2009 Year in Review

This year as I sit writing our annual year-in-review the household buzzes with all the excitement of a growing family.  Aiden tirelessley attempts his first somersault in the living room (toppling into walls and stray trains) while Finn coos on my lap, offering his crooked little smile in the direction of his brother's squeals and laughter.  Of course the situation could disintegrate at any moment, leaving behind trails of tears, soiled clothes, shirts covered in spit-up... but for now our Christmas lights twinkle and there is peace in the Scanga household.

Shortly after the new year we celebrated Aiden's first birthday.  Despite a few toddler-sized meltdowns, Aiden was thrilled with the cake, presents, and most of all the endless attention of a day all about him!  A few weeks later, however, we learned that the Scanga family would grow to include a new member and that Aiden-centered days would soon come to a close.

The spring flew by as we prepared for our new baby.  As Joel finished up the school year Kim and Aiden enjoyed frequent visits to the library (where he played with his beloved Thomas trains while Mom caught up on the latest Real Simple magazine), their weekly playgroup, and of course the local kid's park.

The summer was full of just about all the fun Kim and her growning belly could handle.  The days were filled with trips to a nearby amusement park (where Aiden fell in love with the sports cars and train rides), visits to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Children's Musuem, and attempts (mostly failed) to make it through the entire nine innings of Major League baseball games.  Then, in the very early morning of September 1st, Aiden's first cousin was born, Kayla Noel.  Kim and Aiden were able to enjoy a few days in Lancaster with Kim's sister and her new family.

Along with hay rides and leaf piles, fall brought the newest addition to the Scanga family, Finn David.  Finn was born on October 7th (a very long week and a half late) at 7:27am, just as the sun rose over the horizon.  Aiden was thrilled with his new baby brother and Finn is now the recipient of more Aiden kisses than any member of the Scanga family (a fact well-documented for future embarrasment).  Though having a newborn in the house is a major adjustment for everyone, we are surprised daily by the amount of love we feel for both our boys and already can't imagine life without Finn.

Thank you for your interest in our life and family... stay tuned for future updates!   

Trick or Treat 2009

Aiden really enjoyed dressing up with Finn and handing out candy this year.  [More photos]

Our Newest Addition

Finn David Scanga

Aiden's Great Pumpkin Chase

Unfortunately the trait of indecision has been passed on to the poor boy.



Happy Fall!

Summer Fun

Playing with birdseed in the nursery.

Aiden's favorite spot in the zoo, watching the sea lion swim around.

Checking out the elephants.

More Dancing With Aiden

Aiden can't get enough of the dance floor. Check out this video of Aiden dancing with Dad.

Take me out to the ballgame!

Here are a few pictures of Aiden at his first baseball game. He lasted through 6 innings had a good time taking in all the sights and sounds.

Spring is Here!!!

Easter



Trip to the Park







Trip to Another Park

Introducing...

Aiden (along with mom and dad) are excited to announce: there will be a new member joining the Scanga family at the end of September!

First Haircut

Celebrating the Big Win!

Early in his life, Aiden experiences the sweet taste of victory as the Steelers win the Super Bowl...or was that just the sweet taste of applesauce from dinner?!

Aiden Turns One!

On January 19 Aiden turned one year old. Here is a short video of some shots from his first year of life.

Aiden, Meet Snow

We bundled the little guy up and took him out...

he had NO IDEA what to think about it all!

Aiden's First Christmas

Christmas morning began as any other... our reliable, little 5:30 alarm went off, Mom and Dad laid exhausted in bed as that same little alarm climbed, crawled, and shook in a relentless search for someone to play with, and then, whether we liked it or not... we were up. Memories of Christmases past flooded back when Aiden and Mom were forced to wait with anticipation in the bedroom while Dad prepared the video camera. And then he was off... toddling to what he assumed was the all-to-familiar basket of toys in the living room, only to be met with a strange pile of penguin-paper-covered lumps. While he appeared more than content to play with his gifts in their concealed form, eventually Mom and Dad helped him peel the mysterious paper covering and watched his intent expression turn to joy as he discovered the rattling, wheeling, musical toys within.

More important, and definitely more lasting, than the presents this Christmas was treasured time with family. While Christmas morning was spent as our own little family, Aiden shared Christmas celebrations with Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and friends. While he smiled at the new toys, he lit up under the attention and love of those nearest and dearest in his young life.

While we pray that one day Aiden will understand the true meaning of Christmas, I think it's a step in the right direction that he never grabbed, banged, or in any other way attempted to destroy our single Christmas decoration ... a small nativity consisting of Mary, Joseph, and of course, Jesus. He may not be quoting scripture or feeding the homeless, but as anyone with an energetic one-year-old boy can attest, this tiny gesture is perhaps our own little Christmas miracle!