Thanksgiving

Codie's family was over last night for Thanksgiving. There were 12 people altogether in our little dining room/kitchen. Codies' nieces and nephews, sisters,spouses and mother all congregated to enjoy my festive dinner.  I always have the strongest feeling  like something is missing.

When everyone is here I always picture Jack participating in these family events. I am struggling to eat my dinner while feeding him at the same time. He is in the highchair next to me. His feeding therapy sessions are coming along but it is still quite a task. As I try to force veggies down his gullet with the baby spoon he is frowning and turning his head from side to side. "Me" he says than signs the word "white." " Me white". "Me white." By this time I am an expert at Jack lingo. Me is the only word he speaks aloud so far. It is short for Mummy. His sign language is progressing faster. "White" is Jack lingo for vanilla ice cream. His favourite. "Me white!" Mummy ice cream!! He is a smart little cookie and he knows there is always desert at these family fests.  Of course Jack would prefer that before he eats his dinner.

I turn away just to see if I can swallow down more of my own food. My husband looks over and cryptically yells, "Oh no! he is smiling!" We all know in Jack's world that this particular smile means only one thing. Disaster is about to strike. I turn back quickly but not soon enough. Jack's bowl has already hit the floor and
with one swoop of his mash potato filled hand the dining room table and every ones plates are covered with his mashed potatoes. Here comes his high pitched squealing laugh of delight. Of course it doesn't help that every family member is laughing  too. They love to encourage  him. He gives me a victorious look and says again "Me white." He knows he has won.

I knew soon after Jack was born from his odd and eccentric ways that he would be a handful, that he would push me to the limit everyday. Life with Jack would have been stressful but also exciting, loving, fulfilling and an amazing adventure. I knew as well that he would be one spoiled little hellion. The kind of kid that would have you pulling your hair out by the roots.
That always makes me smile.
I wouldn't have had it any other way.
I miss you baby. Jack and Mummy Forever