AJ Got Red!

“I got red Mom!” AJ excitedly exclaimed as I first saw him on Monday evening.

I was delighted to hear the news. He had been trying all year long to get a red marking for his behavior at school. He is graded daily on how they behaved in class, on a scale based on the colors of the rainbow. Red is the highest mark possible. Every morning I send him off saying, “Go for red baby”.

He’s come home many days saying, “Mom, I try my best and I just can’t do it.” He felt disheartened as he hadn’t ever achieved the high ranking. We went over details about what he could try to make red and we’d discuss it daily.

He was so excited that he finally reached his goal, as was I. I agreed to take him to a special ice cream treat the following day.

Tuesday we went to a special gelato shop in Laguna Beach that has 6 flavors he can choose from. That is a great treat for someone who is allergic to dairy. Usually ice cream shops don’t have anything he can eat. Special ice cream shops may have 1 flavor that he can have. This one is super special – it has six!!! Not to mention that this gelato is extremely delicious.

We not only enjoyed ice cream together, I took him by Whole Foods to get some things he’s been asking for but we haven’t had for quite a while: soy whip cream and non-dairy cream cheese. He was elated to finally taste these foods that he hardly gets to enjoy. What fun to see him so happy.

Great work AJ, my love. Keep doing your best. You amaze me cutie boy.

(Pictured: A different treat I got AJ. He wanted me to take a picture so he could remember it. He was very adamant about it.)

AJ Lost His First Tooth!

Yesterday when I picked up AJ from Cami’s house after work, he came to me with a big hole in his smile and a plastic bag in his hand. He had lost his first tooth at school earlier that day! He was so excited and proud of himself, as was I.

It’s shocking how quickly this magnificent boy is growing up. I’ve always heard parents say that, but now I understand why. TIME FLIES!!!!

We also had an appointment at the dentist that day for 2 fillings. The dentist was extremely impressed with AJ’s bravery at taking the shot. He had an appointment the day before for fillings as well, so he was well aware of what was coming. He did not shed a tear or flinch at all. The dentist said he is one of the best kids he’s ever had. All this even without the TV working in his room to help distract his attention. =P

I’m so proud of AJ’s strength and independence. What a joy to see my son growing up into a strong, healthy young man.

He wasn’t too happy about losing his perfect baby teeth or having a missing tooth in his smile. To be honest, I will definitely miss that beautiful pure smile too. He is very serious about taking care of his adult teeth and is kind of stressing about the pressure. What a cutie. I guess we are both dealing with him growing up, but we are making the best of it and enjoying every moment of it that we possibly can.

The tooth fairy visited last night for both AJ and Mac. Mac had lost a tooth two days prior, but left it at school. It’s so much fun to see them have each other…. Both in the times they appreciate it and when they don’t. What a treasure it is to have someone who feels like a sibling in this world.

Okay… enough from this proud mama. =)

I Love You

Dear Ayin,

You have been my greatest blessing in this life. Through you, I’ve gotten to see myself and the beauty of life in a whole new perspective. My ability to love has grown beyond what I previously could have imagined possible. My greatest joys have been brought to me through you. My deepest sorrows have been felt wishing I could do better for you. My most treasured memories star you. I feel like I can capture a glimpse of what God must feel looking down on his beautiful creation as I watch you grow and smile.

Every day the first thing I give thanks for, is you. I am so happy you came to me. It’s hard to see you grow so fast, knowing that time is passing by. However, it’s amazing to see you growing into a strong, healthy boy. Every age you are becomes my favorite. I hope that we never grow apart. You have been my best friend, with your beautiful innocent loving smile. You’ve taught me so much about enjoying life.

I love you, my beautiful son. Thank you!

Love,

Mama