Alden graduates from Kindergarten on Tuesday. I wish I could be there...

so far...

True Religion

Emily was really excited to buy Alden a pair of designer jeans. To her dismay, they were WAY too large for him, this was 2 or 3 years ago. A couple of nights ago we gave them another shot and they fit snug as a bug in a rug! Alden was eager to give me a little fashion show, he seems pretty confident in the shape of his ass.

Spring Goodness

Tag Team Back Again

Monday Mail Day

Making mail for Alden brightens my day. I hope he experiences as much excitement receiving mail from me as I do sending it. I bet he does.



I get to see him next week, I can't wait...

Stories from Candace:

Did I mention he cut his own hair yesterday?

I went in the bathroom where he was combing his hair up into a pretty serious mohawk. I talked to him about it for a bit and then went back to the kitchen. Not ten minutes later he was yelling at me for some more toilet paper, so when I took it in to him I saw in the corner of my eye tufts of hair in the sink along with his little red craft scissors. Taken aback.. confused.. "Wait what? Ohhh no, no no no!" And I turned to see him, ear-to-ear grin.. with the whole front of his hair whacked right down to the scalp. Long and fluffy on the sides.. just straight across, eighth-of-an-inch buzzed bangs. SIGH.

Planets

Alden called me tonight to tell me about his field trip to the Clark Planetarium on Friday. He was quick to remind me that I was not there and equally as quick to offer me some information regarding the fact he was the only kid in his class that did not have a family member present. I feel horrible...

Goal: Regardless of how difficult an obstacle, make the next field trip.

On a good note, he loved the trip. He taught me a thing or two about planets and the atmosphere. I love him so much.

Alden's been at my Mom's all weekend, she just sent me this. S



So cute... :)

Debbie, I'm In Your Downer

Alden: "Dad, guess what?"
Me: "Tell me."
A: "I'm going to Nanna's house tomorrow, do you think you can meet me there on Saturday.. on Saturday of this week?"
M: "I really wish I could buddy, I would love nothing more... but I don't think I will be able to make it. I bet you're going to have the best time with Nana though!"
A: "Yeah... well, how about... how about next Saturday, on Saturday of next week, I come to see what Indiana looks like? Do you think I could do that?"
M: "..."


Fuck. :(

NYE 09

New Years Eve was pretty fun this year. We kept it family style kid friendly. Jen had a little party at her house for all the parents and their little brats. It got pretty wild there for a minute, 9 or 10 rug rats screaming and running through the house with noise makers and party hats. Fire works, candy and snacks were had along with an epic battle on the Wii. Alden killed it, as usual. We had a great time.

Something I post every year...

In the spring of 2003 news came, we're pregnant!!! Our lives instantly change.

Months later, we find out we are to have a little baby boy. Excitement, tension and all things good and bad consume us. Adding to the stress, news was received by the Doctors that put a wrench in our stomach. Due to an anomaly in the ultrasound we are told there is an 80% chance our child could have down syndrome or cystic fibrosis. We stayed positive and went into team mode, our pregnancy was one of the best periods of my life.

Finally, it's time!

The most intense and emotionally filled moment occurs in both of our lives, Alden Michael Leslie Purkey is born. He is delivered, not breathing and eyes closed. They suck the goo and liquid from his lungs and the first sound he makes is a gasping baby scream. Instantly, all control of my own emotions fall helpless and I cry.. I cry like a little girl. His umbilical cord was cut and the Nurses wrapped him in a blanket and thrust him into my arms. We rushed him into the next room where I cleaned him and held our new born little boy.

He was healthy and he was... he is perfect.

Every nurse on staff that night lost the bet on how much they thought he would weigh. Due to the tiny stature of his Momma, it was anticipated he would be heavily underweight. Nope, 7lbs 6ounces, we like to call that part "Vegan Power". :)

In the last 6 years since that tremendously amazing day, Alden has grown to be the most adorable and intellectual miniature person of his age. He is loving and loyal and most of all forgiving. He knows and understands more about life than most people I meet on a daily basis. He is my reason for everything; he IS my life. I love being his Dad more than anything I've ever experienced in life…

Today, we had an early celebration for his special little day of his. He woke to streamers, balloons, gifts, friends and pancakes. We went to the Nicklecade where Emily, Jesse and Rory won him over 500 tickets so he could have whatever his heart desired, which turned out to be a giant inflatable Spider Man along with many tiny treasures of which he shared with Teagan.

Amazing

Best Mail, EVER!

This Kindergarten picture is ridiculously cute. It's almost sickening.



I've made and mailed him a couple of cards over the past few months. He's either referring to that or the Wolverine trading cards I sent him before Halloween... probably that. Either way, I see love letters to 3rd grade girls in his not so distant future.

Alden's been sick these last few days. I guess Austin went to check on him around 1am in the morning and found him asleep, on his bed room floor, laying in a pile of vomit. Poor little dude. When we talk on the phone he tells me about how his tummy hurts. He broke the news of him being sick late last week, the conversation went something like this...

• Alden: "Dad, I've got to tell you something and it's going to make you real sad."
• Me: "Oh? Tell me."
• Alden: "I'm really really sick. My tummy hurts and I have a headache. It makes you so sad, huh Dad?
• Me: "The saddest."

It's hard being away, especially when he's feeling so vulnerable and helpless. At least I know he's in good hands. I'm thankful he has the Mom that he does. I wouldn't want it any other way.

Alden: "Mom, where were all the kids from school today?"
Candace: "They were visiting their families."
Alden: "Hm... No Mom. I think they were at Walmart because it's Black Friday."
Candace: "What?! Where did you hear that?"
Alden: "I just thought of it when I was playing."