Early Christmas Things

Dear Aidan,

By now you will know that at the Pereira household, Christmas comes early. The tree goes up early, the party happens early and thoughts of holidays invade our minds early too.

In fact, this year, we are going away for a long, long time come 19 November. We won't be back in Singapore till the 13th of January so you'll be missing a week of school.

As you get older, you understand the concept of holidays more. You actually said you like staying at hotels and yes, you ask about a thousands times whether 'today' is the day we're all going for our trip. Until the day actually arrives. But long before the day did arrive, we were busy 1) decorating and putting up the tree 2) planning our Christmas party with your friends, Lana and Theo as well as their parents.

Helping prep the tree

Mr. Cheeks' favourite pose for anything

The finished tree

I'll admit you did a great job helping us with the tree. You watched Papa attach the stands, fanned out the branches, and handed us baubles. In fact, you even tried your hand at hanging the decor - a tip by the way: it's good to spread them out Honey, instead of putting them all in one corner!


Halfway through the task, you broke into a spontaneous dance. It so happened that Papa had the Alt J CD spinning in the player and a particular song got you to your feet.


We were quite surprised at what a natural dancer you were. Looks like performance is your thing. In fact, looks like we should enroll you in Drama class next year!

Everyone's favourite tree-decorating moment

And as per tradition, after the tree was done, Papa carried you so you could put the star on top. Tea and pineapple tarts followed. Hmm, you ate about 5 out of the 10 on the dish.

A week later, we threw the small Christmas party. There were steaks, soba noodle salad and curried chicken wings plus a salad for the adults. And sweet and sour pork with buttered rice and broccoli for you and your friends. Mama even had special Dora and Chuggington plates brought out for the occasion!

The Christmas spread...Praise God!

Mm...wings!

Aunty Kea-Nai and Aunty Glenda talking about babies and work

Always happy with friends around

Everyone arrived about 7 o'clock. And the house was just full of giggles and silliness. The boyishness really cropped up between Theo and you. Just endless laughter for no reason. Poor Lana had to sit apart a little to avoid the noise.

Look, we're boys!

A-hahahahahaha!

Now, I don't know exactly what happened but you had a meltdown while the highlight of the party unfurled. You see, Mama had bought fluffy reindeer antlers and a Santa Claus costume because Uncle Ian, Uncle Michel and Papa were going to dress up and surprise all you kids after dinner. But when they came out of the room - Uncle Michel being Santa pretended to ride on Uncle Ian and Papa who were the reindeer - you were sullen and didn't want to smile or kiss 'Santa' to get your gift.

After-dinner movie!

Uncle Ian: I don't know this fellow!

Someone's sulking on Mama's lap

I think your unhappiness started to build up early on when Lana and Theo rummaged your toy box when they first arrived and started playing together. I remember you were caught between wanting to share and making sure they didn't just grab your things. You'd want your toy back seconds after allowing them to play with them and that just wasn't right!

I have to admit I was disappointed with you. While I cherished the fact that you were grasping for control, you have always been a kid that shares willingly. This display made me wonder if you were just tired of being the 'good guy' all the time. When we asked you the next morning what had happened, you said you were tired. I gave you the benefit of the doubt but I also told you that it was unacceptable to be rude in front of guests. We then agreed that you'd go to your room next time to calm down if you ever felt overwhelmed by anger.

Aidan, life is all about give and take. Not hoarding. Not who's the fastest, first and most powerful. When you go to your friends' homes, I'm sure they have a tough time learning to let go of their toys too. But remember, when you show a good example, they'll follow soon enough. Don't wait for them to start, you can make the first move. Taking initiative is another one of Life's valuable lessons which will help you out in the future!

November: The Month to Make...Blasters!

Dear Aidan,

You know there's a no-gun policy in our house.

Yes, that would be the toy gun, the gun made out of the shape of your hand, and the toast that's bitten into the shape of a gun.

Guns are horribly scary things. Their sole purpose is to hurt whether out of self-defense or with intention to injure or kill.

Many people have died from wars involving guns.

And many more have died in the crosshairs of a rifle or machine gun or whatnot.

Many, in fact, of these are children. Innocent children. And out of respect, Mama is determined not to let you turn any sort of 'gun' into a plaything.

And yet.

An AK 47?

What? An ARSENAL?

Sigh.

