#94 How much you have grown

Dear Aj,
You had your two year check up today and I am happy to report that you passed with flying colors. Your doctor was happy with how big and strong you look. You weighed in at 31 pounds and stood tall at 36.25 inches. You fall into the 76% for height but both the doctor and I think that is wrong. You are taller than most kids your age and look more like a three old.

I can not believe that it has only been two short years since you have entered into our lives. You have forever changed me and I want to say thank you. You have shown me that life is bigger than myself, that small things are worth laughing at and no matter how busy or crazy life gets I can always find happiness when we are together.

We have entered into the wonderful world of terrible twos. You are leaning independence but with that comes frustration. Your favorite word is not "no" but "help" I have to hold back at times, it is in may nature to come and solve the problem for you. However the pride that you have on your face when we can sit down together and I show you how to solve the problem by your self is priceless. I will always be here to "help" but I would not be doing you justice if I solve the problems for you my friend. I am proud of you when you can take the time, patience and persistence to solve those same problems on your own.

Here are few things that you have learned how to do by your self.
1. Climb into the car and into your car seat
2. Put you bowl in the sink
3. Tell Annie "No"
4. Put your cloth in the dirty cloth Hamper
5. Pull down your pants
6. Put puzzle pieces in the right hole

You are growing up so fast. A couple weeks ago you called me "Mama" and then "Mommy" now this week you are calling me "Mom" Do you think it would be possible to slow down and just call me "Mommy" for awhile? I would really like that.

Thank you for being the little boy that I love and adore. Please keep up all this growing up stuff, but don't ever grow up so much that you don't need a hug from you Mommy.

Love you
Mommy

Halloween

Today was a crazy day! The Giants won the World Series and the parade happen to be on the same day as Halloween. We're all such big fans that we headed to the city early in the morning, found parking and hiked up to the parade. Aj was so well behaved and enjoying watching all of the excitement. After a very quick nap we headed to San Jose so that we could celebrate Halloween with the Barger side of the family. Both Lanie and Aj were little monkeys! Aj did really good at trick-o-treating this year, he loved walking up and knocking on the door and getting candy.
Crazy day yes but it was well worth every moment.

Pumpkin Patch

We got into the car for a mini adventure to pick out the perfect pumpkins. Aj was more interested in riding in the wagon then picking out pumpkins however he was very helpful at putting the pumpkins in to the car.

My Loving Family

Gilory Gardens

Today was one of those days that as parents you crave for, it was the perfect family day. It all started with Aaron allowing me to sleep in, even though it was my day to get up with Aj. When I finally awoke it was to the boys playing trains in the family room. The morning was filled with Aj playing quietly with his trains and blocks and Aaron and I preparing for the week ahead. By noon we packed up the car to drive the two hours up to Gilory. Aj fell asleep within the first 10 minutes which left Aaron and I to enjoy each other and the drive. Once we made it to the theme park we enjoyed lunch over looking the lake and  then headed out to find the train. Aj was so excited for the train ride, once we boarded you could see the excitement in his eyes. Every time the whistle blow Aj would let out a little choo...choo. Aj loved the singing produce stand show that they had and even got all the kids up and dancing, but then became shy and stayed close to Aaron after that. We enjoyed the rest of the day with riding the air balloons, the fire engine and final the carousal. On the ride home Aj enjoyed his favorite show and we ended the day with Burger King. As I said it was the perfect day.

First Day of Pre School

You are such a big boy! You are already on your way to do big and important things. Today was your very first day at Pre School. You were so excited to be able to go and make new friends and play with all the toys. You loved the fact that the school had a bird and snake as well as a slide. You were so tried when you got home, you could tell that you had been busy learning and playing hard all day.

Sugur Cookies

4 dozen Cookies

• 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. 
3. Decorating options:
1. Roll round teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place onto ungreased cookie sheets
2. Add food coloring to dough, mix well and roll out and use cookie cutter shaps
3. do either of the above with or without food coloring and add sprinkles.  (this is what we did today, Aj was not into using the cookie cutters, but loved choosing a color and sprinkling over the cookie
4. Bake 8-10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on the cookies sheet for 2 minutes before moving them over to the wire racks
5. Enjoy

Paul and Tara's Wedding

The Rehearsal dinner

The Wedding

Walnut Festival

The Walnut Festival is a tradition that I grew up with as a child. To me the Walnut Festival marked the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year, as I child I would go with my family as a teenager I would go with friends and now as a mother I take my child. Here we are years later and the Walnut Festival still marks the end of the summer and the beginning to a new school year, but I experience it in a new light. I watch through my child's eyes as he marvels at the carnival lights and watch the joy of him tasting the sweetness of the cotton candy or candy apple.