A boy and his peacock

Dear Six Year Old Aiden,
I think you should know that there are times when I find the lessons you have to learn to be unfair. That growing up is sometimes much to hard, and big a task, for such a little guy. Times that I wish instead of us meeting head to head, that we could just always enjoy those moments of silly stories and laughter. But alas, that is not always the case. And as you get older, and stronger, and smarter, and even better than you already were (which is no small feat as you are already amazing), the lessons you learn will naturally get harder. The realist in me knows this is true. And I know that life lessons, as hard as they may be, are ones that are vital in you growing up to be a man. And mind you, not just any man, a good man. These lessons are things that will make you grow in ways you never knew you could, or even wanted to sometimes.

And so tonight, as I sit here writing, ever so glad that Christmas music and just "one more snuggle" has lulled you off to sleep, I am going to write about just a boy and his peacock...

You entertain me. I don't know if I convey that enough to you sometimes, but you should know it is constantly on my mind. The things you choose to love and want are nothing short of baffling sometimes. And not in a bad way. Your Christmas list this year included a frog. Yes, a real one. For the first time ever you sat on Santa's lap, just so you could tell him this. Before this moment you refused to "sit on a strangers lap." My goodness how you make me laugh. That awesome, crazy head of yours is truly something special kid.

So in our typical Christmas tradition we both made ornaments this year, and bought ornaments. Our shopping adventure took us all over, but we landed at a store that held an item of fascination to you - a  peacock to display on a tree. Oh how you were overjoyed at this idea, even though I continued to make you look.  And you were happy with the thought of this gold bird that would serve as your ornament for the year, that is until the red peacock was discovered...

To say this thing was large would be a vast understatement. To say is was sparkly, wouldn't do it justice. Oh this thing is extravagant in a really special way.

Eventually we discussed our ornaments for the year and you did not decide on either of these, but rather on a very cute snow owl - whom you promptly named "Snowy Legend Power." However as the weeks passed, you realized your love for the peacock was so great. So great in fact, you dreamed of it, and literally shed tears in your dreams for this bird.

 

Oh how my heart softened, and finally I caved. I purchased the yellow bird, as that is what you had told me you wanted when I asked. And when you finally got your long awaited bird your disappointment that this bird was not the fantastic bird you remembered, but that you had actually meant to ask for the red one, was disheartening. As was the aftermath of the fit you threw, and the hard lesson you had to learn about what it means to be grateful, as I made you return the bird, not to receive another.

 

There are very few times I feel I have had to teach such a hard lesson. Frankly, you seem to know more about life then most adults I know do. So this lesson in humility and gratefulness was hard, even for me, to swallow. My fears that this will forever remain in your brain as an awful memory hurt. That this silly bird would somehow outweigh all the good things we constantly have worried me. However, my fear that you are a person who feels entitled and ungrateful over-ruled all else. That is not the kind of person you are, nor is it the kind I am willing to let you be. You are far to excellent to be anything but the best you. Aiden Matthew, I am so honored to get to be your mother. So while I know tonight you have lamented the loss of your peacock, I hope the lesson stays. That you know I love you so much, that even now, at six, I am looking out for who you will become, as much as I am looking out for you right now. And that I will ensure you will always understand how to treat others, as I want you treated that greatly.  I think you know this. And I love you ever so much.

 

                                                            -Mommy

Never a dull moment...

In case you needed a little laugh...

*Today Aiden had to get some blood drawn (to re-test for his egg white allergy). Though the experience wasn't his favorite, afterwards he decided to let me in on what he thought was going to happen next to his blood. Apparently what happens when they test a possible egg allergy is they place the blood (under the microscope) next to egg. If the blood runs away from the egg than he is allergic. If he is not allergic, then his blood will eat it. Epic.

*"When I'm a check I'll charge $1 for these little pizzas and $8 for a glass of milk!"

*Our dinner conversation one night:
Aiden: Imagine if we were red-billed tropicbirds eating dinner - these noodles would be fish and squids that you gathered form the surface waters for me.
Me: =O

In case you needed a reason to be reassured in the power of love...

*Driving in the car a few months ago Aiden was asking about his Auntie B. He wanted me to remind him if she was married, when I told him she had a boyfriend his reply was such:
Aiden: Hey maybe they will get married soon!
Me: Yes, that would be so neat!
Aiden: But how will they do that?
Me: What do you mean?
Aiden: How do you get married?
Me: Well first the man has to ask the woman and she has to decide if it is what she wants to do.
Aiden: *Sigh. Oh my heart will be so nervous when I ask Lexi to marry me, even though I know she will say yes...

