Freedom in Christ

What enslaves you? 

Some of the things that I struggle with feeling enslaved by are people-pleasing, anger/impatience, and generally selfishness of all types. Also, my favorite caffeinated sugary brown beverage. If I don't have a Coke every day it tends to consume my thoughts pretty excessively.

How do we stand firm in the freedom found only in Christ? 

Time spent reading His Word, praying and acknowledging our need for Him, and fellowship with other Christians. I love how God connects us with His Holy Spirit and speaks to us through Scripture and through one another! This week a friend shared a verse with me to encourage me, and it was the same verse that I had just written down the night before!!! WOW.

The picture above is that verse. I hope it will encourage and speak to you this week. BE FREE!

Love, Kimberly

Whispers to my heart lately.

I saw the quote below From this blog on comparison, insecurity, shame... and it just kicked me in the gut ... in a good way.

How tragic to be far from You. To live a brief existence of gorging on self and then to die in a moment and be forgotten forever. I am sad and sorry for those who are unfaithful. For those who fake it, but never become real.

WOW. Gorging on self? Yeah, I've been pretty guilty of that much more than I'd like to admit.

I love how when God steps on my toes, he gently redirects me to new life and purpose.

LOVE. That's what it's all about...that's the cure for selfish overindulgence - just LOVE. How can I tap into the love of God? Just by breathing it in! I am so thankful for that! Just the gift of life and breath! He loves me through my children's beautiful faces, through my husband's gentle strength, through my family's grace and forgiveness, through my friends' encouragement, through sunshine and fall air and cleansing rain and countless little sprinkles of joy and laughter and even through pain and suffering as a still, small Presence that will never leave me. 

How can I pour this love into my sweet children? My husband? My family and friends and community? Just breathe it back out. That's my goal...just breathe, and let love fill me and overflow until it spills back out.

Hey, Boys Are Sweet Too!!!

I went to Target today with all three boys (ages 4, 2 and 3 months) to pick up a few things. My older ones were actually being relatively quiet at the time that this woman walked by (at least it wasn't while Gavin was pushing Aiden's foot into Aiden's face, which also happened). The woman saw the baby (Judah) sleeping safely in his carseat at the end of the shopping cart, and said "So sweet." I said, "Thank you." She said, 'They grow up, though!" I said, "Yes, it happens fast." Then she said, "Is that one a boy, too?"

I get asked this pretty much daily.

I answered, "Yes, I guess boys is all we do."

She said, "I'd quit then."

I laughed (why do I do that nervous polite laughter!), but I kind of feel hurt every time people make comments like that. I thought we had just been talking about how fast they grow up. I guess she just meant that they are no longer sweet after they grow up, and it's definitely not sweet to have too many kids or *GASP* too many boys.

Pretty much daily if we go anywhere I hear things like this. I hear "You've got your hands full, don't you?!" "Whew, you're really outnumbered!" "Are you going to try again for a girl?" "Don't you know what causes that?" "God Bless You!" (in a tone that does not sound very blessing).

I will admit we were somewhat enamored with the idea of a girl when we found out that number 3 was on the way. But we would not have tried to have another child if we weren't okay with either gender. And honestly I was a little wistful for a few minutes when we found out he was a boy...I guess because little girl stuff is so foreign around our house and I like little girl baby clothes better. But when we found out, and chose his name, I didn't wish for him to be a girl. I looked forward to meeting him!

Most days I am glad that my house is full of trucks and cars and blocks and dinosaurs and superhero capes and swords and ninja paraphernalia. Yes, I go crazy about the fighting sometimes and wish I could sit quietly and play Barbies or My Little Pony.

But don't tell me that boys are not sweet. My boys get their sweetness mostly from their father, who is still sweet as an adult (even sweeter now than he was as a child, if the stories I hear are true!)

 Gavin with his Daddy

 Daddy with Aiden

Judah and his Dad (noticing a grey t-shirt theme, anyone?)

SWEET, SWEET Brothers!

