While I Carried You

Dear Ayden,

I've been thinking about getting the new blog started for your sister, Elysia. I was gonna start it by telling her some things while I'm still pregnant with her and then I wish that I had done the same with you! So I'm gonna tell you a little bit about how I felt while I carried you :)

Ayden, I had waited so long to finally carry my own child inside of me instead of looking on and talking to others about their pregnancies. When I was younger, I just dreamed about what it would be like. I knew that it would be hard, I'd be tired and I'd probably have plenty of the nausea and what-have-you but, I could not have known how amazingly special it would be! I couldn't have known what it would feel like to have an angel kick against my tummy, saying hi and wiggling around, just waiting to be brought into the world by me :) What an honor, what a gift, what a blessing.

When I first became pregnant, I wasn't sick right off the bat. We had our first doctor's appointment around my 7th week of pregnancy and I guess I thought I was further along and had maybe gotten away with not having any of the nausea..well, I was not quite so lucky! haha I definitely was sick. I threw up a lot and especially while I was working the early morning shift (5:00am) at the Aquatic Center, I had a really rough time of it! Finally, my boss had me switched to the shift later in the day and that helped a little bit because I wasn't struggling through the mornings trying to make myself hold food down that early and rush to get to work. The sickness was hard and I could not wait for it to be over! Finally, pretty much right when I hit the 2nd trimester, I was blessedly released from nausea prison haha and I felt very normal again. Towards the end there was discomfort and pain because I got so big and my uterus is so small. Oh, my uterus is heart-shaped so, you got stuck inside the right half of it once you got bigger. That was very uncomfortable, as you might imagine, having a 6 pound baby smooshed into one side of your stomach! Most women have their whole stomach and still say it's rough being so crammed inside there so, yeah, it was tough! But, it was ok :) Every time I would contract, the right side would be elevated way above the left and my stomach was soft-ish on the left side and hard as rock on the right side haha it was interesting to be unique in that way.

I started showing pretty early, around like 3 months. Not very big at first but around the end of my pregnancy (like from 6 months on) I started to get very big! I felt huge! I had plenty of people tell me that I wasn't very big at all, but when it's you going through it, you always feel huge! Well, at least, that's how it was for me. I could tell I wasn't as big as many other women that were pregnant, but for me, I was bigger than I ever thought I could be! I didn't mind though :) I liked having that big bump there for the whole world to see that I was carrying my precious little one and she was growing and that she was safe and sound!

You loved to move and you were always getting the hiccups :) 3-4 times a day you would get them! Bump, bump, bump, bump, for a couple minutes I'd feel them, the tiniest little bumps :) I really loved apples when I was pregnant with you and craved dirt and ice towards the end! I loved the smell of the basement at daddy's work, I would go through there any chance I got so I could smell it haha

I thought about you constantly. I always had my hands on my tummy, partially to keep you from digging into my ribs haha but, mostly because I liked to feel close to you :) I loved that. The feeling of you being right next to my heart, curled up safe and sound. I loved being able to provide you with everything you needed! I was your home, your food, your safety. I was your everything, and you were mine. :)

Sweetheart, carrying you was the most amazing experience I had ever had! I don't miss the sickness, but I do miss some of the things about being pregnant with you. Feeling your little bumps and wiggles, being kept up at night by your dancing around in my tummy. :) Any discomfort I had while going through those 9 months was swept away when I finally got to hold you in my arms. I could remember that all the pain had happened, but it was like a distant dream that faded in comparison to the dream I had entered when you came into my life :) That's the dream I'm still loving and living. Thank you for being mine, little one.

I love you so much Ayden Elizabeth. a million times a bajillion-million ;)

Love, Mommy

Likes and Dislikes at 12 Months of Age

Dear Ayden,

Sweetheart, you are 1 year old now!! I am just ridiculously awestruck over how quickly that year passed! I can still feel you in my arms at the hospital the day you came into the world :) You were so tiny, only 6 pounds! Now you're almost 18 pounds, you're walking around like a pro and you can say like 10 words and know about a dozen more than that!! I wish you could stay little forever but, since I know that can't happen, I promise to enjoy every moment with you as you learn and grow into the beautiful woman you will be :)

Here's one of your beautiful birthday pictures:

Likes:

You like to play all day long (the energy you have is amazing)
You like to chatter to yourself and to anyone who will listen :)
You like (LOVE) to read books!
You like to spend time with your grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins
You like to flip your head back to look at the lights when you eat at restaurants :)
You like (LOVE) to splash in the bathtub or anytime you can reach into the sink
You like to eat mommy and daddy's food
You like exploring everywhere and everything
You like (LOVE) when daddy comes home from work
You like running around with your arms flailing, it's so cute!
You like to wave hi to everybody
You like dancing to any music or humming or whistling :)
You like stomping your little feet on the ground
You like doing a little yell that you do when you go into new rooms to hear if it echoes
You like sitting in peoples' laps
You like to back up until you can sit in a lap or lean against a wall
You like to sit on the heater vent with your books or toys
You like to mimic mommy and daddy
You like to cling to mommy's legs while she makes food
You like to be where the action is :)
You like spending time hanging out with mommy and daddy
You like to get tickled and thrown up in the air
You like (LOVE) Cuties!
You like going places and seeing new things
You like (LOVE) Christmas lights
You liked to unwrap everything you got for your birthday and for Christmas
You like getting loves and hugs and kisses
You like (LOVE) bath time, we can hardly get you out of the tub!
You like making funny noises
You like riding on daddy's shoulders
You like the piano and your toy piano
You like making people laugh
You like playing "where's the baby"
You like running away from mommy and daddy when we chase you
You like to play with your tongue
You like to pull stuff out of laundry baskets or drawers (we had to lock the lower drawers in the kitchen because you were obsessed with getting into them)
You like (LOVE) to climb stairs
You like when we put ChapStick on you, you laugh every time
You like when daddy rubs his head against your tummy, you think it's hilarious!
You like doing dishes with grandpa
You like snack time
You like to eat the toothpaste when mommy brushes your teeth
You like to get your hair brushed
You like to run across the couch over and over again
You like to climb on the bed
You like waking daddy up in the mornings
You like to pull off any hats or headbands mom tries to put on you ;)

Dislikes:

You dislike having your nose wiped
You dislike getting your diaper changed
You dislike being stuck in the car too long
You dislike being kept from something you want
You dislike vacuums
You dislike not being able to see what mommy's making for dinner
You dislike not being held when mommy goes into the kitchen at all because you know she's doing stuff that you'd like to see
You dislike being laid down to get ready for bed
You dislike being woken up too early
You dislike having your schedule thrown off for too long


This is probably the last of these posts I will do. Maybe I'll do one at every year mark :) But, I just want you to know that your father and I are so grateful to have you in our lives and I could never have asked for anything more when we got you! I had dreamed about being a mom since I was a child and when the Lord gave us you, Ayden, my dreams were exceeded by far!! I love you so much, my sweet little angel!! I can't get over how beautiful and special you are. You have an amazing personality, so much warmth and intelligence, love and vivacity! I am so proud of you. I am so grateful for you. I love you.