And some late, though unforgettable, conversations from our three getaways in the month of July...

*Vacation one: Portales - on the way home Aiden asked when we'd get back to America. After we told him we've been in America, and actually Portales was still part of New Mexico, he declared "I just know we were in South America!"

*Vacation two: Bottomless Lakes camping trip - while packing for our trip I was making sure I packed bug spray, because mosquitoes LOVE me. Aiden declared "Yeah well mosquitoes hate me because my blood tastes like hero."

*Vacation three: California adventure - on the way to Legoland and our amazing resort hotel (thanks mom and dad!) Aiden asked us: "Is this hotel, like the hotel in my dreams?" Oh how we laughed. When we asked what the one in his dreams was like he gave a very interesting and oddly detailed description of the pool...

Oh my dear Aiden, there is just something about you.

Aiden talking to Delia

Voting day!



He voted! ;)

He has built Perry the Platypus

Learning how the world really works

These last few weeks have held a few revelations for little dude, that I just had to share. Enjoy!

Me: Aiden Matthew you need to watch how you say things to people, because that sounded rude.
Aiden: MOM - You KNOW that I can't control what I say, because God controls everything we all say.
Me: Ummmm no. Let's have a chat about something called "Free Will"...
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Aiden: I love chicken nuggets!
Me: I know, but let's have chicken tenders, because they are at least made of real chicken.
Aiden: What are chicken nuggets made of?
Me: Various chicken parts. It's yucky, trust me.
Aiden: But chicken strips have real chicken?
Me: Yes.
Aiden: So do other things have real things if they are, like, strips?
Me: Ummm, like what?
Aiden: So that means buffalo tenders are real buffalo!!!

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While watching the Broadway musical The Lion King

**Mufasa has just died
Me: You ok bubs?
Aiden: Yeah, don't worry, I know that man isn't really dead.

**Simba and Nara rediscover each other
Aiden: AWE - I know they're in love because they're dancing.


Thanks Aiden, for making all of your life learning experiences so entertaining and sweet. :)

Why Jesus so loved children...

Last nights dinner conversation was spent around whether or not Aiden wanted to start catechism classes. When I told him that they were a place where kids his age would learn about God, the Bible, and Jesus' life, his excitement was beyond comparison. And then I got a little glimpse into why Jesus so loved children...

Aiden: "Jesus is a hero. Not like a policeman or fireman, like a real superhero. He's like the best superhero ever! Yeah because Jesus saved EVERYONE from their sins. That is so awesome!  He saved all of us!"

That strong faith. That enthusiasm and truth. That not needing anything more than what you already know.

So loved is he.
So loved are we.

I thank God for moments like these...

It's the end of the day and although I put Aiden to bed over an hour ago - HE'S STILL UP. Not just awake, but coming back and forth into the living room to ask me another question, request another hug (awe), tell me another antic, suggest an alternative to bed time, ask for a toy he knows he can't have, etc., etc., ETC!

The music on his CD player has cycled twice. I have missed my work out. I have grading to do, emails to return, tests to write, dishes to do, laundry to put away, and as I feel I am reaching a point of frustration I needed to be able to work out on my elliptical after my long day, I hear a different tune. To be specific it's a melody:

Who's to say
What's impossible
Well they forgot
This world keeps spinning
And with each new day
I can feel a change in everything
And as the surface breaks reflections fade
But in some ways they remain the same
And as my mind begins to spread its wings
There's no stopping curiosity

                                   -Jack Johnson, Upside Down

Aiden has changed the CD he is listening to and it's not just that Jack Johnson's Curious George soundtrack is actually awesome (and it really is), it's that those songs send me back to a moment:

 I'm sitting with rain patting on a window (a typical Seattle fall evening) with the sweetest little baby in my arms. I'm on a rocking chair my parents wanted me to have as a mother. I'm gently caressing the top of Aiden's head and ever-so-softly singing along. I know the words, they are the same words I hold and rock him to every night. And as these words fall into the sounds of my now six year olds room I am not frustrated. I am no longer concerned about the things I HAVE to do. I sit beside him on his bed and gently caress the top of his head. I listen to him sing along with me so softly until the yawns become more frequent, until it is only ol' Jack and me once again holding that lullaby for Aiden. It is here that I thank God for moments like these. For moments that take me back, for moments that make me realize what matters, and for moments like these that I know have become less frequent as he gets older. I am thankful.

