The Things You Say 2018 - Edition

I keep a running list of the hilarious, sweet, weird, and all around awesome things you say. I don't catch 'em all. A lot of the smiles and laughs and deep thoughts and little moments and conversations are ephemeral and just putting out a little warmth into the universe. The ones I write down are fun to look back at, though, and recapture a bit of the innocence, sweetness, and laughter of 2018.

I love you both more than words can say.

- Dad

Did you try carrots in ketchup? It’s so good!! You can only taste the ketchup!

Julia 1/18

I’m gonna get blue cotton candy so I can get my poop green!
-Aidan 1/18

I’m coming for you, cotton candy!
-Julia 1/18

Don’t worry, I’m brave, artistic and clever

Julia 1/18

It’s my shadow’s birthday

Aidan 1/18

The only thing that could make me sleep up here all by myself is if someone sleeps up here with me the whole night.
-Julia 1/18

I love music! That’s why I have a broken iPod!

Julia 1/18

Everything needs a smell test.
-Julia 2/18

I accidentally bent my tooth, so no more food for me. Only soup.

Aidan 2/18

Wait... so if we are mammals than we should all be talking horses!
-Julia 2/18

That’s me! I’m adventuring out into the world. Of food!

Aidan 2/18

Can I have some mint gum? My teeth need exercise, you know!

Julia 2/18

I hope you guys find something cool on the internet!
-Aidan 2/18

Mom you scared the hecks out of me!

Aidan 2/18

Dad wanna hear something? Today Duckland said I was nice and cool!!!

Aidan 2/18

I love books because they have many words and pictures and they teach you much things.

Julia 2/18

I feel like we are in a book. Wait... now I see the title! ‘Aaron and Julia walk their dogs to the park!’
-Julia 2/18

If I get a black horse I will name it Batman

They already have names

Oh . I thought it was Batman

Aidan 2/18

Rule 2: don’t slice the horse

Aidan 2/18

Dad.... three minutes ago I heard an elephant in the house. Will you help me look for it?

Julia 3/18

I had the best gardening class ever today. We got to look at soft rocks and hard rocks and I got to bring one of them into my class room!

Julia 3/18

We got to read two chapters of the BFG today! It was so awesome. There were bloodsuckers and a snozzcumber! I hope it’s not scary!
-Aidan 3/18

A: Julia, your outfit is grey-t!

J: dad, your outfit is blue-tiful!

Julia 3/18

Is it springtime? YES! No more jackets!

Julia 3/18

J: dad do you know what multiplication is?
A: no... do you want me to tell you?
J: no! No spoils!!!!
-Julia 3/18

A: what’s a ‘acrifice’?

J: yeah, what’s a ‘snackrifice’?

A&J 3/18

Sham: do you want a smartie?

A: uh.... do those make you smarter?

Aidan 3/18

D: Kids, I love you so much and I’m proud to be your daddy.
A: We know, you tell us all the time.
D: Well I just want to tell you once a day.
A: Okay but not all the time, because that will irritate us.
-Aidan 3/18

I know what real homework is: writing down important stuff and working on your computer. I think.

Julia 4/18

The grocery store makes the BEST corn on the cob!
-Julia 4/18

Dad can we get a new dog? I already wrote a note!

Julia 4/18

What is a foot’s favorite food? ... FEET-sa!

Julia 5/18

Dad you take this crystal with you to Australia. If you get lost, you rub on it and mine will glow and I’ll help you find your way

Aidan 5/18

Dad... you’ve done enough yard work. You’ve done enough.
-Julia 5/18

Can we give the dogs a bath? They smell like a million farts!

Aidan 5/18

When I was in Julia’s class I only liked cheese, but now I like pepperoni because I’m an adventure eater!

Aidan 5/18

A: who’s that’s on the oats?

J: that’s George Washington!

5/18

I’m worried about summer because I’m going to get even sweatier than this!

Julia 5/18

I’m so close to not being a picky eater. I just need to try a few more Rices and breads!
-Julia 5/18

...but I care about those dead branches!

Aidan 5/18

We slept in til eight oh oh so we won’t be cranky! Did you know that bad guys and monsters can wake up whenever they want so they can be cranky!

Aidan 5/18

 I like screens better than people.

Aidan 6/18

Dad no more jokes! This is serious! They’re gonna win!

Julia 6/18

Dad we have a serious problem... my sister is wearing your wig shower!

Aidan 6/18

Oh my god! The wagon got smaller!

