Diddle diddle dumpling my son Jon,
Went to bed with his stockings on,
One shoe on and one shoe off,
Diddle diddle dumpling my son Jon.
My son, Jon was a dumpling. He's not a dumpling anymore. It wasn't easy raising him. He tested our patience in so many ways and went through a million different phases in his young life, not to mention cuts, broken bones, bumps and bruises.
My mother-in-law called him Gentle Jon and he was. He still is. Unlike our daughter who tried to be responsible and a young lady we'd always be proud of (let's forget that little phase in middle school), Jon had to chart new boundaries. However, at his core was this soft and gentle little boy who stared out at us at unguarded moments.
The first question people would ask us was, "What's Jon up to these days?"Through all the adventures of his youth he's come through as a young man we are proud of. He's traveled the world, worked in different countries, been a Peace Corps Volunteer, a fire fighter, and constantly questioned and argued about the status quo, testing the borders of his abilities. Yes, he lived up to his namesake, Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
When these photos were taken we were still trying to wean him away from chewing on diapers. It was such a long time ago... but it seems like yesterday.
I wish I knew then that I didn't have to worry about the diaper, and that he'd turn out just fine.
Granted, he is presently on some wild five day hike in a forest in Wyoming and probably planning to climb some mountain. Art and I bought him a GPS unit so he wouldn't get lost this time.
What? Me worry?
Photo by Dave Au, Photographer Extraordinaire
I guess no matter how old or experienced they get.....we still worry! I do too!
ReplyDeleteSweet pictures of the boy.
ReplyDeleteI wish Jon joy, safety, and many other blessings on this fine day.
What a sweet little boy he was! It's amazing how children fall asleep on the most unpractical places! They can sleep anywhere!
ReplyDeleteCute pictures...precious memories. There's nothing like motherhood. We never stop worrying about our babies. No matter how old they are. Ha!
ReplyDeleteThe years seem to fly and yet a photograph can take you right back in time. Jon was a gorgeous little boy - eyes to drown in :-)
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely pictures of kid Jon.I am passing through the similar phase with my son.He is always up to something.
ReplyDeleteWish Jon a fun and safe trip .
oh that's such a cute photo of him sleeping on the stairs! Wish him a safe trip and try not to worry too much. oh it never ends.
ReplyDeleteWow, he is a very handsome young man. Isn't it amazing how they grow up and become responsible people after all?
ReplyDeleteJon is indeed such a very handsome young man! Each one of my four are so totally different, approached everything differently, responded to everything differently. I sometimes wondered how two people could parent four children who are not only so different from one another, but different from their Dad and me! But they've all turned out well and their Dad and I are both extremely proud of them. So, I know exactly what you mean!
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling better! Have a great weekend!
Sylvia
Oh, Kay, Jon sounds a lot like my Jake! He was a challenge to raise, too, always questioning and bumping into authority. And right now he is leading several friends up Mt Adams in central Washington. God speed, both of our boys.
ReplyDeleteSo when is the wedding??? Hapa-haole kids are the cutest!!! Hint, hint...
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading you post and the pictures are precious. My older son was like Jon, always testing the waters and like you I wish I knew he would be okay in life. Thank you for coming by, have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteAwwww! Adorable.
ReplyDeleteI have an album full of photographs of my sons sleeping in strange places when they were young. I didn't have any girls to compare them with, but they were both so different. I recently found my Baby and Child Record Book, and enjoyed reading it. When they were about two I wrote about their interests and activities. For my elder son I wrote "jigsaws, reading, playing with Duplo and talking'. For my younger son I wrote "Rushing about and shouting". They're coming up to 27 and 29 this year, and I still worry about them; but strangely, it's the older one who gives me the grey hairs.
ReplyDeleteamazing how each child is so unique in their personality and ways. fun photos-thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about the various phases my kids and grandkids have gone through. My granddaughter had the worst case of the terrible twos I have ever seen. Now she is a poised and charming three year old!
ReplyDeleteI always think we need to keep developmental psychology in mind as we bring up our kids, instead of branding them good, bad, difficult and so on.
And by the way, what a handsome man your son is!
Remember those phases well Kay, each one an adventure! A lovely post of your handsome son.
ReplyDeleteAn English Girl Rambles
I am so happy that each of my three children are so different and unique. But I must say they are all very gentle, caring people and have worked hard to get to where they are in life. I must say I have earned each and every gray hair that is showing on my head nowadays!
ReplyDelete