My mom came up from Florida to meet Steevenson for the first time this weekend. She brought hydrangeas from her yard, a cooler full of supper, and a whooooole lotta sunshine for our souls.
She was first welcomed by our newly-enhanced brick mortar…which Steevenson recently colored orange and blue- because those are Daddy’s favorite “football colors”. (War Eagle!)
I’ll be honest, I had a reeeeeally nervous tummy when mom texted and said she was in the neighborhood. A) because…ohmygoodness…my MOM meeting my SON! and B) Steevenson normally shuts completely down and wants our guests to leave almost immediately when anyone (besides Kevin’s parents) comes onto the porch or through our front door. I’m sure it has to do with feeling a bit territorial (This is *my* house, and these are *my* parents) and a bit afraid (Are you coming to take me away? Do I have to transition again?), so you can imagine how overjoyed we were when he jumped out of this chair to see if she had, in fact, brought her bicycle so they could ride together…
…whichh we did within minutes of her arrival. 🙂
After that the three of us went fishing, and then he showed Grandme´ Jude every. single. piece of artwork he’s created since he’s been home…
I love watching him write, draw and create…
She had to leave before we got up Sunday morning, but I loved the surprise artwork Grandme´ Jude left for us to that morning, too. 🙂
No photos with Grandma? I imagine that you Steevenson wasn’t ready for that kind of closeness yet. What part of Florida is your mom from? I’m in Jacksonville!
Oh, he was ALL about sitting on Grandmés lap and holding her hand…I was just so excited, I forgot to take pics! 😀 (She lives in Milton.)
Small world! I live in Holly. How does she grow such beautiful hydrangeas ? I grow nothing but weeds! So wonderful y’all had such a nice visit. Stevenson sounds like a typical 4 yr old. You are doing great momma.
I live in Lakeland and I can’t grow hydrangeas either!
Saw you two on the golf cart on Sat. I attended the event Sat. He is even more precious in person!
Your Mom sounds like a boy’s perfect Grandma! Love her chalk message 😀
As a new, over-the-moon,, FINALLY a grandmother, her sweet message to your deparling boy made me tear up. Continued joy being sent to you…
Darling boy. Darling boy.
It sounds like their first meeting could not have gone better . So sweet and tears are flowing again with happiness for you all. Sweet smiling Sonny always brightens my day and I’ve enjoyed sharing your story with my own sons.
My heart swells every time I read about your sweet family now all in one place. So glad his Grandme’ received such a warm welcome – sounds like she knew just how to open his heart a little more! Continued love, prayers and support for you all!
SOOO glad they got on so well from the start! But being your Mom, I’m sure she won him over as easily as you did! And I love his practice writing. My youngest granddaughter is in kindergarten, and seeing her writing improve each week is a joy! But then I think “she’s my last baby”, and I get a bit sad at losing these former toddlers. Wish they wouldn’t grow so fast!
Being a grandmother myself this post made me smile! Love the precious message she left for her grandson!
Sounds like you have a fun mom! Glad Steevenson was excited to meet her, and they got on like new friends! What a blessing! It seems he is adjusting the way you described his excitement at meeting someone new. The day he brings home a friend will be somthing to bring out the camera for sure! Does he play with your animals?
Oh I have a tear in my eye with your mom’s message. So happy for all those blessings in your family!!
One of My favorite songs is Louis Armstrong singing ” what a wondereful world”.
Seeing you and Kevin and Stevenson and hearing you share your everyday wonderful family life stories always reminds me of this song, What a wonderful World!
Parenthood is such a wild ride with lots of ups and some downs. Going through it isn’t always easy but it is always grand. Lots of love and hugs.
I love being a grandma and nana! I am sure she enjoyed it too! So glad she got to meet Steevenson and got to know him a bit. How much fun did he have? Good times, great memories!:)
Dear Layla,
I’m all teary-eyed (with joy) at the surprise chalk message your mom left you guys. I love how you framed the photo too! It all reminds me of one of my wonderful aunts who constantly does things like that. I love her to pieces. I have a bunch of paper lunch bags, random pieces of papers/cardboard, cards, and photos to remember the sweet/fun notes she’s left me over the years at various points. On “bad” days I love to go through them and find my smile.
I was SO sad that you didn’t grab the camera. I’m secretly hoping that you did snap pics of Sweet Pea and your mom but your mom said “please don’t put me on your blog this time honey,” and you’re being the amazing daughter that you are and respecting that.
Sending you all hugs! Yay to spontaneous visits and family love!
Maryjane
and that message made my eyes leaky. happy sigh. just so thrilled he opened his heart to your momma!
So glad that the visit went so well! I know how important that was for you and what a sense of relief you must feel now. Girls love their mommas! 🙂
PS. GREAT job on your letters, Steevenson!
Oh how your readers all love him already. He’s grown out of his baby looks already. He’s smart and your little helper!!! How fun!!!! Enjoy life’s sweet moments. Are you tired yet?!!!
He seems to bring lots of sunshine into my day. Thank you.
For this child I prayed.
This post made me cry tears of joy for so many reasons!! I love the love he’s found with y’all, his grandparents and his new life. Y’all are amazing parents and he will have the most wonderful life! What a blessing you are for each other!
Oh, and tell Daddy WAR EAGLE!!
Susan in Auburn
OK her chalk note just made water leap from my eyes. That is so sweet. I’m glad it was a good visit.
What a sweet visit! Thrilled that he warmed right up to her! What a blessing for your tender heart, I’m sure you were nervous. Love that she left such a sweet message that “spoke his language”!
Warms my heart to read your post…I so miss my mom and I miss that she will not be there to spend time with my girls. Savor each special moment…love her magical message. 🙂
What a sweet post. So happy for all of you! Made my day.
So happy to hear Steevenson loved your Momma! Grandma’s are the BEST! It’s obvious Sonny knew that right away with your Mom! I guess I am going to have to have tissues near by when I read your blog or IG account. Seems I always have a tear or two running down my face! Joyful tears of course!!!
L O V E
So good to know he likes his grandma and enjoyed her visit. His world will grow in time to accept many others into his life.
This makes my heart so full!
Layla, I love watching these special moments in all your lives. Thank you for sharing them. Also, right now, I’m sending special prayers for Steevenson’s friends at Three Angels that they are all safe through the upcoming storm.
This Grammie is smiling at your post. Love seeing some of Sweet P’s artwork!
Still praying for you all.
Grandme Jude is pretty precious to think of leaving such a special surprise message! I imagine there will be some artwork exchanges in the mail now that will just continue that tight knit bond! Lol!
Can’t believe it’s already been 7 weeks!! Sounds like all those baby steps are adding up to a giant step in the right direction…yay Steevenson, Mom, and Dad! Y’all are rocking the family of three! 🙂 <3
Aww, so sweet! I’m so glad it went well and he took to her right away! Some people just have a way with kids!
Tania
Oh, I LOVE this, Layla! What a sweet, sweet meeting.
Sure thinking of you all with a heavy heart with the Hurricane that just hit Haiti
Your mom lives in Milton? That’s so awesome! I live in Pace right next to East Spencer where the helicopters practice! I have been following you for a while, and just love your story.. what a wonderful coincidence. Maybe you’ll be in town one day and we will bump into you three?