Finally, Chris has returned!

We are very excited around here to finally have Chris home!!! He headed back to Iowa for his uncle's funeral the past few days. I really wish that we could have all made it back to be with family, but Chris and I decided it would be best for Aiden and I to stay back because an unexpected trip with a very energetic strong-willed 18 month old would not be easy for any of us, plus Aiden has been running a slight fever, having a few sleep issues, and traveling for several days with a non-enthusiastic car rider may put us at the end of the rope. So Chris headed back for 5 days, while we held down the fort here in CT.

Right now, with Chris starting a new assignment in the city, his total commute door to door is about two hours each way-which totals FOUR hours a day! This includes getting to the train station, taking the train to the city, taking the subway down to the Financial District, and walking to his office. Usually he is gone by 5:30-5:45 and home around 8:00, sometimes earlier and sometimes later. NOT FUN! Therefore, on many days during the week, Aiden doesn't get to see him at all. It has been a struggle for Chris because he TOTALLY misses the time with his little boy. I miss having extra assistance during the week and thrive to be the best parent for Aiden all day long, even when I would love just a little break that other moms get when their husbands arrive home or have family nearby. I also miss having dinners together and enjoying some family time together at night. Being 5 months pregnant while taking care of Aiden full-time, keeping up on chores and errands, and trying to get out and about with Aiden is about all I can manage right now. I have many hobbies that have been sidelined right now-working on Aiden's quilt, scrapbooking, reading, and even trying to get a daily workout in is a constant battle for me:) Let's just say that I am completely exhausted by the end of the day. Aiden misses his daddy SO much. He often carries around one of our broken cell phones talking to Da-Da. He waits by the window on days that Chris will get home earlier, looking for Da-Da and just lights up as soon as he sees his Daddy's car and runs to the top of the stairs waiting for Daddy to come in. It's been a hard past couple months for all of us, but we know that it is just temporary and are trying our best to stay optimistic and supportive of one another. We are looking to move closer to the city to cut the time on the commute and are hoping to get some resolution to our crazy lives soon, especially before baby #2 comes!

The good thing about this past weekend as we were blessed with Grandpa Ruff's (my dad) visit here. He showed up on Friday night and stayed all the way until Wednesday afternoon-THANKS Dad for keeping us company. On Saturday, my dad, Aiden, and I headed up to my cousin Bill's wedding in New Hampshire. They got married right near the coast of NH and it was beautiful there. I would love to head back that way sometime to vacation-it looked gorgeous. We had a great time and I really enjoyed seeing the Ruff side of the family. Aiden loved the wedding festivities-dancing, running around, and enjoying all the extra attention. Here are some pictures from the weekend:

Congratulations Bill and Christine!

Aiden and I before the wedding.

My little boy:)

Dancing to music!

All tired out the next morning. Let's just say that we didn't get the best sleep in the hotel that night. Aiden was not enjoying that pack and play so he finally fell asleep with Mommy at 11:30 and woke up super early-before 6 am:) I think he was overtired from one busy day of traveling and wedding time! Good thing we headed home not long after.

We arrived back late Sunday night and spent the next few days enjoying some time around home. We ventured to Stew Leonards, downtown Fairfield for some book and t-shirt shopping, and did some errands with Grandpa.

Enjoying a snack of grapes and Goldfish!

Loving his tractor dumper

LOVES, LOVES, LOVES the phone

Lately, Aiden has been running away when I try to get him dressed. Somedays, instead of fighting the battle, I give in and let him run around the house with just a diaper:) You can see who won this contest today!

Thanks Grandpa for visiting! We love you:)