And then he chose red...

And so the young grasshopper becomes the Uno Master...

 

(That's the last time I let him have Ruffy Puppy on his team.)

How lucky am I?

*Bed time rolls around and as Aiden and I read The Fantastic Mr. Fox once again he snuggles up and puts his cheek next to mine as I read for just a tiny, snuggly moment.
*Saturday mornings roll around and instead of taking the chance to sleep in, I wake up to a kid (not so secretly, or quietly, but ever so sweetly) climbing into my bed to kiss me on the cheek, because he believes that's how you wake up a mama (before you beg for your Saturday morning pancakes).
* The who loves who more debate.
*The kid who asks for broccoli with every meal.
*Hearing how a little heart loves you differently, because you're his mama.
*Those precious giggles at bedtime in that last attempt to not have to go to sleep after he has begged for one more chapter.
*Listening to him talk about his made up game of Super Hero Quest and all the awesome things that go along with it.
*Watching him learn sympathy for those less fortunate than him.
*Watching him finally get across the monkey bars by himself - reaching his first ever real, I'm not going to stop trying till I get it, goal.
*Having him be okay after the first fall off of the play ground equipment he has mastered.
*Hearing how many people he means so much to, and yet getting to be the hand he grabs a hold of when he's nervous for a first day of first grade.
So many little snippets of how lucky I am.

Just another reason Aiden rules...

This was Aiden on his sixth birthday: smiley, happy, and generally in a good mood, oh yeah and sick with strep throat.

As is generally the case with my awesome little man, he acted like his normal self. He did not once complain about feeling yucky. I, in fact, hadn't even taken him to the doctor because he was filling ill. We luckily (and somewhat ironically) had a well child visit scheduled for him the day before his birthday.  So despite the fact that he was confined to the house on his birthday, he was happy, he was playful, and most of all, he was super excited to be six.

And once today came around, well I'd say he was really back to his normal self...

which is just totally awesome (and yes that's him with a bumblebee transformers mask, and a pirate sword).

I loved you first.

SIX! Six years of amazing memories. Six years of watching you grow, learn, laugh, play, etc. Six years of worry, and of wonderment.

While every year spins me into a fit of nostalgia this year left me with more. A simple thought: while others (new and old) get to love you now, I have loved you so much longer. Since that first moment of wondering. Since that first line on a plastic stick. Since that first flutter in my stomach when I realized I was no longer just I. Since the first time I heard your heart beat. Since I spent countless hours giggling at what a fire ball you were in utero. That first cry. That first time I got to meet the person that I already knew. My sweet, Super Aiden...

 I loved you first.






Happy birthday (tomorrow, of course), my sweet, little man.

Just because

We all have those days. You know the ones where you feel like you spend more time in your car running errands, than you do standing on solid ground. Where it takes every ounce of patience you have driving through traffic so the little one in your backseat doesn't learn a few (a-hem) choice words. Today was no exception in this household. After a morning filled with tired (albeit fun) middle schoolers, it was off to grab Aiden, enjoy a short lunch with my mom and sister, and then off to run what felt like a thousand errands. I have to admit I hate days like this. It's hot outside, Aiden (God bless him) only has so much patience when he has to play passenger at the store, in the car, in offices, etc., and quite frankly I just want to be able to enjoy my time off with my little one as much as he does. Upon reaching our almost final destination of Whole Foods, Aiden and I lamented about how thirsty we were and decided a nice cool drink from the refrigerated section would be in order. As we parked and ran through the list of things we would be getting our conversation went as follows:
Me: Alright, we know everything we need to get right?
Aiden: Right! Oh! And we need to get you some flowers.
Me: Some flowers? What for baby?
Aiden: Because you've been so nice to me all day Mommy.
Me: (((Silence))) Aiden you are a sweetie pie.
As we walked through the parking lot we talked about the possible samples he would get to choose from for little tid bits until his snack was purchased. However, the second we walked into the store Aiden b-lined it, straight for the flower section in which he picked up a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He then peered up with that sweet smile and asked "Can I get these ones for you?" The lady behind the flower table laughed and asked how one could say no to that. It's real simple, I didn't. As it turns out "Just because" presents and surprises are both one of my favorite things to give and to get. Love this kid.

