So I'm a little late in posting this, but whatever. Last weekend, we headed out for a surprise 40th wedding anniversary for the parents of a good friend. They're amazing people, and we were so thrilled to be there for the party. I've known Leonard and Sonje since about 8th grade, and they are the ideal couple - such good role models, especially these days. Here's to 40 more!
(And yes, Aidan had a great time, too!)
John and Heleena, Dan's parents, recently sent Aidan the most adorable gift. It was a stuffed animal - a dog that looks exactly like their golden retriever, Ben. They said they sent it to him to tide him over until Aidan can meet the real thing. The dog is the softest thing, and Aidan just adores his little Ben. Although, it's nearly as big as he is. Can ya feel the love?
I didn't think you guys would mind, especially after not seeing much of Dan for 16 months! Right? Right. So we went to my grandparent's farm on Saturday, and Aidan had a blast feeding the fish and feeding the horse. Unfortunately, my camera battery charger was MIA, so I only got 3 shots off before the silly thing died. I was completely bummed, but alas, here are 2 of the 3. And yeah, ya can't even tell we had left the St. Louis metro area. Oh well. I'm sure we'll be back soon.
I had a great opportunity to second shoot for another photographer about a week and a half ago. It was such a fun experience, (thanks Ashley!) despite the nasty, nasty weather. Here are a few of my favorite images from the day.
Today we experienced the first nice day since Dan's been here. Before today, every single day was gloomy and gray, and often rainy. Poor Aidan couldn't spend much time outside, so he was thrilled to see us pull up to one of his favorite playgrounds in St. Charles. His latest word is "Wow! Wow!" And there were plenty of 'em coming out of his mouth when he spotted the kids playing. I've gotta tell you, I think it's my favorite Aidan word. It's just so hysterical because he uses it all the time - and sooo emphatically. Makes me giggle, and he just won't stop saying it when he's excited. I mean, Ma ma and Da da were great, but wow is just too cute!
We've been so busy lately, and that is my simple excuse for not posting many photos lately. We've been busy looking for jobs and places to live. I also shot a wedding Saturday, and Aidan had a doctor appointment today (shots and all!) so things have been a little hectic lately. And Dan has only been home for a week now! Nothing like throwing him straight into the mix of everything, right?!
Last week, we decided to take the little guy to the Jewel Box in Forest Park, where his parents got married - well, for wedding #2. ;) 
Dan finally got here yesterday at about 3 a.m. An end to a long 15 months - finally! It's so wonderful to have him back. I'm sorry I have no photos to show, but my card reader is broken. I'm going to try to get a new one tomorrow.
Aidan is loving having his Da Da back, too. It didn't take much time for him to warm up to him. It's much easier this time than it was when Dan was home on R+R back in December, and I'm so thankful for that.
And...Today, the little man got his first haircut! Aidan has been sporting a lovely mullet for a while now, but Dan made me promise not to cut his hair until Dan was back. He didn't want to miss it. So I kept my promise. Today, the three of us went to this kids-only salon. It was so cute. There were lots of toys and a movie and bright colors everywhere. But Aidan didn't care. The second he was in the chair, and the lady strapped him in, he lost it. He was crying so, so hard. His face was red, and the tears were streaming down his face. His little arms were wrapped about my neck, and he was gripping my shirt so tightly. And the woman cut his hair with him just like that. She did an amazingly quick and accurate job. I was happy with it, although I felt so bad for Aidan. I don't know if he thought I was leaving him, or he was just scared, but it was NOT a fun experience for us. I took some before and after pics, but none during...
I'm thinking it'll be a while until we attempt another haircut. Luckily, his hair grows pretty slowly. But he did get a little certificate and a sticker for being so brave. And mommy and daddy got a small lock of blonde hair for the baby book that I desperately need to update - someday.
Aidan and I get bored sometimes. We're not used to all this time together, sometimes just staring at each other for hours on end. Ok, maybe not hours, well, maybe not at all, really. But sometimes it feels like it. So we try to go to a new park everytime we plan a trip. It makes things a little more exciting for both of us. We're probably been to at least 10 in the St. Louis metro area, although we do have a favorite 2. And sometimes, when I'm feeling motivated, I bust out the jogging stroller. It's a real hoot because Aidan peeks his little head around the stroller and just laughs at me, as if saying, "Mommmy, what the heck are you trying to do?!" Nice. At least someone gets a good laugh.
I found this today. I don't even remember taking it, honestly, but I really liked it. It's just so him. Don't get me wrong, he loves to laugh and play, but he also really concentrates on things. He's incredibly thoughtful, and this photo really shows that. I love that kid. 
So I don't know how familiar you guys are with Trash the Dress sessions, but they're pretty popular these days. A woman puts on her wedding dress (post-ceremony), and photographers shoot her in various (usually messy) scenarios. Well, this week, Aidan and I put on our own version: Trash the Baby. It totally wasn't planned, but Aidan and I were taking a drive and Aidan happened to see a playground. He started shouting in his sweet little voice, "Doe doe doe doe!" Now, I don't know what doe doe means exactly in Aidan language, but I do know that when that word is uttered, he is extremely excited about something! Well, when he saw the playground, I knew we would have to go. After playing on the equipment, we went over a bridge. "Wa wa! Wa wa!" Aidan exclaimed. Have I mentioned how much he loves water!? Probably. Anywho - Being the crazy person I am, I took Aidan, and my camera (yikes!) down a little path to a creek. And that is where Trash the Baby began. Enjoy. (And if anybody has tips on getting out mud, let me know!) (Oh, and PSS, he did NOT get the rock in his mouth.)
