Today we planted our first plants. I mean literallly, my first time planting anything on my own was shared with you. What a fond memory! I hope that we can do this every spring. I am determined to teach you things that I never learned growing up and that I feel are imperative for you to know.

You had fun tonight! We played in the dirt, smelled the flowers, and at this particular moment shared a 'Say Cheese' for you father. Thank you so much for nights like tonight. Even when I am super busy and have so many tasks to handle, you help me and turn a task into fun. I love you for that.

This is the second ride ever you took on your bicycle all by yourself. Accomplishment pleases you (hear the giggles?), and I'm so proud of you. Daddy has told everyone, which is proof enough he was happy to be the one to teach you to ride your tricycle.

This is from a photo shoot that Mommy tried to do with Aunt Sarah. Aunt Robin is such a wonderful photographer that she was able to work with a very persistent 22 month old. You couldn't bear to be away for even 3 seconds. That is how we were able to capture the 3rd and 4th photos of this series. Uncle Matthew was holding you for just a moment while I tried posing and you let out a cry that was so fierce he let you go and you ran into my arms. I have only actually experienced that need of yours for me such a few times. I am soooo glad Aunt Robin caught these photos because even though you can't say it (well, not so clearly anyway) I know that you love me. It's written all over your face.

1. Linear

2. Escape

3. Tear

4. Relief

5. Super Mommy & Sidekick Toddler

The Great Easter Egg Hunt

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.