Mr. Potato Head

Ever since he started walking, Snort has been making progress by leaps and bounds. He is picking up new words left and right, has developed his own twisted sense of humor that could only have come to a child in this family, and is actually trying to form sentences.

One thing Snort has always been REALLY good at is eating. It may have taken him a little while to learn how to eat, but he's never looked back ever since he learned this particular all important skill. Snort really believes in getting into his food. One of his favorite treats is my "Better Than Sex Mashed Potatoes". Yes. That is what we call them. No. We don't say it in front of the kids.

I happened to make mashed potatoes for dinner last weekend, and Snort was delighted to learn that he could have the whole mixing bowl with the left-over's in it. There really wasn't very much left, but he didn't care. He was just in awe over the fact that he got the whole bowl. As soon as I put it on his tray for him, he started dancing. As you can see in the video, he was well pleased with his dinner that night.

For the life of me, I can't figure out how to upload the video. But you can still see the potato dance by clicking RIGHT HERE.

Happy Birthday, Snort!!!

I've been a little behind in getting all of the SuperMom Family updates posted to the blog. I don't know if it's because of the five children running around the house, the wild holiday season that is upon us, the constant back and forth doctor/hospital visits, or just plain laziness. Whatever the excuse, I'm working hard to remedy it.

Anyway, Snort turned TWO this past month. It doesn't seem possible that he's already so big, but the calendar says it's true. Who am I to argue with the calendar, right? Little Guy was in the hospital for Snort's actual birtday, so we had to postponed his little party by one week. The great thing about being two was that he had no idea it was his birthday in the first place.

Snort has recently found a new love in Elmo, so that was what sort of cake we got him. Well, actually that's what kind of cupcakes we got him. We was so proud of those cupcakes, too. He talked to them all afternoon.

I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that his favorite present was the Elmo Marlene got him. He has been carrying it around and sleeping with it ever since it got here.

When I look back and think about Snort's little life, I am so impressed by how strong he has become. He started out with breathing troubles so early on at just four weeks old. Then came the umbilical hernia, the hypospadias, more breathing trouble, severe reflux more breathing trouble, vision troubles, and asthma.

Snort has been globally delayed for so long. But just Friday, he had his last visit with Dr. M. (Remember we're losing our amazingly spectacular pediatrician because of stupid bureaucrats at the local hospital. Yeah, that'll be a whole other blog post. Don't worry. It'll be good.) She couldn't believe the progress Snort has made. He has found words, he's walking, he's stacking blocks, he's playing interactively, he's laughing, and he's loving.

You've come far, Little Snort. Happy birthday!!!!

Who Needs the Tub When You've Got a Sprinkler?

Peek-A-Boo!

We had an impromptu picnic in the backyard for lunch today. Pretty made sandwiches and mixed the lemonade. My main job was to fend off the flies. Everything really is bigger in Texas, including the flies. I have made a note to myself to remember to go get a TX-sized fly swatter...or some Raid.

At any rate, Snort's main job was to throw all of his jelly sandwich to the flies and dogs. He did that with gusto, too. But, he didn't let go of the ice cream that came out for a dessert treat. He ate every last bite. Well, almost every bite. He seems to have gotten just a little bit on his face. And then, just to be sure I knew he was pleased with himself, he played a game of peek-a-boo.

Bonded

The King and I, as well as anyone else who has been getting to know my children, have been watching Snort and Little Guy with great fascination. They have a bond like no two people I've ever seen. Snort is somehow drawn to Little Guy, and just can't bear to be apart from him. We can't explain it. It's as if they remember one another from Heaven before they came to Earth. Little Guy is calm and serene when Snort is near him, and Snort finds within himself a gentle love for Little Guy.

Snort finds any and every opportunity to climb up to Little Guy and repeat his name over and over and over. If Little Guy is crying, Snort gently repeats his name until I notice and attend to Little Guy's needs. He genuinely worries for him. As soon as he can get close enough, he opens the palm of his hand and strokes Little Guy's cheeks. He looks him in his eyes and it's like they are communicating with each other in a language only the two of them can understand. Quite often, we see what is shown here; Snort leaning over to hug and kiss Little Guy.

Even as I write this, I find myself a little bit choked up. It's a real testimony to me of the magnitude of these spirits trapped in such tiny bodies. Their bond has shown me that love is innate and true and genuine. And, in its purest form, love is healing. These boys have vastly different needs and yet they're both so much the same. Sometimes I think they're here for each other more than as gifts for the King and me. They are each other's greatest blessing.

Brotherly Love

Snort loves to go up to his baby brother and say his name over and over and over and over and...well, you get the idea. It's pretty cute because he's so enthusiastic about it. He gently strokes his head and gives love. He does it repeatedly several times a day. I'm pretty sure he's just buttering Little Guy up to steal his binky, which also happens repeatedly several times a day.