Remembering Ayden

Today is Ayden Jones' first birthday. Ayden's story can be found here . We had the privilege of joining Lindsay, Jeremy, family and friends as we celebrated Ayden's life. I wanted to share some pictures, because I want the Jones' family to know that Ayden is remembered and will not be forgotten. Through his life, I learned what it means to truly live.

As you can see from the picture above, each person wrote down something to send to Ayden. These were attached to blue balloons, which were released after we sang "Happy Birthday" to Ayden. The last line of the song faded in volume, as each person's voice was audibly tearful. We then released the balloons. This moment was very special, as I envisioned Ayden gathering each one and reading them while sitting on Jesus' knee. However, I am pretty sure Ayden laughed out loud when he saw what happened to mine. My ditzy side happened to be present while I tied the notes to the balloon. I had the brilliant idea to send all three of our notes (mine, Patrick's, and Jonah's) up with one balloon, as a family. I did not factor in that the balloon would not fly up to the sky with that much weight. I'm pretty sure Ayden was just shaking his head back and forth, saying "oh that Anna, she is a true blond". I ended up retying it with Jonah's, and away it flew.

Ayden's garden in the playground area is beautiful. Such peace resides there. I didn't want to leave. I honestly could sit there all day.

I have included some pictures from this time. Such a sweet moment to share with everyone. We love you, Ayden, and we look forward to the day we see you again. Happy Birthday little one!


The Garden


Butterfly in Garden


Jonah's letter to Ayden


Balloons


Aunt Lindsay and Jonah



Uncle Jeremy and Jonah


Daddy and Jonah


Jonah enjoying Ayden's garden

Milestones

I can't believe Jonah is 7 months old today! I had every intention of updating this blog at his 6 month milestone, but somehow time got away from me. This time last year, I was finishing up my last semester of Nurse Practitioner school with ECU. I was 20lbs pregnant:) I had no idea I could love a child so much. I don't remember what life was like prior to Jonah! It seems to be a blur of work, sleep, and school. Here is a brief bragging moment on my little boy:)

Jonah loves to smile. He has a huge gummy grin, and he makes a little sighing noise when he smiles sometimes, almost like saying life can't get any better than this. He enjoys music, and he can tell a story with his eyes. He has a special bond with his dad that I can visually see. Jonah will stare at Patrick with such awe at times. I watch them interacting, and I see them 15 years down the road with the same devotion and understanding. I know Jonah loves me and knows me as his mommy, but there is just something special about a Dad and his child.

He is sitting up now completely on his own, and he can spin circles in his crib. The crawling technique is yet to be perfected, but I appreciate the fact he isn't completely mobile, yet!

He is still breastfed, which I would never have believed this time last year. I have turned into that kind of mom that you envision wearing a long skirt and hair blowing in the wind, yet I don't look anything like that. I have become a strong advocate for breastfeeding, yet I know some people are unable to do for different reasons. While I am still able, I'm trucking on! Jonah eats every 5 or so hours, and we are introducing new soft foods to him. He particularly enjoyed squash and sweet potatoes, but he grimaced with bananas. I hope to start making his own baby food. I truly believe this is cheaper, plus I'm a "long skirt wearing/hair blowing in the wind" mom.

Jonah used to shriek like a little girl, but now he is "ba-baing, da-daing, ma-maing" all the time. He likes to stick his tongue out and spray it, not say it. He has what I call shards of glass in his mouth, otherwise known as little teeth protruding. He has 2 shards of glass on the bottom, and he sure likes to mess with them!

He weighs a little over 15 lbs and is 26 inches long. Apparently, he has his dad's metabolism and height. I am thankful for this!

Jonah's first night in his own room was Sunday, 3 evenings ago. This was difficult, as I was used to peeking over at him in our bedroom. He now loves his room, and he is content in his crib for naps as well. Thank goodness!!

I am so thankful for this gift! My mornings begin with a huge smile, and my evenings are concluded by a prayer with my little boy. I look forward to watching him grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Enjoy a few pictures!!

Peter Rabbit and Friends

This post is way overdue, but I am writing it during one of the rare free times I have. Lately, Jonah has been waking up earlier than normal, so he has been fed and is now napping. I am killing time until my hair can air dry a bit before I blow it dry! Oh the things we do....

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter with family and friends! We had our good friends Stephen and Brandis spend Easter weekend with us. We attempted some daffodil shots;however, most of them were dead. There is always next year!

We also ransacked Target and other money suckers to look for easter eggs. I got Jonah plastic eggs that ranged from frogs, chickens, to footballs. Did we hide them like I wanted? No, of course not. By the time Easter afternoon rolled around, we were all too exhausted! Again, "there is always next year!"

Jonah had an adorable Easter basket. The actual basket was given to him by Mimi last Easter, before we even knew he was Jonah! The liner was given to him by Sha-Sha. It has Peter Rabbit on it, and his name is monogrammed in light blue. There is just something so childlike and imaginative about Peter Rabbit. I have a whole slew of hardback books from the tales and a cup, saucer, and bowl from childhood. Can't wait to put it somewhere special!

I leave you with a few pictures. As it is early, I don't have time or energy for captions.