Julia 6/18

You’re pops’ son, so you’re a slow poke!

Aidan 6/18

What if we lived in pepperoni town and it rained pepperoni and we could eat as much as we wanted?

Julia 6/18

Aidan repeat after me: f, bird, lollipop, camera.
-Julia 6/18

We won’t melt in the car, mom! We’re not popsicles!

Aidan 6/18

I want to be a singer so I can have a shiny microphone!

Julia 7/18

Dad, I honor you.-Aidan 7/18

(handing me a drawing he made)

Pops took us to Dunkin Donuts! Who is Duncan?

Aidan 7/18

We want to play with Toby because he’s a smart boy and... you know... Preston is old and weak....

Julia 7/18

I’m sure I’m a princess because I like music, fashion, and royalty!
-Julia 7/18

Awww but things without kids are boring!

Aidan 7/18

Hey dad when I have a sleepover at yaya's House when I'm 18 and have a phone I will text you and say 'goodnight, and I love you, and say hello to mama for me.
-Aidan 7/18

I wish I was swimming in a pool filled with yummy pink frosting!

Julia 7/18

You know I use garbage for stuff...

Julia 7/18

I will listen so Weird Al... he will comfort me!

Aidan 7/18

I can’t wait to get in the water- the sands already between my toes!
-Aidan 7/18

I only watch during the commercials because I don’t like the news. I don’t understand the news.

Julia 7/18

Goodnight sun, have a good night!

Aidan 7/18

Daddy look - the laundry hamper was so heavy and I carried all the way over here... so I earned my bumps!

Julia 8/18

It’s beach day! It’s beach day! Are you excited it’s beach day? I can feel the sand between my toes!
-Aidan 8/18

When we pee at the gas station, do you think they’ll see our naked parts?

Aidan 8/18

It’s my imagination... so I would know!
-Julia 8/18

I like commercials... they give me ideas

Julia 8/18

That’s why I like kitties so much... they love me! They’re so fuzzy and playful!

Julia 9/18

Oooh I would be delighted to go over to Oliver and Violet’s house

Aidan 9/18

Of course I’ve seen an upside down rainbow before ... Just stand on your head and look at a rainbow!
-Julia 9/18

Aidan, your breath smells like a fart... did you eat a fart?

Julia 9/18

Goodnight Toby! I hope you have wonderful dog dreams!

Aidan 9/18

Orange... the color of tic tacs.

Julia 9/18

I’m going for a vampire look with my hair.

Aidan 9/18

I would never eat a worm sandwich! Ew! A sandwich?!

Aidan 9/18

I didn’t know you could go on the moon! I didn’t know that astronauts are real! That means unicorns and dragons and fairy tales are real!
-Julia 9/18

Bone... it’s a Jurassic novel.

Julia 9/18

Rosealeigh wants us to go in the bathroom and lock the door so she can kiss me! But I told her I don’t want to!

Aidan 9/18

Baba is the only one who likes to watch the news and commercials. I like commercials. They give me ideas.
-Julia 9/18

Save the smooches for later!

Aidan 10/18

It would take whiles and years to braid mommy’s hair!

Julia 10/18

I hope there’s rock climbing again because I feel like I’m old enough and brave enough now to do it.-Julia 10/18

Really? I don’t like Houston... in movies!

Aidan 11/18

Daddy your favorite room is the bathroom! You’re always in there!

Julia 11/18

You don’t take pills, Dad. Pills are for old people!

-Aidan 12/18

Why on things like that does it say wah wah wah com?
Julia 12/18



I’m only 6 years old .... but I’m a 6 year old who can take out and put back on her own earrings!
Julia 12/18

Why do those people put up gnomes in their front yard like from Africa with camels...it’s winter!
-Julia 12/18

Three boys have crushes on me: kyler, Wesley and reed. Zoey says if I dress up really nice for the concert the boys will faint!!!!
Julia 12/18

Wingman, daddy... it means best friend
-Aidan 12/18

Aidan at 7: A Snapshot

Aidan,

Being 7 is tough. Being 7 with a bunch of challenges thrown in your way can be even tougher. You've got to contend with sensory processing disorder, mixed expressive responsive language disorder, and occupational or speech therapy 2 - 3 times a week. Your brain is just very special and works differently than others, and sometimes makes it difficult to figure out what people are saying and why they're saying it.  And yet, you persevere. You always have been a strong, resilient, amazing boy, and you're growing more and more each day. You have progressed so much in the past few years, and you are a testament to what one can do with enough will power. 

