In addition to the Santa Claus thing, today has been quite the day for Aidan.

For the first time, ever, he got up out of bed and came upstairs all by himself, unprompted.  This was the first time since we put him in the toddler bed (and subsequently the bunk bed) that he has done this. We put him in the toddler bed in March. It’s been 9 months. It’s about time.

After getting up this morning, and going to the toilet, we put him in underwear.

Then I left for work.

The report back from Gwen for the rest of the day was: no accidents at all! Including going to preschool and a trip to the mall (for the Santa visit).  I’m not sure Santa would be smiling so big if he knew he time-bomb sitting on his lap! :)

Plus, we got his preschool photos today (with a complementary limb removal operation). I’ve got a rant about the photos coming soon, but for now enjoy:

Aidan

The first time Aidan balked and wouldn’t get within a foot of Santa.  This time he was excited and not shy, and he climbed right onto Santa’s lap.  We managed to get Quinlan on the lap as well and here is the photographic evidence.

Gwen has taken over 300 photos over the past two days.  Here are a few of the keepers.  The pictures of Aidan in the elephant costume are photos are about the only pictures that we have of him in his Hallowe’en costume (other than the few from the actual night).

Since the birth was so quick, we were able to bring Aidan and Gwen’s mother Lorraine up to visit later that evening.  Both were quite eager to meet Quinlan, but Aidan’s excitement was palpable.

Of course, he wanted hold his little brother.

I spent the night at home with Aidan and Nana while Gwen and Quinlan spent the night in the hospital.  When I returned the next day, Gwen had her blood sugar level tested and it came back a little high.  As a result, we were led to believe that they’d be spending another day.  When the doctor came in, though, and reviewed Gwen’s chart she was pretty enthusiastic about getting us out of there!  So, we gathered up our stuff and took some obligatory photos:

We have a picture just like the next one but of Aidan:

We got Quinlan and Gwen home — less than 24 hours after he was born! — and there was more brotherly love:

And, even the next day (ignore the wild hair please), Aidan was interested and helpful:

I think we’re off to a good start.