This is the last batch of photos from our trip to Florida for Madison’s birth.
Leaving the hospital one day, I captured these pictures of Nathan, Noah and Mr. Bear. (If Mr. Bear has an official Noah-bestowed name, I don’t know what it is.)
On one of the nights during our visit, we all went outside because . . . well, who really needs a reason to go outside on a lovely Florida evening? Especially when a water hose and a toddler are involved.
That kid loves water!
Turns out the neighborhood dog loves it, too.
While Noah and the dog celebrated all the wondrous watery-ness, the neighbors gathered for a chat.
Noah continued on his water-based fun until (woe unto the world) . . .
the hose stopped spraying water. He took himself off to the faucet to investigate.
Unable to troubleshoot the problem by himself he waited for help . . .
which arrived in the person of Grandpa Smith. Grandpa Smith is an inveterate and accomplished trouble-shooter from way back. They got the problem solved and more fun ensued.
The next morning, I took Noah outside to play while Meagan was getting herself and Madison ready for her first doctor visit.
He puttered around a few moments and discovered a very valuable stick and a magnificent plastic lid from a coffee can. Mere words cannot express the greatness of these treasures to the heart of a little boy.
He had everything he needed for joyful meandering.
And smack dab in the midst of all that meandering, he made the oh-so-exhilarating discovery that the plastic lid he was carrying would hold a little water. Happy, happy day. .
Dump out small driblets of water. Return for more driblets. He had found his purpose in life.
At one point in his intensely focused task of the transferring of the driblets, Meagan stuck her head out the door and said, “Now don’t get wet, Noah. We’re leaving for the doctor soon.”
He and I exchanged guilty glances as I chirped in my Best Innocent Grandma Voice, “Oh, he’s not getting wet at all!”
(well. um. maybe a little.)
After we had thoroughly exhausted all the possibilities inherent in the water, the stick, and the coffee can lid, Noah responded to those instincts that have been present within him since conception—the irresistible attraction to all things vehicular.
First, he examined the back of the car.
And then he made his way to the front.
He did a little checking of the tires to make sure the vehicle was safe for the trip to the doctor’s office.
and then returned to look over the back one more time. One can never be too careful when one is responsible for the safety of a baby sister headed to her first doctor’s appointment..
Meagan and Madison arrived on the scene right about then and Noah reported to his mom that everything was good to go He got settled into his seat for the ride and then glanced over to make sure that the Little Miss was all buckled in for the outing.
And she was.
Hair bow in place. Frilly pink outfit donned. Big brother to watch out for her.
She was good. Very,very good.
And this grandma–watching and taking pictures–was suddenly reminded of some scenes from a few years back.
Different brother. Different sister. Same love.
Love your meandering posts, be it either you or Noah!!
You need to write a children’s book. Yes, you do. Fabulous!!!!! Hope you feel better very soon.
Lesley,
I think a children’s book would be fun. 🙂 You’ll be telling your own grandma stories soon.
Beautiful post, Becky. I love watching the little ones explore their world, especially the boys. Always amazing to see what is wondrous to them and what they can do with whatever they find! Sometimes boggles my mind!
Guerrina,
Yes, it is wonderful to watch a child explore the world. They see so many things we adults would just walk on by. They are hardwired to discover the everyday treasures.
Such wonderful pictures and words to match – I agree with all of your other commenters! I especially love Noah checkin’ the tires. And the one of Steve and Noah – so beautiful! Steve looks serious as he checks out the “problem!”
Becky, I saw on your FB page about your being under the weather. My mom had the same ailment a while back. NOT pleasant at all. Please know so many have you in their thoughts and prayers. Me included. Hope things are looking and FEELING better!!!
Ann,
I’m sure Steve and Nathan will be doing a lot of trouble shooting together in the years to come. 🙂 Thanks for your prayers; I’m feeling a bit better every day.