Gavin tells me I'm beautiful almost every day. He says things like "It's a nice day to have a mama." And he shows me how to be excited about life, waking up every morning saying "What are we doing today, Mama?" He is graceful and agile (usually while bouncing from one couch, chair, fort or brother to another) and he is such a cheerful and loving person. He kisses Judah probably as much or more than anyone, and he nearly explodes with happy energy when he is playing with friends.

Aiden inherited the ability to give soul-affirming bear hugs from Mark and from my dad. He is seriously one of the best cuddlers I know. His smile spreads joy through the world like a ray of sunshine. He is already funny at just two years old and he loves music, and his dancing to the PBS Happy Birthday theme song cracks me up every time. He asks to "pray me" (pray for me) at night and he prays for his family and his friends and their toys (especially the toys he really likes).

Judah is my peaceful, gentle baby. He makes the best baby noises I have ever heard, and when you talk to him his whole entire face smiles. It pretty much melts my heart every time. He loves to be held, loves to be talked to, and thankfully loves to sleep!

Yes, my hands are full. And there are days I wish I could do more girly stuff. But why would I be anything but thankful to have three amazing, beautiful, SWEET boys who I pray will grow up to be strong, loving and SWEET gentlemen?!?

And when I see a mom or dad with three boys, or four girls, or one or five or twenty kids, I will just say "So sweet." And no opinions after that.

Ugh. Rant over. I know people mean well.

Choosing JOY (Proverbs 17:22)

What makes you feel joy? Sometimes in the trenches of taking care of toddlers, I forget about choosing to be joyful! Sometimes I realize I am being a grump, and then sometimes my kids remind me. Today, Gavin said "I don't like it when you talk mean, I want you to talk to me like this: (sweet sing-song voice) 'Hey, Gavin, how are you today?'"  All right, I get it - lighten up Mommy! 

I definitely prefer pleasant wrinkles to developing a permanent grump-face!

Proverbs 16:6, 7, 28, 32 Love generously. Love God. Love your enemies. Don't gossip. Control your anger.

This chapter is amazing! There are so many incredible verses that I think I should just memorize the whole chapter. Here are just four verses that spoke to me about praying for the world and the persecuted church, as well as how to consider my words and my heart in dealing with people, especially my children.
Proverbs 16:6-7, 28, 32

New Post Series: Pondering Proverbs (Post 1: Proverbs 28:13,15)

I have lost my blogging motivation (as you can see by the lack of posts). But today as I was reading Proverbs I was blown away by how much I need the Word to guide me - in particular, as a mom.

I think I will post on my struggles in this area and how I am trying to apply Proverbs to my life as a parent. 

I am writing this blog series to confess and renounce my sins and hopefully start a new pattern as a parent for my children.

Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. ~ Proverbs 28:15

Anyone who is not close to me probably thinks I don't get angry much, and I guess I have pridefully wanted people to think I am a gentle and slow-to-anger person. Actually most of the time I don't get angry, except with the people I am closest to. This breaks my heart as I see my sin of anger through the lens of Scripture (which oh so lovingly kicks my butt).

Too often, I allow my anger to direct my responses to my children. A few weeks ago I wrote down some of the things that seem to trigger my anger in this area. Here was my list:

• whining
• kids ignoring instructions
• repetitive disobedience ("potty" words, climbing on the couch)
• bullying/fighting

Any other moms have triggers like these? (I have three boys, ages 4, 2, and 8 weeks - maybe I should go ahead and add "sleep deprivation" as a trigger!)

I realize that I am a relatively new parent but I definitely have a long way to go with patience. I also know by this time that my own efforts are USELESS in controlling my temper. I hate myself for yelling or snapping at my kids, and then I do it again. I get angry when I am ignored and tell myself "they only listen when I yell!" But yelling only makes my words impossible to hear. Who listens to a charging bear or roaring lion? You just try to get out of its way!

I confess this here (and have confessed to other friends and family also) so that I can hold myself accountable to discipline my children out of love.

