Aidan Wolfe Clark/Staley

Aidan was my perfect and happy little baby (he got a bit more high maintenence as he got older!) He was so smart from the beginning, at 18 months he could not only talk, but actually memorized the baby board book "go dog go". He has always been super smart, and just this week he was reccomended for an elite "gifted" program at his school. She warned me that the testing was hard, but she had faith in him, there are only a total of 23 spots for 3rd graders in this program..... he just brought home his test home and he scored in the 97th percentile.... of all the kids only 3 did better than him. I could not be more proud.

Last year was a hard one for my sweet Aidan, with his dad getting arrested, and him losing his stepmom and siblings overnight, plus the knowledge of our impending move he had a very hard time. Add that to a teacher who thought she was a Dr, and the real Dr.'s trying different medications over and over, it was not a good time. He has changed SO much this year, he is thriving in his new school, he is happy as can be to be reunited with his lost stepsister (she is in his class) and living in Grandma and Papa's front yard is great for a kid as close to his grandparents as him. He has turned from the depressed, brooding, and sometimes mean child of last year to an absolute joy to everyone in his life.

One of my favorite things about Aidan is that even at 8 years old his is not in the least embarrassed by affection with his family. He still gets in bed with Adam and I at about 5:30 every morning to snuggle, and he just lays there, rubbing our backs, telling us how much he loves us, and just hugging, that is one of the best feelings in the world.... the rest of the day he is a crazy 8 year old boy who can't get enough of his bike, skateboard and trampolines.... and of course, friends, but in the mornings he changes back to my sweet baby. I know that he will outgrow this, but I am sure enjoying every minute of it while I have it!

Aidan may be growing up fast, and what a joy it is to see him gaining more self confidence and independence, but it is nice to know that he does still need the love and hugs of his mom on a regular basis.

Another of my favorite things about Aidan is his love for Zander, and how Zander looks up to him. There is no more devastated a look than the one that Zander gets when Aidan gets on the bus in the morning, then all day long every time a big truck is within hearing distance, Zander jumps up from whatever he is doing and says "Aidan home, Hug?" (it is so cute how he asks permission for everything including giving out hugs!) Aidan is very loyal, not only to his family but to his friends, he has a lot of friends in the neighborhood, and not too long ago one friend called another stupid (it probably is important to mention that the one being called stupid is a very cute girl who Aidan admits to having a crush on...) Aidan told friend #1 never to call anyone stupid at our house again, the kid went on to kick him in the knee and then run like heck! Normally I do not condone violence, but I do admire his desire to protect his girl!