Graduation

Aiden's graduation ceremony was tonight!  His class sang two songs and a few students did some individual reading and reciting of bible verses.  Of course Aiden was very uncomfortable on stage, and it was very evident in his body language, but he did sing the songs and do some of the motions.

 

We are so glad we made the choice to enroll Aiden in this school.  The staff is wonderful and it has been a great experience for our family.  Aiden has learned so much academically and grown socially more than we had expected.  The past year has been full of memorable experiences and great friendships for him.  We know he is well prepared for kindergarten and he has tremendous potential.  I'm excited to see what God has for our little boy in the future.  Ty is very excited to start school next year at Hampton!

First Tooth

I saw the white gums and noticed that Mark was putting everything he possibly could into his mouth.  All the signs were there, and sure enough his first tooth came through today.  His lower left incisor just broke through his gums and I'm sure some others are soon to follow.

Fun in the Sun

A little fun in the sprinkler on a hot day!

 

Last Game

Baseball has come and gone!  The season flew by so fast.  Up to 3 days/nights a week for the past couple of months, our family has spent time at the ball field, and tonight we had our last game.  It was a great experience for Aiden and I'm so proud of him.  He learned the game and one of his coaches said he was the most improved player on the team and I would agree. 

 

Aiden loved the score board and running the bases.  He liked batting, and swung the bat well.  Tonight he struck out once, and got a hit from a coach pitch on his second time up to bat.  Playing outfield was never Aiden's thing, he spent most of the time kicking dirt and not paying attention.  He made a lot of friends and learned how to be part of a team. 

 

Watching and entertaining the younger two boys and trying to pay attention to a baseball game was not easy.  It was always great to see a grandparent show up for a game!  Ty would usually push Mark around in his stroller or play catch with whoever was willing.  He loved playing on the playground and once, he wandered over on his own; I had a moment of panic when I couldn't find him.  Mark was usually happy because there was a lot for him to see at the ball field, but sometimes got bored.  He got tired and fell asleep during many games in his stroller. 

 

We were blessed to have such a great team with lots of Dad's willing to help coach.  Ty is anxious to get on the field and play and he has a head start from watching Aiden this season.  It won't be long until we're back with 2 ball players (maybe?).

 

 

Wordless Wednesday

7 months

Mark . . .

 

sings/hums when he is tired and puts himself to sleep

 

loves to eat and is usually fussy when he is eating because he wants to be fed faster

 

likes most fruits and vegetables, but not green beans or squash

 

is not having bowel issues anymore- in fact he goes everyday multiple times.  (will he be so embarrassed that I documented this?)

 

still loves to bounce in his bouncy seat, but also now loves the excersaucer and jumperaroo.  He spends time in each just about everyday.

 

is such a TV watcher.  He loves to watch the shows that the boys like.

 

loves to be outside

 

is so entertained by his brothers.  They make him smile and giggle every day.  They both love to talk to him, bring him toys, and love on him.

 

loves his bed and prefers to be in it over any other place when he is tired.  He has been the best baby as far as sleeping.

 

is sleeping through the night well, with an occasional middle of the night feeding.  He naps 2-3 times a day for 2-3 hours each.

 

 

 

 

Conversations with a 5 year old

Aiden is extremely inquisitive at his age.  He must ask me at least 100 questions a day  Typically, these conversations happen in the car- he does his best thinking there.  Some of our conversations are just too funny and I have to record them . . .


A- "Mom, I have 2 brothers"
Me- "yes, that's right, and I have one brother.  Do you know who my brother is?"
A- "yeah, Uncle Marcus"
Me- "yup"
(long pause)
A- "Mom, Who's going to be your next brother?"

After dog sitting for Uncle Cale and Aunt Mandy who have 2 dogs (one large and one small).
A- "Mom, How old are Molly and PJ?"
Me- (after texting Mandy) "PJ is 9 and Molly is 4."
A- "How is PJ 9?, he is the smallest!"

We were headed to CFA for dinner and I told the boys it was almost time to go.  I'm looking around the house and can't find Aiden, I look in the garage to find him already in the car and buckled in his seat.
Me- "Aiden, get out, you need to go potty before we leave"
A- (very frustrated) "Ugh!  I was trying to have initiative to get in the car by myself!"

At Aiden's school, there is an American flag and a Christian flag . . .
A- "Mom, who lives in Christian"
Me- (confused) "um . . . . what?"
A- "We live in America, but who lives in Christian?  like the flag?"
Me- "We are Christians, it's not a place.  You have that flag at your school, because the people at your school are Christians because they follow Jesus"
A- "Everybody is a Christian?"
Me- "No, some people don't believe in Jesus or God"
A- (shocked and surprised) WHAT?  WHY? (like they were just crazy to not believe in Jesus)

After counting his money in his piggy bank. . .
Me- "Wow, Aiden you have 41 dollars.  What do you want to do with it"
A- "I think I need to save it for when I'm a dult (adult) because I will need a car"
Me- "oh okay, what car do you want to buy?"
A- "a corvette"