I am beginning to agree that boys do have that aggression gene in them that makes them pick up on pretend gun and sword fights. Because that's all you have been doing all November.

You didn't touch that tool box of bricks and sticks for a whole month after we bought it. And all of a sudden, it's as if memories of Mama and Papa making tanks and aeroplanes and carts with it made you realise you could make guns with it.

This month also coincides with a sudden turn in your behaviour towards tantrums and annoyance.

And boy, do you get annoyed easily.

When Lana and Theo come over, you're willing to share but you're also tempted to butt in after 5 seconds and insist you want to play with the same toy. (You'd get upset if we told you off too!)

And then there was that inexplicable meltdown during our Christmas party with Lana, Theo and their parents. Uncle Michel, Papa and Uncle Ian came out in their Santa and reindeer costumes hoping to get a giggle out of you kids and while Lana and Theo were curious and tickled, you simply sulked in the corner. (Your response the next morning when we asked why was, "I was getting tired.")

Let's not forget to mention the times when you didn't like Mama's suggestions of going to bed earlier,  drinking your milk quicker, or switching off the TV: I do notice your shooting at me with your 'hand' gun, you know.

I still hold to my theory that you tend to act up around your birthday. But this only means I need to be extra patient, not that you'll be excused, okay? We have to be gracious when our guests come. And don't forget what Mama keeps repeating to you: your friends don't have the same toys you do so they'll be excited to play with yours. Give them a few minutes with each toy and ask for an exchange in a nice  way. (And hopefully by the time you read this, you'll already know that 5 minutes is not the same as 5 seconds!)

Reading definitely stirs your imagination, little one!

On your reading list this month are: The Way Back Home (Oliver Jeffers), The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man (Michael Chabon) and Lunchbox: The Story of Your Food. You're really beginning to enjoy superhero themes which has its benefits. Mama reckons it's a good way to learn how to 'control your power (strength)' and help others in need. (Unless of course, you take it the other way and start pummeling your friends at playschool!)

"I'll Be Your Friend, Mr. Fish"

Dear Aidan,

Here's a video of you responding to Mama who's pretending to be a lonely fish in an aquarium.

Now, don't get all cool and say, "That's not me! You swapped me with someone else, Mama!" just because you're demonstrating your sweet side here.

The fact is, you're a sweet little fellow.

Well, you're a lot of other things too - silly, funny, cheeky, stubborn, persistent, chatty, etc - but here you're Aidan the Sweet Little Fellow.

And we love it! ;-)

Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival and Other New Developments

Dear Aidan,

First of all, congratulations on your first poo in the toilet bowl!

It has been months of coaxing and encouragement (with a bit of firmness thrown in, in the last 2 months).  You can be pretty strong-willed at times and I know it was tough for you to accept that your bottom will NOT fall into the toilet bowl along with your poo. Nevertheless, you decided for yourself that you'd try and look - you did it!

Meanwhile, this month has been about helping you understand that manners are important and therefore must be consistent. You can't just say "Good morning" when you feel like it you know. Or "Thank you."
Or "Please". After a few weeks of reminders, however, you're getting better. Although you do try to cheat.

We've noticed also that you're a very curious little fellow and like to get your hands into everything. Especially when we're in a rush to get somewhere. No wonder they warned us about the "Dilly-Dally" years. So on top of the challenge of putting some manners into you, we're also teaching you to: (1) Listen to instructions (2) Accept disappointment when you can't get what you want.

It must be a tough life being a preschooler though, with so many can'ts and don'ts. But you know, we do give you a lot or room to do stuff, be silly, be a kid. Like jump on puddles. Roll your cars on disabled ramps or other such slopes. Mix chili sauce with soup. You just need to understand that there are no negotiations for some things.

Like being rude.

Like deliberately going against what we ask you to do or not do - especially when it comes to your safety.

Like chucking your t-shirt into the toilet bowl.

Here's hoping, that with time and growth and - yes, me nagging - you'll get the difference someday!

Sparkling fun!

We celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with Lana and her parents this time round. Aunty Glenda invited us to her aunt's house which had a large playground just outside across the street.

Many relatives came by so there were a few kids to play with. Aunty Erica brought many sparklers so you had your first taste of sparklers thanks to her. In fact, you loved them so much that your lantern got left at the side of the climbing station for most of the night.

Luckily, we'd already done our lantern walkabout with Papa at the condominium a few nights back.

