Catching up with the Warrens...

hmmm...let's see if I remember how to write.

I guess I get a little lazy. Also, I am a self-professed master-procrastinator. But, oh well. It is what it is. I'll blog four times a year, I guess.

So in the Warren house, we have been getting everything ready for Christmas. Actually, I have been getting ready since before Halloween (with the music, movies, and I even printed a Christmas planner!), but that's because I FREAKIN' LOVE CHRISTMAS! I mean seriously. I get all giddy when I pull up to get my Starbucks cafe mocha, and receive THE Christmas cup. I also love when Hallmark and ABC Family start showing those cheesy movies. {sigh} That's good stuff.

We had an excellent Thanksgiving Break (a.k.a. Christmas Break Practice). We ate wonderful food (twice), made a Wal-Mart trip that night, and even an early excursion to one of my fave places around the holidays, Bath and Body Works. I was proud of myself. After a day full of eating, I stood (sometimes sat on the floor) in line for 1.5 hours, slept four a few hours, then got up again! Go preggo! Aiden helped me decorate that week also, and even helped pick out the perfect tree. He was ultra picky, too. I was so proud. The tree? Is a big deal. Not even kidding. There were a few issues with our lights this year--I almost cried, but the crisis was averted.

So that brings us to the past couple of weeks. I have spent my days counting down with my students, trying to incorporate Christmas into every single lesson so that I had something to look forward to, and on days I was really bummed, making Starbucks runs. I've spent the evenings watching all of the Christmas classics with Aiden and even a few new ones. Jamie has even joined in on the viewing parties! Now, we're in the home stretch--four days and two hours to be exact. Man, it's gonna be a loooong week. And the kids are going to be insane, but I can do it! I just think of the payoff! Two whole weeks at home with my baby boy and watching him enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

My Dad (a belated post)

The average dad, to me, is a golfer, a workaholic, traditional, the strong-silent type. My dad is not the average dad. And I love that. Lots of his personality traits are far from those of most. I am quite fond of them and have even noticed that I have inherited some of them, which is kinda cool. Not gonna lie.

#1 My love for UT Football and all things orange. 

It's in my blood. In our family, we're not just fans. It's actually pretty intense. We sing "Rocky Top" like it's the National Anthem. If you go past a house where we are gathered to watch a game, there is a good chance you'll hear the yells and screams from the road. When an orange jersey is in possession of the pigskin, running down the field, we all stand up in unison, chanting things like "go, baby, go GO GO GO!" And I'm pretty sure our hearts stop for a second or two. I hope to pass this trait down to my kids as well. I mean, competitiveness and the affinity for the Volunteers truly is a major life skill. 

Right?

#2 Just because you are your age doesn't mean you have to act like it.

Deep inside my 50ish year old father lives a 12 year old boy. Family get togethers are never dull. Dad adds tons of fun to any party with his shenanigans. Whether it's bursting into song, pulling pranks, telling a joke, or busting out his "nasty boy" dance, you'll be sure to laugh or at least share a knowing look and eye roll with another family member (that look that says he's at it again). Simply put, he's a fun guy. I've learned the beauty of a well fashioned build up to a punch line, the art of a good "scare", and above all not to take life too seriously. There's humor in every situation, and my dad taught me how to find it.

#3 OCD (organized, clean, detailed)

Want me to be honest? Growing up with my dad always getting irritated about minor details such as using a coaster, tucking in the sheets the correct way, or putting things away drove me INSANE. Dad's house is always in order, down to the magazines facing the right direction, "throw" pillows in the correct place, and t-shirts folded military style. But part of me is glad for it. There is a place for everything, and everything is in its place. It's better than living in a messy, dirty, cluttered home. I've learned to appreciate a neatly made bed, a clean house, and a well organized closet. I try to remind myself not to let it ruin my mood, though, if something is not clean or in the right place. And I'm already seeing signs of this trait in my two year old: toys meticulously lined up and facing the same direction, not leaving the room until finishing one task, etc. 

Oh boy!

