THREE MEN AND A LADY

Spiderman Party!

As I mentioned, Aiden is obsessed with Spiderman right now. So, when he asked for a Spiderman party, how could I say no? Scott took off work that day and we took him to a movie. We did it for the first time when he turned two and now it's become a bit of a tradition. We took him to see Cars 2. It was going pretty well until he stood up and said (quite loudly), "this is boring and I'm ready to go home." Everyone's a critic. I have to say, the humor was a little more geared to the parents in the audience than the kids. At least what we saw of it:) Later that day, we went to Tulsa World of Gymnastics for his party. Until this year, I have always had his parties at home. This is DEFINITELY the way to go! We had pizza delivered, so all I had to worry about was bringing the plates, napkins, cups, cake and drinks. It was fabulous! They were having such a great time playing that I hated to make them stop and watch Aiden open presents. So, we opened them all when we got home. I think this was his best party yet!

Aiden loves grabbing my camera and taking pictures. I let him do it sometimes, but only if he's on carpet or some other soft surface. He snapped this pic of me on the way home from the party:

Happy Birthday Spiderman!

much love,

Gina

My Baby Is Four

If you're wondering what I'm doing right now, I am sitting here with tears in my eyes looking at how little my sweet Aiden once was. He came into this world at 7 pounds and 11 ounces and 21 1/4". A mere 4 years later, he is 45 pounds and 44 1/2". Yes, that is the size of an average six year old. Words can't even describe how wonderful these last four years have been with you. You showed me a kind of love that I never knew existed before I was a mother. You make me laugh, cry tears of joy, sing, dance, play and be silly, challenge me and teach me more than I ever expected. As I said a few posts ago, I wouldn't change a thing because every road lead us to you my sweet boy. God had a plan for us to be the parents of Aiden Christopher Ousley and I am so glad I trusted His plan. He gave me you. And you have been a blessing to us from the moment you were born. Aiden, I hope you know how much your mama loves you. No one will ever love you more, fight for you, encourage you, help you, pray for you, or try harder for you than I will. My precious child.

A few of Aiden's newborn pictures, thanks to Ashley Ann Photography:

A picture at one year, also from Ashley Ann Photography:

Aiden at 2 years, thanks to my amazingly talented friend, Quincie:

On his 3rd Birthday:

And on his 4th birthday:

Here are a few facts about you at four: You love Spiderman and any other super hero (including daddy!). You are learning to write your name and pretty much have it down. You can count to 24 in English and 10 in Spanish. Your favorite book is a $1 Spiderman book I got on the bargain shelf at Target. You love to dress yourself and on the few occasions when you come down in something that doesn't match, you laugh when I tell you your shirt doesn't go with your pants and run back upstairs to change. Somehow (DAD!) you think people eat ice cream almost every day. You are one of the happiest kids I have ever been around. You can make a friend in two seconds flat. You say hello to almost everyone we encounter and ask their name. You are SO outgoing! You already show a kind heart and a caring for other people--one of my favorites of your qualities! You like to sneak food out of the refrigerator and hide to eat it. These are just a few things about you at four. I'm sure I could go on and on!

Thank you God for this beautiful and amazing boy!

much love,

Gina

On The Truth Trail......

Aiden also went to a summer music camp at our church. The theme was "The Truth Trail" and they learned about God and how to play a few instruments that they made in class. After the last day, they had a recital for the parents. A few of my friends from church were his teachers and I was really nervous about Aiden behaving himself during camp. (He has a habit of sometimes getting overly excited about things and not paying attention!) So, when not one, but two of his teachers camp up to me in the hall at separate times to tell me how impressed they were with how he listened, his manners and how sweet he was, I was such a proud mama! He did such a great job in all three of his classroom performances. My favorite on was when they sang Jesus Loves Me and did the sign language to go along with it. Precious in His sight to be sure.

much love,

Gina

SSB Kids, Oh How I Love Thee!

Back in June, I sent Aiden to a summer camp at SSB Kids in Broken Arrow. I had a lot of anxiety about it for several reasons. 1. It was from 9-3:30 and that is a LONG day for a 4 year old. 2. I didn't know anyone who worked there. 3. They had swimming lessons every day and I wouldn't be there while he was in the water. 4. He didn't have any friends who were going the same week I was sending him. Yikes. I second guessed myself a million times, but I did know several people who had sent their kids there and LOVED it. So we gave it a shot and I am so glad we did. It was so much fun for him with swimming, gymnastics, art class and lots of play time. Let me just tell you pretty much the only thing you need to know about this camp. Aiden was asleep at 6:30 after the first day and slept until 8:00 the next morning. Oh my word. What did they do to these kids? I have never...NEVER seen Aiden worn out. Tired? Yes. Worn out? Never. He learned so much and had so much fun. We will definitely be sending him back next summer!