Lovely old-fashioned glass-paper lanterns

Big handles for easy access

Loving Papa's hair there

No painting session is complete without getting your hands dirty!

Your weird but beautiful fish. 

You're getting really good at drawing and colouring. I must say that we've come a long way from the days when you refused to let Mama guide your hand, as you were insistent that you knew how to do it. For a long time, it seemed like you knew how to do everything. Even shoot a ball into the basket. Of course, it was all down to interpretation, wasn't it? Your "car" was just multiple swirls those days. But it was a car to you. And your fish was two long lines that didn't meet. Ha ha ha.

I'm preparing to defeat mean people, Mama!

We also think you're a natural performer as you'd get into performance mode easily and put on character voices. You love doing poses, too. And you like jumping on stages and platforms to dance or jump around.

Your sense of humour is also becoming keener as you'd laugh at scenes in your animated movies that you never used to laugh at. Well, there's also the occasional diaper-or-pants-on-the-head trick that you pull off.

We're thinking of enrolling you into a drama or music class but we also don't want to bog you down with activities unless you ask for them. With your imagination though, it'd be a waste not to encourage and nurture it, that's for sure. I mean, you even made a large 'pizza' with water and imaginary flour, cheese and milk the other day.

Now, I like THIS sorta hat, Mama

One large pizza coming up!

Your love for animated movies is growing and I'm sure I'll have to put a cap on it soon.

Right now, you have a collection that includes 'Iron Giant', 'Dinosaurs', 'Toy Story', 'Cars', 'Ratatouille', 'Beauty and the Beast', 'How to Train a Dragon', 'Kung Fu Panda', 'Puss in Boots', 'Fox and the Hound', 'Lilo and Stitch' and 'Lion King'.

I love how your sense of empathy and compassion is growing too. I'm always proud when you help others or give Papa and  kisses when we bump ourselves and go 'Ouch'.

It's important not to just think about yourself, honey. Because lots of people are less fortunate than we are. And many kids just don't have what you have. So if you have something you like - and not just something you have to spare or don't like anymore - it's good to offer it to someone.

My favourite movies of all time!

To help you in your general discomfort with water (well, you like playing with water and splashing about in the pool but you're very particular about water getting into your nose or in your eyes although you're getting better at coping with it), Mama got you a book entitled 'The Deep End'. It's about a little girl who's learning to face her fear of water by taking swimming lessons.

It's a really cute book because she and her toddler class imagine that the bigger kids actually swim into the sinkhole at the deep end, through a passage way underneath the streets where people live, before coming out on the other end into the sea.

We're not expecting you to be an Olympic champion but hopefully, you'll learn to be open about swimming lessons.

It's just water!

Old Friends, Nice Getaway

Dear Aidan,

Some time in August, we returned for our occasional visit to Poh-Poh's in KL. And while there, we did a new thing: We spent a few days at Grandma's and Grandpa's as well.

Mama has always been awkward about the idea of staying there because I'm so used to being in my home. I also don't like having to say No or disagree with old people and back in my home, my mum (Poh-Poh) understands me enough that we're both at peace around each other (apart from the occasional nagging from her - something you'll agree I do when you're a little older).  But this time, I told myself that Papa needed to be with his parents too as they too are getting on in age.

During our stay, you fell in love with one of Grandma's big bolsters. You name him Biggie and wanted to bring him everywhere, even the coffee shops.

Two happy bunnies with their Ribena

Decorating dessert with Aunty Anne's help

We managed to pay a visit to Aunty Anne and Jaden in between. And you really had a blast. First there was a yummy lunch of fried rice (made by Jaden's Amuma) and chicken drummettes in BBQ sauce. Then there was Ribena! And then! There was even cake! A lovely light Victoria sponge cake which Aunty Anne let you boys take turns icing and decorating with cream and strawberries. In between all the feasting, of course, was Jaden graciously sharing his toys and playing with you.

It was a really fun afternoon.



When we returned to Singapore, we took you to Sentosa Island for a short weekend break. Papa and  knew that we were soon going to leave for our own holiday to Bali and we wanted to make it up to you in advance.


You enjoyed playing on the beach, showering Papa's hair with mud and building little castles. What got you super excited, though, was the Skyride combined with The Luge, a toboggan-like ride down the slopes after ascending the hill on the open-air swing-on-a-pulley (essentially that's what the Skyride was to me!).