#4 Family Is Most Important

I've learned from watching my dad that you do whatever you can for your family. No matter how inconveniencing or incredibly irritating the request or favor, you do it. You do it because you're family. And you love your family. No matter what. I am so blessed to have unbelievably supportive families on both sides. We all support each other in everything. No one tears you down. It is always fun. There is always love. We don't take ourselves or each other too seriously. I love that. It's comforting to know that we can mess up and not be perfect, knowing our family will still be there to help us out with love and support. 

Dad,

I love you more than words can say. I feel a closeness to you that most daughters don't feel with their fathers. In a way, I feel that we've grown up together. Since I started college, I feel like we both have matured beyond measure. You have become a father that I love so much, it makes me tear up just thinking about. Thank you so much for loving me and supporting me and telling me that you're proud of me. It means more than you know. I'm proud to have you as my dad and Aiden's grandfather. SO PROUD. I love you.

"Verb."

The A Team

It's not a secret that I would LOVE to be able to stay home with my little man everyday. I hate that I miss out on hours of his comments and accomplishments, but I have to say...If I were going to spend my days with anyone other than my family, it would be with this group of beautiful people. This year, I have been blessed to work with each one of these amazingly talented educators, and we have formed a bond that is an awful lot like family! It sounds so freakin' cheesy. I know. But it's the truth. Promise. I have been meaning to do a blog about them, and since we had a get together last night, I thought this was the perfect time. *Names have been changed to protect the innocent. As for the pics, I know. The hubby was a little snap-happy. And we were clearly not ready.

 After a whole year of deadlines, paperwork, discipline, assemblies, schedule changes, and more laughs than we could handle, we celebrated the beginning of summer at DeWindow's house. She is a first year teacher, but you'd never know it. She is unbelievable classy and the quietest of the five. She likes to observe, I've noticed. But when she chimes in, it means something. Or it's really, really funny. Anyways...DeWindow and her hubby had the team over for great food. For that, I am eternally grateful. Thanks, y'all.

The DeWindows. He always smiles this way (even in his driver's license).  Awesomeness.

We had another newbie this year, Waffle. Waffle is like no other girl human you will ever meet. I LOVE HER. She, like DeWindow, never acted like a "first year teacher". They always had their stuff together. Incredible. So other than being super impressive, this chick will make you laugh 'til your cheeks {the ones on your face} hurt. She has a pure heart and pretty much the best sense of humor ever. I mean, she should seriously have her own show. Seriously.

Waffle and hairstyle number three. Rock those chopsticks, girl.

Then there's Sully. He is the only "he" we have. Bless his heart. We all think he hung the moon, and so do the kids. At first, it's easy to be insanely envious of his charm with students, but that soon fades away and turns into major appreciation. He is the guy that would do anything for you. And it doesn't hurt that he can quote and joke with the best of us. His wife and I were preggers together, so we are the ones that brag about our babies at lunch. I like that I'm not the only one.

Sully and wifey

And finally, our matriarch, Klara. Imagine your grandmother. You know, the one who won't let you say "fart" and thinks that everyone is good and wears a halo? Okay, now put that grandmother inside of a playboy bunny's body. That's Klara. She would do anything for anybody and reminds me a lot of Gloria from Modern Family. She is over-the-top generous and has absolutely no idea how hot she is. She has come a long way this year...now she can make "That's what she said" jokes, prank us, and knows some rap songs that we don't even know. She is my partner in planning. I can't say enough about how much I have learned from this woman. What an awesome role model. She has the household, the husband, the job, and the kids. And she works it! I really look up to her because of that.

Klara and her husband {who is not Peyton Manning}

So that's our team. I love them. I'd do anything for them. And I can't wait work with them again! I'll leave you with some more fun pics from the evening.

Sully with Klara's hair

Waffle and DeWindow {not sure how to pose while not posing}

not Peyton

This is Kevin. That's his real name.

Their super cool basement/man cave

Weird Indian Guy who they found buried in their yard. He watches over the house. 

You can't take me anywhere.

