Bug Inspecting

Happy Birthday to You Aiden Gray!

Today you turned two. Now that the day is over (atleast for you) I have time to reflect on everything that happened! I thought it would be funny if we had a surprise party for you. When Mimi and Poppy brought you over from a sleepover at their house, you had the cutest look of surprise on your face! I was shocked to actually see you speechless for the first time in weeks. We had a good time though, with Mimi & Poppy, Granny Chastain, Gma & Pawpaw, Grammy &

Poppa, and your friends Lori and Ben and Drevyn!

.

I can't believe you have been alive for 730 days. I have spent every one it seems trying to grasp a memory for that day. The thought of all of them overwhelm me to tears. I wish I could remember every moment we have spent together. I wish that I could catalog my memories like photographs. I tear up when I think back to the day I brought you from the hospital and we spent it cuddled together. God, we spent days in bed. Weeks. I want to go back in time and soak up the memories of the look in your eyes.

.

One of my favorite memories is singing you to sleep, over and over and over. I never got tired of it because I knew that there would come a day when I wouldn't be able to hold you in my arms and sing to you as you sucked your thumb and became heavier as your body drifted to comfortable sleep. Now I'm crying. Last week you threw your first temper tantrum and you threw yourself into hysterics with grief. I was able to hold you, as I did for so many nights and sing you to you. You won't ever remember the song, but it goes like this (forgive my lack of creativity, Daddy is the musician you know...) "Aiden. Aiden Gray. Aiden Gray DeFoor. I love you and you love me, but I love you much more." Still, last week, as I sang to you and you stopped fighting, I was so pleased with the look of comfort that came over your face as you heard my voice. I wonder if that will be the last time.

.

I want to get stuck in those moments with you and never move forward. But then, today happens. And then tomorrow happens! What would I be giving up if I never got to see tomorrow?! I'm lucky that every day has been better than the last. That new memories overcome old ones.

.

I love you. I can't wait until tomorrow when I get to see you again.

.

Love,

Mama

Today You're Two!

Aiden, today was your second birthday. I feel honored to have been able to spend most of it with you. It sure is quiet here at my house tonight, as it usually is after "The A-man" goes home.

Gosh, it's hard to believe that two years ago today I took your Mama to the doctor's office and we were told that you were on your way. Then later that night, there you were. I was the first one to hold you (after Mama and Daddy, of course). You looked right up at me and smiled. I fell instantly in love.

I waited a long time for you and it tickles me to bits to hear you call me "Mimi", my new favorite word. I thank God for you every day, and that you are healthy, happy, smart, and so loved. I'm so glad your Mama and Daddy found each other.

Today was a very busy day for you, filled with surprises and people who love you. And I'm looking forward to spending many, many more days with you.

Sleep well, little one.

Love, Mimi.

Sherbet Take 2

This afternoon you begged for candy. Over and over again we said no. Then I realized that we had much healthier tastier options that you tend to enjoy much more than candy. I gave you a bowl of sherbet and turned my back expecting you to take the bowl to the table where you always take it. Instead, I turned around and realized that you hadn't taken it to the table. I began looking for you expecting sherbet to be everywhere. I was so shocked I started laughing when I realized that you were actually perched in the recliner. How you got up there without making a mess I have no idea. But it's cute. So I took another picture of you.

Trip to the Grocery

Mommy was so unbelievably lucky today! I got to stay home and play with you and Daddy. Well, sort of. We accomplished a lot. Beginning with a trip to the grocery store. I was able to snag these shots of you. It isn't too much of a suprise to anyone that you would not hold still or sit patiently in the cart while we did what little shopping we could. Daddy eventually resorted back to the seemingly only compromise, his shoulders.

I was able to catch a glimpse of the Aiden Gray that I love taking to the store.

Sitting at the meat counter, a lady kept glimpsing towards you until she couldn't take not smiling at you. I was so proud of you. You made her day. She said so. The kiss you blew her as she walked away widened the smile on her face. There is something amazing about the love you give to people.