In fact, you loved it so much, we came back to Beach Road Station after dinner for a 3rd ride, just before they stopped the rides for the night.

Getting the shampoo in 

The Luge - The Ultimate Holiday Favourite

Just Papa and me...

You're beginning to settle from your pre-August phase of tantrums and whininess - well, you're still playing rough and throwing/kicking your toys sometimes despite many repetitive reminders, and for those, trips to the Corner are still taking place.

The Teachers at school have mentioned also that you're starting to be more protective of who you share your toys with when you used to be more generous. I know you like sharing with the bigger kids because, maybe, you trust them with your stuff more, but it's good to show the younger ones what sharing's all about.

Another thing I've noticed: You've begun to want back every single toy you offer to your friends (like Theo for example), just seconds after you've lent them away. What's not right is, you'd tell them they can play with something else and when they do and have fun doing it, you'd rush to take that back too, insisting that you now want to play with it.

When you're well-behaved though, you're really good! So when the chain of your first bike (Tornado) came undone for the final time, we didn't hesitate to get you a new 'Big-Boy' bicycle.  Well, it was also a gift to celebrate the half-way mark of your 3rd year on Planet Earth.

Meanwhile, here are more books that you're enjoying. (By the way, I love how you would suddenly realise I'm using story-time to help you recognise alphabets and their sounds because you'd turn around while sitting on my lap and ask, "Are you trying to make me learn, Mama?")

Fun classics from Mama's time

Empathy: Eskimo Boy Explains to Mika Why He's Been Absent

Dear Aidan,

For a long time, you've been very observant with Mama's feelings. For instance, from as early as last December (while Kung-Kung's passing was still fresh), you caught me crying during Mass and asked me why. You then promptly grabbed a wet wipe to wipe away my tears.

There have been many times too when you'd react to my Ouches by stroking the affected area and then kissing or blowing it.

Your teachers at playschool have also said that you'd alert them if a younger child was crying or being bullied.

Recently, however, you've been taking empathy a level up. You'd offer your toy cars to a lone kid playing at the playground. Or, as Teacher Corley said at the Little Gym, you'd - upon noticing that the teachers aren't getting a response - help rally an unwilling child to participate in the lesson.

This is a tender part of your personality that we love and cherish. It makes us real proud of you. It makes us feel all gooey inside even though it may teeter too closely towards Uncool.

It never ceases to amaze us when you extend your loving trait to your soft toys though. Well, when you're not busy practising kung-fu kicks ON them, anyway. Like two days ago, you asked me where Mika the Meerkat was as you'd not played with him for a while. Upon finding him, you had a heartfelt chat with him explaining why you hadn't been able to play with him much.

It was hilarious. (C'mon, you have to agree, too!)

Now, this is not to say that you're all devoid of cheekiness. This video will show you just how sneaky you can be when you've got something up your sleeve. (In this case, trying to squeeze a free night in Papa's and Mama's bed.)

June: Don't Like Papa Month

Dear Aidan,

It's been a nice few months of loving Papa, choosing Papa to change, wash, shower and read to you, and missing Papa when he's at the office.

Mama's little man, no diggety, no doubt!

But lately, you've been breaking down into tears and moody a lot more often. Sometimes, once we step into the house after school, you'd throw a tantrum because I said 'No' to cupcakes or another gummy 'Snake'. Sometimes it could be over something simple like not wanting to pee in the toilet bowl. But when you realise that Mama is unhappy with your behaviour, you'd want to cling to me even more. It'd be Mama for underwear/diaper changing, showering, story-time, feeding, putting on shoes and socks...and even, EVEN getting a tissue to wipe your mouth after a meal or snack!

Meanwhile, Papa would get lots of rejections in the form of whiney, irritated "Don't want Papa to (insert activity)". Sometimes this would be accompanied by the shoving away of Papa's hand.

We've also noticed that you're still demonstrating some form of separation anxiety when we drop you off at school, even though it has been a year already. It's mild - as you don't break down in tears.  Rather, you'd become moody at the halfway mark to school and become nervous as we approach the entrance of your school where a teacher is normally stationed to administer health-checks.

You would also hug us a few times and kiss us lots, not wanting to let go.

Therefore, it has been a pretty tough month of managing your feelings and Papa's. After all, it can be quite frustrating for one parent to have to do all the work and the other to be rejected for wanting to help.