Thankful List and What I'm Giving Up For Lent

One of my friends posted on Facebook a link about 20 things to give up for Lent instead of the typical (yet still difficult!) things we usually give up, like chocolate (Thanks Shamron, if you still ever read this blog!). Click on the link above to read the article and you can even subscribe to a daily devotion related to the list. A few items were fear, guilt, and a "spirit of poverty."

This is what the article said about giving up a spirit of poverty:

• A spirit of poverty – Believe with God that there is always more than enough and never a lack

I think I would call it a "scarcity mindset" (which is a term I think I remember hearing a pastor use) instead of a spirit of poverty, just because that sounds like "poor in spirit" which is something Jesus BLESSES us for (Matthew 5:3)...but I'm just being picky about words. 

Word pickyness aside, I think that giving up a spirit of poverty is actually about BECOMING poor in spirit - believing that we are nothing without God but that He gives us everything we need. Trusting Him to provide instead of ourselves. I love the idea of thinking about God as a generous provider. And He is! And I for sure need to remind myself frequently that I.Am.Not.In.Control. Can I confess that I have had a scarcity mindset/spirit of poverty attitude WAY TOO OFTEN?

On one hand I have seen God provide SO MANY TIMES...so generously and such extravagant love and grace. But for some reason I keep going back to the fear of not having enough, or just the selfish, entitled, greedy desire to have more than I have instead of recognizing that I have WAY MORE than enough!

So in order to give up that attitude and replace it with gratitude for the amazing ways God provides here is my list of "more than enough" for this week:

1. Three-fourths of the Dalgetys (me, Mark, and Gavin) had the awful stomach bug this week. But Aiden has not gotten sick. And it was such a silver lining to see him happy, content and entertaining himself the whole time everyone else was sick! Thank you God! Gavin also was such a trooper even though he was sick. He did not complain or whine. I probably whined the most. But I am also thankful that my family put up with me. (Also, thank God for carpet cleaner, enough energy to get laundry done, a mother-in-law who dropped off diapers and ginger ale, and that we had enough bananas and applesauce to get us through!)

2. Hugs from two and four-year-olds - those never get old.

3. My Crock Pot, microwave and other ways to make cooking easy and quick. Seriously, I am so spoiled!

4. Gavin frequently asks "Is baby Judah coming out today?" and talks about what he will be like. Today he drew me a picture of several tall lines and one shorter line and told me how one day he and Aiden and baby Judah would be tall, but their baby sister (? - does he know something I don't know!?) would not be as tall. Love how excited he is to meet his new brother.

5. Family that I love, friends that I love and making plans with both for some quality time. This is so good for my soul. I love that God gives us friends & family.

What are YOU thankful for? And are you giving anything up for Lent? Besides doing this devotional, I am planning to limit my Facebook time. I don't know if I'll totally give it up, but I am going to plan not to sign on unless there is a reason, like to respond to a message from someone or look at pictures when my cousin's baby arrives in April. I hope this will give me time to focus more on ways to love and serve people (and less comparison and "scarcity mindset.") So call me or email me or come visit!

Aiden & What Really Matters.

It's pretty humbling when your not quite two year old reminds you of what is important.

I had a rough morning. Getting Gavin and Aiden ready, I noticed that I was cranky and rushing them, but did I stop being cranky and rushed? Unfortunately no.

So we got in the car, rushed and cranky, and drove to Gavin's school, and they were cranky about the toys they had in the car, and not wanting to share, and whining when I wouldn't give them a different toy, etcetera, and I was cranky about them being cranky and whining. My low point on the way to school was yelling at Gavin that I would turn the car around and he could not go to school if he did not stop whining. LOVELY attitude I am modeling for my children there.

So we made it to school, and I dropped Gavin off, and Aiden and I made it back home, with him still whining, and then we got home and his diaper needed changing, and he was squirming while I was changing him. So I said "Aiden, what is the rule when I'm changing your diaper? BE....?"