Aiden's Baby Book - Our Stay at G-Daddy's

When we sold the house (the week you were born), we had to move out within a week. Our new house was not ready, so we had to live at G-Daddy’s house while we waited. What was supposed to be a couple of weeks, turned into months, but we enjoyed every minutes of it. In these precious few months of your life, you hit lots of milestones, and we made many beautiful memories.

On your one month birthday, Mommy and Daddy bought you a play mat from Toys R us. We couldn’t wait to get it home so that you could play with it. You loved looking at all of the bright colors, and especially the lights that twinkled to the music. We would let you lie on your back, then your tummy to work on holding your head up, even though you were already doing this the first night we brought you home. You have always impressed us with your advanced development, and continue to do so.

      

We were still living at G-Daddy’s and Ra-Ra’s house. Your first months were a lot of fun. You and would hang out. I can remember being perfectly content just looking at you, asleep or awake. I was so mesmerized by the miracle that was you. Uncle B was a great help to me; he would go to get you and calm you if you cried while I was downstairs doing laundry or washing your bottles. I think you helped him to train for having his own little one. You had many visitors: Ki-Ki, Aunt Betsy, Ainsley, Chandler, Papa, Caroline, Trey, Clara and Roy, Vickie and Steve, Brad, Blake and Becca, Gi-Gi and Ga-Ga, Nini, Uncle Johnny and Aunt D, Paula and Jamie, Jamison and Peyton, Mommy’s friends, Kati and Mira, Heather and Daniel (who were expecting Carter within the next month or two) and many more to hold you and love on you. You were very captivating.

You became fond of your paci, which I later regretted. In your first few weeks, you weren’t interested at all. But for some reason, I kept giving it to you (sigh). We took it everywhere we went. Mommy even had special wipes for your paci if it ever fell on the ground! You also started sleeping longer stretches through the night. We would get up once in the middle of the night, feed you, and watch DVR episodes of HGTV or food network star. Mommy also would get a snack—zebra cakes and sprite were my favorites! You did not like bath time very much, though. You would scream so loudly, they could hear you in the bonus room!

August began your first football season! Every Saturday, we would put you in one of your many Tennessee outfits. You definitely had ample amounts of orange in your baby clothes collection. One day, I was holding you during the game and G-Daddy and Uncle B screamed so loudly at a play that it scared you, and you screamed too! Sometimes, during games, you and I would go to bed and watch it while we cuddled and napped.

We got you your bouncy seat when you were 3 months old. We had to put a throw pillow under your chubby little legs so that you could jump. You were still a little small for it. But you loved playing with the toys, and we adored watching you. You became more alert as the weeks went on. I started carrying you in your Baby Bjorn. This quickly became one of our favorite activities. I would wear you while washing bottles, doing laundry, and my favorite, shopping! On Labor Day, we had a little shopping spree together. We bought “happies” for Mommy and and a cool, new football outfit for you—a rugby shirt, jeans, and your first big boy shoes.

Overall, your first couple of months and our stay at G-Daddy’s house was a wonderful experience. We had family around all of the time, always willing to lend a helping hand. I am especially fond of our family meals, watching TV shows and movies in the bonus room, then retiring to our bedroom just a few steps away (while Daddy stayed up to play video games). It was good for everyone—We had help, they got to bond with you, and Uncle B got free Daddy Lessons.

We also went on our first family vacation to the beach in October. You put your feet in the ocean for the first time ever and we discovered that a 3 hour drive to Destin with a 3 month old and additional passengers was not worth the shopping we got to do. But we did spend lots of quality time together away from work and chores.

Reluctantly, I started back to school. The best part was that it made me a better teacher. I cared more than I had before, and it also made the afternoons much better. My favorite part of the day was when I heard you and Daddy come upstairs. I would cuddle you, feed you, play with you, bathe you, and cuddle or rock some more. Quality time with you was so precious! I remember one night, while the fantasy football draft was happening in the bonus room, I was rocking you to sleep and…

You smiled and laughed!

I was so excited, I ran into the bonus room, in the middle of everyone, completely interrupting them and broadcasted it to everyone! I have told you before, and I will never stop telling you how proud you make me and your dad. We love you, little man!

