Samuel and I traveled to Arkansas for my mom's birthday almost 2 weeks ago. It was a surprise! A surprise party. A surprise visit. And it was a success!
I called Saturday morning to wish her a happy birthday. We talked about Joey's upcoming soccer game and Russ' discussion of visiting the State Fair that afternoon. Both were true. I just forgot to mention that Samuel and I would have to miss out. I was convinced my mom had figured out our motives for a casual Saturday birthday lunch with Aunt Lucy though. Something in her voice seemed giddy...giddier than usual. Maybe that's what happens when you turn 70!
Complete Shock!
I'd give away my car right now to see that look on her face again. Priceless. Unforgettable. And all suspicions that she had figured it out...were gone.
Lucy, Frank, Annie, Dawn, Samuel
And after the party came the next surprise...my dad. He didn't know Samuel and I had driven in the night before. We had talked briefly that morning on the phone. After receiving a voicemail from him a few hours later, I casually sauntered up the truck as he returned from the gym. I announced that I had received his voicemail and wondered what he needed. All he could say was "this is just so weird". Thankfully we are no longer limited to a landline. It lends many opportunities to surprise those we love.
Sheer Determination
Determination. He's got it! Oh, baby, he's got it! Samuel's personality is becoming more apparent day by day. He is such a cuddler at times. He still grabs my face at bedtime for a quick smooch. He's quick to give us all a thumbs up at mealtime if he finds his food to be "good". Samuel loves to tell people "hi", except that he doesn't speak. He waves silently. And when I point to my mouth to tell him "say it out loud", well...he just points to his mouth and continues to give a quiet wave. We're working on communication. He seems to have it down very well when we're in the car.
In fact, when he and I were headed to AR I had a few moments where I needed full concentration and complete silence to navigate traffic. Much to his dismay, I was unable to talk to him for a few moments, which I'm sure seemed like years to him. He was quick to tell me loudly "TALK". Then, he went on to say "Joey talk" as if to say that Joey would talk if he were there. That is certainly true.
This sweet little face can also get quite unruly when he wants something NOW. If determination is evidence of a great level of comfort, we have arrived. I'm still convinced this determination will one day be channeled to a different avenue - one where world problems are solved, cures are found. When you notice the boney little finger pointed in your face and the solid, adamant "no" spewed in your face, you know he's serious. This "determination" could last 2 minutes or 30 minutes. It's always a surprise. We like surprises over here. It could occur in a discussion about picking Joey up from school or something as little as which shoes he should wear. And all this from the little guy who...
dips his grapes in hummus
prefers to watch "Wootman" (aka Superman)
eats fish sticks with a spoon
wears his super hero cape to the grocery store
Our Big Boy
The kiddo has lost yet another tooth. He is obsessed with Lego Star Wars and we have channeled that enthusiasm to encourage family responsibilities. It's working! He sleeps on top of is comforter so that he doesn't have to make his bed each morning. Also, he has a girlfriend(s).
He announced in Sunday school during snack time that he has a girlfriend. And then he went around the table speaking each girl's name and informing them that they are his girlfriend. Whoa! All this while his teacher (read mother) was standing a mere 5 feet away. My heart sank. You see, I'm still stuck back on the days when he would argue with Russ over whether I was his or Russ' wife. Where are those days? I want to be his only girlfriend, at least for 20 more years!
A trip to the pumpkin patch with the Webb pumpkins
The guys enjoyed a sunny (warm) day at the pumpkin patch recently. They appeased me with a few pictures. Samuel seemed shocked at the abundance of pumpkins!
Scooby Dooby Doo
Why have a cute dog that resembles a famous movie star if you don't take advantage of it? That might be the question you would ask...maybe. Just maybe. And don't feel sorry for Gracie being tricked into a walk with these 2 characters. She scored a few dog treats along the way.
Shaggy, Fred, and Scooby Doo
Happy Fall!
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