You. Are. Amazing. 

Nature Boy/Whisperer

You persevere with a smile on your face. You're quick to be sympathetic to others, you truly, deeply care about a lot of people and are passionate about your interests. 

Determined. You sewed this Baby Groot all by yourself!

It gives us great joy to just soak you in and watch you grow into yourself and be just a boy, as you begin to triumph over the hand that was dealt to you. 

Spooky and Loving

You love animals. You are almost a bug and critter whisperer with the way you can easily catch and pick up critters that would slip away from others.

You are a lover. You love your sister. Your Mama. Even old stinky me.

You are a dreamer- you get lost in books, and legos, and mazes, and find-its, and stories, and movies.

Proud

You are a story-teller- you love to tell stories to anyone who will listen and you exude creativity.

You love music and have quite a singing voice and a helluva lot of dance moves.

Sweet

You are strong. You are growing. You are amazing. And we love you. To the moon and back. And we are so proud of you.

Big Brother

 

Helper

"I'm a Spy" 

Sewing

Fearless

Method Actor

Toothpaste on my Shoulder

Yesterday, when you were young, I wore your yogurt mustache embraces on my jeans.

Today, you gave me a toothpaste-mouth hug on my shoulder.

Wet paper towels and laundry may wash them away. But, like badges on a decorated soldier, I wear our embraces proudly. They are a tangible sign of what I feel for you, and what you feel for me.

Tomorrow, when we see eye to eye and you have better hygiene, who knows what trails of love we will leave for each other.

But, I will always love you, and always cherish your toothpaste hugs.

Reunited

For 1 long half-day year, and 1 long full-day year, Julia and Aidan, you have been separated while Aidan is at school and Julia is not. Now, granted, some days Julia gets to go up to Aidan's class to help mommy teach art, and next year- we just found out- the two of you get to be in the same class together! But, for 2 years, you two were separated.

And this is how you would great each other after a long day apart. Every time.

And that- that is all you need to know.

Girl's Best Friend: Puppy Love

Julia and Preston. "Pres." "My puppy." "My good boy!" Nothing can come between a girl and her dog.

This is so true for you and your pup, Julia. Preston is your best friend, aside from maybe your brother. You have little chats with him, cuddle him, pet him, tuck him in with blankets, bring him sleep toys, kiss him, worry about him, say goodnight to him, read to him, and just love, love, love your special boy.

He's dirty and smells more often than not. He's pretty gross. Sometimes he spits stuff up on the floor. But this matters not to you. Love is unconditional between you and your dog. And it is a delight to witness.

In fact, your love for this stinky fur-ball is inspirational to me. You've taught me a thing or two about unconditional love. You are so sweet, and so concerned about your best friend's well-being. You've made me reconsider my own treatment and perceptions of Preston. 

Everyone loves a puppy, but it takes a very special young lady to love a smelly old dog with very odd and disgusting habits. 

But you are good person, and a big person. You don't even see (or smell) anything wrong here. You only see the love. And boy does he love you. It's not just about the occasional snack you may intentionally or inadvertently donate to this poor starving soul. He loves you and lets you hug on him, pet him, lay on him, dress him up, paint his claws, kiss him, chase him, and sleep with him.

And you and he have basically been this way since before you could crawl.

As much as he is your best friend, I'm convinced that you are his best friend (or maybe second best friend, after Toby). The two of you are so sweet together, and it is a wonder to behold.

Day after day, your love and affection for each other never wanes. May we all be so lucky to find such a friend in life.

Civil Disobedience

 

 

The other morning you both were wide awake before I left for work. Aidan, you led the charge.

 

"You are not to go to work," you said playfully.

 

I explained that I had too! Afterall, we'd just had a 3.5 day weekend and a week at the beach. And I kind have to bring home the bacons. But, that doesn't matter. And it didn't phase you either.

 

You rant to the front door. Julia, chocolate milk in hand, followed you.

 

"We are blocking your way! You can't leave!" you said, cheekily.

 

A smile never left your faces, and you both really made me feel so super special that you wanted me to stay at home and be with you.

 

I thought fleetingly about calling sick...but what kind of example would that set?

 

We hugged, we kissed, we made plans to play Candy Land when I got home.

 

And when I got home we hugged again, kissed again, and played, hung out, swam, chased, and read until bed time.

 



The only good part about leaving the both of you is constantly getting to come back to you.

i love you so much; and thank you for blocking the door, and making my day.