Love, Mommy

Aiden's Baby Book - The Birth Story

On Sunday, June 28, 2009, Mommy woke up hungry. Big surprise! I got Daddy to take us to the American Waffle Co. across the street. After pigging out, we ventured off to the Avenue where I got my weekly manicure and pedicure. While sitting there getting my nails done, I remember twinging. It was enough to startle the man doing my nails. I told him I was fine, and I thought I was. 

We left there and went to T.J. Maxx to walk a little and shop a little. I had a conversation with a lady in the women's section, and she convinced me I was having contractions. I decided I was still fine, so we left there and went to peruse through the baby aisles at Toys R Us. This time, the contractions stopped me mid-stride, and I remember looking at your dad and we both knew it was time to go home and take it easy. 

We stopped to get a snack at Sonic and a movie. This was back when there was still a Blockbuster (a place where you rent movies...crazy, I know) When we pulled into the driveway, we had a little accident with Mommy's slushy. OOPS! After cleaning it up, we went inside, I got comfy, and we climbed in bed to begin counting contractions. I can remember catching bits and pieces of the movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic". I would go from one extreme to the other. One minute, I was thinking "OH NO! I can't take it." And then, when it passed, I convinced myself that I was fine and that I was just being a wimp. 

When we knew that it was time to go, we called Uncle Roy to get the okay. We already had our bag packed, so that left time for me to change into a cute outfit! On the way to Nashville, I was not as tough as I had previously been. I got a little more vocal as well. Poor Daddy!

When we got to the check-in, the wonderful nurses let us jump ahead of the other moms and dads. SCORE! We still hadn't called any family, because we thought you wouldn't come until the next day. Uncle Roy got us set up in a room to stay the night. We were all still under the impression that the next day would be your day. But OOHHHH were we wrong. Within hours, you were born! You were in such a hurry, that we had to wait for Dr. Draughn! When he arrived, you were in the world in three easy pushes. 11:43 p.m. weighing 7 lbs. 1 oz. You were finally here! Our gift from God. Just for us. Perfectly perfect.

Everyone made it just in time to either greet your daddy and me before or to see you after you were born.  This is my favorite photo, you and I are staring at each other. I love remembering this moment.

Afterward, Daddy went and got me a cheeseburger, fries, green beans, mac and cheese, and a coke. One of the best spot-hitting meals I had ever had. That night we spent lots of quality time with you and got a little bit of much needed rest. The next couple of days was jam-packed with visitors! You got even more gifts and were introduced to all of your new family members! Mommy was ready to get home, but very reluctant at the same time. I remember being afraid of being without my helpful nurses and the surprisingly delicious food. I liked the food so much that I recreated the meals when we got home: meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green peas, and cornbread and for breakfast, oatmeal with butter and brown sugar, a blueberry muffin, and orange juice. Still two of my favorites.

When we headed home, you cried. A lot. But finally, we were home and began getting settled. We had more visitors who brought yummy food for Mommy and Daddy. You also got to meet Bogey when we got home. He was so excited and very protective of you. He wouldn't leave our side when we would rock in your nursery chair.

That night, we were initiated into the parents club. You were fussier than what we had gotten used to in the past 24 hours, and Daddy had to make a run to Kroger for some gas drops. Hallelujah! You allowed us to sleep in 2 hour intervals for the next few days. I adapted pretty well for someone who loves her sleep. 

Over time, the visits slowed down, and we were able to adjust to parenthood. All the while, having to pack up for the move...did I forget to mention that we sold the house the day after you were born? Yep! But we did it. We did it with the help of our family. Within a week, we moved into G-Daddy and Ra-Ra's house. It was supposed to be temporary while they got our house (down the street) ready, but it ended up being a 3 month stay. It was an awesome help to Mommy, though, having everyone around. 

We had lots of fun getting to know you in that first month, and soon discovered it would only continue to get better and better. Just when we began to think our hearts couldn't possibly hold anymore love, it would just grow to accommodate! We love you, baby boy.

