Up His Sleeve

Ayden had some visitors this week, some with new tricks to teach and others with reminders. Among those visitors was Caroline. Caroline, now a junior in high school, was, once upon a time, one of my seventh graders and basketball cheerleaders. She and I often got mistaken for each other in the middle school hallway, a fact that I was reminded of after Bryan commented on how much we looked alike.

Ayden had yet to meet Caroline. Not only did she nanny this summer, but she also spent four weeks passionately working in orphanages in China. Caroline is very involved in the orphan ministry Show Hope and has been instrumental in beginning a partnership club, The Movement, at her school, as well as at other high schools across the nation.

Caroline would never have wanted me to post all of this about her on our blog, but I do so to show you her heart. She is one of the most caring, thoughtful, selfless people I have ever met. I'm afraid that my writing capabilities are far too deficient to express how beautiful Caroline is, but her humble actions say enough. While I was pregnant with Ayden, she gave Ayden some of her favorite childhood books and wrote him precious letters and notes to go with each. (One of his current favorite books, Friendly Fish, was one of those books that Caroline gave him.) I know those gifts were meant for my then unborn son, but every time she came into my classroom to deliver another sweet package, I was the one encouraged.

 

Ayden immediately adored Caroline. She taught him how much fun it is to be chased around the house. He would crawl a short distance, look to see if she was there, laugh hysterically, and then rush to crawl the next short distance. Of course, she lovingly played along with every step. Playing chase is now one of Ayden's favorite activities, and between hide & seek and chase, he's become quite rascally.

Thank you for blessing our family, Ms. Caroline!

Ayden and I were not only blessed by Caroline this past week. Bryan was out of town, and my parents came to help around the house and to love on Ayden and me. I was exhausted and overwhelmed, and they gave me strength. My daddy, Ayden's G-Daddy, spent many sweaty hours in the attic fixing our air conditioning. (Yes, during the hottest week all summer, we had no air conditioning!) My mama cleaned our bathrooms and cooked. They both spent time with their grandson.

G-Daddy greeted Ayden with their customary headbutt. Yes, I said "headbutt." It's pretty much something Ayden only does with his G-Daddy, and they have made it quite the ritual.

 

G-Daddy also continued Bryan's work with Ayden on stacking cups. G-Daddy was able to hand the cups to Ayden in the appropriate order, and he would stack them without help with balancing or straightening. Of course, with each activity, whether it be stacking cups or placing puzzle pieces, there was lots of clapping!

 

 

Grancee is among the people Ayden most recognizes. He reaches for her immediately, and he allows her to hold him perhaps more than anyone else. Their newest trick is called "the elevator." Ayden reaches up to Grancee, and she then picks him up. He sticks his booty out indicating that he wants to slide down her leg. And repeat. She got quite the workout! Sadly, I don't have a picture or video of their new fun!