APPARENTLY...

I've been slacking. But I digress, it has been an insane month in this household. Between finishing up our school years (Aiden and I both), jet setting off to Idaho for MDA camp (me), Nick, Crystal, and Marcus surprising us with a visit, the lovely Mama Talia coming to town, the start of summer school, and the entrance of a new little one to our Wolfpak - IT.HAS.BEEN.BUSY!

Not so busy though that I have forgotten the importance of posting these before I start gushing at how another year has passed by (and oh my God how is it Aiden is almost 6?!).  These days- they do escape me. That is until the wit of my amazing son pushing me into such a fit of laughter that I am reminded how precious the days are, how sweet his laughter is, how much I love that he argues he loves me more, and just how much fun joy I get from being his mom that I need to record another moment, another snippet of time, so that years from now he can see for himself what joy he already brings.

So we'll start with our title, or Aiden's new favorite word. Seriously. He uses it constantly. Take yesterday for instance, when I asked what he did while at his daddy's house his response was thus:
"Well apparently he had to work (ummm seeing how it was a Wednesday morning, yeah.), so I builded a lego and I read the instructions all by myself and I only messed up one part!" Oh the sound of sheer happiness in his voice at that last part is about as grand as the sheer happiness I feel when he says he "read the instructions." That's right folks, Aiden is a reading fool these days. He reads everything, and if I must say so myself, he reads well. But most importantly (and trust me this is the battle to contend with when it comes to children) he enjoys reading, even when he struggles. Can you say proud mommy/English teacher? :0)

If that's not enough cuteness to get you through then his love for his new cousin ought to do it. The arrival of baby Delia has been something he has been excitedly awaiting. This is due in part for his strong desire for his own sibling (he did ask for one for Christmas), but also because this kid simply loves babies. All babies, any babies, it doesn't matter, he has baby fever.Though, much to his disappointment, she was not born with green hair, he still cannot contain his happiness for Delia to be here.

 And now I shall leave you all with plenty of  pictures (including a picture of his weird clam puppet he had to have...don't ask, I'm not sure I even understand..) Much love to all.

Baseball time!

Goofin' around

Aiden holding Delia

Pretty grandma

Marcus-man

3 crazy kiddos

Meeting Delia

Playing with coo-koo bird grandpa

                                                  

Two cousins just playin' around

Crazy kiddos

Mustache baby :)

Marcus-man and his auntie TC

Aiden-man

My Tic-Tac-Toe nemesis

Happy family :)

Two crazy peas in one crazy pod



   

Mama Talia - this melts my heart

Awe!

Hello little Nick face...

On a walk :)

Creepiest toy ever..

My whole heart



I think it's rather impossible to describe how much fun Aiden truly is. Between our superhero adventures, hiking in the foothills, pretending our car is a pirate ship - there really is never a dull moment. However, what I have come to notice is what I love best are those zany moments in conversations where he makes the most hilarious declaration and you can't help but be overcome with laughter. Watch out folks, we have the future class clown amongst us. Well today (Mother's Day) was no exception. Except instead of those amusing comments, his sweet Aiden self herded me to a closed door where my surprise (which he was actually able to keep a surprise!) awaited me. Besides the lovely gifts he had already bestowed upon me, his handmade Kindergarten gifts were waiting. Within these lay this special treasure:

Kindergarten Mother's Day Survey

99!?! Well I just aged seventy years! I think I laughed till I cried. And as I scrolled down and saw the "My mom is prettiest when it is everyday," I think my whole heart actually melted. This kid, oh this kid...

well he's everything to this mama.

Aiden-Matthew you make being a mama so incredibly special.

Baby Cliches Ring True

"It goes so fast." That phrase is the biggest baby cliche of all time. Google it if you don't believe me. And despite the fact that I heard it a million times as I held on to that sweet little baby, I took it for granted. How is it possible he is this big?

And while at times I miss getting to hold that sweet, smiling baby... I would never trade the nightly "I love you most," or the way he cups your face if he really has something important he needs heard right then, or his long winded explanations of things that excite him to no end. And I would especially not trade his love and zest for life at five. As much as I miss those baby years, Aiden at five is so very wonderful. I don't know where those years before now drifted away to. It went so fast.