Today's lesson: Live free and have fun!

We had a blast at Exploration-V! With the fun learning environment, various mini-adventures, and excellent friendships we're building, Ayden and I really enjoyed our time spent with Maribel and DJ at this cool little kid's museum.

Such a wide-eyed sense of wonder
Ayden loves to play and loves to learn...
Just look, you can see the passion eminating from his eyeballs!!

So big, he can already climb the stairs on his own --
Up, down, sideways, spɹɐʍʞɔɐq... as long as he has a railing, that is ;)

"Okay, mom... ONE good smile. Now let me play!!"

What's a playdate without snack time!? Cheez-itz!

DJ, learning about his *uoıʇɔǝɟǝɹ*
He reaches out and grabs at himself already!
Such a smart little guy, so attentive and eager to learn!

Ayden got a little jealous of the attention I was giving DJ...
So he stomped in front of the mirror. DJ didn't even care. He just watched
Ayden throw a little jealous-fit and kept looking at himself!

Second-best action shot of the day...
This really captivates Ayden's sense of fun and adventure!
He is such a free spirit...
We should all follow his example and slide down with our pants open some time!

"Okay, mom. Enough pictures... I want your full attention now."
He started ignoring me with the camera, totally blowing me off -
no eye contact or response when I talked - until I put the camera down for a bit.
He sure knows how to get what he wants.

Absolute best action shot I've ever seen! Perfect focus with perfect blur.
Ayden just can't get enough of the slides! He loves the feeling of freedom.
Freedom comes in many forms: This is his.
What's yours? Be inspired!

♪♫ Always have to steal my kisses from you... ♫♪
He loves to love, he just doesn't want proof. Put the camera down and he
gives the best hugs and kisses in the world!!
Momma wants the capture the memories though!

Psh... what's a bad hair day? This day has been perfect!

Static-electric-charged toddler... oh boy, here we go...

Can you tell I love his hair? Really? What gave it away?
Couldn't be all the pictures...

☻☻ It's just too funny not to share! ☻☻

♥ he loves his momma ♥
He finally got me to go down with him. Thank you, Maribel, for taking
such awesome pictures of me and my baby boy!

Frivolous Mishaps

Empathy at It's Finest

Just the other day, I was continuously being beaten down by awkwardly random, yet seemingly connected, disasters. I'd repeatedly drop the same object when trying to move it to a new location; or spill dark, sticky liquids on our beige carpet; or trip over the dog napping tranquilly in the hallway. Ayden had been watching me all day, playing peacefully, strategically distanced from my path yet still in sight, awaiting his moment. He'd been attempting to grasp my attention, unsuccessfully, through various acts of cuteness since the first sign of my frustration. Completely absorbed in my depression, I had barely noticed him. Anger had taken over, and nothing less than instant release would suffice to relieve. Reluctantly giving in, I fell to the floor, drowning in a flood of self-pity. I reprimanded myself silently for behaving so foolishly in front of my son. Sitting with my face burried in my tear-soaked knees, body pulsating with each shallow breath, I felt the tender touch of a tiny hand. I looked up to find my little boy's eyes filled with a need to comfort. No words spoken, he reached around me as best he could and hugged me until my pain alleviated.


The Moral?

Sometimes when we feel our worst as parents, we are actually teaching our children more about reality than we can possibly understand. Ayden displayed sure signs of empathy that day, encouraging me to move past self-afflicting thoughts. His emotional strength at 18 months old proved greater than mine at 22 years.

We all have a lot to learn, even as adults. Some of the most important lessons in life are brought to us at unexpected times and in unpredictable ways; whether they are subtle gestures or blatant slaps across the face, they are meant to grab our attention so that we may continue to learn and grow in a manner that will benefit our future.

Museums, Mommas, Learning and Love!

What an awesome, productive day at the Children's Museum in Tampa!! Ayden learned so much! He got to explore all kinds of neat exhibits, touching anything and everything he wanted. He was surprisingly focused in certain areas and eager to take in all his mind would allow! We spent the whole wonderful day with our good friends Maribel, DJ, Jefra and Cannon. The following pictures share more than my words ever could...

Learning to Dig, Pour, and Fill

So concentrated!! He nearly filled the bucket :)

Dance studio with music, a camera, and a big screen to watch yourself!
He was totally amazed! He was on TV!!

Jefra and Cannon! Silly Fire Fighters!!

Maribel teaching DJ about his reflection :)

Play-shopping center - he picked some random foods!
Then he left without paying... oops!

I love this one of DJ! He is so aware for a 4 month old!

Made ya smile, little booger :-D

Ayden got to play with a CRANE!!!

One of his favorite parts - so cool!

One of my favorite parts - he held my hand leading me around to show me stuff
I only wish it was clearer. These special moments are rare right now.

Stepping on lights to hear the animals! And more hand-holding!!
I loved it as much as he did!!!

Love and Kisses

Time to Learn

How do you teach a child who "me" is? And "you"? When I attempt, I only confuse myself which ends up confusing Ayden. Any suggestions appreciated!

Best Friends :)

Remember When...

Back When My Babies were Babies...

Precious Moments in 2010

so this was why we got her :)

Baby Number 2! All done :D:D:D