I can't write about my Aaden without writing first about the unforgettable story behind my pregnancy with Aaden. Even before Mike and I had even thought about having another baby, Preston knew we would. When I put the kids down for their naps we have a prayer time. I pray and then I let the kids pray for whatever they feel the need to pray about. Sometimes it can be pretty funny watching the kids pray fervently for a baby doll or healing for an "owie" so small you can barely see it. One day in the summer of '07 I was putting a then 3 yr. old Preston down for his nap. I prayed my prayer and then Preston prayed his. I had my eyes closed until Preston prayed these words "Jesus, please send me a baby brother". What!?! We had never even mentioned anything about a baby brother or baby sister for that matter. My eyes flew open so fast. Ella was only around 15 months old and still not sleeping through the night. She was about 10 lbs. when she was born and birthing another 10 pounder wasn't high on my "really want to do again soon" list. I decided to not say anything about his prayer and just let it go by. Would you believe Preston prayed EVERYDAY from that day forward for a baby brother. Every nap time prayer. I never really addressed it with him. I just let him pray as he felt lead. Kind of letting it be between him and God. Then came the day in September....I found out I was pregnant! I was shocked, but SOOO excited! I couldn't wait to tell Mike and watch him struggle to find words in the midst of pure shock. I met Mike on his lunch break that day and broke the news to him and laughed so hard watching him fumble around in his speechlessness. He of course was happy and excited after the initial bomb drop. Mike and I decided not to tell anyone of the pregnancy until the 12 week mark. Well, Preston knew. I'm not sure how, but he knew. One night I was putting him to bed (I was around 7 weeks prego)and a conversation happened that I will never forget. Preston said,"Mommy. I see a big tummy. That's my baby brother." Those exact words with that much certainty came from the mouth of my 3 yr old babe. Not knowing exactly what to say, I said,"well Mommy has to go to the Dr. to make sure there is a baby in there." Preston's next words, "I'm sure. I'm very sure". Just like that. I was only 7 weeks. I know my belly gets big quick, but geez. It really wasn't THAT big yet! Preston just knew.
Around 15 weeks I went for a 3D ultrasound so we could find out the sex of the baby. Mike and I were in the room with the technician and my Mom was outside with the kids. Next came one of the best moments of my life...the technician said it was a boy!!! I of course wouldn't have cared either way, but knowing Preston's heart was so set on a brother, I was elated. Preston had been praying for his brother for nearly 6 months at that point!
Next came another moment that I will NEVER forget. We were in the car driving home from the ultrasound. There was no conversation going on in the car. No one had said ANYTHING about naming the baby. Mike and I were silent I think because we were still so excited about the thought of our new little boy coming. All of a sudden Preston blurts out "my baby brother's name is Aaden". Again, just like that with just as much certainty. Where Preston heard the name Aaden I have no idea. It was never a name Mike nor I had ever even thought about. From that moment on, Preston no longer referred to his new sibling as his baby brother, but as Aaden. Every night he would kiss my belly and say "good night, Aaden". There was no changing it in my eyes. I knew Preston had a deep, special bond with the baby in my womb from day one. Preston even knew Aaden was coming before any of us did, so the idea of Preston naming him just seemed right. The name Aaden soon grew on me and now I couldn't imagine him being named anything else. Again, Preston just knew.
Aaden was born at 2:45 in the morning of May 22, 2008 (which is another funny story. Preston was Nov. 20, Ella was March 21 and I always joked if we had a third he/she would be born on the 22nd and he was! So weird!). I was shocked when I first laid eyes on him....He was BLONDE. White blonde with the bluest eyes. He was so beautiful I couldn't stand it. Aaden is my cuddle baby. From the moment he was born I've loved snuggling up to my little blonde peanut. Just looking into his eyes melts my heart. He loves making people laugh by making his funny faces and even cracks himself up. =) I just love my little boy and couldn't imagine our family without him. He is the perfect answer to a 3 yr. old boys nap time prayers. =) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MONKEY!!!
Aaden's First Birthday cake
His first cake experience. Notice the very rapid progression from clean baby to complete disaster....
I think he enjoyed it. He seems satisfied. =)
Pool party!!
Aaden and his bud Leo
Picnic at the park. This was the first time we've had a party at a park and it was SO MUCH FUN!! Can't wait to do the next Birthday there.
Jessie and Soph
Sweet Addie enjoying her sandwich
Shhh....look! A picture of my brother without making a weird face!
There we go....that's more like it...
Of course it was a curious George party because Aaden is our Monkey!!
Conner looking out for his little cousin. So cute!
Birthday Boy!
Aaden loves baseball already. I think he's going to be our little slugger. =)
Cupcakes! Yum!
Grandpa and Peanut
I love this picture. Those two are so cute together. They love playing with each other because they are the same age...just 5 months apart!
Our beautiful Isabella.
Wow...That was a LOOONG post!
3 comments:
Maria, you have me in happy tears. You tell the story so beautifully. I had no idea that Preston's prayers were answered with the wonderful Aaden!
Addie's been asking me all sorts of questions about "when you have a baby will he...." and I have NO IDEA what or who she's referring to! Perhaps she knows something I don't? :-D
See you soon...
Maria...you have all these beautiful stories about your children's births. They will love to hear and read about them when they get older. So beautifully written.
I cannot believe he is already 1. So crazy how fast they grow:)
Wow ! We finally had a chance to check this out. What a great narration and super collection of pictures ! We laughed all the way through ! You guys will really have a lot of history to remember.
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