Second Time Around...Success?

So in comparison to the earlier post of Aden's visit to see Santa after Thanksgiving, last night's second round went much better. Still no smile, but no tears! I just love the look he has on his face here... clearly an "I'm up here, what more do you want from me?"look. Really the only reason he's truly sitting on Mr. Clause's lap is because he gave him a sucker...pretty much Aden will do anything for a sucker- but hey, bribery can't be all bad, right?

Winter/Christmas Fun

We've had so much fun this season with Aden and the excitement he has for snow, and trees, and santa! He really understands so much more than last year and I now get how different holidays are with children, it's the magic that returns and we are so lucky to experience it again through his eyes. We are lucky to have family and friends around too to share these things with. Happy Holidays to you all!

The Classic Santa Exchange

"Do you want to go see Santa Aden?"
"Adie... love...Santa"
"I know you do, we're going to go see him and sit on his lap okay?"
"Okay momma, Adie see Santa"
"Here we are baby..."

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Second time around...

Daugherty Boy #2Pregnant Mommy-27 Weeks
So, all the hopes of being the girl who barely gains a pound the second time around...are out the window! I definitely feel like I'm carrying this boy the same as I did Aden, and absolutely growing just as fast or faster! So far I've been pretty lucky in my pregnancies. This little guy brought on quite a different first trimester, I was much more sick than with Aden. But since we've graduated to the 2nd and now getting into the third I've felt a ton better. I have zero energy at the end of the day, but I guess a class of 10 year olds from 8-4 and then a 2 year old at home can do that to you. He's moving a lot now and I am absolutely falling in love with yet again another Daugherty boy! Funny story- the other day I was asking Aden about the baby in mommy's tummy and he said, "play wit baby momma" and I replied, "we can't play with baby yet Aden, momma needs to cook him a little longer". Well, what I got on the other end of that was absolutely the funniest face I've ever seen. He was completely confused, and rightfully so...gosh mom what are you trying to do to the kid?! He LOVES, I mean LOVES to cook and as soon as I said that he tried to connect the two, and of course could not. I tried to straighten that one out the best I could, but I'm just hoping now it doesn't have any kind of lasting affect on how he views his new little brother. Ha ha ha, raising a toddler is always a blast.
So, on an ending note- today just happens to be Thanksgiving and I want to give a quick note to God and say I am so amazingly blessed to have a beautiful growing, healthy family, family support and love all around me, a job that I adore, and wonderful friends to share it all with. I hope you all experience the meaning of thanksgiving today and soak up the time with your loved ones.

Chuck E. Cheese

Last weekend we experienced, for the first time, Chuck E. Cheese from a parent's perspective. Who would have known?! That place is a zoo! Aden had a good time for sure, but man- Trav and I were whooped by the time we left that place and I have truly never seen so many "characters" under one roof in my life. What an adventure. I'm sure we'll have many more experiences with the good ol' Chuck...but for now- I don't mind waiting a bit for our next chance.

Halloween

We had a really fun Halloween with our little skunk (costume thanks to mommy and nanna...yes folks-homemade! Are you completely surprised?!) and his newfound interest in CANDY! He's been obsessed with suckers and filling his little pumpkin with candy was, I think, one of his favorite games yet. He has been really into pumpkins too...or "punkies" as he calls them, so carving one with daddy and mommy was a blast. He didn't really enjoy the guts so much, but had fun pretending to cook with his big spoon, stirring the insides around. We had a great visit with Nanna and Bumpa Kingsbury and Aunt Claire. We joined our Ritchey family and the Hosiers of course and headed to Alexandria for a few stops with grandparents and family. Overall it was a very busy night, and a great memory. Our little boy is growing up so quickly and we are absolutely in love with each day we have with him. We never knew how much joy one little person could bring!

Baby Daugherty

I will try to scan our newest ultrasound pictures, but we found out a couple weeks ago that we are on our way to boy #2! I have joked, although somewhat seriously at times, that I am certain I'll have my starting 5 before we have a little girl join our family...but I guess we'll just have to see! We are so, so excited to have another healthy boy to chase around, and I know Aden will be a wonderful big brother. He is incredibly cute about it all and likes to point out the "baby in momma's lelly" as he says it, adding a kiss as well! SO fun! Baby boy Daugherty will be here March 2, 2009 and I will be officially outnumbered 3-1...pray for me:-) ha ha! Love you all! Blessings, Jess

Catching Up...

Aden and Momma...all smilesAre my boys beginning to look alike or what?

