Falling in love

Dear Ann fLanders, 

I'm in love with a younger man. He's much shorter than me, refuses to sit still for photos and throws things at everyone. I love to write and have long discussions on philosophical and spiritual topics; he has a very limited vocabulary and makes up gibberish all the time. I love to read but he's pretty much stuck on three books and insists on having them read over and over.  He's also very attached to his stuffed animals, I don't even have or want to have a dog.  I'm a gourmet cook, he prefers peanut butter. Straight from the jar, with a plastic spoon.  Do we have a future? 

PS- he's eighteen months old.  And adorable. And he seems very tender toward other women in his life. 

Signed, 

Besotted

Starting off the day.

It's 7 AM.
Breakfast is done and Dad's cover (that's a cap for you civilians) is the toy of choice.

And "No, I will NOT sit still and look cute for the camera. Do your best, Bebe!"

He was so cute cuddling with his stuffed animals....
this is right before he suddenly decided to jump off the couch.
Photo op over. 

Notice the blur. The only thing that doesn't move in this picture are the animals.

And they were thrown from the couch.
He's not to be trusted- cuddle bunny one moment, curmudgeon the next. 

But who can resist that face!

He does look a bit mischievous doesn't he,
Remember, it's now about 7:15 am. 

Dad's going off to work and to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies,
foreign and domestic"

Oorah!
Don't forget your boots.  

Quick!
Climb up on the back of the couch!


Gotta say "Bye, bye.  Later."

Wave at Daddy.

And the big white truck and the little red car and the green car and the black truck and the....

 oooh... . a YELLOW SCHOOL BUS!

7:35 AM

Dear Besotted,

Of course you have a future.  He's clearly adorable and irresistible. If I didn't have my own perfect grandchildren, I'd be tempted to steal yours.  Enjoy. These years will pass as quickly as your own children's toddler years did.

He won't always want you to blow on his round belly or soap up his soft back. Luckily the diapers don't last forever so enjoy those sturdy little baby buns while you can. Be willing to snuggle up with Mr. Tiger and Mr. Bear and the rest of the goofy stuffed animals.  They get put in the back of the closet soon enough.  He'll learn to eat more foods- if you're as good a cook as you think you are, you can teach him to cook!  And think of all the cool restaurants you can take him to.  As well as the zoo, the beach, climbing on those great rocks around your cabin, exploring the mountains you love so much.

The same with all the books you want to share with him. He'll eventually expand his literary repertoire, especially if you keep sending him books all the time.  And soon enough you can read all YOUR favorites to him.  Be patient. There will come a day when he will sit still. Or not- then you can put them on a podcast for him while he bounces through life!

As for those other women... I believe one is his younger sister, always a sign of a true gentlemen that he is tender and sweet toward her. He has responsibilities there.  As for his mother....in some relationships I do advise caution when a man seems too attached to his mother. But in this case you have nothing to fear. She seems very wise and able to share him with you. I suspect you two will have years to perfect your mutual admiration society of this handsome young gentleman.

Sincerely,
Ann fLanders

PS- get used to the photo struggle. It's a good challenge to try to take good photos with a moving subject.

Caught in a quiet moment of contemplation.


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