There is nothing more entertaining than watching a little one find treasures and wander through the yard and employ the purpose of those treasures. Simple pleasures, greatest fun! I agree with Mrs. Pam – Christopher Robin he is!
Mary,
I know you’ve watched your own grandson many, many times discover those same kinds of treasures. Nothing sweeter. And it’s funny how we all love Christopher Robin!
Love your pics, love your words. Thanks for sharing. I just love to hear about the children.
ncbev,
I’ve always thought that with all the billions of children who have been born, they would eventually stop doing, discovering and saying unique things. But it never stops. Their discoveries and ability to see the amazing in the ordinary is incredible.
So enjoyed Noah’s story in word and pictures. You are so good at writing. Helps brighten my day. Thanks for sharing your family.
Ann,
So happy to know I was able to brighten your day.
Sarah got your card and gift yesterday; her first birthday wish. You always do so well to get things mailed on time; I need to use you an example to myself!
Thank you for the wonderful pictorial of Noah learning about his world! Such simple things give such great pleasure at this age. He also demonstrates future ability to bail out leaking fishing boats…always an important skill when one lives in Florida.
You didn’t mention how you’re feeling, Becky. All better now? Hoping and praying that it’s so.
Jan,
Yes, give Noah a leaky boat and a coffee can lid and he will be good to go! 🙂
Thanks for asking after my health. Today is my first day to be really up and around but I’m having to pace myself and take frequent breaks. Little by little!
(Note to anyone who may not be friends with me on FB to see my post there: I was diagnosed with a
C Diff infection earlier this week and have been feeling pretty poorly.)
Oh, Dear, Becky! Are you @ home? Usually people need to be hospitalized for IV antibiotics; the very thing that causes c.diff to begin with! Go figure?Either way, I hope you continue to feel better each day!
Jodi
No hospital; just on heavy duty antibiotics at home.
Becky,
FYI: Your blog is acting wonky on my end! It’s taken on a new format & the pics seem to be out of order?? I’m going to try to take some screen shots & email them to you! By the way, thanks so much for the birthday wishes in a previous blog comment!
? Jodi
Okay, after refreshing the page a few times they pics seem to be okay now! However, the format seems weird (if not, than, I really am losing it)! Format pics will be sent after I finish this comment!
I didn’t mention in the previous comment that those pics are darling! Noah is just delightful & seems to be one happy little boy! However, Meagan better brace herself for the love of cars Noah seems to have inherited from his Daddy & Grampa Smith! She may turn her back for a minute & find the family vehicle dissembled! Too sweet!
And, his love for his Baby Sister makes my heart smile!
? jodi
Jodi,
I hope the blog wonkiness worked itself out! 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the pictures of Noah and Madison. And yes, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to find Noah starting to take things apart. He gets that ability from both grandpas.
Isn’t it fun to watch little boys play? They sure do it differently than girls. 🙂 We’ve enjoyed watching our little loves (George is 22 months and Millie is 29 months) and how they go about having fun.
Madison is just adorable and I love her outfit and hair bow!! However, after watching my grandkids get buckled up lots and LOTS of times from birth to 29 months, I wonder if there is too much slack in her car seat straps? Just concerned for her safety if there should be some sort of an accident. (Heaven forbid!!)
Have a great weekend!
LeeAnne,
It must be fun having grand kids so close in age; I know they will love growing up together .
As for the car seat; as a long distance grandma, I am basically clueless as to their workings. I think what might have happened in this pictures is that Meagan was putting Madison in and then stepped back real quick for me to get a picture before finishing everything up. It’s great having blog readers who are concerned with our little ones; thank you! 🙂
nice sweet post. give a boy a stick and a lid and he is ready to go….have a great day
Becky,
I know. Isn’t that great? It’s one of the things I love about little kids.
reminded me of Christopher Robin dragging Pooh Bear around.
love how Noah can entertain himself with so much FUN!
Mrs. Pam,
Speaking of Pooh Bear, we still have that Pooh cookbook you gave us.I love pulling it out and looking through it; so delightful.