What You'd Do for Your Kids

Isn't it amazing what you'll do for your children? Take this picture for example. Do you see Mommy or Daddy in there anywhere. No. There's the pool, Aiden, and even the slightly obese feline. But Mommy and Daddy don't get pool time.

When Daddy fixes bad food, Mommy eats it. Aiden gets to opt out for chicken tenders and applesauce.

When Mommy wants to watch TV, Aiden gets to watch Disney or Nickelodeon.

This is all very tongue in cheek. I don't think Aiden is particularly privileged. It was just as fun for me watching him in the pool than it would be for me to be swimming myself. Even though with yesterday's July 4th heat, the water would have felt nice.

And isn't that pool smart? Sticking the inflatable/removable shade on there was a great idea. Even with Aiden's complexion, I worry about him getting burned in the sun. Yesterday was a bit cloudy, but it still doesn't take long to redden up.

Hope everyone had a great and safe holiday!

Bath Time!!

Saturday and Monday were both pretty big days for Aiden. On Saturday Mikiah (6), Zavier (4) and Carter (3) all came over. The first two we were babysitting as part of the babysitting swap with other members of our church so they could have a date night. Carter came with his mother for some play time and some pizza.

Aiden loved it. Even though the other boys are older, they are all very good at including him and making him part of what they do. So there was a lot of running, giggling and the near-death experiences that come with having more than one boy in the house at a time. Everyone was pretty well behaved too, which is nice.

Then on Monday Carter came by while his mother got some "Me-Time" (a very necessary part of parenting...everyone needs a break now and again.) Carter is certainly the more aggressive of the two, but they play together well. Both were learning some sharing principals as both are only children so far. It's good for them to get that experience.

Monday culminated with Aiden taking his bath and Carter really wanting to play in the water. So Carter ended up in the bath as well. Needless to say, Liz had to break out some extra towels for the boys and for the bathroom floor which had as much water on it as was in the tub. I grabbed the camera and got a few pictures. Some of which aren't fit to publish.

Bath time ended abruptly when Aiden slipped and hit his head. No worries. He had a small bump on his forehead and he cried for a while (which made Carter cry.) But he's perfectly fine and was sitting up watching Spongebob in no time.

Thanks to all three boys for the playtime. (Although the Liz and I are worn out!)

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

If what they say is true, that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then there is nothing more flattering than having a child. Aiden simply loves to act grown up. Whether its muttering out incoherent sentances (gets that from me) or pulling up his shirt to pat his fat belly (he gets that from Granddad.) He enjoys acting bigger than his years.

He's really taken to saying "thank you" lately. He doesn't have to be prompted to say it now. It's become natural that he say it as soon as you give him something. And he's pronouncing it much more accurately with all the added practice. Now the funny thing is he will repeat his "thank yous" until you say, "you're welcome."

The funniest thing he did last week was hit me. I know, it doesn't sound funny. I was laying on the floor in the living room when he came up from behind and started smacking me on the forehead. I said, "OWW!" and he leaned over and kissed it then walked off. No doubt something he's learned at daycare.

Nineteen months have come and gone. It's hard to believe we're wearing size five shoes and 18-24 month outfits. The time flies and there's never a dull day. Thank God for his health and safety so far. The pool comes out for the summer this week. We'll try to have pictures up soon.