I thought the correct answer was "BE STILL." This is the phrase I have repeated all of his life while changing or getting dressed.

But instead my sweet baby said "Be kind 'wother."

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

I am so thankful for my strong, kind, loving and compassionate Father - who loved me today through my child... and gently reminded me that being kind is more important than being on time or hurrying to get things done. That's a good reminder I need during this season in particular (and always). I am so thankful for my precious son's joyful heart that speaks truth to me even when he doesn't fully understand what it means.

Adding to the "Gavin Says" File, and my meal plan for this week. And a big announcement sprinkled in (for anyone who reads my blog but hasn't talked to me in a while)

This week Gavin said, "Mommy, when I live on a farm in Heaven, I'm going to take care of the horse so it won't get lost."

Also when I was trying to figure out what actor was animated as Santa Claus in "The Polar Express," I asked Mark, "Who is that guy?" and thankfully Gavin informed me, "That's Santa." (DUH, mom.)

I am trying to cook again after a several week hiatus due to ... wait for it... (well everyone who reads this knows this anyway), morning sickness. (Another topic for another blog.)

But Mark told me today that we must STOP eating out because it is taking over too much of the budget. I pouted for a while and then decided I was being selfish. Although I slightly feel like vomiting just looking at recipes and grocery lists, I decided I will have to suck it up. And so I am trying to find things I can throw in the slow cooker and not have to do much with.

And I am gonna start tomorrow, I tell myself optimistically. So this list will start on Tuesday.

Thanks to the Crockin' Girls website!

Tuesday - Most Amazing Pork Chops Ever with noodles or rice

Wednesday - Angel Chicken with penne pasta and with these modifications based on what commenters said: 1 cup of chicken stock instead of wine, 8oz of the cream cheese and the full packet of the salad dressing mix.

Thursday - Salsa Chicken with rice

Friday - Adobo Chicken

Saturday - Slow Cooker Beef Stew - this is similar to a recipe I already make, but I leave out the Cheddar soup and just use a can of water instead. Will serve with noodles or rice.

Sunday - Mark gets to cook! Or maybe he will give in and let us go somewhere that kids eat free ;)

out of the mouths of three year olds...

Have to write this down before I forget.

Tonight Gavin was telling me about school while we were getting ready for bed. He said "The teacher has a whip that is a stick..." (meanwhile my mind was racing trying to figure out what he was talking about) "....and she goes like this" - and he mimicked her putting on LIP STICK.

hi.lar.i.ous.

I love that kid. And I love that his L's still sound like W's....even if it had me questioning his teacher's discipline tactics for a split second.

Feeding my boys this week...anyone else want to come?

This Week's Meal Plan

Crock Pot Beef Stew Meat with Rice/Noodles and Green Beans

Slow Cooker Sour Cream Pork with Rice/Noodles and Peas

Soy Sauce Chicken and Mashed Potatoes - one of my mother-in-law's famous dishes; I found this recipe online that is pretty similar.

BBQ Chicken & Mashed Potatoes, Serve with Corn and Green Beans or Mixed Vegetables
So easy! Put foil in baking dish; add chicken; Cover with Sweet Baby Ray's Original Barbecue Sauce; Bake at 375 for 35 minutes (more or less, depending on how big your chicken is). To make mashed potatoes, I bake them wrapped in foil for 1 hour, then smash with butter, milk and salt & pepper to taste.

Mexican Pizza with Salad

New Blogging Motivation: MEAL PLANNING!

I'm very excited to use this blog to help me keep up with meal plans. DUH - why did I just think of this? I have tons of things pinned on Pinterest, but I can never seem to get it together to plan for the week. SO, I end up searching for other people's meal plans online...HELLO, why not create my own so I can keep it all in one place!

If any of you who read this blog do meal planning, I would welcome your ideas! If you have a blog or know of some good resources, please leave a comment with a link! I am trying to use more fruits and vegetables and less dairy as that seems to be a trigger for Aiden's eczema.