Love, Mommy

Aiden's Baby Book - Pregnancy

Hi there, my sweet baby boy! Mommy has definitely got a lot to catch up on. When I sat down to begin writing about your milestones and wonderful things you do and say, I thought it just wouldn't be fair to start 20 months in. I then began thinking, "Well, what better place to start than at the beginning." So, Aiden, that is what I will do. Let's start with the day Daddy and I discovered we were expecting...

It was Wednesday, October 21, 2008. It was like any other Wednesday morning. I was driving to school, milling through the countless thoughts running wild in my head, when I remembered a dream I had the night before. I had dreamt of a baby GIRL. I remembered holding her and I knew that she was mine. So, with that thought in mind, I decided to purchase a pregnancy test before school. And sure enough, it was POSITIVE!  I immediately called your daddy (woke him up, I'm sure) to tell him the great news. Later I thought I would have to remind him for fear he would think he dreamt the phone call. Daddy likes to sleep, am I right? That afternoon, he came home with two Nike baby outfits, one blue, one pink...He thinks of everything! That evening, we had Ra-Ra's birthday party. It was a rock band theme. We had pizza and cake, and everyone began making their way upstairs for Rock Band playing. I, on the other hand, went on home. But not without Uncle B giving me a hard time. Little did he know, he would be eating those words in about a month! Below is a photo taken that night of Ra-Ra and G-Daddy. Please excuse the outfits. 

And so began our journey. Our journey to becoming your mommy and daddy. Our journey of cravings, registry lists, thank you notes, doctor visits, nesting, heartburn, nausea, shopping, backrubs, and many many more things you will hear about from me for the rest of your life! It comes with the territory, kiddo. 

Mommy's Tummy 9 weeks

The day we told our families was the day it became more real to me. We waited until I was around 11 weeks along to spill the beans (a little early, but the Thanksgiving Spirit got to us). I kind of have this affinity for togetherness...and food, but especially togetherness WITH food! Thanksgiving 2008 was at our house on Runnymeade Drive. Mommy made all of the fixings, even a turkey! Well, G-Daddy handled the turkey (fried it, yum!). But Mommy had to clean it out, and you and I did not enjoy that very much at all! In fact, that became Daddy's job. Here is a picture of me in our kitchen cooking things up.

That night, we all gathered at Blake and Becca's house for more food and drawing names for Christmas. I remember asking your daddy numerous times throughout the day if we should tell everyone or not. Finally, the excitement got the best of us. Your Aunt Betsy had known for a while because of Daddy leaving work for my doctor appointments. She is so quick! And thoughtful too; she bought you your first toy, a little plush frog rattle. I had that in my purse, wrapped in its bag. I tossed it to G-Daddy as his "early birthday gift". When he opened it, the tears began. Even Uncle B got emotional. I was sure to give him a guilt trip to (for all of those comments about being sleepy all the time). We all hugged and laughed, then I went upstairs to call everyone else. More tears, more laughter, more elation. I remember Ki-Ki being so surprised that I was able to keep it secret for so long! I can't believe it either...one night we ate out and she had lobster bisque soup. I made a comment about how strong it smelled, and she said, "Are you pregnant?!" hmmm, mommies sure are intuitive, aren't they? Remember that. Here is a photo taken with G-Daddy, the toy, and Daddy.

That night, Daddy and I stayed up until 5 in the morning, driving to Atlanta to buy a brand new couch. We called this our baby celebration gift! It was a rough night for Mommy. But worth it, plus there was a HUGE breakfast bar waiting for us at our hotel. Things like that make a pregnant woman's day!

You at 11 weeks

As time went by, clothes got more difficult to wear, but I wasn't quite ready for full-on maternity wear. I resorted to bella bands and loose tops. And suddenly, scarves became a staple in my wardrobe. Here is Mommy at her birthday party. I remember being so happy thinking that I already had the best birthday gift I could have asked for.

