Promises

I keep my promises.  Or at least I try very hard to keep them.  And I promised I'd tell you about Aiden's party.  I know you are all dying to know and keep refreshing this page to see when I'd make that promise a reality.  Well now is the time.  Hold on to your seats.

Ok, its not really that exciting.  I'm thinking I've had too much coffee this morning.  Maybe another cup isn't really a smart idea.  I apologize for the corny humor or sarcasm.  I just can't seem to help myself sometimes.

Back to the party.  We celebrated Aiden's birthday at my parents' house with a small family party. He had a Thomas the Train themed party, and my sweet and very talented friend, Kate, offered to make Aiden his cake.  It was spectacular and Aiden thoroughly loved it.  She delivered the cake a few days early because she was in town visiting her family (and me), so Aiden was able to enjoy just staring at the awesome cake.  He thought it was the coolest thing that Thomas was "chug-chugging" out of the tunnel and had many stories as to where Thomas was going on the cake. 

Thank you, Kate for making a truly wonderful birthday cake.  It was perfect and I really felt bad for having to cut into it.  But, I was glad after I did, because it was absolutely delicious.  You are very talented and I'm starting to think I need to find something I'm good at because all my friends are very creative and have a special talent.  Anyways,  I really wish you lived closer, so you could make all my cakes.  Is there anyway to ship them?  Or better yet, move closer, that away I could not only enjoy your cakes, but also see you all the time?

Back to the party.  After feasting on Aiden's favorite meal, ravioli, courtesy of my dad, it was time to open presents. 

First, it was a set of real golf clubs from Me and Pops.

 Next, it was a real baseball bat, glove, bases, and balls from Nana and Granddaddy.

Then, it was more tools to add to his Home Depot tool kit.

My sister and her friend stocked him up on Auburn apparel. He also got his lantern for his fort, er house, and a "Go Fishing" game.

Then came the big finale.  Jeff and I got him a real bike.  Are you noticing a "real" theme going on.  And you have to say "real" as Aiden does, "reee-Al."  He immediately took a spin on his bike with his Daddy and loved every bit of it.  I think he would of stayed on it all night if not for the rain that came just a few minutes after the big reveal. 

I'm sure I am forgetting a few gifts and some highlights, but I can promise you, Aiden a wonderful birthday party.  Watching his face and expressions opening the gifts was truly priceless.  It has proved to be by far the best age for gifts, so far.  He was overjoyed with everything he received. 

And not only has was he through-the-roof with excitement that evening, but has been since.  All of the gifts have been providing him with many hours of outdoor entertainment, which is great for him (and me-an added bonus).  Everyday he has to go through the rotation of his new gifts, literally.  Golf, baseball, bike, then maybe an old toy or game, or maybe back to golf...one just never knows, but at least he is having fun.

The "House"

It has been a crazy couple weeks around here.  I might fill you in on all the details in another post, or I may not.  You probably don't care for all the gory details, so just know my lack of posting is due primarily to the craziness around here, which sent me straight into survival mode.

The last time I spoke, uh...typed, to you it was Aiden's third birthday.  Let me tell you, it was such a fun time for everyone.  I promise I'll fill you in on all the details and loot later, but today I want to introduce you to Aiden's house.

Meet Aiden's house.

I intended it to be called a fort, because a fort just seems more boyish, but alas Aiden has taken to calling it his house.  And really, who is going to correct him?  It does have a door and windows, after all. 

The house was designed and made by Jeff's awesome secretary, Jennifer.  I've raved about this awesome lady before, when she made the port covers for Carter's feeding tube.  So, when I approached her about making this fort for Aiden's bunk bed, I knew she would not disappoint.  She took my vague ideas and turned it into a reality. 

To all my creative sewing friends out there, here are the details if you are interested.  From what I understand about sewing, which is next to nothing, it is constructed like a bed skirt it is just three sided with the back wall of the bed being used as the fourth wall of the "house."   It has a door and two windows, all of which have ties, so they can be opened or closed.  Each "wall" also has several sets of blue ties so the walls can roll up and the house can be put away, so to speak.  Since Aiden is a boy and it was meant to be a fort, Jennifer kept it pretty basic, but for girls you could really go all out with flower boxes and curtains.  The ideas are endless.

I knew Aiden would love this gift and was so excited to give it to him.  My intention was to give it to him as a birthday present, but the day of his birthday and the days following were a whirlwind, so he ended up getting it as a surprise gift instead of a birthday gift.  I don't think it matters to him.  He is three after all. 

 

I cannot rave about this house enough.  It has already provided many hours of fun for Aiden.  Not to mention he is also learning the joy of hospitality as he invites everyone in to his house to read and play.

It has become Aiden's favorite reading spot as evidenced by the pile of books that he always keeps in his bed.  We even equipped his house with a lantern to make it more "fortish" and to provide enough light for him to read in there.  To answer your question, no Aiden cannot actually read, but he enjoys just looking at the books and making up stories to the pictures.  It provides him with a quiet activity to wind down for bedtime and makes the transition to sleep a little smoother.

Oh, and one more perk to this house.  It is dark.  So dark, you have to search for Aiden when you go into check on him. This is actually helping him sleep better during naps and he is not waking up as early in the morning.  So it is good for the momma and daddy, too!

THANK YOU Jennifer.  Thank you for taking your time to create a special gift for Aiden.   We love you and appreciate all you do for our family.

Aiden's Three

My red-headed, constant ball-of-energy is turning three.

Today.

He is my always expressive,

daddy loving,

brother doting,

"BIG" boy.

And I love him.

Every bit of him.