FOUR

ONE

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 Happy birthday, Aiden Bao Quoc! 

"There's No Crying on Birthdays"

 























I can't believe it's finally here...the eve of Aiden's 4th birthday.  Tonight when I told him it was May 17th in Vietnam his response was, "well maybe I should open a present then."  Did I say I can't believe he's almost four?

I asked him to stop growing but he said he wouldn't.  I told him I might cry because my baby boy is growing up...."Mom, there's no crying on birthdays."


Of course I did cry a bit tonight.  Tears of joy for the honor and privilege to have such an amazing son.  Tears thinking of the woman 9000 miles away who gave birth to such a wonderful boy four years ago...wishing I could tell her how special he is...how much joy he brings to so many.

I told Aiden he'd always be my baby boy.  Of course I got the, "Mo-om, I'm not a baby.  I'm a big boy." He is my big boy....can't wait to see what four will bring.

On Being a Mom

 Being a mom is the most rewarding thing I've ever done.  It's also the most challenging.  There are some rough days...very rough days.  But there are more good days than rough days and in the grand scheme of things. the good days are what I will remember.  I am so fortunate to be a mom to such an amazing little boy. He is funny, smart, caring and thoughtful.

 

  I find myself thinking about Aiden's first mom more often this time of year. Because of her, I received the most precious gift.  I never knew a love like this until I met Aiden. I'm sad that me becoming a mom meant such loss for others...a loss that is sometimes is sometimes painfully apparent in my sweet boy.  It certainly doesn't define him and most would never know.  But it will always be there and I will make sure he knows how much he is loved and that he is safe.  It's part of being a mom and I am honored to be a part of his life.

We've had some great days this past week...I was able to take a day off and attend Aiden's last field trip.  It was so fun!  Aiden also gave me my mother's day present early.  He was so proud (so was I!).  He also gave me some beautiful flowers.

 His card said he likes the food I cook. I asked Aiden what foods I cook for him..."oh, you know, soup, macaroni and cheese, hotdogs." Such a chef!

 

 Today we went out for a late lunch with Gram, Kelly, Chloe and Collin.

 This evening Aiden and I walked down to the frozen yogurt place.  Someone didn't make it home awake...A great day.  I am so lucky and so blessed!

Happy Mother's Day!

The End of an Era

This week was the end of an era...we had our last class at Gymb0ree. We attended our first class in December 2008, 3 weeks after we got home from Vietnam. Gymb0ree gave us a chance to bond and get to know each other better. I never though we would attend for almost 3 1/2 years.  The first few weeks Aiden had a blast but I wasn't too sure how I fit in. When I went back to work we switched to Saturdays and it became fun for Aiden and for me! 

 

We made lifelong friends and had wonderful teachers.  Aiden loved learning and playing every week for the past 3 1/2 years. Almost 3 of those years he had Miss Melissa as a teacher.  The only time I was close to tears during class was when Aiden said good-bye to Miss Melissa...although it wasn't really good-bye because I know we will see her again!   It's obvious how much he loves her and we were so blessed that she was one of his very first teachers.  Our gymboree family will always have a special place in our hearts!