Giving Thanks

On Thursday, I will finally be able to enjoy my first REAL Thanksgiving feast. Since last Thanksgiving, I have acquired 14 new teeth, two of which are my newly developed canines, or turkey flesh rippers as I call them. Mom thinks that's a bit much, but that's what your canines are for, right? I'm so thankful for my beautiful pearly whites and for the delectable food they allow me to enjoy.

I am also thankful for so many other things. Here's my top ten:

1. Outside- quite possibly my favorite place to be. First thing in the morning and even late at night, I'm asking mom if I can go "outside." She rarely obliges when it's dark outside, but during the day, I love to enjoy God's creation. This leads me to number two...


2. Sticks- a.k.a. "free toys." Mom rarely buys me new toys, so I have to find my own... sticks are fairly good substitutes.


3. Grandparents- need I say more?


4. Macaroni and cheese- or any cheese product for that matter; I don't discriminate.


5. Shoes- I love shoes... my shoes, mom's shoes, dad's shoes... it doesn't matter... I just love 'em!


6. Ms. Eva and my dare care buddies- my home away from home... a place where my angelic alter-ego takes over. Whenever I'm with mom, the devil in me comes out.


7. My furry friends Mr. Bear, Mr. Moose, Miss Kitty, and Simba- I didn't name them. The "Creative Genius," a.k.a. "Mom" came up with those descriptive titles.


8. Running!- the faster I get, the slower and older mom and dad get. It just proves that God really does have a sense of humor.


9. Maya- unrequited love... I will never understand why cats don't return the love of toddlers. And finally,


10. Loving parents- I guess the world really is a better place with me in it.

As you celebrate this Thanksgiving, please remember to count your blessings and thank God for all the wonderful things he has given you (especially your teeth, now go eat some turkey)!

Love,

Weston

A Tribute to Nana

It is with great sadness that I write this post. As you may know, my beloved Nana went to her new heavenly home on October 25, 2007.

Nana was with me from the beginning. I remember looking into her beautiful eyes almost immediately after I was born. She would look at me with such love... like I had given her a reason to live! I really got to know Nana those first few weeks of my life. She would change my diapers, fix my bottles, wash my clothes, and wake up at 2 am to soothe my crying. Now we all know, THAT'S true love!

My first trip to Nana's house was during Thanksgiving of last year. My first plane ride was uneventful, but when I arrived at Nana's house, my life seemed complete. She had set up a nursery for me, decked out with my own crib, duck mobile, toys, blankets, burp clothes, tons of clothes, and my own rocking chair! Mom and dad haven't even bought me a rocking chair, yet. The smells of Thanksgiving dinner tantalized my senses. Even though I enjoyed my bottles, it was a little disappointing that I hadn't started eating solid foods yet. Some of Nana's turkey and dressing would have really hit the spot.

It was hard leaving after Thanksgiving, but Christmas came quickly and I was back in the arms of my Nana once again. When mom suggested that I go to the nursery during the church service, Nana insisted that she hold me instead. If I got fussy, Nana took me outside and made me feel better. She shared all of her secrets with me and even told me some funny stories about mom.

Nana made a few visits to Texas the next year, but my favorite times with Nana were when I visited her house. Nana's house was my home away from home and in many ways it was better than home! By my visit in June, I had "matured" quite a bit. We went shopping, played together and ate lots of fun things. I remember going out and buying my very first pair of "real" shoes. That was a fun experience. Nana even gave me my first taste of sweet tea... the nectar of the gods! If it were up to mom, I wouldn't have tried anything like that until I was at least 20.

As diffiult as it is to admit, my last and best memory of Nana was on my birthday. Although she was in the hospital and feeling kind of yucky, she made my day special. I'll always remember sharing my birthday cake with her... Nana helped me eat it right off of my high chair tray.

While it seems unfair that I only knew my Nana for one short year, I know that it was a miracle that I even got to see her. And even though we didn't spend much time together, I already know that I'm a lot like her. I've got a vibrant personality oozing out of my every pore... that was my Nana.

Thank you, Nana, for loving me and for loving my mom. I know that I've made it this far only because you showed her what it's like to be a good mother. I look forward to seeing you one day soon.

Love,

Weston

-"Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever." ~Author Unknown