So here goes!

Monday: Skillet Pork Chop Saute with Peaches Side Dishes: Bulgur, Couscous or Quinoa & Steamed Green Beans

Tuesday: Flank Steak Tacos Side Dishes: Sliced Avocado, Black Beans

Wednesday: Vegetable Beef Bow Tie Skillet One Dish Meal! (Omit cheese for Aiden)

Thursday: Pork Tenderloin Medallions and Balsamic Reduction Sides: Roasted Potatoes and Mixed Green Salad (with some of the balsamic reduction as dressing) and/or Roasted Green Beans

Friday: Spaghetti and Meatballs (I will either use frozen meatballs as this recipe suggests, or attempt to make my mother-in-law's, which are delicious but more time consuming) Sides: Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread

Yum, yum! Anyone else got a meal plan to share? I'd love to steal see it!

Random thankful list.

Just got back from vacation, and that is usually a stressful time and kind of a downer because I miss everyone and don't want to come back to reality. No better reason, then, to remind myself of everything I am thankful for right now! Here are some little things that make the whining, nap resisting, time-zone-re-adjusting, unpacking, and laundry chores seem bearable!

1. Library perks. We signed up for our library's summer reading program. We set a goal for Aiden and Gavin to "read" 100 books this summer. Should be EASY since we generally check out 10 to 15 books every time we go. They gave us free book tote bags which will make carrying the books in and out much easier. Also they had cool dinosaurs decorating the children's room and the bathroom was 'my size!' according to Gavin.
2. Phone calls. It is so encouraging to hear a familiar voice on the phone.
3. Hearing Gavin talk about Papa's garden (my grandfather). He LOVED seeing it, and Papa is obsessed with it, so I know he will be proud to know that Gavin thinks it is the coolest.
4. Gavin bursting out with songs he learned at Bible study randomly. "Good morning God, this is your day, I am your child, show me your way!" It's a good reminder and helps reset my mood when I am tempted to be cranky and frustrated (which is often).
5. Seeing people back home! We enjoyed going to church on Sunday and it's been great catching up with people here (friends and family).
6. Looking at pics from our trip.

Happy Summer everyone!

GRACE for life's bleachable moments!

My sweet boy wearing his big boy pants!

I'm really happy that Gavin is finally interested in potty training! He was probably ready almost a year ago, but we moved and had a new baby and I figured there was too much transition for him (or me) to focus on it.

I am very thankful for God's grace in many forms the past few days.
For instance, Gavin loves this commercial:

And since it's been Mardi Gras season around here and we have been to a couple of parades, he thinks parades might really happen just for him. And they have! But only with Mommy and Daddy marching around the house with improvised instruments. I'm thankful that Gavin still enjoys that version of a parade too.

He also loves this commercial and likes to act it out after he goes (thankfully, he thinks the little boy is pointing to his potty!):

I'm thankful also for Aiden being sleepy and napping more than usual the last couple of days which has allowed me & Gavin some quality potty time.

I'm thankful for my sister in law who graciously allowed us to use her daughter's potty that she used when potty training. I had added ours to the Goodwill pile when we moved in an anxious fit of decluttering, but Gavin's cousin had the EXACT same potty! So it was familiar to Gavin but also had the cool "Now I can be like Ryan" factor.

And I'm thankful for TV kid's shows, for Legos, for train tracks, and most of all, for M&Ms as rewards!!!

AND keeping it real, I am very thankful that my husband insisted that the whole family start taking vitamins. I always intend to but keep forgetting. But he has been reminding us every morning, and since I have been taking them I have been TONS less irritable and frustrated. I talked to a friend at church who is a nutrition counselor and mentioned this to her, and she said that a lot of moms have irritability, anxiety and depression due to hormonal and nutrition problems! I had suspected that this was at least part of my problem, but it was reassuring to hear. She recommends B vitamins, Omega-3 fats, and to lay off caffeine. I can totally agree that this has made a major difference for me and I am SO glad because I would be a really not fun potty trainer without feeling balanced in my mood! (I am sure my entire family is thankful for my vitamins!)

