October was filled with Rohan's first trip to Minnesota. Rohan met his girl cousins, Sydney & Chloe, and his Aunt Marnie and Uncle Brock for the first time. Rohan was happy to see Jude and Jasper again, the first time they met Rohan was 6 weeks old. We were able to meet up with our good friends Mike & Jeri Lommen (plus bump - due soon!) at Granite City in St. Cloud. Rohan took a liking to them right away - we wish we lived closer. We headed to Marnie's house and surprised Sydney and Chloe with our arrival. It is always fun to be part of a surprise, either end of a surprise fills my heart with happiness. We ended the long day in Moorhead. Rohan did well on the plane and on the road trip to Moorhead until the last hour - he had enough, and I didn't blame him.
We spent the next few nights in Moorhead. We spent the days shopping, at a pumpkin patch, Hibachi restaurant, and playing at Gramma Karen and Poppa Lyles house, all of course between naps. Saturday was Aaron's cousin Mike's wedding and in the morning we took family pictures in Karen & Lyle's backyard. Rohan was not used to the cold weather, pink little nose was running like a faucet, but was a trooper. We were able to get great shots of the family taken by Aaron's other cousin Nate. We were all appreciative for him coming to town early to capture the family. Rohan stayed and played with his cousins while I met up with my girlfriends (wives of Aaron's friends) to get pedicures and hair done for the wedding. It was a nice relaxing way to spend the day, and I didn't know it but I was going to need those moments of relaxation.
Rohan's runny nose quickly turned into a cold. Anyone knows that means crabby, whiny, needs as much sleep as possible baby. He wouldn't sleep for his aunts before the wedding until they had him in the car seat in the car. So we had to wake him up for the BIG family picture at the church, but I knew that he needed that nap desperately, so Aaron helped me whisk Rohan away to the car so he'd fall back asleep. I drove around town and picked up some Tylenol at Karen's house to give to Rohan when he woke up. I originally did not plan on him being at the church because I knew he wouldn't last, but I knew how much it meant for other family members to see him who never do, so we went along with it. He didn't wake up so I put his car seat on the stroller and wheeled him into the church. As soon as we made it into the elevator he woke up, I figured he'd fall back asleep like he used to in his car seat. Wishful thinking, but I wasn't going to take him out of the stroller until absolutely necessary. So I was the one person in the church with my son and a stroller as my date and we only fit in the handicap pew - which was the last one to fill with guests. I definitely got the looks like "I don't want to sit at her table at lunch" before people committed to sitting in the pew. We were doing OK until I exhausted all the toys I had brought - and trust me I had at least 10 toys - you really can't fit many more in a diaper bag. Rohan would throw the toys on the floor and start crying. I took him out of the car seat trying to bounce him and that would only last for so long. I hardly got support from the ladies around me - it was evil eyes "keep your child quiet" and then finally a lady behind me started talking to Rohan in a sweet voice and I was thinking - oh thank you so much for helping me distract Rohan - until the words came out of her mouth were - "Ohhhh...did your mom not bring any toys for you???".... This was a moment in my life where I find myself in SHOCK and wished I had really told her what I felt. The wedding party has made it up the aisle and the organ starts playing here comes the bride - thank god everyone stood up - I made it my opportunity to walk to opposite direction down the side holding Rohan who is still crying and pushing the stroller with the other hand that is weighed down by my diaper bag. I couldn't do anything to calm him - and of course he had just had a bottle. So his crys are echoing through the church corridors and all I can do is join him. If you can't beat them join them right? At this point the wedding planner for the church came by and so nicely reminded me that children never do good at this time of day - DING DING - and we are an hour behind! I decided this was ridiculous - I am all dressed up with my hair done, crying, while missing my cousin-in-laws wedding ceremony (who married an awesome and gorgeous bride), that my husband is a groomsman in because I choose other peoples wishes over what was best for my son. I walked away with tears in my eyes but another lesson learned in motherhood. Thankfully Aaron's bestfriend's mom is an angel/baby whisperer and she so graciously agreed to watch Rohan so Aaron and I could enjoy the reception - our first night away from Rohan. She gave me a pep talk and I was back in check to make it a great night celebrating with our friends and new family! These times are special to us because we live so far away from our friends and family. When we do travel we never have enough time to see everyone and when we do we cherish it.
We ended the week with an awesome dinner at Jay & Jenn's house with The Marcottes. Rohan met his new friends Ethan, Piper & Hunter and Knox & Dax. Once again it was too short of a visit but I loved every minute of it and every bit of the food! Jenn is an awesome cook/hostess! Jenn & Jennifer made me realize that all moms are going through the same thing just in different ways - I can always count on them to be realistic and not sugarcoat life.
So we left Minnesota with colds and exhausted.
November Rohan started taking steps on his own! We were so excited and every time we'd get loud and say " you can do it.." he'd drop to the floor. About a week before he turned one he took off walking. Little ones walking is the cutest thing. He claps a lot, waves bye bye and waves hi and says hi. He is still saying dada, mama, nana, baba... and babbling. He loves the song If you are happy and you know it clap your hands. :)
Rohan's Birthday was on Thanksgiving this year, last year it was the day before, and we were surprised by my brother who flew in from Oklahoma City. I haven't been surprised in a long time - I usually catch on but I was bummed there wouldn't be family here for Rohan's birthday and Mike surprised me. It was a wonderful surprise that touched my heart because he was thinking of me. Rohan's birthday party was nice - he had little ones here to celebrate - but he didn't really care much for the cake or opening his presents - maybe next year he will be more interested. It makes you realize that he has a good point - that isn't what it is about - its about the people he can play with and the new adventures he can get himself into - that is life. He was ready for a nap at the end of the party and so was I. :)
My mom has joined us in Florida and my dad arrives tomorrow after his first day of retirement! They will be in a rental for 4 months in a community down the road from us. It will be nice to have family close and it will be fun to see them on their journey of retirement. JEALOUS!
December is moving along steadily and the holidays always fill the month with parties and guests. I turn 30 in a few weeks and I am ready to see what the next year has to offer!
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