Tuesday, January 22, 2013

My precious, precious Aiden...

I really can't say enough about my youngest child.  He is such a blessing.  He is the cuddliest of all the kids. (Is that even a word?  Well, he is!)  When I put him to bed and I lie down with him, he holds on to my head and kisses me gently.  The other kids, they just fall asleep.  I am not knocking that, believe me, I love it when ANY kid gets to sleep!  (I have not forgotten the sleepless nights!)  But Aiden is so tender.  I think it is a glimpse of how he will be with his wife and it really makes me think she is going to be one lucky lady.
The other night we watched Frankenweinie, a quirky movie about the Frankenstein family whose son loses a beloved dog in an accident, then revives him from the dead a la Mary Shelley style.  But, in true Disney fashion, the dog stays alive and everyone lives happily ever after.  I did think it was a cute movie with several allusions to the original story, but I just felt the ending was a little silly.  I really wanted the boy to see the error of his ways and let his little dog "rest in peace", but maybe I am just reading a little too much into a cute movie.  I did playfully ask the kids who they would bring back (meaning pets that has passed).  Of course you can guess who Noah chose, Addie.  I quickly responded I would bring back my Icy-dog, and Chris said maybe Deputy or Argus (his childhood dogs).  Then I hear Aiden's little voice calling from the bathroom where he was taking a "pit stop", and he says, "I would bring back Emily."  So very precious.  So sweet to know that he values the sister that he has never had the chance to meet. 

Sunday, January 20, 2013

A shopping excursion...

So yesterday the kids and I went shopping in Foley at the outlet mall and the day went a little like this...
First, we went to Gymboree, as I had some gymbucks to spend. We were in there a bit longer than I had anticipated, as there were quite a few orange items and Aiden wanted them all. I wanted to make sure to get all the kids an outfit. So, I ended up getting: Caitlyn - two sweaters, three shirts, a skirt, and hair clips. Aiden - two shirts, pants, hat and sun glasses. Noah - a sweatshirt, and a hat. For all of that, I paid only $58! So excited to get all of those savings. I was more excited, however, when Noah told me, "Mommy, are we about to go, I am really getting uncomfortable." I am constantly amazed at how much progress he has made. I know he is getting older, but I can just remember the days of tantrums and explosions, and then I thought, "is this ever going to end." I can now say he does 100x better at regulating himself and his sensory input, so that I don't have to! Such a big accomplishment! So, after Gymboree, we went to the crocs store. I got two pairs of crocs and two jibbits for $31! Again, yea for the bargain! We then proceeded to Target, as I had promised them they could spend some/all of their Christmas money. We took a pit stop at Krispy Kreme, and then on to Target. Caitlyn was a little sad that she had already spent her money the week before. After much deliberation, Aiden and Noah selected their items, so off to the check out stand we went. But, before we got very far, Noah said,"Wait, Mommy, I want to get Caitlyn something." He assured me he had enough money saved from his allowance to get her something. So the delighted Caitlyn bounced off to select her item. I was really I impressed by Noah's desire to include his sister in this happiness and that he spent his hard earned money on something for her! I told Caitlyn she should really be thankful for the brothers she was given, because mine would not only have NOT gotten me something, but they probably would have taunted me on the way out. The kids and I had a good laugh at that. So, went headed home and everyone was happy! Shopping trip...success!