Love, Mommy

Likes and Dislikes at 11 Months of Age

Dear Ayden,

You are 11 months old already!! I can't even believe it..in one month, you will be a whole year old! You are growing into such a beautiful little lady and I am so proud to have you as my daughter!! :) You learn so quickly and change every passing day. I love watching you observe the world and love life :) Here you are:

You're so beautiful!!! It snowed today (first of the year) for your special day :)

Likes:

You like to get into anything and everything you can find

You like to play with mommy and daddy

You like your cousins

You like your Meeko :) 

You like (LOVE) all animals

You like to make silly noises and talk all the time

You like to copy mommy and daddy and you love when they copy you!

You like to climb into your toy basket to play

You like to see out the windows

You like to be outside

You like watching videos of yourself on our phones

You like to read stories

You like when mommy and daddy laugh

You like playing peek-a-boo

You like when mommy and daddy chase you

You like when we play hide-and-seek with Meeko

You like to snack

You like to try all of our grown-up foods

You like to suck on your bib after every bite of food (you've always been like this)

You like climb stairs (can't keep you away from them!)

You like to see your grandparents 

You like going to scouts with daddy 

You like (LOVE) shoes and you always have (especially mommy's moccasins)

You like the leaf garlands that mommy made and hung in the entryways

You like to be on the move (always)

You like playing with things that make noise

You like trying to talk 

You like to walk and you try to do it all the time now (first steps were on Oct. 23)

You like to play on the couches, going back and forth across them

You like playing with people's hair

You like to put everything into your mouth, often causing mom to panic when you start to choke

You like to climb on Meeko, and then to try the same on other dogs (they don't have as much patience for it as Meeko does-she's great with you)!

You like to try to share your food with Meeko

You like getting tickled

You like to drop stuff on the floor so we have to pick it up

You like having free roam of the places you go

You like your oyster and graham crackers

You like pumpkin rolls and banana bread (can't blame ya!)

You like to clap your hands

You like (LOVE) to play the piano

You like drinking from your sippy cup

You like going to the store with mommy as long as you're not stuck in the cart too long ;)

You like crawling with your right hand in a fist

You like carrying things in your mouth while you crawl (we sometimes call you our second puppy haha, you're so cute)

You like to make it hard for mommy to do chores or make dinner by clinging to her legs

You like getting attention and making people laugh

Dislikes:

You dislike (HATE) having your nose wiped

You dislike the cold

You dislike being in your high chair or car seat for too long

You dislike being kept from things you want (you get very determined to get at things)

You dislike having shirts pulled over your head

You dislike having your nails clipped

You dislike (usually) having your diaper changed, unless we make a game out of it

You dislike when mommy closes the fridge door before you can get into it

You dislike being taken down off of the dishwasher

You dislike being kept out of the bathroom when mommy or daddy are in there

You dislike when mommy gets tired of holding you in front of the window

You dislike feeling stuck in any way

You dislike not being able to see what mommy's making for dinner

You dislike when mommy and daddy don't share their food

You dislike the oyster crackers that aren't whole any more (if they break into halves, you won't eat them unless there's nothing else to choose from, you'll purposefully drop them so that you can have a whole cracker instead haha)

You dislike getting shots

You dislike when mommy leaves the room (you have to follow even if she is just getting up to grab something real quick)

You are so sweet, my little Ayden! You just love life and you teach me so much every day! I am so grateful to have you in my life and I know that dad feels the same! You are everything to us :) Elysia loves you too! Every time you're near me, she starts kicking and moving like crazy :) 

Love, Mommy

Likes and Dislikes at 10 Months of Age

Dear Ayden,

Can you believe it!? You're 10 months old already!! I definitely cannot get it through my head that you're already so big...I swear I just had you yesterday! You were 6 and a half pounds, teensy tiny, your whole body fit in one of my arms. Now you're 16 pounds and climbing and crawling and already trying to walk and stand!!

Here you are, you gorgeous girl:

We took you to the Jazz game to celebrate :) You had so much fun! The noise kinda startled you at times but you loved all the lights and the distractions :)

Likes:

You like to crawl around with your right hand in a fist and your left hand flat (we call it your "monkey fist" haha)
You like to snack
You like to play peek-a-boo and chase
You like to climb up everything!
You like when daddy comes home from work or school :)
You like when mommy and daddy laugh
You like playing with your toys and every now and then coming over and sitting in mommy's lap :)
You like your baby games on daddy's phone
You like watching little kids play
You like babies
You like going new places and seeing new things
You like to always be on the move!
You like to make mommy chase you around the house
You like to pat Meeko and climb on her
You like waking up to seeing mommy and daddy
You like your sister, Elysia :)
You like stealing grown up food haha
You like seeing the puppies Kujo has
You like riding around in the carts at the store
You like when mommy tickles you and kisses your face (daddy too!)
You like your cousins
You like chewing on straws
You like chewing on pretty much anything
You like to put anything in your mouth that mom wouldn't want you to ;)
You like pinching tiny things between your finger and thumb
You like pushing your lion walker around the house
You like climbing on the chairs under the table
You like chasing Meeko around
You like seeing your grandparents and aunts and uncles
You like to feed yourself
You like being independent and free to do whatever you want
You like when mommy gives you free reign of the house
You like playing with the baby swing
You like (LOVE) any kind of animal!
You like when daddy plays crazy games with you (flies you around, throws you up in the air, etc)
You like dancing to any kind of music, even just when someone whistles or hums :)
You like making the music play on your lion
You like noisy toys
You like most things about life, you're a very happy and loving baby :)


Dislikes:

You dislike being blocked from somewhere you want to go or something you want to get
You dislike being held too close and being restrained from moving
You dislike having your nails clipped
You dislike when mommy and daddy don't share their food
You dislike when people are being too loud
You dislike when mommy won't let you turn around in your seat in the carts at the store
You dislike being in the car seat for very long
You dislike when mommy doesn't get your food in your mouth quick enough
You dislike when mommy and daddy disagree
You dislike sitting quietly in church
You dislike when mommy leaves the room (you've gotten very anxious about that lately)
You dislike (HATE) when mommy goes outside to feed the dogs or take out the trash
You dislike missing naps, but you still handle that better than most babies!

