Dear Will,

As second born, you don’t get nearly the focus and attention your brother did when he was your age. Don’t think I ever forget about that, because I don’t. I’m mindful of just how special and unique and wonderful you are everyday. In fact, today I filled out your paperwork for preschool which gave me pause to think about what a big boy you are becoming. It also made me answer some questions and note some details about you that my feeble brain may not remember in 10 years so I thought I’d record them for you here.

You are an early riser, my love. Every day you jump out of bed in the so-very-early 5:00 hour ready to start your day. Sometimes you come in our room and tell me you’re “Ready!” That’s when, me, in a coma-like state and you, ready to take on the world, come downstairs together to start the day. You watch cartoons and eat enough breakfast to fill the bellies of 3 grown men. After all, that breakfast will likely be the only solid meal you’re going to eat since you typically sleep through lunch and goof around through dinner. But boy, when there’s chocolate ice cream to be had, you’re my guy.

Your facial expressions and the way you get your pronouns wrong always makes me smile. My apologies to all the girls you’ve called “him.” (Don’t worry, they often don’t get them right either.) You are opinionated about your clothes – “This DO NOT match!” you tell me intently until I convince you otherwise. And I can always count on you, my little daredevil, to jump from the top of the couch or balance on the edge of your bed's footboard so you can reach something. Still, you haven’t broken a bone but I’ll bet that’s somewhere in our future.

Even though you’re three, you still have the most delicious chubby cheeks I’ve ever seen. Only on rare occasions do you dish out the "scrunchy nose" face when you're being funny and impetuous.  And even then, you make me beg.  You are prodigious with puzzles, fitting pieces together like a 7 year old. You’ve mastered the art of drama even at this young age. Sometimes you’ll fake a fall to get your brother in trouble (who usually deserves it) or gasp and look wide-eyed at something that’s surprised you. And, as one would expect, you play with Sam with all the vigor doing so demands. You, little boy, can hold your own and I know that toughness will serve you well.

Between your raspy, deep baby voice and meaty little thighs, it’s hard not to be in love with you. Keep up the good work growing and becoming exactly who God made you, my Willa. I’ll be right here beside you watching in adoration.

Love,
Mama

5-Fingers of Thanksgiving Fun

Remember when your fingers were small enough to fit in pitted olives?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Merry Christmas!

We've had a great Christmas here so far.  Sam really "gets" Christmas for the first time and even Will is having fun playing with all the new toys.  One of my favorite memories of childhood is seeing our presents Christmas morning for the first time.  Here are Sam and Will enjoying the same tradition:

Merry Christmas everyone! I wish you peace, contentment, good times and a the happiest holiday season ever!!

Boo! (and sometimes Hoo.)

Once again, Halloween was one of those times when it became clear life is so much better with children. The excitement of seeing their friends, getting dressed up and eating candy seem to combine and yield pure joy. This year, Sam successfully walked up to the doors of neighborhood homes, knocked and gave the customary greeting. He got more than enough loot to fill his candy strip. William made it a few more houses than last year and then came home for bedtime. There were two minor fatigue-induced meltdowns but nothing that a little redirection couldn't resolve.

This year I got to pick the costumes again although I suspect this is short lived and Sam will probably have a strong idea of what he wants to be next year. Of all my ideas that met my criteria of being friendly, funny and cute, he chose to be a fireman. Poor Will was subjected to being his Dalmatian pal. One day I'm afraid he'll suffer an inferiority complex but for now, he was happy to go, "Unh, unh" when I asked him what noise a dog makes.

As promised last year, we laughed in the face of a bad economy and gave out full sized candy bars to all the kids who came to our door. A bit much some might think but Bob and I remember thinking a whole candy bar was really something special. Now that we're the grownups, we were glad to share that awe with all our little friends.

Will Sleeps Through Night!

After 9 long months of struggle, Will finally did it. He went to bed at 7:00PM, woke up at 10:00PM for some help finding his "bink", went back to bed and (after a couple of brief periods of fussing) woke cheerfully at 7:00AM. Woo hoo! I'm chalking it up as the first time he slept through the night.

Thanks, Will. And congratulations on this milestone.



Photo credits go to our friend and neighbor Iona. She captured this image at a more pensive moment since usually eye contact yields a big toothy grin.

Merry Christmas!

Dancing Will

It has been far too long since we've posted even a picture of young William. Here's a video of him dancing with his Aunt Sarah from Thanksgiving weekend:

Just treats, please

Last year trick or treaters were greeted by a front door that was anything but inviting. (Even Sam ran away!) Covered in plastic, with all the molding torn off, we could only play it up as a Halloween prank with a sign:



A house with no door is spooky you say?
Even more so when the owner’s away.
But if you’ve come this close without any fright,
You deserve candy and a Happy Halloween night!

This year we were armed with more than a new front door. We had welcoming lights and plenty of candy to give out to the many neighborhood children. I am also fairly confident we had some of the cutest trick or treaters in town to help give candy away. I pledge that next year we will really do it right and give out full size candy bars. One of us will stay home while the other takes the kids trick or treating so nobody ends up rebuffed by the "help yourself" bowl we left on the doorstep while we took Sam around the neighborhood.

Sam was quickly identified as a doctor but it was really a treat for those ladies who recognized him as Dr. McDreamy. Only the most observant noticed his name badge. Since last year, he's gained an understanding of "trick or treat" and he diligently said "thank you" to each of the neighbors who greeted him. Will was Pooh bear for a short time until he became a snoring lump of red and yellow on his Papa's shoulder. I have a feeling it's only going to get better.

Twins?

Here's a picture of Sam at 1 week to compare to Will's 1 week picture below.

Although (I think) they look very similar at this stage, their personalities are distinct. For example, our first trip out of the house with each baby was the same- a trip to a nearby Target. Sam had his first "melt down" on that trip- crying inconsolably while we practically ran out of the store. Will, however, snoozed through the whole thing. He continued to sleep through lunch when we got home.

Here's hoping that Will keeps it up. I think it's going to be tough taking care of these 2 guys, but Will's snoozy behavior makes it quite a bit easier.

It's a Boy!

We're thrilled to let you know that William Jameson arrived Wednesday, June 6th at 10:50 AM. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20.5" long. "Will" looks just like his brother Sam did when he was born. He's got a wonderfully gentle disposition so far- he loves to be held. He's doing well. The pediatrician said, "He looks great- I've got nothin'"- for that we are very grateful.

Deanna is recovering well and we're home now resting and getting acclimated to life with 2 dudes. Aunt Sarah did an amazing job taking care of Sam 24 hours a day while we were in the hospital- for that we are very appreciative.

Welcome to this world, Baby Will!