Just When you Think Things Havent (or Won't!) Change...

We're back in Arkansas, and things haven't changed. Or have they? Summit still obsesses through our floor-length windows in every room, attempting to "catch" or "chat with" the outdoor animals that are oblivious to her. She's started a new thing (apparently perfected during her 2-week "Home Alone" adventure) of jumping into the glass when things get really vocal between the squirrels. Between the squirrels? Yesterday this question required a double-take by me. What's going on between the squirrels? Ah, yes, "friendly" male-female relations. Translation form squirrel to human language: chasing each other up tree trunks, leaping from air conditioning unit to mud puddle...no wonder Summit's taken new interests in her "Natural State" friends.

And then there's Caleb. Things haven't changed upon return? While the obvious answer is "heck yes, they've changed," living day-to-day, hour-by-hour with a newborn sometimes blinds one to evidence of or hope for change. I'm not referring to biggo facts such as "he'll gain weight and get longer" or "rolling over and eating solids will come" but rather the timing of it all. Caleb's had his first tastes of cereal (just a bit of rice and oatmeal)--but I can't say it's the most pleasurable experience for all involved. I guess yet is the key adverb I should add to that sentence. While he doesn't seem to enjoy the new texture and utensil yet, he opened up his mouth sooner than yesterday. Today he also grabbed for the spoon, so I let him have it. Growth comes in tiny bird and squirrel steps; I must celebrate that.

As for CALEB and SUMMIT's friendship----tonight, while reading "On the Night You Were Born", my son and I witnessed the cat find a new spot: the bottom of the stroller. This must be Summit's way of saying she's on boardwith all the adventures we'll encounter as a family. Things will continue to change!!