You are the sweetest little girl in the whole world, my Ayden! We love you more than any words could ever describe!! I hope you know that :)

Love, Mommy

You're Going to be a Big Sister!

Dear Ayden,

Though you are too young to understand it now, you're going to be a sister soon! In about 4 months, you're going to have a little sister to help mommy take care of!

I often picture the kind of sister you will be...you are such a good example to me of what it means to be happy even when you're struggling with things in life and I think you'll be that good example to your sister as well. I am grateful that the two of you will be so close in age, because you'll be able to experience so many of life's great opportunities together!! I know you'll help me take care of her and you'll love her more than anything. I can just imagine it now, your little face lighting up when you see mommy walk in the room with your little baby sister. I can imagine how you'll slowly figure out that she's here to stay, that she's precious and that you need to be gentle with her. You are such a smart girl and I know you'll help her learn and grow and figure out the tough stuff in life, like how to sit or stand :) You're such a sweet little girl and I know you'll be the perfect big sister!

I hope one of your first words is your sister's name :) That would be so cute and special! I hope you two remain close throughout your whole lives. There is nothing more amazing than having a sister to go to when you need a friend. I know you will stand up for her and be her guide.

She's going to be so lucky to have you for a big sister! :)

I get sad when I think that you're not going to be able to stay with us the whole time at the hospital when I have this little baby. I know I will miss you so much! But, I am so excited for you to meet her! You don't realize it (yet, maybe you will later on when she's bigger), but your little sister kicks every time I hold you. When I feed you and you're laying on my tummy, she pushes up at you :) I know that your little sister is a special little angel that is being sent down to us by God, just as you were. The two of you have been given to each other and to mommy and daddy because we all need each other to get through whatever lies ahead of us in this life. Somehow, I feel that you and your sister are going to be exactly what the other needs. You're going to build each other up when maybe no one else can!

Your dad and I put our faith in the Lord when we decided to try for our second child and He sent your sister to us so quickly! He saved her for us. He preserved her to come to this family at the exact time that she needed to. Just as I knew that when you came to us, I know that with her. Our family was chosen to be together and your father and I couldn't feel more blessed to be given the two of you sweet girls to raise and love!! :)

I cannot wait for all of us to meet your sister! I can feel that she's excited too :) She loves hearing all of us talking and laughing together, and soon she's going to be the source of more laughter and love in our home! I hope you remember how important it is to be a good big sister, to take care of your younger siblings, they need you Ayden. Family is the most important thing in the world! Family is Forever. Remember that, do your best to love and learn with us, and you'll do just fine :)

I love you sweetheart! I know you will be an amazing big sister and I can't wait for this new adventure to start. I am so proud of you already and I know you will give me thousands more reasons to be proud :)

Love, Mommy

Likes and Dislikes at 9 Months of Age

Dear Ayden,

Here you are at 9 Months:



You are getting so big and you are moving all over the place! I could turn around for 2 seconds and you'd be off to somewhere else! You're 3/4 the way to being a year old, can you believe that!? I definitely can't! What happened to my little baby?? You're 15 and a half pounds now, still really small for your age but you're healthy and that's what matters :) We love you!!! Here's what you're liking these days:

Likes:

You like to play with your toys and pretty much anything else you can get your hands on
You like to "sprint" away from us when you know we're coming to get you
You like put everything in your mouth
You like (LOVE) Meeko
You like the puppies our rescue dog (Kujo) had
You like to untie drawstrings and suck on them
You like to be outside
You like to climb all over everything
You like to get into everything
You like looking at books with mommy and daddy
You like daddy's funny noises and games he plays with you
You like waking up to see us in the morning
You like pulling all the books off of the shelf
You like to explore
You like to play with everyone's hair
You like when mommy barks like a dog
You like when Meeko and daddy play wrestle
You like watching little kids play
You like smile and squeal and blow raspberries
You like standing
You like walking along the couch with your toys in your hand
You like eating fruits
You like snacking on bits of grown-up food
You like chasing your golf ball around the kitchen
You like when daddy flies you around in your "fighter jet"
You like (LOVE) when daddy comes home
You like playing under the table and on the little swing
You like playing peek-a-boo
You like seeing new things
You like eating popcorn at the movies
You like crunching on things with all the new teeth you're getting
You like walking around pushing your lion toy
You like when mommy swats at flies
You like reaching into your toy basket for things
You like patting surfaces with your hands
You like giving "fives"
You like getting kisses
You like pinching things between your fingers
You like dancing to songs
You like seeing dragons fly (How to Train Your Dragon)
You like watching our fish swim
You like playing with noisy things
You like when mommy and daddy laugh at stuff
You like clicking your tongue while bouncing
You like crawling on blankets
You like pickles
You like feeling new textures
You like shaking rattles like a spazz :)
You like (LOVE) all dogs
You like to think all dogs are as patient and big as Meeko
You like playing in the grass
You like when mommy and daddy help you walk around the room
You like (LOVE) mommy's banana bread
You like to bump your head (you don't like it technically but it sure happens a lot)
You like camping
You like playing and splashing in water
You like (LOVE) being with mommy and daddy (and we love being with you)!!

Dislikes:

You dislike getting your diaper getting changed
You dislike having shirts pulled over your head
You dislike when mommy or daddy leave the room
You dislike when mommy doesn't have more food ready to put in your mouth
You dislike being in your high chair too long (you get restless)
You dislike being blocked from things you want
You dislike the vacuum
You dislike getting your nose wiped or your ears cleaned
You dislike when mommy clips your nails because I won't let you move
You dislike being held in place
You dislike when people yell suddenly
You dislike when mommy tries to teach you about patience :P

Love, Mommy

What kind of person will you be?

