Charlie's Comic

Composed and illustrated by Charlie.

First Pictures

These were the original pictures we received of Will.

We received his file February 3, 2011.

He was labeled a girl.
Mike thought otherwise.

What can I say? 

The pink, yellow, and white threw me off.

I so want to hop a plane and squeeze his chubby cheeks.

I wish I had some paperwork progress to report.

But I don't.

It is going to be a LONG year of waiting.

Mike's Other Baby

Unlike his other children, this one has put food on our table and provided the financial means for everything we need since June 2006, and I do not claim to be its mother.  As the program manager, Mike's project has finally made it to production.  For about 30 times the price of our Kia, you can have one of your own!  Nice work, Gentle!

So what's next?  Mike's changing positions and is now responsible for the design of steering, brake, and blade controls for Caterpillar motor graders.

Spring Cleaning

Wondering how many other homes will uncover live beings in their closets this spring.

OK.  Not really.

It was just a fun game of hide and seek.

Charlie said, "Count to 22.  Then come find us."

Jack, I found you.  You can stop hiding.

Hi, Jack!

After first ordering me to hide while he and Jack did the dishes,
Charlie's instructions this time were to count to 100.
Another closet.  Very original, boys!

A Glimpse Into Jack's Thoughts

Today, as we were parking the car at Walmart, Jack said, "I see a monkey in the truck."

This was new.  Jack typically limits sight seeing talk to "I see a ..." only to be filled in by "garbage truck, excavator, dump truck, etc."

I said, "Monkeys aren't allowed to be in trucks.  Do you think maybe it was a dog?"

Jack said, "Yep."  Yep is Jack's new word.  I love it.

We were walking towards the doors. Just about as far  from a truck as the viewer of this picture, Jack froze.  Pointing at a man (who did very much resemble a monkey) behind the wheel, Jack said, "See the monkey?"

My response, "Yes, Jack.  I do see the monkey."  OK, maybe it wasn't the best parenting moment.  But isn't it wonderful and fascinating that in the mind of a 3-year old, a monkey could really be driving a truck.

Spring Has Sprung!

Shorts and Bare Feet = Happy Boys

Lego Land

So glad we were able to spend the day with Grandma and "Indi-ah-nah".

From left to right: Charlie, Sara, Jack, Rob, and Mike.
Oops!  That wasn't Mike, just the Lego monkey.

Charlie, the Lego hippo really cannot eat you!

Lego hippo, scary.  Lego tiger, not scary.

For Charlie, the ride was great, even with his eyes and ears closed.

OK, time for something less scary.
Jack's first 4-D "Bob the Builder" Lego movie.

The Things I Do For You

Childbirth.

Late night feedings.

Dirty diapers.

An entire day spent sewing this costume for your upcoming school play.

OK, maybe it wasn't that bad.

You're worth it.
Even if I do hate sewing, Tiger Shark!

Spring Countdown

Seventeen more days until spring marks a good time to start practicing your lawn mowing skills.

In One Year's Time

In one year's time, you've...

• mastered the English language
• learned your ABCs, 123s, colors, and shapes
• identified and distinguished every type of vehicle and piece of earthmoving equipment on the planet
• understood the ideas of turn taking and sharing
• and can sing a dozen songs.

But that's not what amazes me most. 

One year ago, I never imagined that a 30 lb, little 3-year old would become the person I most admire.

You've proved yourself tougher than nails and are more headstrong than I knew was possible.

You have endured more than anyone should in a lifetime.

Yet you laugh more than anyone.

You are happy, all day, every day.

It floors me that God chose us to be your parents. 

We are so unbelievably lucky to call you son.

Happy Gotcha Day, Jack!