Anybody had any potty training strategies you have learned for success?

I'm especially and MOST thankful for THIS VERSE:

I am thankful that this process is not about my performance as a mom, or Gavin's performance on the potty, but about seeing God's grace work in us in our successes and our failures.

All right, let's go potty!

New Year's Resolutions

I am excited about the new year! Here are a few resolutions that I want to keep in mind.

1. LISTEN. This is the "word of the year" for me.
2. WRITE LETTERS. I want to write more letters, specifically to my grandparents. I am amazingly fortunate to have ALL FOUR of my grandparents living! I don't want to miss out on letting them know they are loved.
3. GIVE. I want to give in lots of ways this year - gifts of time or stuff or whatever will make people feel loved, noticed, thought about, and doesn't require anything in return. I think about doing this all the time but often my good intentions get buried in the daily chaos of life. I want to follow through more on giving this year.
4. BE INSPIRATIONAL. I want to create more inspiration in my surroundings - through positive energy, and making my home inviting (not fancy, just welcoming).
5. BE GRATEFUL. I really want to embrace every moment as a gift from God and to notice the blessings I have instead of what I don't have. My joy comes from HIM....Psalm 4:7-8

Today is Gavin's third birthday!

Dear sweet Gavin, here are a few things about you at age three!

 You love your little brother! You often kiss him spontaneously (and, yes, sometimes you also smack him or push him spontaneously). You can make him laugh better than anyone else!

 

You are creative. You love music and art. You sing A LOT and always on key! I can sometimes get you to sing to your grandparents or great grandparents over the phone, but most of the time you don't like to "perform"on demand - but your joyful songs while you are entertaining yourself and you don't know I'm listening - those are the ones that make my heart so full.

You are your daddy's mini-me. Everyone comments on how much you look like Daddy. But I think you have some of my personality traits (you're cranky when hungry, you notice how other people are feeling all the time and want everyone to be okay, you're silly and goofy).

 You are so busy. You have been brave from the beginning on playgrounds, climbing trees, asking to go "up in the air" on the swing. You love any open space where you can run.

 You like for me to stay with you at night until you go to sleep, and you are getting pretty clever with your persuasiveness to make me stay with you longer. I hear things I've said coming back to haunt me. You say things like "It's not time for you to get up, it's time to go to sleep. Shhhh." You also tell me to "be patient" when you aren't ready to go to bed. And you sound just like me when you tell Aiden, "No, no, no!"

You love books about police, firefighters, trains, dinosaurs, animals, trucks of all kinds, and your favorite Bible story is David and Goliath (you can pretty much recite that one). You pray for people by saying "Jesus thank you" and then saying your prayer (such as, "Jesus thank you Gibson feel better" when your cousin was sick. And then you say, "He's all better now!" I love your faith!)

You are like a hummingbird, hardly ever still. You love chocolate milk, chicken nuggets, apples, bananas and PB&J. And all things sugary (another trait you got from your mom). You can memorize TV commercials amazingly well and I often hear you singing them which is kind of hilarious ("We are Farmers, bum bum bum bum bum bum bum!"). You like to give people presents but you are still working on liking to share.

I am so thankful for your big heart and your beautiful spirit. I love being your mom. Happy Birthday Gavin!

To Aiden: You're ONE!

Dear Aiden,
Putting you to sleep tonight I held you against my chest for a long time. You don't always let me do that, but tonight you just snuggled peacefully and let me kiss the top of your head a lot. I thought, "Has it really been a year? Has it really been a WHOLE year? Has it really been ONLY a year?" Tomorrow is your first birthday! It's amazing...I can't remember life before you, but I can't believe you're not a baby anymore!

