Mr. Ayden

Is quite the character. When he came home from Haiti he was terrified of certain things....vaccums, animals of all kinds, carseats (or being strapped in), clothing that covered arms or legs, shoes other than his sandals from the orphanage, blankets. He was not scared of the dark, and noise did not wake him up. He was...and still is....slow to warm up to people - but once he does, he welcomes them with squeals of delight.

Phrases we loved include "sha bow!"(wow of sorts) - "sheetah" (sit) - and lot's of French/creole phrases that were absolutely so cute. We miss his accent...as it is definitely fading away now. Papa is now Dad or daddy....Mama is now Mom. He can't get enough of riding the "gator" and will tell tall tales about it for days. He makes me promise we will go "fopping" aka shopping or get french fries(his favorite food) every day! He has begun to try more foods and is eating much better than even a month ago. His very favorite drink is Lactaid (warmed in the microwave 28 seconds)...he sucks it down fast and asks for more!

Ayden has an amazing sense of humor. He knows when something is funny and truly takes joy in it. His laughter and giggling is contagious and his gorgeous smile with those huge dimples cannot help but make you smile too. He also has a temper...which he has shown us through much tantruming, screaming with mouth wide open, spitting, one day of biting, hitting and eye contact avoidance! He has seemed to "calm" these past few days....maybe due to his ability to communicate better now....maybe just being home almost 4 months...who knows...but it sure it nice.

He LOVES "machines" of all kinds, keys, shoes (especially boots of any kind or size - with heels preferred). He has a definite preference for what clothing he would like to wear each day - so much digging through drawers happens each morning. He HATES having his hair combed except by Erin. He is not thrilled with the washing part of having a bath - but enjoys the pouring of water...and is such a happy boy after a bath. He is taking his time with potty training - but is definitely very close to being "pull up" free. He has a strong sense of "smell". Do not be offended if he comes up and sniffs you - I think he is just making sure all is well and you haven't had any "accidents"! He also smells his food prior to eating it...smells his clothing before he puts it on...and loves clean bedding. I think maybe he has had some "stinky" stuff happen in his short life!

We are very very blessed to have this amazing resilient little person in our lives. He loves his little sister and fights with his little sister just like a brother is supposed to. He also looks out for her and can be very kind to her. He is free with his hugs once he is comfortable with you...and is a very hilarious "huge pucker up" kisser!

He is strong as an ox - very very strong. And very agile...can run so fast and jump so high. He is right on target on all his developmental stuff...we will most likely not hold him back for Kindergarten and send him when he is 5. He will be ready. He is crazy musical...has a wonderful voice and extremely good ear. He has better rhythm than all of us...is so fun to dance with. (Ava is pretty funny to dance with too...but that is a different story.)

We love you Ayden. We can't imagine our lives without you!