Mommy's tummy at 18 weeks

You at 18 weeks

Our favorite foods were the following: Captain Crunch (no berries), frozen pancakes with strawberry syrup, strawberry waffles with regular syrup, Taco Bell bean burritos, pizza...duh, Carrabba's  Cicilian chicken soup, chicken marsala and smashed potatoes, Little Debbie S'mores, Camino Real chicken quesadillas. These were the bees' knees, the creme de la creme, the things that I would nag your daddy for until they were mine. This helped out with the significant POP seen below. 

Mommy's tummy at 23 weeks

For Spring Break of 2009, your daddy treated us to a relaxing week in our favorite vacation spot, Destin! Even though we only had sun on day one, and the rest of the trip was a continuous rain shower, it was still a great escape from school and housework. Also, due to the weather, we were FORCED to spend more time at the mall, where Mommy found lots of items that cheered her up. And then there were the restaurants where you and I feasted beyond belief. Daddy even got a massage for me and let me have the bed all to myself. By this point, you made it a little more than difficult to get a good night's sleep. I was convinced you would be a night owl. Here is a photo taken from our balcony of mommy and you.

As you (and my belly) continued to grow, and the time seemed to suddenly stand still, I had to look for my happy place. My happy place could be found in many of my favorite activities, some of which I participated in up until the day you were born!

Visits to Babies R Us (especially the ones that followed a Camino quesadilla) were a weekly ritual for me and your dad. Buying anything that was light blue or smelled of baby powder would bring me absolute joy.

Getting my nails done became another weekly trip, especially those last few weeks before you were born. I even was sitting in the chair at Nails So Happy when I felt my first contraction. Of course, then, I didn't think it was that big of a deal.

Shopping for bright colored maternity tops. You know I can never turn down shopping, even when I am super-duper pregnant. My favorite shirt ever was one I got in Destin. I wore it pretty much everyday. It was a gift from you and your daddy.

Showers...need I say more? You got so many special gifts at our showers. Precious clothes, really cool gear. All of your furniture and bedding was equally enjoyable to select, purchase, and put together. Even though we were in the middle of trying to sell our house, we still did a great job getting your room put together and making plenty of room for all of your necessities and goodies! 

Another fond memory is when your G-Daddy and I went to see 3D photos and video of you! We knew that day that you would have your daddy's nose, and mommy's mouth, and of course, that you were the most beautiful baby we had ever seen.

I also became addicted to watching A Baby Story and Bringing Home Baby on TLC. During the summer, I would curl up in the bed and watch these shows with hope and anticipation. I cried every episode. Big surprise.

I loved to amuse myself with your mannerisms, even before you were born. At night, particularly when Mommy needed her sleep, you would kick, and kick, and kick, well you get it. While it kept me up, there was no one else I would rather stay up late with! Speaking of kicking, when Daddy and I would lie in bed and watch television, we would get tickled by placing the remote or laptop on my belly and watch you kick it off! I loved feeling you move around during the day. I would press against your tiny feet, and wait for your response. It was like our own little method of saying "Hey, I love you". 

My other favorite thing was doing your baby laundry. I continued using the same detergent up into your toddler years. There are few things sweeter than the sweet baby smell of Dreft! I would be in heaven sitting on the bed folding your sweet smelling baby-soft clothes and blankets. 

Up until you were born, I would have doctor's appointments each week. Every visit, before we would leave, your daddy and I would have to walk to the nursery and look at all of the babies through the window. All the while knowing that within days, we would be looking through that glass at our own little bundle of joy!

Here is a pic of your very happy mom and dad. Can you tell how excited we are to meet you? P.S. Mommy's wearing her favorite shirt!

Mommy's tummy at 29 weeks

Mommy's tummy right around your due date...I was getting a little anxious for you to be born already!

I was getting so impatient with the whole waiting game, that I tried everything to meet you on my own time. I would go to Marina's on the square and eat eggplant parmesan, drink raspberry leaf tea, take Bogey for long walks on the golf course, and I even tried acupressure. But I found out soon that you just had to make your mind up. Silly Mommy.

Little man, I can't ever say it enough...I love you more than words can ever express. I loved you before I even met you. You are Mommy's gift from God. You came to Mommy and Daddy as the biggest blessing either one of us had ever received. Always remember this.

Love, Mommy