Your First Real Smiles

Dear Ayden, 

You started smiling last week! We had taken some lucky pictures before where it looked like you were smiling, but last week you started smiling in response to our talking and playing with you. Your smiles are so adorable!

However, your smiles are more than just something cute you do.  A smile means you're developing properly. A smile means we've given you everything you need. A smile means we're making you happy. A smile means you love us. And nothing makes us happier than that; nothing reminds us that all we do is worthwhile quite like that does.

Of course, there are times when you don't smile, time when not all of your wants are met or when you're feeling restless, but those all those long minutes (and even hours) fade from our minds with just a short flash of that magical smile of yours. There will be times in life, sweetheart, where you won't smile as much as you'd like to, times when sad things happen and it may seem like you will never smile again. But you will, Ayden. The sun will rise and chase away the night, and eventually your smiles will once again light up the world around you, and chase away your sadness, your worries, and your fears - just like they do for your mother and I.

There are many reasons why you are here on this earth - there are many things you need to learn, experience, and do - but remember the scripture that tells us the real purpose of life: "Men are that they might have joy." I testify that our happy moments will drown out the sad. I testify that your Heavenly Parents and your earthly parents love you more than you can even imagine, and we are all working together to give you a wonderful and joyful life. You have given us a joy we would have never otherwise known, and our dearest hope is that we can do the same for you.

We love you Ayden, and thank you for telling us in your way that you love us too.

Likes and Dislikes at 2 Months of Age

Dear Ayden,

You're 2 months old today!! I can't believe how quickly the time flew!!! And we just love you more and more with each passing day! You are one amazing little girl! I mean, look at you! :)





I waited until you were exactly 2 months to write this post! I'm gonna write one at every month mark, I've decided.

Likes:

You like to be held
You like to be bounced
You like to have your arms free when I swaddle you
You like to have your legs and feet massaged when I rub you with lotion every night
You like twinkle lights
You like wearing PJs
You like to be sucking on things (me, your hands, a binky when you'll take it, etc.)
You like listening to music
You like Meeko
You like changes in scenery
You like going outside
You like sleeping with me
You like playing with mommy and daddy
You like when I make your legs do little dances
You like when I pretend to munch on your hands and fingers
You like to watch me cook
You like to be on your tummy (for a few minutes)
You like riding in the car
You like hearing my voice (which I love)
You like when daddy comes home
You like to cry sometimes
You like when I sing Tarzan and Tangled songs to you as I get you ready for bed
You like your Vitamin D drops
You like to watch daddy play his games
You like spending time with family
You like when I make soothing noises over and over again
You like to listen to the dishwasher, washer and dryer, and the mixer

Dislikes:

You dislike being put down
You dislike taking baths cuz you don't like water on your head or arms
You dislike when I put lotion on your arms
You dislike having your diaper changed
You dislike when Meeko barks and startles you
You dislike when I try to give you your binky when you're already upset
You dislike when I'm trying to get you to sleep and I put you down too soon
You dislike going in your car seat
You dislike getting your nails clipped when you're aware of it
You dislike having your nose cleaned out
You dislike when our hands are cold and we touch you

What Your Mother Does for Us

Dear Ayden,

I go to work or school at about 9:00 every morning and am away from you and Mommy till about 6 or 7. It's hard, and I often come home exhausted. 9 or so hours a day is pretty rough, right? Well, 9 hours seems like a walk in the park compared to what your mother does for you. She's with you 24-7.She wakes up at 2 in the morning to feed you. She sits alone patiently with you for hours as your little eyelids wage battles against sleep, yet I've never heard her complain or seen her overwhelmed. The amount of patience she has with you astounds me, especially since my patience wanes after about ten minutes of crying. I've never been angry with you or completely "lost" my patience, but your mother can tell when Daddy's having a hard time, and she happily takes you back after having her arms free for only a few minutes.

It's a lot of work to take care of newborn, but that doesn't stop your mother from getting things done. I come home to a warm delicious dinner almost every day. I've always got clean clothes to wear. Your mom finds time to do the taxes and write in her blog, as well as get the dishes done.

We've got a life insurance policy on me, sweetie, and if anything happened to me you and Mommy would have some money to help make up for my absence, but nothing could replace your mother if anything happened to her. No amount of money could pay for the work she does for us each day, yet she accepts for her pay your contented napping any my grateful kisses.

Your mother is one of the most amazing women in the world, Ayden, and I am so grateful to have her in our lives.