For the first time, Aiden stayed with his grandparents at their house without us. It was awkward.

We had our annual Christmas party last night, and while we’ve had little parties at our house with Aiden around, this party was larger and we thought we’d try it sans kiddo. We took him over to Grandpa Genna’s house around 4:00, and, as usual, Aiden was ecstatic to see him. We said our goodbyes, and headed for the door. Aiden got a very concerned and confused look on his face, but didn’t cry.

The party went well (pictures), and afterward we went to pick him up.  He was asleep, slept on the drive home, and slept through the night.

Aiden slept in his own bedroom for the first time last night.  He didn’t seem to want to at first, but after rocking him to sleep, I deposited him in his bed around 9:00.  He slept until 11:30, and woke up hungry.  After a snack, he went back to sleep and slept until 3:50.  I rocked him back to sleep, and he slept until 5:30.

Compared to most nights in our bedroom, this is a pretty good night.  It’s not fun having to walk upstairs and across the house whenever we hear him on the baby monitor, but I know he really should be in his own room at his age (or, rather, much sooner.  oops.)

I think we need to invest in a nightlight for him.

On his 8th month birthday Aiden can fully sit on his own now. During our week long trip to Destin, Florida, Aiden made his first real attempts at crawling which we got a chance to capture on film. He is still unable to crawl all the way, but definitely making good progress trying. It seems like he is doing a much better job flipping back and forth in order to transport himself and at times while trying to crawl forward he actually ends up crawling back a bit.

He talks a lot in his own, in his little baby language. He seems to be very close to being able to say complete words. He seems to be a lot more aware and a lot more curious of things around him. If any object comes into his area of reach, it becomes Aiden’s.

While on vacation in Florida, Aiden was responsible for the tragic lost of a coffee cup from the table in the rental house.  Fortunately it was already empty.

Also, while in Florida, Aiden got to swim for the first time in a swimming pool at the rental house. With mommy’s and daddy’s help, Aiden got to float in the water and did a froggy style swim. While in the pool Aiden also got to float in his own tube with handles. He also got to stand for a brief moment in the Gulf water. He was a bit afraid as the waves touched his feet, but mommy quickly raised him to safety. He was very fascinated by the flying sea gulls and pelicans on the beach.

While on the trip, Aiden found his new favorite toys, which include plastic fishes and frogs that came in 3-packs are meant for bath time. It’s amazing how 2 sets of $.99 toys can be so much better then some expensive electronic toys.

After our vacation, Aiden seems to have a problem being left alone in the room and even being left for extended period of time in his play center without someone playing with him. It has lasted for 2 weeks already, but it seems to be getting a bit better, at least we hope.

He can no longer be left in a rocker by himself while sleeping. Aiden has learned to sit up and seems to enjoy it a lot, but without any support he could very easily fall out of it.

While going on the walks with mommy and daddy, Aiden now sits in his stroller without the care seat. Just like a “Big Boy” would! He enjoys it a lot more since he gets to see everything around him.

Aiden had his 8th month pediatrician appointment at All Children’s Pediatrics. While being examined by Missy he did an excellent job, even when he received his shots (RotaTech and Previnar).

For his 8th month visit his measurements include: length 27” (27%), weight 21b. 7oz (80%) and head size 45 (51%).  He’s continuing the trend of being short and chubby.

Aiden can now fully roll over from his belly to his back going from left to right. He doesn’t like being on his belly therefore his newly learned skill comes in handy quite often. He can also sit up for a while without falling over, especially when he sits on the solid surfaces.

He is very curious about everything around him. Nothing is safe as long as it in his reach. He loves to crumble up paper. Today while shopping at Kroger, Aiden was responsible for the grocery list. As mommy and daddy tried taking it from him for a while to refer to it, Aiden got really upset.

Aiden gets very happy when mommy and daddy tickle and play with him. As he gets excited he laughs, smiles, and if standing tried to jump up and down on his feet.

He enjoys sitting in his play center and occupying himself for about 10-15 min. depending on the mood. His favorite toys tend to be little balls that can roll down a tunnel. He tried to eat them and eventually ends up throwing them down on the floor.

Aiden is pretty good about his night routine. He gets his last feeding at 8pm every evening and falls to sleep by himself in his crib afterwards. He still cries during the night, but generally on the good days putting in his passy tends to calm him down. Somewhere between 4-5 am he generally wakes up due to tummy rumbles. Usually feeding or gassy medicine tends to calm him down.

Today Aiden had his first full day away from home on the family trip to Cincinnati to celebrate mommy and daddy’s 4 year anniversary. Aiden slept through most of it and was carried for the rest of time. He was great in the 1.5hr car ride on the way there and back.