Africa

June 2010 (Donovan, Age 5)

(Some of these stories will be oldies, so I wanted to put a date and his age on them).

We were talking about my dream of going on a safari in Africa for my 50th birthday. I want to go on a photo safari tour with the hot air balloon ride and fancy tents... the whole package. Jim was teasing that it would be a real hunting safari and somehow Donovan took that to mean hunting with bows and arrows.

A few hours later... Donovan comes to Jim who is working in the office. "Do you have a coat hanger that doesn't have this cardboard on it?"

Jim:(hesitantly) Um, yeah, why...?

Donovan: I need to practice my bow and arrow skills for when we go to Africa.

A little tear

One day, Donovan had just turned 4 and was staying at my mom's while Jim and I were out of town. He was watching Charlotte's Web and Mom sat down next to him at the end of the movie. It was the end when the pig wins the prize at the fair. She looked at him and he ducked his head looking a little sad.

She asked if he was okay and he said, "I have a little tear in my eye."

They talked about the movie and he explained, "I like it when good things happen to my friends."

The Mail

July 6, 2010

Donovan: Did someone go outside?

Me: It's just me. I'm getting the mail.

Donovan: Oh.... Did my flying trapeze come?

Don't go changing

June 6, 2010

Donovan's wearing jeans and boots. He looks taller and a little bit older.

Me: Oh, you look so grown up. You're getting so big.

Donovan: Momma, do you love me just the way I am?

Me: I do. There's a song about that.

I play the Billy Joel song for him and we do a little kitchen dance.

Later...

Me: Have a good day! I love you.

Donovan: Just the way I am?

Me: Just the way you are.