I was watching you crawl around the front room yesterday, and I wondered, "What kind of person will Ayden be when she's older?"

I believe that people have natural tendencies that are tempered, shaped, and changed by life experiences, so it's hard to know if your current temperaments will carry over into your adult life or if the innumerable experiences you have will fundamentally change you, but allow me to humor myself, if you will. These ideas I have of who you will become are in no way guidelines for how you should act, nor will I be displeased if you prove me completely wrong. I am merely trying to project who I see you as right now into the future as parents sometimes do.

The first thing that came to mind as I watched you is that it seems like you will be outgoing. As I watch you tramp unstoppably around the room, it's hard to imagine you being shy.

I am quite certain you will be uncommonly intelligent. Even at your small age, your mental capacity astonishes me and your mother. You catch onto thing very quickly, and I think this quality will stay with you throughout your life.

Along those same lines, I think you will have a great sense of humor. You love it when we do irregular things with you.You'll probably be a little goofy, like your dad.

Hopefully you won't get as angry as your father, but I kind of think you will have quite a temper. I always try to check myself around you, and your mother and I hardly never raise our voices, but you do sometimes! You'll yell with startling loudness if your "snackers" run out and we're not prompt at getting you more. We're gonna do our best to show you that's not okay though.

Your mother and I both had blonde hair when we were little that later turned brown, so I think you will be a brunette, but it's hard to say. No matter what though, I know you will be as beautiful as your mother, which is saying a lot, since she is the most beautiful woman in the world.

Mom already told you about how unstoppable you are, and I think that will lead you to be quite the adventurer. You are already set on getting into all kinds of trouble, and you love it when I carefully toss you around. One of your favorite things is when I toss you repeatedly and chant:

Toss the baby, toss the baby,

Toss the baby high!

Toss the baby, toss the baby, 

Way up in the sky!

You've always grinned up at me when I've done that to you.

You're going to be musical in some way, of that I feel quite certain. Perhaps you'll be a dancer, take up instruments like you mother, or sing like your dad. Personally, I'm fond of your bouncy and enthusiastic dancing. It's one of my favorite things to do with you. 

Promise me this though, Ayden, even if none of my predictions are true: promise me that you will dance. Promise me that you will never stop dancing with your daddy. 

I love you, sweetie. 

Likes and Dislikes at 8 Months of Age

Dear Ayden,

Here you are! You are so beautiful!! :)

Likes:

You like smiling and squealing
You like playing with mommy and daddy
You like dogs (LOVE)
You like watching little kids play
You like to put everything in your mouth
You like putting everything in your mouth that mommy doesn't want you to :P
You like making silly noises and hearing silly noises
You like all fruit
You like playing "Toss the Baby"
You like dancing and singing
You like to play with your lion toy
You like when mommy and daddy share food with you
You like moving around (LOVE)
You like getting into everything haha
You like when daddy comes home (LOVE)
You like seeing us when you wake up
You like pulling hair
You like climbing all over everything (LOVE)
You like Meeko (LOVE)
You like swimming and kicking
You like taking naps (mommy likes it too haha)
You like pushing on your little sister in my tummy :)
You like eating mommy's shoes (LOVE)
You like your "snackers"
You like all shoes and clothes (such a girl!)
You like your cousins
You like seeing new things
You like being outside
You like crawling everywhere
You like when you sneeze and mommy says "bless you" in funny ways
You like having fun and going places

Dislikes:

You dislike being locked out of places
You dislike having your nose wiped
You dislike being held down to get your diaper changed or nails clipped
You dislike falling down
You dislike being left in your crib
You dislike when mommy leaves the room
You dislike when I don't feed you fast enough haha
You dislike other kids that don't know how to treat babies (well..mommy doesn't like it haha)
You dislike when mommy and daddy don't share their food

You are the most amazing little girl I have ever met!! You're such a sweetheart and you're always bringing a smile to our faces! We love you more than anything in this entire world! You are growing into the most incredible little lady ever!! :)

Love, Mommy

Our Little Mover

Dear Ayden,

It's been a while since I've written to you just to tell you what's going on :) So, let's do that!

You are almost 8 months old now!!! :o Crazy! You are all over the place, baby!! haha you're such a little mover, you always have been. You learned how to crawl on July 23, 2014 and ever since then you have been going, going, going! You tire your mommy and daddy out makin us chase you all over the place :) You're so much fun though! Sometimes you'll be taking off and I'll say "Ayden come back baby!! Help mama, I need you!" and you'll just look back at me and smile slyly and just turn right back around and keep going! haha it's so cute when you do decide to come back to me and play for a minute and make sure I'm ok :)

You climb up everything!! Up the side of the couch you go, up Meeko, up daddy and me, up boxes and anything on the floor that has a little height to it haha and oh! Especially, you climb up the side of your crib! Daddy and I moved the crib down one slot because we realized you had learned to climb up it. I thought for sure that would help you stay down..yeah, no! haha I looked in one morning and you still found some way to climb up the side! You can even climb up our stairs! I did not expect that one haha You're unstoppable :) You're my little crazy, adventurous girl and I love you so much!!! :)

I think that's a good way to describe you..unstoppable. In so many ways. I think that's the way I'll explain things to you when you grow up a little. That you have always been your own person. You blaze your own path and are unstoppable! You can do anything you set your mind to! You're always surprising me with the way you do things! I'll think, "ok, she shouldn't be able to climb up that" or "it'll be a while before she gets to that point" and you're always pulling the rug out from under me and saying "what was that mom? I couldn't do what now??" haha I will not be setting limits to what you can do, girlfriend :) You're amazing and have always exceeded anything your dad or I could have imagined! I never thought I could be so blessed!! I love you so much my sweet little Bug! You have your dad and I just wrapped around your little fingers, sweetie! Ever since the first moment I saw you, I was smitten, I still am, and always will be :)

Love, Mom

Likes and Dislikes at 7 Months of Age

Here you are at 7 Months!!