"That's not a gun!" "Yes it is, Mama...boom, boom, boom!"

The past two months have also been months of guiding you into the wonderful, warm and diplomatic world of TACT. "I don't like you" is not the way you get someone off your back, honey. I know your friend at school, Justin, says it. And I wish he didn't because it's rude and therefore it hurts. What's more, I know you look up to Justin because he's a cool cat (I've seen you guys interacting) and speaks well enough like you (to give you meaningful conversations). But no, you don't have to take up everything he does. Pick what's good to follow, drop what's not.

Miao Laoshi says both you and Justin are good at helping her and teacher Su rally up the other kids and help clear up the toys after play. So it's great that you're following Justin in this good habit. But really, "I don't like you" and "I want, I want"(accompanied by snatching) are not habits you want to adopt. Unless you don't want friends as you get older.

They are certainly not habits Papa and Mama will accept at home either. Because (1) You can't always have what you want; sometimes what you want isn't good for you (2) You gotta respect your parents and all other adults - so if you're unhappy with us (or any friend for the matter), you should simply say "I'm angry and I'm not ready to talk to/play with you".

(Also, SHOUTING, while fun, is not a good way of getting friends too. They'll just think you're angry or crazy. )

Your teachers have always praised you for being one of the few kids who share willingly and help the younger ones who are upset by giving them hugs and alerting the teachers to step in. In fact, your teachers at The Little Gym have noted that you're helpful with the kids who aren't participating and eager to follow instructions, too. I really hope you keep up with that. Because they are such amazingly good traits about you.

"Listens to instructions well...and rallies his friends to try..." says the teachers. Really? Our son?

Having said all this, there have been many lovely moments with you, too. For instance, you and Mama would have a really tough day of whininess and non-cooperation. But at night, after tucking you in bed, you'd reach out to hold my hand and repeat "Good night, Mama, I love you, see you soon" a few times.

Beef and fish dinners...yay! 

Sometimes also, you'd see Mama busy bustling about and offer to help me pick up and throw away all the bits and pieces from our arts and craft project. You're also a willing helper when it comes to unloading groceries. Or, you'd be so happy to receive a treat for finishing your vegetables that you'd be all butter and honey in our hands.

As for socialising, I'd say you're more confident approaching little strangers to befriend - even if it's for a short period of time. Usually these phenomena occurs at restaurants. We're just surprised you haven't been shooed away yet, given the way you sometimes barge in on someone's lunch.

"He-llloo!"

After a few exchanges, little Gabriel is game for a pix together. What a nice boy!

We always remember that you're a good kid at heart. That God has given us a smart and caring child. And we simply hope that with consistent guidance and teaching, your weaknesses will grow into strengths. We're not betting for an angel of course. Just a monkey with less mischief and more heart.

This month, we didn't get any new books. Instead, we took you to the national library on the 4th level of the Nex Shopping Mall. It was a first for all of us. And we spent an hour there, picking out books to read together and to borrow. You liked the ones about Motorcycles, Trains, Elephants and Giraffes so we took those home with us. Hopefully, we can keep up with the visits and along with them, your interest in books!

Aidan: 'These ones can zoom into tunnels" Papa: "Err, yeah, sure they can!"

Lots of books for the little ones

Aidanism #253:

Phonics gone wrong:
Me: Aidan, what's the sound of A?
Aidan: Mama, Mama, b-b-ball!
Me: Yes, good. But what's the sound of A?
Aidan: S-s-sound!
Me: Aidan, can you please focus? What's the sound of A?
Aidan: F-f-focus! 
Me: Ai-dannnnnnnn!
Aidan: A-a-aidan!
Me: Yes! That's the sound of A!
Aidan: Y-y-yes!

May for Madness

Dear Aidan,

May began with Jaden's birthday. He had a pool party attended by quite a few familiar faces from the playground like Xe Min and Joaquin. You didn't get to see him or play with him much as he was roaming about. But Joaquin's dad, Uncle Mark who lives on 3rd floor with his family, took pains to play with you and a few other boys. This happened after a bunch of you copied each other and asked for 'swords' and 'guns' from the balloon-shaper guy.

Arghhhhh! I'm going to defeat you...

...But first, quick smile for the camera!

I think this party alone sealed your fascination for guns. With the Max Liquidator experience (Phuket trip) still fresh on your mind, you swung your 'pink sword' vigorously and threw your voice around like a barking army commander. There was a lot of pointing, jumping and posing.