Aden is VERY interested in the potty...(Yes!!!)

Adie's first trip on a boat, very exciting!

We've had a wonderful summer and are all adjusting to being back in "school mode". Aden is getting to be such a big boy and has more words to share every day. He's very excited about the new baby growing in my tummy and likes to give it zerberts (sp?) ha ha ha! We'll hope for the same enthusiasm in the next 5 months...
Hopefully we'll be better about updating this thing, it's been a long time!
Blessings, Daughertys

Annual 926 College Reunion- Arizona

Last week we traveled west to celebrate Jeff Whye's wedding. We decided to also lump it into our second annual 926 reunion and it was AMAZING to see everyone (well except our Hanlons-which can not be replaced!). It always seems as if we pick up right where we've left off and Trav and I thank God for such wonderful friends to share our lives with. This is truly a one of a kind group and although it started with the seven original 926 fellas, I have to say I think the ladies have added our own spice to this group as well. On that note... welcome, officially, Mrs. Nicky Whye to our irreplaceable group! I can't wait for another chance to see you all. We love you so, so much!!

Our Little Rockstar

Aden can finally fit into his retro rock star "t" that Auntie Heade got him for his birthday. She, without a doubt, will be the relative to keep him looking cool at all times! I thought I'd add a little "f0-hawk" for extra effect! Rock out baby!

Playing Catch Up!

I'm a little behind with our blog so I thought I'd post a few random pictures of our boy and some springtime fun! The end of the school year has been a blur, but we are full on into summer now and absolutely loving it! Aden, Trav, and I have had a lot of fun this week hanging out at home, grilling on the porch, swimming in Nanna and Papaw's pool and being lazy! We are so lucky to have the jobs we do that allow us to be together over the summer, we feel really blessed to have this time as a family. We are planning a couple of trips this summer, one to Arizona for Uncle Jeff's wedding, and another to Las Vegas for a basketball tournament that Trav's player is involved in. Other than that we are looking forward to lazy summer days. We love you all and miss you- wherever you are. Hope you are enjoying the sunshine as much as we are!

Spring Break- West Palm Beach

We spent last week in Florida with Aunt Amber, Uncle Cliff and cousins Cove and Bella, visiting Mimi and Papi Daugherty. We had a great vacation! The weather was beautiful and we were all soaking up the sunshine and warm temps. Aden LOVED swimming in the pool and taking long walks. He wasn't so sure about the ocean and waves though, daddy tried to get him used to them but he was pretty stubborn and decided he'd save his swimming for pool time instead. We had a wonderful, and much needed, vacation and are praying the warm weather will soon be here in Indiana. Oh what sunshine does for the soul!

Let them eat cake!

Aden had a perfect first birthday party! He had a house full of family and friends to celebrate with and a very yummy chocolate cake that at one time looked like a really cute monkey...and then not so much! Don't be fooled into thinking this picture shows the extent of it, let me tell you it got much worse. I was literally getting chocolate out of his belly button the next day (after two baths!) Wow- is this my kid or what?! Nothing beats a birthday...and lots of chocolate! Happy to ya Aden!!

A year ago today...

As I sit here trying to create the most perfect and well worded paragraph to describe the impact a year ago today had on our lives, I am stumped for where to begin. There are not enough paragraphs to fit on this blog that could shed a glimpse of what we feel for our little Aden. The kind of love we've found as parents can only be explained as a glimmer of what God must feel for us. The life of a child is nothing short of a blessing that God has given to us to have an understanding, if possible, of the depth and breadth of His eternal love for us and desire to be loved in return. We feel thankful for that blessing every day we wake up and hold our little boy in our arms. He brings joy, laughter, peace, expectation and so many things that are not easily explained. We are thankful for amazing parents in our own lives who have loved us beyond words and now do the same for their grandchild. To say our lives were changed by 'a year ago today' would be less than adequate. We will never be the same.
Happy Birthday sweet Aden! We love you so!

Aden's First Easter Egg Hunt

Aden experienced his first "wild" egg hunt at Gaither's last Saturday. He was very excited to hunt for his first egg...although we had to set up a blockade to protect our little egg. But hey...all part of the game right?! Gotta have your game face on... I'd say he's got the best coach! Happy Easter to you all! God Bless!

Tipton Wins the Sectional!

Monday night was a very exciting one, that's for sure! Trav's team has worked so hard this season, and despite injuries and other hardships they fought for the sectional victory! Trav was, clearly, very excited and is busy preparing his team and coaching staff for the regionals Saturday. We'll keep you posted...