Likes:

You liked the big fireworks on the 4th of July
You like swimming (you splashed in grandpa's boat pool and we went swimming on the 15th and you loved it so much)!!
You like camping
You like being outside (anything to do with outside, you love it)
You like playing with Meeko, you follow her around wherever she goes
You like fruit
You like having tastes of the foods we eat
You like playing games and having fun
You like to be well-rested
You like playing with daddy and mommy
You like playing "toss the baby" (daddy throws you up a little in the air)
You like getting up on your hands and knees
You like scooting yourself around
You like to be wherever mom and dad are
You like to play with your cousins
You like seeing dogs play
You like to observe everything around you
You like to play with your feet
You like to balance on your side
You like put your hands in your mouth when I'm trying to feed you
You like getting attention
You like pulling hair (believe me, we have fun with that haha)
You like sucking on your toes
You like putting everything into your mouth

Dislikes:

You dislike when mom and dad aren't around
You dislike being in the car seat when the car's not moving
You dislike being startled
You dislike being cuddled too much
You dislike when we try to make you fly when you're tired
You dislike being left in a room alone (you are definitely aware when mom goes into a different room)
You dislike green veges

P.S. The reason there are usually way less dislikes than likes is because you're a relatively happy baby! You are very good and you handle everything so well. Even when you haven't slept in a very long time, you're a pro! We have been very blessed to have you in our lives, you make everything so wonderful! I love you!! :)

Likes and Dislikes 6 Months of Age

Here you are, you beautiful girl!! I fed you your first baby food today, to celebrate :) You weren't exactly in love with the green beans, but you humored me and smiled and laughed after every bite you effectively spit out! You're such a beautiful little angel!! Happy Half Birthday baby!!

Likes:

You like to play
You like to hear mom and dad sing
You like daddy's funny noises and songs he does for you
You like to fly above our heads
You like your rice cereal (you warmed up to it after a few tries)
You like (LOVE) Meeko!!
You like going new places and seeing new things
You like moving around rooms
You like when mom and dad laugh and talk to you
You like being outside
You like going on walks
You like playing with Meeko's hair (and anyone else's you can get your hands on for that matter)!
You like eating dad's phone
You like giving kisses and getting kisses
You like blowing bubbles and talking (you're a big talker)!!
You like trying to crawl
You like your swing
You like playing with toys in your high chair
You like the Superman ring we got off of a cupcake :)
You like dogs, any dog, any size!
You like playing the Magic Fingers game on dad's phone (not as much as he does though haha)
You like watching dad play his games
You like hearing people on the phone
You like going to your grandparents' houses
You like being babysat by Necia and playing with your cousins
You like watching kids play
You like when we pretend to munch on your toes
You like to kick
You like to dance to songs

Dislikes:

You dislike when mom and dad leave you alone
You dislike being put down when you're tired
You dislike staying up too late
You dislike sharp noises
You dislike green beans and carrots
You dislike being hungry
You dislike not being able to move around as fast as you want
You dislike being in the high chair or car seat for too long

Rice Cereal!

I wanted to jump on this subject before Mommy got to it!

You're finally getting used to rice cereal now, and let me tell you, it was not an easy transition. You were definitely not a fan to begin with, but your Daddy knows what he's doing - and he gets a little help from from Mommy sometimes I guess. I'm totally kidding, sweetie, it's the other way around. You and I would surely have starved by now if it wasn't for your incredible mommy! She was determined to get you eating that nasty stuff, and she worked at it with all the patience of, well, a mother. I did help though, so I know how frustrating it was.

You'd just sputter and cry and let it dribble down onto your bib. It was cute actually, but we were trying to get it into your stomach, not onto it. As you got used to it you also stopped spilling it, and you've gone from this

to this

in just a few short days! Of course, you do still like to blow bubbles and make a mess, but at least now it's an intentional mess! Mommy bought veggies for you today, and she says that she's gonna make you eat - I mean let you eat them for your half-birthday on June 13th. We're excited to see your reaction.

You are freaking adorable, and every time you shake with excitement or grin that enormous grin at us we fall a little more in love with you. It's absolutely incredible to watch you learn and grow and reach new milestones your mother and I have only dreamed about. But, I've said it before and I'll say it again: don't grow up too fast, sweetie! We'll teach you how to feed yourself sooner or later, but hey, you've got the general idea!

We love you more than we could ever say!

The Great Outdoors

Dear Ayden,

Your mother and I had taken you outside quite a bit around our home in Clerfield, but we never realized just how much you love the outdoors until we took you to Bryce Canyon when you were just over five months old! The way you squealed and cooed as we walked around was by far the most rewarding experience we had while visiting the world-renowned park, and there were plenty of Asian people there who felt the same way. We had to fight to keep you away from prodding fingers and snapping cameras. Still, some got through, and you'll probably end up on billboards in Asia as the cutest little white baby in the world.

One of the fondest memories I have of you at this point in your life is walking back to the car with you in Bryce Canyon after seeing Mossy Cave. Uncle Austin and I did some pretty crazy things that day! We ran up a steep hill as fast as we could to check out some amazing rock formations, ran up to see the cave with everyone else, and hung out underneath a beautiful waterfall in the middle of the desert. It was really fun, and few things could compare to it - but walking back with you in my arms overshadowed all our crazy adventures, and that memory will always hold a special place in my heart.

Mom fed you that day up the trail to Mossy Cave, and then you took a little nap. When Uncle Austy and I were done being maniacs, I took you back, and we "thumpa thumpa thumped" down the trail together. I held you on my shoulder and chanted that phrase with every step, and you nearly burst with delight at the fun of it all! It was so cute, sweetie. I love showing the world to you.

The next week your mother and I took you and Meeko up Waterfall Canyon in Ogden. I carried you up in the sling, and Mom held Meeko's leash. As we prepared to go down though Mom told me she was scared that Meeko would pull her down the mountain, so we had to switch roles. I took Meeko, and we got your sling all strapped up to Mommy. She was so scared she was going to slip and drop you that she couldn't move and started crying. I got it all on camera too! I told her everything would be alright, and she was finally able to begin our descent. We made sure Mom didn't slip, and you had the time of your life going up and down that mountain! I don't know what it is, but bring outside just makes you happy. It gives me and Mom a lot of motivation to take you on adventures, which is perfect!

There is something so special about showing you the world, my darling. It makes me so happy to see you reach out and feel the leathery touch of leaves for the first time, or feel the tingling spray of a waterfall, but I am not focused on these marvels when you are with me; I'm focused on you, the most beautiful marvel of them all.

