F.O.U.R.

This little man is FOUR!!  In honor of his fourth birthday I wrote this acrostic poem that represents Aiden (because I'm just that cool).  Jeff's words are second..

Fun-loving/Frank
Outspoken/Original
Unique/Unbelievable
Rowdy/Rambunctious

Some other words that come to my mind immediately when I think of how to describe Aiden at four years old:

Smart
Hilarious
Bull-headed
Strong-willed
Independent
Loving
Risk-taker
Learner
Leader
Snuggler

He has a VERY strong personality.  Always has.  He hit 10 months and we knew he would be a force to reckon with.. and we were spot on.  But there is nothing we would change about him.  His personality and that brain of his will take him far in life.  He will be the leader of a giant company, and quite possibly rule the world one day. ;)  BUT.  He is still sensitive. He loves to snuggle.  He is kind hearted and loving.  This kid.  He's got it all.  You can't help but feel the energy coming off of him when you are around him.  It's contagious.  Just another thing we love about him.

He is smart.  Like, really smart.  His memory, his imagination.. its incredible.  When he was younger I always felt insecure with saying that out loud.  I didn't talk about the fact that he was singing full songs and having actual conversations with us at a year old.  I wouldn't talk about when he started saying his ABC's and counting to 10 because I didnt want to brag.  I felt like I was being THAT mom if I did.  But I'm totally over that.  There is nothing wrong with saying your kid is smart.  Nothing.

He loves everything about telling stories, superheros, cartoons, dress-up, outside, climbing, jumping, running, going fast on anything, reading books, and being with people.  

Here a few pics from his day..

 Just look at him.  How can you not smile? :)

 How about that table?!  Great job again Grammy :)

 

 This picture.  Priceless.

 He got a bike from mommy and daddy!  It took him literally 5 seconds to start going on it.  And fast.

 

Sweet little Hannah playing in the leaves :)

 Love.

 :)

 Getting the bike ready to go with the new chalk writer!

 Hehehehe!

 

 Smiles

He has opened my eyes to a world I never really knew existed.  This world includes, but isn't limited to, farming equipment, superheros, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weed whackers, and emergency equipment.

I recently downloaded a new app called Timehop.  It's amazing.  It sends me pics I posted on Facebook on that day in previous years.  Here is a short journey down memory lane with Aiden..

 

Look at that sweet little baby.

We were so clueless..

 One year. 

 2 years. 

3 years.

4 years!

365 days

I'm all about making this turning one thing seem a bit better and less sad.. like saying he is 365 days instead of a year.  Yeah.  Thats better.  Now it doesn't seem like he is one.  And I dont feel so much like crying.

I'm struggling with this milestone (if you haven't already guessed).  With Aiden I was, and still am, so excited for all the firsts.  Anxious even.  But with E, I just want time to stop.  Or at least slow down.  It doesn't seem fair that after you have kids time speeds up.  I just look back on this year and feel like it absolutely FLEW!  BUT.  I am also so thankful for having a healthy, happy baby.  Im thankful that he made through his first year without having and ER trips, or hospital stays, or bad injuries and staying (semi) healthy. I'm thankful that he got to experience an awesome first year of his life with so many great family and friends. 

I have never felt more blessed than when I look at my boys.  There was a time when I didn't know if having another baby was in our plan, but He delivered.  And now I cannot imagine a world without E.  He is sweet, happy, adorable, funny, and loving.  Here's a little "All About Emmitt" with just a few highlights:

Loves
Being outside
Reading books
Climbing - on anything
Taking baths (playing in water)
Playing with Aiden
Being chased and tickled
Looking for birds outside
Puppies and kitties

He can
Take steps (up to about 10!)
Say lots of words (Hi Dada, Aiden, Wow, Hot, Out, Where at, Mama, Papa, and Bath are just a sample.  Just in the last couple weeks he has really started mimicking what we say so the amount of words he is trying is amazing! He even tried "Hannah" at the party!)
Wave, clap, blow kisses
  
He enjoys pushing stuff aroud, loves eating food, and will snuggle with the best of them if you catch him at the right time.  He has the cutest personality and is an extremely happy little boy.  

OH AND.. drum roll please..... he sleeps through the night now!!!!  

Here are some snapshots of his first birthday: 

 Check out this adorable party table and cake! Thanks Grammy :)

 

 We were able to enjoy being outside for a bit, before it started raining. :)

 Awesomeness that Grammy and Papa gave E!

 Have you guys seen this?! Look at all these shoes!

 Awesome DIY board Aunt Sarah and Uncle Brent made!  Wowza!!

 He decided to use Sarah's leg as a booster to get up on the table and get the drink. Stinker :)

 These two will cause all sorts of trouble very soon.....

Family picture time! Say cheese!

 

By the time this picture was up it was pouring down rain and Aiden was totally over it.  He had places to be.  

Classic.

 My little 365 days old guy.  Love him to the moon and back.

Cake anyone?

We gave him his smash cake first, but it had pretzels on it and he was taking his time knawing on them.  So I took it away and gave him a cupcake.  Things went much better (and messier)...

   

 Okay.  Yes.  You are one.  And I am so happy.  :)