to Aidan at 5

and nine days. Because I'm counting. Because there's this surreal feeling that comes when I think of your age. And how time speeds by so. so. quickly. You're still my baby, yet I have no doubt I've known you far beyond the story of a mere five years. Eons, perhaps.

Last week we sat together looking at baby pictures.

I showed you the video from the hospital. We listened to your first screams. And told how I sobbed when informed I had just given birth to a 9 lb. 14 oz. boy. You somehow seemed beyond newborn from the start - bigger, stronger...your eyes knew, watched, probed. From the first day. And they still do.

We laughed remembering your first tattoo…a surprise for me from Dad. And a surprise that really did surprise when I unfolded your onesie for a midnight diaper change, thinking a tarantula had somehow landed on your belly. Cringe to curse to calm.

I cringed again (and you laughed) at baby feeding pictures, remembering the horror of the insatiable alien invader that you first seemed. You were drinking 60+ ounces of formula a day. Unsatisfied.  At 2 months old.  Even the doctor was awe-struck.  So we started solids.

Your first time rolling over is one of my favorite memories. We had gone to the zoo that morning. And it was hot. So – in the afternoon living room floor recover zone - Dad decided it was time to teach you to roll. You were three months old. He plopped down beside you on the rug. And proceeded to instruct. A three month old. With detailed word-only instructions. I rolled my eyes, thinking obviously this man has no experience with babies. Yet. He had experience with you (eons, perhaps). His instructions ended with a bodily demonstration. You watched and listened. And when he finished, you rolled.

I told how Grandma Kay watched you every afternoon. And secretly taught you English.  Eight months old, you’d sneakily stun me with words like “clock” or “bird” in our alone at home time.

 
I suppose it's no secret that you still stun me. Your life-love, your dad-likeness, your earnest understanding of wrong & right.

Yesterday morning disaster struck in the form of a freezer meltdown. Teethgrinding for me. Winning lotto ticket for you. An hour and five full garbage bags later, you grinned up with an artless, “I love cleaning with you, Mom” (winning lotto ticket for me). You would gladly spend sun-up to sun-down doing "jobs" with me or Dad. About two months ago you ran upstairs to proclaim: "I took the garbage out by myself." My heart leapt between the potential joy of sharing this dreaded duty and the potential mess of a full kitchen garbage drug out and hefted into a giant dumpster by tiny hands. But your hands aren't so tiny, I suppose. And the job was done perfectly. And if it hadn't been, you would have found a way to make it so.  Because you're really not my baby anymore. 

 

I love you, Aidan Michael.  And I'll forever anxiously watch your story unfold.  Never doubting it will Amaze.

Comments

[Neighbor Jane Payne]

You always have such good sentences, Amy. "Eons perhaps" spells out so much. I cannot believe he learned to roll rather than stumbled upon it!

Happy Birthday, nine days late, Aidan.

[Aprilyn]

Thanks for letting me peek into his life a little bit. You have such a special family don't you. :)

[Angie]

Wow. He'll be in Kindergarten in a month. That's crazy!

[Kay]

An awesome post for an awesome Aidan!! I am basking in the memories this brought back. Loved how you told it. Great writing, as usual.

[Kay]

An awesome post for an awesome Aidan!! I am basking in the memories this brought back. Loved how you told it. Great writing, as usual.

[mandy]

As usual, your writing is beautiful. I loved getting another glimpse into the life and mind of Aidan. Happy birthday to your wonderful boy!

[kim sue]

:) sweet, sweet words. I love how you documented stories from his life. He will treasure those as he grows up!

[Megan]

So sweet. Happy birthday Aidan.

[amberly]

you're just the right mom for that boy, amy. here's to this year being just as delightful as the last.

[Barb]

That rolling over story is astonishing! He does seem older than his years, even across the webisphere.

[Kelly]

You write the best tender posts. They always just capture perfect feelings without ever being sappy. A gift you have!

And what a boy! I love that little picture of him in his vest and orange tie. Oh my word! So cute!

[Tiffany]

What a lovely post for your boy--you see so well. I hope you all have a wonderful year--so many more things on the horizon when you're 5!

[love squalor]

beautiful words for a beautiful boy! happy birthday Aiden!

[love squalor]

I mean, Aidan - typo

[Marie]

I think I would have screamed if I lifted up a onsie and found that tatoo on my little tiny boy. And then I would have removed it immediately.

I love his little chubby baby cheeks. So cute!

[jenny c.]

What a sweet, sweet boy you have. Happy birthday Aidan! That tatoo would have made me squeal for sure.

[Katie A.]

I loved reading his story, or this first chapter in his story. That tattoo part made me laugh--sounds like something my husband would do. That baby-in-a-suit picture just about did me in. Sooo cute, those cheeks! That tiny suit! Could you ever imagine back then that he would be 5? and 9 days?

[Melissa]

You have a way with words. Your post about your firstborn is so sweet. I am in constant awe of my two little boys too. At times like these, you have to sit in awe of your life and your blessings. Thank you for reminding me of mine.

[lelly]

happy birthday, aidan!! one day, instead of baby pictures, you will sit down with your mom and read her loving words. and i have no doubt you will enjoy reading those memories as much as she enjoys writing them!

[Paula]

Boys...they are so fun. I am still amazed at the differences between me and them. There really is a special bond between mom and son. You have inspired me to reflect about my boys. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are awesome.

[Mandi]

How fun to remember all those moments. He really is a great boy and has grown up so much even just in the past year.

[Elizabeth]

So great to catch up here finally. Have I told you I am in love with your food blog?!

[michelle]

What a beautiful love letter, Amy. I laughed out loud at the baby tattoo surprise. I was astonished by the boy who learned to roll over by following instructions. What a gift he has here, I almost can't wait for him to read it when he's older!