I love you, sweetheart, and I look forward to years of adventures with you.

May 31, 2014 Waterfall Canyon, Ogden, UT 

Likes and Dislikes at 5 Months of Age

Well, here's you at 5 months old! You're getting so big!! Still a tiny girl but getting bigger :) At your last visit to the doctor's office you weighed almost 11 pounds, you're in the 1st percentile, he said you're healthy, just petite :) You're just so dang adorable baby girl!!!

Likes:

• You like to smile (you smile all the time)
• You like to get kisses from mommy and daddy
• You like Meeko (you squeal every time she passes in front of you)
• You like flying above mommy and daddy
• You like eating
• You like seeing pictures flash across the TV
• You like playing while we change your diaper
• You like funny faces
• You like going outside
• You like when we blow in your hair (it's like wind's in your hair haha)
• You like playing on your play mat
• You like going to both of your grandparents'
• You like rolling all over the place (can't leave you alone for a second)
• You like playing with poptart wrappers and basically anything else that makes noise
• You like pulling mommy's hair
• You like the dishwasher and the dryer noises
• You like music
• You like your highchair
• You like eating your fist
• You like slobbering all over the place haha
• You like touching different textures
• You like lotion massages
• You like white noise (always have)
• You like the vacuum
• You like your new door jumper
• You like posing for pictures (you're very used to it haha)
• You like playing with your cousins
• You like going new places
• You like meeting new people
• You like getting attention (you love it)
• You like walking around and seeing tons of new things
• You like your swing
• You like to be held close and bounced to sleep
• You like when we pretend to eat your toes or hands

Dislikes:

• You dislike sitting around too long
• You dislike when mommy and daddy leave the room
• You dislike sudden noises when you're content (you startle easily haha)
• You dislike when people try to play with you while you're eating
• You dislike being left alone
• You dislike being on your tummy too long
• You dislike when mommy doesn't come in right when you wake up in the morning
• You dislike when other babies/kids cry (you're a sympathetic crier)
• You dislike being smothered 
• You dislike being in your car seat when the car's not moving

We're so Proud of You!

And it's not the last time you'll hear us say it! Your mother and I love watching your cognitive and motor skills develop, and it's so fun to play with you! Making you smile is one of my favorite past times, along with showing you new things and talking to you about them. It's absolutely incredible to watch you start to recognize things in the world around you, get excited when we play, and learn to hold things in your hands. You are simply the cutest baby I have ever seen, and we are proud your every milestone, however small it may be. Your mother and I show you off to everyone at home, work, church, or online. When people ask me how life is going, I talk about you, and I couldn't get your mother to talk about anything else - even if I wanted to.

Although it is a priceless privilege to be a part of, part of us can't stand to watch you grow up, my sweet little daughter. We just don't want to miss anything, you know? We cherish every waking moment we have with you, whether you're awake or not. We're obsessed with taking pictures of you to try and capture the way you are right now. We have to take hundreds though because you're changing everyday, which brings me to my point:

Ayden, please don't grow up too fast.

There's no hurry, darling. You turn yourself over and lay on your belly and cry because you can't crawl just yet, and I understand. I am impatient too sometimes, but that impatience has often made me miss parts of my life because I was so busy looking forward to things that were coming down the road. I guess you've helped me realize how quickly life passes if we're focusing on what's next, and I wanted to repay the favor.

I know you want to crawl and laugh and walk and talk and run, and you will have time to do all those things, but please, don't forget to enjoy life the way it is - right now and in the future. We're so proud of you just the way you are. We love you with all our heart, and we want you to achieve your fondest dreams, but we're patient, sweetie. We're not as concerned about getting you somewhere as we are about the journey along the way. I guess a lot of parents might say "I can't wait till she laughs, crawls, and walks!" because they're anxious to see all their child can do, and there's nothing wrong with that. For me and your mother though, it's different. I think it'll be a joke between me and Mom that when we talk about your future we'll say "I can wait until she laughs! I can wait until she talks!" and so on. Of course we're excited to see those things and record them for you, of course we want to see you grow up, and of course we want to  be there for you every step of the way, but you know what? We're proud of you just the way you are right now, so please please please please please don't grow up too fast.

Love you, sweetie.

- Daddy

Likes and Dislikes at 4 Months of Age

Dear Ayden,

Here's you at 4 months of age! You are such a little angel, baby girl!!

You are growing up so quickly, here are some of the things you like and don't like!

Likes:

You like mom and dad to make you fly in the air, we think it'll bring your first laugh!

You like to play with my hands and face when you eat

You like when daddy comes home from work and plays with you

You like Meeko

You like your little cousins, Bray and Mille

You like eating

You like playing with your toys

You like flicking your ears and pulling on them

You like drooling

You like your crib

You like to smile

You like your swing

You like touching different textures

You like kisses and hugs

You like white noise

You like when mommy sings to you 

You like watching daddy play his video games

You like squirming-especially kicking your feet

You like hearing mommy and daddy laughing

You like your play mat

You like being outside

You like looking cute

You like hitting your chime ladybug

You like silly noises

You like when we tell you we love you

You like learning new things and going new places

You like hanging out at the grandparents' houses

You like being carried around to see what we're doing

You like dog noises

You like hearing a lot of different people talking

You like your family and all the fun things we do together

Dislikes:

You dislike sitting in sacrament

You dislike being on your tummy for very long

You dislike when we wipe your nose

You dislike being constrained

You dislike having socks on too often

You dislike when hair clips are on when you're in your car seat or bouncer

You dislike stop lights when we're driving

You dislike being up too late after bedtime

You dislike our neighbor's loud noises when you're trying to sleep

You dislike wind in your face

You dislike when mommy's not there when you wake up

I love you so much sweet girl! You're the most amazing little person in this entire world! Your father and I are so in love with you and we cherish every second we have with you!! 