You were born so fast I can barely even remember it. I think the total time from when I got induced was about four hours. I didn't even get to watch TV or read a magazine! Your birth went well, but you took a while to warm up and had to sit under warm lights for an hour before I could hold you. That was one of the longest hours of my life. You looked SO MUCH like Gavin when you were born! I thought I had just had Gavin's clone. You also slept the WHOLE NIGHT your first night. I couldn't sleep a wink because I was terrified that there was something wrong with you for sleeping so much. (Gavin didn't sleep much at all his first night!)

You and Gavin were sick a lot right after you were born. I felt like I couldn't handle two kids, that I wasn't doing something right. You had a recurring pinkeye virus, and thrush, and colds. I had to give you Benadryl and antibiotics and eye drops a lot and you were so tiny to have to go through all that! Gavin was a nightmare with the eye drops, but you were so good natured. You even laugh when I suck out your nose with the nose bulb!

We moved when you were three and a half months old. Half our stuff was in storage and we moved in with your Nana D. You learned to crawl there, and fought sleeping through the night for a while but finally learned to do it. You loved Nana's dog, and you also loved to get into things that you weren't supposed to touch, which made your Nana very anxious and made Mommy super stressed about not destroying the house! We found out you have food allergies that cause you to have excema. You and Gavin also got sick there too with something Gavin must have picked up at preschool. You vomited all over the booth at Steak and Shake and you never cried. You handled all of this without complaining (except the sleeping through the night part). I think you are one of the most good natured people on the planet.

You love to eat. It doesn't matter what KIND of food, you just love the whole process of eating. Gavin is the pickiest eater ever, and sometimes I think PB&Js are the only thing keeping him alive, but you are the LEAST picky. Your dad always says you take after your Papa Pete that way.

We moved again when you were nine months old. You still love getting into stuff. You have broken three of the sets of blinds in the house already due to your super-strong baby grip! You love looking out the windows, being outside, and seeing Daddy come in the door after work.You are happy 99 percent of the time. You like music, and animals, and watching Gavin do anything, and being underfoot when I'm trying to do something, and trying to escape and crawl up the stairs.

You like me to hold your hand in the car, so a lot of times while driving I have my left arm twisted almost dislocating my shoulder to hold your hand in the seat behind me. You're a good traveler though, and have handled multiple long car trips without any meltdowns. Even Gavin travels better now that you are in the back seat too!

You didn't get any teeth until you were about 11 months old and then you got two top teeth at once. Just this week a bottom tooth has started pushing through. You gnaw on anything and everything you can get your hands on. You like to clap and you beam with pride when we join in clapping with you. You even say "Cwa, cwa!" You also say "Mama" (that was one of your first words), "Dada" pretty consistently. I think I have also heard you say "Ni-ni" (Night-night) and "Ba-ba" (Bye bye or bottle) and "Ball" and "Dog." This morning you mimicked Daddy making dog and cat noises. That was pretty hilarious.

You are endlessly entertaining. It is so fun just to watch you. You are pulling up and standing a lot and can walk if we hold your hand (or while holding onto my leg), but haven't taken your first steps all by yourself yet.

You have taught me that routines are good; that naps are good; but you can recover if you don't get them; that cuddling is the best; slobbery kisses always make me smile; that crying doesn't kill you (or me); that no two children are alike. Gavin makes you laugh more than anyone. You love your Aunt Becca almost as much as you love me I think. You love everybody, really...you even waved at the teller at the bank the other day.

I am SO, SO thankful for you. I am thankful for this year, as crazy and hectic and stressful as it has been, because YOU were in it.

Your name, Aiden Peter, means "little and fiery" and "rock." My prayer for you is that you will have the fire of the Rock of Ages in your soul.  May you one day be a strong and courageous man who loves fiercely and generously. I pray that our successes and failures as parents will point you to the Father in Heaven who gave us the privilege of raising you. I pray that you will trust Him with your life and have the joy that comes from knowing you are living out the purpose you were created to fulfill.

I am so extremely blessed and privileged to be your mom. Happy Birthday, Aiden. You are loved.