At one point your 'sword' hit a 4 year old girl queueing up to ask for a 'flower bracelet' balloon and she barked at you like an old lady.






Then at night, after dinner at Uncle Khin's house, Dillon brought out all his homemade swords, helmets and shields to start a game of battle of some sort.

Needless to say, you were beside yourself with excitement. After 45 minutes of chasing, pretend-dueling, hiding and screaming, it was time to go home and you were actually sad to go.

Yeah, we are destroyers of the universe. Watch your furniture.

I can just see how the rougher side of play will feature in our home in the next few weeks. Too many great examples to follow at this party! That's why Mama has whipped out the whole hippie 'Love is more powerful than guns' symbol for you to pick up. You know the heart sign you make with your fingers? Anyway, take-up has been a bit slow for this one.

There are times, however, when you're just a sweet little guy searching for a friend to run your Matchbox cars up and down restaurant walls and windows. Or a sweet tooth looking for treats because you've eaten all your vegetables or done the impossibly yucky - like finish your barley water.

While dining alfresco at PS Cafe in Dempsey one Saturday night, you spotted a Norwegian girl with her family inside through the large floor-to-ceiling windows separating our tables. She smiled at you and you smiled back. She was a lot older, mind you. About 12 maybe. Anyway, Mama and Papa encouraged you to play with her. So you and I went inside and asked if she'd like to have one of your cars.

She's so nice huh, Mama?

The next 15 minutes saw you two having fun rolling the cars here and there. At least it looked fun for you as you were giggling a lot. She looked after you too, holding you when you climbed onto the ledge.

The Musketeers are resting before another round of sweat-inducing play!

May also saw Theo and Lana coming over for dinner with their parents. Mama cooked grilled honeyed chicken with broccoli and carrots for you and your friends. And then it was pasta with sage and garlic chicken drumsticks plus  a Japanese salad for the mommies and daddies. Whenever the three of you get together, there's just mayhem. Especially when the tent comes out. Lots of screaming, lots of attention-deficit-order driven toy switching, lots of mess...but lots of fun too!

Wake me up when it's lunch time...

Your sense of humour is developing, too. While strolling around Ikea, you participated in every silly game of pretense Papa and Mama embarked on. You were sporting.

In fact, even at lunch in the cafeteria, you put on a pretty good demonstration of just how tasty your dessert was. You closed your eyes and went "Mmm...mmm...mmm."

Then there was the time when you decided to wear your diaper...like a hat. Clown!

Look, I'm starting a new fashion line here. Show some support!

We're doing alphabets, 2 at a go these nights. There would be alphabet recognition and phonics. You're pretty good now recognising big and small letters and you're grasping their sounds pretty well. So far. I can't for the life of me imagine how to make alphabet learning fun apart from matching them to items lying about the house. For a boy with an ant-filled butt, 20-30 minutes of sitting still seems like torture. Every 2 minutes, you would get up and fiddle with a toy from your toy-box or ask a totally unrelated question or spot something crawling over your toe.

That would be H for hat, yes!

It does get frustrating trying to bring your focus back to the task at hand. But I'm keeping it all in for now. After all, you're only 3.

Books of the month include: Eating the Alphabet, The Giving Tree and The Tiny Seed. The latter is a poignant story about a generous apple tree who watches a young boy grow up from loving and playing with her to becoming an old man with other distractions. A tree who always had something to give even until she is but a stump. Right now, you're not quite aware of the depth of the story but Mama is able to use the story to teach you about giving and taking, about unconditional love.

Q-q-q-...for quince!

Small can be powerful too

Don't forget to love back

Aidanism #217:

Aidan: Mama, Kung-Kung's your father.
Me: Yes.
Aidan: And I'm your son.
Me: That's right.
Aidan: You're my wife.
Me: No-o-o. I'm Papa's wife. But I'm your Mama.
Aidan: Why?
Me: Why what, hon?
Aidan: Why aren't you my wife?

Aidanism #217:

Me: Aidan what does a wife do?
Aidan: (busy playing with toy hammer)
Me: Aidan, if I'm your wife, what would I do?
Aidan: Cook mee-mee for me. Sleep with me...kick mean people out of the house.

Aidanism #219:

Me: Hunny, Mama's friends asked me to ask you: What do husbands do?
Aidan: Husbands don't do anything yet.