Grandson/Grandpuppy News

I thought it was time to give you an update on our Grandsons.
We were able to connect with the Iowa folk and have a video call last night. What a joy! Thomas is really growing and changing, more and more every day. When we first connected, he was sleeping so we got a chance to visit a bit with Josh. After a discussion on ancestors (Josh had been doing some reading) he took us upstairs with him. His laptop has a webcam built in, so his is mobile. We went upstairs to find Thomas asleep in his Boppy seat. So peaceful and beautiful in sleep! Mamãe had decreed that it was time for him to wake up and have his supper so Daddy tickled him until he opened one eye, then the other and finally both together. (Rather like Gatfly waking up in the morning.) He went through a range of faces and noises and began to get quite active, wiggling and swinging his little arms. (gee, we have a fair amount in common...) It was really cute after Daddy took him out and Mamãe was aiming the webcam at them. Thomas, of course, could see her above the computer and responded with lots of smiles and something that sounded almost like a laugh. He really followed her with his eyes and she must have been speaking softly to him (we couldn't hear her) because it was almost like he was having a conversation with her. (Remember, Thomas is about two and a half months old.) They really have a connection. After Thomas made some particular faces that his Daddy said were accompanied by certain flatulent noises - at one point his Daddy complimented him on his efforts - we followed them all down the hall to the nursery for a diaper change. Oh the wonders of modern electronics! Daddy was proud to show how much Thomas enjoyed getting his diaper changed and having a little "air" time. It was just like somebody wound him up and his legs and arms just started flailing! Funny! After Gatfly expressed concern about the computer getting an unscheduled shower, Daddy finished up the diapering operation. Then another traipse down the hall back to the living room and time for good-byes. Thank you Thomas and family for a wonderful visit - it was almost like being there! Love you much!
We got to talk to Sam on the telephone this afternoon. His Mamma had to go to the Doctor to be tested for Influenza A/B (thank goodness she tested negative!) as she hadn't been feeling well. There had been confirmed cases of both at the nursing home where she works, one fatal, so it was nothing to fool around with. Anyway, because she got off early to go for the tests, she was able to pick Sam up from Daycare early, too. I caught up with her after they had been home for a while and Sam gave me an earful! He was just a-jabbering away, and when he could manage to get hold of the phone, pushing buttons so they would beep on my end. I would push a button back at him and he would respond with more jabbering. I don't know if he really understands that it was me, and later Grandpa, too, but we like to think so. If you haven't done so - check out the Aho family blog for their latest postings. Sam has had quite the week, with lots of accomplishments. For the most part he is a very happy little fellow and a pleasure to be around. When you have been the recipient of one of those big-blue-eyed smiles, you feel like you must have done something very special to be so honored. Keep smiling Sam and lookout Mamma and Daddy - he's on the move!
I haven't had a chance to speak with Mara or Mike since this past weekend, but according to their blog (the Syring family) Lucy had some sort of accident while they were camping. She injured her dewclaw (tried to tear it off, by the sound) and so they had to cut their vacation short and return to K-ville. By the pictures, it looked like she was getting the royal treatment, so hopefully she will heal up well and be herself in no time. I imagine Linus is having a tough time letting her have the limelight. That and after having Mara and Mike to themselves for most of the week, school started up again today. Both M&M are taking classes now, so the puppies will have to adjust. Poor babies! At least it is nicer down where they live and the snow is gone. Not so, here. Heal well, Lucy! And hugs to Linus, too.