The Adventures of Young Batman: Love and Laundry

Look! Up in the air!

Down in the sand!

Behind the curtain!

On that boat!

It's BATMAN!

Today marks the 28th day and night straight of wearing the Batman shirt. It's all been your idea too; we wouldn't force you to wear the same shirt day-in day-out, would we?

You're pretty vocal about it. "I want Batman shirt, please!"

And pretty vocal about when you can't wear it. A few cold days during our New York trip proved to be a bit difficult for you when we had to slip a thermal on underneath it or slip a jacket on top.

But, you got over it, and made the most of it.

At one playground, I encouraged you to tell a kid you were playing with who, exactly, you were. Straightfaced, you unzipped your jacket slowly to reveal your shirt. And said: "I'm Batman."

Even I believed you!

You seem to find power in the Batman shirt; and that's okay!

You won over some cool kids at another New York playground with your shirt and your excitement about it. At first they wouldn't let you play with them; but you kept at it, and in no time they were running after you saying "Wait! Batman, come back! Where's Batman?"

The Batman shirt and you have had many adventures in the woods:

And many quiet nights in bed:

There have been many messes on your yellow-and-gold emblem. Ice cream...

Grass stains...

Dirt, dirt and more dirt.

But -after some early mistrust- you trust your Mother and I that we'll wash it as quickly as possible and get it back to you. So, some nights you go shirtless for a few hours while we wash it for you. One morning you even picked another shirt out yourself to wear while Batman was being washed. And, later on, you said "I want Batman shirt please."

In fact, you tell us about 5 times a day that you are Batman. "I'm Batman" you'll say. But that doesn't limit you; in the course of a day, you're Aidan, you're a bay, you're a lion, you're Simba, you're Wreck-it Ralph, you're a leopard, you're a panda, you're kung fu panda, you're a frog, you're a prince, you're a princess, you're a daddy, you're Buzz Lightyear, you're Serious Buzz Lightyear, you're...amazing!

It's not like you've become a never-nude. You'll strip the shirt off in a second if it suites you. If you get wet at the ball park...or wet at the playground...you'll readily strip away your Batsuit to reveal the hero underneath.

...and there go the pants...

But, when all's said and done, you and the Batman shirt are reunited...and it feels so good. You like it when it's warm from the dryer, but, if it's still a little damp, you'll wear it too.

You and the shirt have had some great times...

I mean, look, the shirt goes so well with any outfit...

And it's given you strength and comfort at times when even a Superhero could use a little help..

Don't worry, you survived the ER, and were a super patient. But guess what you refused to let the Doctors or Nurses take off of you, even though you were running a 104.5 temperature?

You've been down and come through on the other side. As with all superheros, you've grown.

You now excitedly brush your own teeth (although your new electric Neverland Pirates toothbrush certainly helps too...but Batman is always up on the latest gadgetry).

And you even learned how to put on your own shirt and...when it's needed...how to take it off too.

But don't worry, we're not about to make you take it off. First of all, it makes you happy. Secondly, it makes you unhappy to be without it. Thirdly, it's completely healthy. Trust us...your parent's super power is super paranoia. So we did our research and asked a nurse. It's completely normal and healthy for a toddler of your stature to have a vested interest in an inanimate object...whether it be a blanket, a toy, a shirt, a pair of shoes, a hat. It's a safety blanket of sorts. And, the Batman shirt is pretty cool. You get lots of compliments on it...and I bet lots of adults wish they could wear their favorite shirt every day too. Plus, it could be worse. The nurse told us of one 3 year old girl who became obsessed with a red bikini. And she wore it every day.

In short, the security of that Batman shirt means something important. It's bigger than a shirt, or a man, or a hero: it's a symbol, larger than itself. For you, it is something permanent, safe and something you can control in a world that you are just starting to realize doesn't necessarily revolve around you. It's control in an ever-changing world. You can control a small piece of your world by controlling your wardrobe. And that makes you stronger, more confident and more patient with a world that's crumbling around you...oh wait...that was a cookie that was crumbling. But, you get the idea. You're smart. After all, you ARE Batman.

And, Batman, I'm so proud to have you as my son. You're dealing with a lot, and you show courage when you need to, comfort and love to those around you, and creativity all the time. That's pretty heroic to me.

Wherever there is an uncontrollable world; wherever there is a toddler uncertain about the millions of whirling gears shifting around him; wherever there are new foods to try, new situations that may be a bit scary and strange new feelings, emotions and understandings, he will be there. For he is the Batman.