The Arndt Family: Happy 1st Birthday AJ!

So...our baby boy turned one today...UFF! Where does the time go? The days go by so quickly, as do the weeks, and so on. Just last night Brent said, "I wish I could remember this moment for the rest of my life." He was referring to Finley and Ace all snuggled up watching a movie together. It's so true! I only pray that we can learn to live each moment to it's fullest...in doing this, I know I need to improve on listening, watching, seeing...so that these moments do stick with me forever! It's so easy for me to get wrapped up in the day-to-day routine of life. I know there are many times throughout the day I brush something off that one of the kids is saying, doing, asking, etc. For my heart's sake and for the kid's sake, I need to improve on letting go of "routine"!

It really does feel like just yesterday we were preparing to meet Mr. AJ! I was at work (in labor) trying to clear my desk and get everything ready for those that were going to cover for me while I was out. After that, we took the kids out to Lynn's and had to ask her if they could spend the night because Nana & Papa left on a last minute trip. She excitedly responded "of course"...what a blessing to not have to worry about the two older kiddos as we prepared to meet baby #3. We came home and I asked Brent to mulch the leaves while I continued to labor in the house...those that know me, know that I always have a to-do list for Brent. Why should it be any different while I'm in labor? Ha! I whistled for Brent and off to the hospital we went. Two hours later we met AJ...who we initially named Max...but we couldn't bring ourselves to put it on paper. So he wasn't meant to be "Max"! :)

AJ is such a happy boy! He is very generous with his smiles. He looks so much like Brent to me...and as a friend from church pointed out "has Brent's eyebrows" too! He loves to play rough and doesn't mind when the two older kids rough house with him. His taste pallet is expanding, but for the longest time he would only eat sweet potatoes, mac & cheese, and fruits (all baby food). For the last 5 months he has slept like a champ...but we won't talk about those first seven months! UFF DA! He now loves to walk and usually walks himself silly...until his little legs just give out and he can't go anymore! He jabbers...says his name and "Ace". We've also noticed quite a temper in him...he is very strong-willed...and naughty! He will test our patience! :) But we all love our Mr. AJ!

Happy 1st Birthday AJ!