Love, Mommy

How I Met Your Father

Dear Ayden,

I wanted to tell you about how I met your father :) It's not gonna be as long as the show "How I Met Your Mother" haha but it does include some back story and signs from the heavens and what not! :P Here we go, starting back a ways:

It all began when I was choosing which college to go to. I was all set to go to USU with my boyfriend at the time. We had everything planned and I had even chosen a place to live! Then, I got my acceptance letters from BYU-Hawaii..it was the last of the letters. I had been accepted by USU then BYU then BYU-H. I had only applied there as a kind of joke, just wanted to see what would happen. I hadn't thought about what I would do if I actually made it in! When I got the letter, everything changed. Everyone was full of advice and opinions, it was the hardest choice I had had to make in my life! Then my mom told me something that really helped, she told me to choose for me, to not think about my boyfriend or anything like that. So, I thought and thought and thought and I crunched the numbers and thought some more..finally after I was pretty sure of my choice, I decided I needed to talk to my boyfriend about it. It was tough but I told him I'd decided to go to Hawaii for college. We were going to miss each other but we decided to make the long-distance thing work. You see where this is headed right? :P

Then the August before I was to go, my family had been accepted into the Nauvoo Pageant. I was not too thrilled about it and my attitude wasn't what it should have been. I didn't want to go out there, spend a week of my last month away from home, my boyfriend, my friends! I didn't have much say in the matter and so off I went. When we got there, I was upset about it. Something changed though..I decided to leave my phone at the house we were staying at and I only spoke to Cavin in the morning and at night before falling asleep. Some nights we'd get back late and the talking would be minimal. Then, before I even knew what was happening, I found myself not thinking about him as much as I used to. I cared about what the other guys in Nauvoo thought, I even flirted with your Uncle Jacob hahaha can you believe that?? (Oh, I met your dad's family out there in Nauvoo, before I ever even knew he existed. They were crazy and they loved Nauvoo! With my attitude about Nauvoo, it made me think they were a little weird but very friendly! haha) I mean, I was a big flirt back in my day so it's not so surprising for me but, now that he's my brother-in-law it's kinda funny to me :P

When we got back home, I felt strongly that I needed to break up with Cavin. Just out of the blue, there it was! I later realized that the Lord was hardening my heart and getting my feelings for him out of the way so I would do what I needed to do. So I convinced myself to do it! The first time I brought it up, a bunch of stuff about dating others and long-distance all came out and after some tough discussion, we decided on an open-relationship. Then a little while later I called him and said I felt guilty and all this stuff and he wanted to just enjoy the rest of the time we had. So, that's what we decided to do. Then the day before our 8-month anniversary (didn't realize it then) I just ended it! I broke down and told him he needed to let me go. It was crazy! All of this had come from nowhere, we didn't have any relationship problems, we were great and actually had been leaning towards marriage! The Lord obviously had something planned for me if this is what I needed to be doing, there had to be a reason.

So, I went out to Hawaii! Didn't know anyone, all on my own to live the college life. I was expecting to find that reason real soon! There had to be some amazing guy that would be thrown into my life, like right away. Well..lets just say that the Lord works in mysterious ways, in His own time! haha crazy guy ;) There wasn't a single guy out there for me. Where was the guy that was gonna sweep me off my feet? So, that's when I started having doubts, what if what I felt before wasn't right and I had thrown away all my chances of happiness?? I was freaking out! Luckily, I had great friends, a great sister and actually a great ex-boyfriend who helped me get past all of it. One of my friends reminded me to think of how sure I had been about needing to break up with him. That helped because I had felt really sure! Thank goodness I had them or I would not have been available to marry your dad! If I had gotten back with my ex, my life would be so very different and I wouldn't have you..I am very lucky to have a Heavenly Father who brought me safely to you and your daddy!

At the beginning of my second semester out in Hawaii, I felt strongly that I would not be coming back at the end of it. Didn't know why, but I felt good about the decision so, I went with it. I started planning an adventure out to Italy, narrowing down families to take me in as a nanny! I was really excited about it :) When I got home, we went to my grandpa's 90th birthday party and I was talking to my Uncle Jeff and his family about my big plans out there and they were talking about how exciting it was and for some reason they were more excited about it than I was..? Made no sense. I would later find out that that was the Lord's handy-work again! :P

About two weeks after I got home from school, I met one Samuel Bartholomew. My brother, Channing, and his wife, Courtney, had really wanted us to get together. They said it was "destiny" :) Channing had texted me when I was in Hawaii, the day after Sam got back from his mission actually and he said "I just met your future husband" and I laughed it off, such a silly brother! ;) Courtney kept telling me that her and Sam's mom, Lisa, were both telling Sam to meet me and that we were meant to be! I couldn't remember having made such a big impression on Lisa..I'm certainly glad I did whatever it is I did! :)

Channing had invited Sam down randomly to watch a movie and I was impressed when he was happy to do so. Seemed so far to drive at like 8 at night just to watch a movie! I guess he had heard just as much about me as I had heard about him so it was probably curiosity. When I walked out from helping Rhy and Porter in PJs and I saw him..he was just so different, he was very cute! It wasn't love at first sight but I remember thinking that I wanted to get to know him better! We laughed and talked and joked about the Mission Impossible 4 movie we watched, it was fun! A couple days later he messaged me on Facebook and we started talking about Pride and Prejudice haha then that started some really fun chatting, late into the night and we set a double date up with Chan and Court because we really liked each other. That first one didn't work out cuz Court wasn't feeling good so we went on a date by ourselves. We talked and ate at Wingers and went to park and played on the swings and then went home and played games with Austin. It was fun :) Then we had a double date with Chan and Court the next day. So much fun! Pretty much, we saw each other and talked to each other every day!

I knew after the first date that I was in love. I had actually told my friend Allie that whoever got my old boyfriend out of my head was the guy I was going to marry! Sam got him way, way out of my head! Like, Cavin who?? Sam was incredible!! I prayed about it and actually said "Heavenly Father, I think I'm in love with this man! If this is a joke, you gotta take away this feeling inside of me!" The feeling didn't go away, I was all warm inside and I felt like I was gonna burst and I started crying and I couldn't stop smiling, I had never felt like that before :) I thought I had been in love before him but I'm telling you, the love I had for your dad was so much stronger and more amazing than I'd ever felt in my life!! So, we started dating and about two weeks after we had started dating, we were engaged!! Whoa! We had talked about it about four days before that. It takes someone super special to make Hannah Atkin jump into an engagement! But I didn't feel like I was jumping..I had never felt so sure of anything! Ever! This is how the proposal went :)

