to Aidan:
Monday, July 9, 2007 at 11:05PM 
Today you are 4. In some ways it doesn't seem possible, in others you stretch far beyond that single digit.
Four years ago today, you emerged reluctant and large (2 weeks late, and after 2 days of pitocin). But once you came, oh how you rocked our world. Hesitance gone. Your name says it all. "Fiery". I fell in love with the name when Gina had Wesley, and we sat together poring over name books. I'm glad they chose another, because this one was meant for you. And oh, 'tis true, 'tis true. You take a minute to warm up, but then race forward with fury. Your swimming tells that story. Last year's birthday party was at Daniel & Tonya's house. What to do in a hot AZ July? Swim! Only you wanted nothing to do with that water. And completely refused to get in. Two weeks later I had you in swim classes...crying & fighting & fit throwing. Yet, after the initial cries of hesitation, you were suddenly non-stop jumping in and out of the pool with pleasure. And watching you swim now makes me flat-out tired. But there is NO pause or slow down dial for you once you've hit GO.
Things you love: Cleaning. This has been a surprise, and is certainly not an inherited trait. More than cleaning, I think it's about helping and doing "big person" tasks. And you have proven yourself capable beyond the normal 3-year-old. With an attention span that stuns me. I've had you washing baseboards for two hours solid. Time with "magic erasers" is a treasured prize in your world.
Another things you love: Being active. Your creativity is boundless. I constantly catch you in the midst of conversations and stories. While you can't bear to sit and color, your hands-on artwork can be seen all over. Knot-tying is one of the specialties that has emerged this year...much to the dismay of Dad's poor ties. You also love tools, want to know how things work and are beyond tenacious. But that is something you've always been. When you were one, you discovered your first tool - a kitchen knife. You would take one from the kitchen drawer to the brick fireplace. There you scratched & scratched at the mortar around one brick. We'd eventually stop the process, but find you there again the next day. On the same brick. Chipping away.
What I love most about you is your desire to learn. You want to know how things work and why. Just last week you came to me with the question, "what's inside our bodies, under our skin?" So we sat in front of the computer and spent 20 minutes looking at the skeletal system, vital organs, etc. Those are the moments I relish. The tender one-on-one's, exploring, talking about the world, a million "why"'s. You are astute beyond your years. I'm positive this comes from your dad. He, far more patient than I, answers your questions endlessly. I've loved watching him "train" you in sword play. You both start with a bow, then move forward in action. You pause to look up footwork guidance on the inernet, then continue, putting the new moves into practice. And, always, he has taught you to end by putting down your swords, facing each other in a bow, and saying, "it was a pleasure to train with you."
I echo those words today. The relationship between stubborn firstborn and stubborn mother can be rough, but it is indeed a pleasure to train with you, my Aidan love. Thank you for making me a mother. I love you forever.
Reader Comments (7)
I am often telling Brett my stubbornness only bothers him because he is stubborn too. I seem to get more stubborn as I age. I can see myself now old, senile, and disagreeable beyond measure. Save me now!