Medical Me - Baby Aidan visits the Allergist

It was a big day for Baby Aidan.  First, he meets his new family (Daddy? Brother? Overlord?  Who knows...).  Then, it was time for a visit from the feeding therapist, and THEN, a visit to CHOP.


Feeding was fun.  Aidan wanted Baby to have his own bottle, and to sit at the table with us.  Baby Aidan, ever the cooperative one, was happy to oblige.

Breakfast Time!

Once Aidan started getting restless, the Feeding Treats came out.  I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Aidan sharing his treats with Baby.

Here you go, baby.  Good eating!

And another one for Big Aidan

If sharing whistles was surprising, what happened next was just about heart-attack-worthy.  Aidan is on a sticker rewards system for eating, and stickers are gold around here.  We don't squander them like fools.  But still, after Baby Aidan "took a sip" from his big boy cup, Big Aidan gave him a sticker!

Good boy!

 And then another one!

What a good drinker!

I couldn't believe it.  I almost cried.  Not only does Aidan obviously understand the sticker system, but he knows (in theory) how to be nice!  And share! Holy crap!


After feeding and a short nap (together), I packed up my Aidans and headed down to CHOP.  The Aidans had a grand old time in the Allergy waiting room.  Big Aidan even shared his Legos.
 

And then it was doctor time.  Which, obviously, meant that it was time to show off Baby Aidan's tubie!

Right there!

YAAAAAAAAY!

Thank you, thank you, thank you - from the bottom of our hearts - to Chelsea at Cerebral Palsy Mentor.  We look forward to many more happy visits with Baby in tow.

Medical Me - Baby Aidan meets Big Boy Aidan

"Baby" has become such an integral part of our daily lives, I almost forgot to tell you all about the day he and Big Boy Aidan met.

As I mentioned before when I introduced him, Baby Aidan made his debut on Patch Day.  I wasn't sure how it was going to go, since Aidan's never had a doll before and so hasn't had the opportunity to show any love for them.  As it happened, I had nothing to fear.  It was adoration at first sight!

I love you, Baby Aidan

What do you mean "give him back"?

Dream on, Mommy.  This is MY baby!

Every day since that day, Aidan has loved and cuddled his precious baby.  Sometimes, in the car, he gets the idea that I might take his baby away.  This causes a 10 minutes tirade from a cranky toddler that sounds something like this:

Oh no, mama.  MY BABY.  NO! MY BABY! MYYYYYYY BABY!

Okay Aidan, your baby.  I won't take your baby.

NOOOOOOOOOO!  MYYYYYY BABY!

It's actually pretty cute (the first dozen or so times).

Aidan Rocks Soccer

You know what?  I don't think I talk enough about all of the things my little man CAN do and does SO WELL!

One of Aidan's biggest strengths is that he's an active kid.  Give him space to run or things to climb, and he's a happy man.  Mommy-and-Me Music Class just isn't quite his tempo, no matter how cute a toddler looks with a tambourine (very cute).

With this in mind, we decided to sign him up for soccer.  Yup, soccer.  And yes, he is indeed still 1.  I knew it would be... interesting.  And exhausting.  Stressful?  Hilarious!  Right up his alley :)


We begin with investigation.

Am I okay with this great big field?

Who are all these kids?  Are you sure you'll remember which one is me???

What the heck is this thing?!

Then, we notice why this place is so great.

OHMYGOD BALLS!!!!!

 And now it's time to start working on the basics.

Fetching...

Looking super cute...

Remembering which ball is mine (are you SURE it's not "All of them"?)

Chasing my ball... Get back here!

Pretending I kicked that thing into there so Mommy and Daddy get excited...

Being super handsy with the ball and pretending I don't know what "use your feet" means...

A room full of toddlers in barely-controlled chaos, chasing balls and balloons around a field for 40 minutes?  This boy is in heaven.

Every day with him is a reminder that there is nothing he can't do.  Nothing that can slow him down.  And no reason to feel sorry for him.  Keep on kickin', little man!