This past month we celebrated Nick's 29th birthday. For his birthday, I surprised him by getting a babysitter (Uncle Scott) and taking him to dinner, just the two of us. It was such a nice, peaceful dinner. Even though we weren't gone for very long, it was nice to get to spend some quality time with Nick.
Nick requested a pie for his birthday. I couldn't decided which kind to make, so I made a chocolate cream and a banana cream pie. They were both very yummy!
At first Aaron was very intrigued by the candles. We used trick candles, so when they relit the first time he laughed, but when the trick candles kept relighting he started to cry. I don't think he cared for the smoke much either.
Aaron's gift to his daddy was a painting titled "Even Superman Needs a Dad" by Liz Lemon Swindle. My dad was given this painting when my brothers were young. I have always loved it and thought it would be a nice addition to Nick's home office. I think the story behind the painting is what really makes it so special.
Liz Lemon Swindle explains the inspiration behind the painting, "Driving through a parking lot, I saw a boy and his father coming out of a store. The boy was imagining himself as a mighty hero, but he looked at his father with more admiration than any hero is likely to receive. Right then, I knew I had to paint "Even Superman Needs a Dad."This father took an interest in everything his son had to say. Every moment seemed magical. While this little boy looked a bit out of place dressed in a Superman cape and red cowboy boots, his father could not have looked prouder. Who was the real Hero? Who was more in awe of whom? When I look around at the thousands of Supermen who play alone each day it breaks my heart. Looking at these two I remember a wonderful father who took the time to be there for me, who taught me by example what a father should be. I enjoy watching someone look at the painting for the first time. Their gradual smile tells me they understand the feeling that brought about this painting. For a brief moment they forget there are bills to pay and work to do. They forget their worries and remember for a moment that life is wonderful. That is the joy in painting."
Aaron has been doing very well with small foods. He loves avocados, bananas, cheese and bread. Well, he loves ALL food, but those are the foods he eats most often.
One afternoon Aaron had gotten into my purse and found the Yogurt Bites. They hadn't been closed properly so when he shook it, the crushed pieces flew everywhere. Aaron LOVED it! He proceeded to eat every small piece he could find.
Aaron started walking in December, and has become more mobile since then. Unfortunately, I don't have a room that Aaron can play in and be completely safe. So, we've made a temporary blarricade of recliners, a couch and a kid corral. When I am in the kitchen and Aaron is supposed to be playing with his toys, he sometimes gets bored and wants to come find me. He squeezes through the barricade as best as he can and comes looking for me.
Grandma Bender's brother, Uncle Mike, stopped by the other day. It was such a treat to have him stop by. He is always so good about coming to say hi when he is in town. We had Aaron do all his tricks on command. Aaron loved all the attention from Uncle Mike. He also loved "driving" and rockin' out in Uncle Mike's Mustang.
Just for fun, here is a picture of Aaron from this morning. Just laughing!
