Ayden

Dear Ayden,

How can it be that you are 8 years old?  Weren't you just a newborn snuggled up in my arms just a few days ago?  Time is marching by so quickly.  It seems like you are just growing up so fast!  It cracked me up how you watched the clock all.day.long.  Your Lego Ninjago party was super fun and a big hit, I think.

The last year has been the best one yet.  In April, you gave your heart to Jesus.  Enough said.  Even if nothing else happened all year, I would count it a success.  At Christmas time this year, we worked the Truth in the Tinsel for the first time.  About halfway through, you told me it was really fun and we should do it every year.  Be still my heart.  My prayer (you know because you hear it at night) is that you will learn to love Jesus more every day and that you will have a love for God's Word.

You continue to be one of the most amazing big brothers.  Despite your "moments," more times than not you are kind, patient, forgiving, and encouraging.  Anytime I want Laney Kate to say something, I just ask you to ask her, since she won't talk for me.  You've worked with her to call you "Bubba" and I wonder if thats what she will grow up calling you.

You have sweet, good friends.  You were so excited to have Cooper and Lane come to your birthday party.  And, everyone here kept saying what sweet boys they are.  Daddy said how thankful he is that you have them as friends, because we have spent lots of time praying that you would have sweet, good-influence friends.

I love that you still aren't too old to snuggle - and you actually like to!! Physical touch is definitely your love language.  I love your creativity - the way you draw, build Legos, and see the world, in general.  I am blown away by how smart you are and how easily you remember information.  And your reading?  Whoa.  You read an entire Magic Tree House chapter book in 45 min.  No big deal. ;)  I also love that you are learning how to handle life when things are harder...even though I wish it wasn't so.  Some things with school have been a struggle this year, and you maintain a sweet attitude.  I love how funny you are.  By the time you were just a few weeks old, we all said to each other, "What did we do for entertainment before he was born?"  We just watched you all the time.  And, still, you bring your share of laughter to our house.

Buddy, I can feel the subtle shift of a change coming.  You are no longer a baby, a toddler, or a little boy.  You are in full-blown boyhood now.  Part of me wishes that I could keep you little forever.  But, another part of me can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for you and your future...and I'm enjoying the present with  you, too.

I love you so much, Ayden Parker.