AJ climb all over some trucks and BIG equipment at Rotec. He needed a hand climbing up into the big mack truck. Always a highlight for AJ.

Snow Helper

After (yes you read that right, AFTER) the warm weather teased us, we got some snow.

Probably more exciting than spring weather for AJ is snow. He enjoyed rolling in it and was very helpful with the shovel, trying his hardest to do his part to clear the driveway. I'm happy to encourage this in hoped that someday I can retire my snow shovel and AJ can be in charge.

I don't think the pictures capture the pink cheeks, runny nose or all the fun he had.

Crazy Weather = Bike Rides

In between the snow flurries, we have had a couple days of 60+ degree weather. You won't hear a complaint form anyone here - especially not AJ. He has enjoyed the warmer temps out in the yard, at the park and riding his trike.