It was my 19th birthday and after work Sam came and picked me up to go ring shopping. He had asked my dad for permission the night before after we all went and played frisbee at the park and dad said yes!! So, we went to the Layton Hills Mall and started our search in Kay Jewelers. I couldn't find anything that I liked..then we went across to a place called Schubach Jewelers and we found it! It was perfect! The manager said "this is the one! Look at her face, you can just tell she found the ring she wants!" So, that was the one! But, Sam said he'd come back for it later...I started like freaking out, thinking that it might be gone if we wait! Sam took the manager aside and talked to him about something..I figured it was like a payment plan or something like "hold it for me" or I dunno? I was so worried! I loved that ring!! He said not to worry so I tried not to. Little did I know, the reason Sarah had come to look at rings with us (she worked at the mall and I thought she was just excited) was so she could buy it after we left! He had given her cash and she did the deed! :P I thought it was impressive for him to have enough cash to just buy the thing :)

We were supposed to be going to his parent's house to have a BBQ. Anna's birthday is the same day as mine so we were all gonna celebrate together. Sam wanted to stop and do some geocaching, so we did. I didn't understand why we weren't going to go and help them make food or something. We were looking for one and I was like "so, why am I crawling around on the grass??" He just laughed and we went and found one more before he said we could finally go home. He had been driving around and had called his dad and stuff and that was weird but it was whatever. We got to his house and he said "just one more! This one's going to change your mind about geocaching!" I was like "ok, whatever dude" haha so we went along the raspberry bushes and he would say warmer and colder depending on how close I was. He said once I found the box, I had to give it to him since it opens special. I don't know why I didn't think anything of all this crazy behavior but I wasn't catching on. So I handed it over to him like "heeere ya go!" and then he opened it and there was a ring box! He knelt down and asked me if I would marry him! Of course I would! Then all of the sudden, out from behind a shed came his family and my family and it was awesome!! I hadn't expected to even see them for my birthday, they all had things to do! He had worked it all out and everybody was there! I could cry just thinking about how amazing that was of him to do! We had an awesome BBQ and it was an amazing, amazing day! :)

Crazily enough, about a year later I found out I was pregnant with you, my little angel! On May 10, 2013 :) My birthdays with your father have always been pretty amazing :) Just a couple years ago, I had a whole different life planned out for myself and I'm so glad that I listened and went with the life the Lord had planned for me! Every single day since I met your father, the Lord has proven again and again that I made the right choice! It's like: we found our house and it was perfect and the Lord was like "ya see?? I told you Sam was the right guy for you! Just watch, life's going to be perfect with this man I sent just for you!" The same thought popped into my head when we got our car, when we celebrated holidays together, and especially when we had you!! :) He was right :) The reward might not have come as soon as I had wanted it to but, it happened the way it was supposed to! With your dad, things just worked. I had always heard that when you're truly in love, it just works! The Lord doesn't put obstacles in front of a love like mine and your father's :)

I can't even tell you how glad I am I found your father! There were a lot of things that led me to him and many times, that if I hadn't listened to the Lord, would have made me miss him! Man, life is good! I love that man! Sam, your sweet daddy, is one crazy, incredible man! The moral of the story: listen to the promptings of the Lord because if you do, you'll be led to a great man like your dad :)

Love, Mommy

A Crafty Mom

Dear Ayden,

Today I ventured into uncharted territory..crafting!! I never have been much into crafts and arts and the like. That's always been Aunt Necia's area of expertise. So, of course, when I decided I wanted to dabble in the crafts, I called her. Imagine her surprise when I called asking her if she wanted to have a craft day haha! She said it was a very interesting conversation to be having with me ;) She always tried to get me into scrap booking and other such things before. I guess I had to come around in my own time :) I still don't want to scrap book but I'll tell you what I did do!

It all started with a cute gift we received on your blessing day from one of Sam's cousins. It was a headband board with ribbons on it to clip hair things on to. When we set up the nursery yesterday and got the decorations all in order, I realized that the fabric and the ribbons that had been chosen clashed very badly next to all of the purple items in the room. So, I said to your dad that I would just have to make my own. At that, he responded smugly "so..you're going to craft??" Haha I had always said that I wasn't crafty and he was just giddy as I finally gave into it as he had never believed me. He had told me that he would fund a hobby for me and I think I've found a little bit of a hobby in this. Now, I'm not a pro or anything and I'm not ambitious enough to attempt to make you clothes and the like (I don't really fancy going head to head with a sewing machine haha) but, I was proud of my efforts today!

What were my efforts? Well, I went with Necia to Hobby Lobby and got a bunch of things to make hair clips to clip onto headbands, and later on, your hair! We got a variety of flowers and some things that were already pretty much made but had to have clips added. We got the alligator clips and the felt and I bought my own hot glue gun! :) We went to her house and after I quickly fed you, we got started. You sat in the bouncer watching until you couldn't keep your eyes open any longer and then you slept on the job ;) Braylin "helped," code for: got in the way and stole our flowers haha but she was cute and we all had some fun! I had already bought the fabric and ribbons for the board the night before with your dad and so we got it all put together and then the clip-making began! At around 5:30 Necia and her family left to go to dinner and a movie with most of my family. You were asleep and I didn't want to wake you and your dad didn't want to go to dinner (I wasn't planning on going to the movie because I needed to stay with you for bedtime and I don't think you're ready for a movie). So, I stayed for an extra hour or so working out more ideas and busting our hair clips..and I'll tell you a secret but promise not to tell anyone..I found that I was truly enjoying myself! haha it was the strangest thing for me but I was having a lot of fun :) I think mainly it's because it was for you and I was caught up in the excitement, looking forward to trying them on you and to pairing them with cute outfits for you! :) I love dressing you up, it's so much fun, you're like the prettiest little doll I've ever seen :P

Here are the clips I made by myself:

Here are the clips I just added finishing touches to:

Here's the before picture of the headband board:

And here's my finished product:

It matches a ton better with your nursery, I promise! :) See?

So yeah, you got me into crafting! You're a pretty big deal my angel girl :) The only other thing I've done that's sort of crafty in my life was also for you: your blessing blanket!

It's all for you baby. I love you so much little one :) I find myself looking forward to doing crafts for holidays and such when you're a little older as well! Can't wait to learn and grow with you! I'll also teach you the other thing I feel I'm talented at: cooking and baking! Now, that's an area I feel competent in, I love working in the kitchen and trying out new recipes. It calms me and your dad sure loves it ;) I'll teach you everything I know :) I love you!

Love, Mommy