JoJo's Got Wheels Now!

Dear Peep, 
The most wonderful thing happened yesterday, a visit from JoJo and Tommy to our house!  That's right!  JoJo recently acquired a car and it just so happened that we bought her a gas card for Christmas so she drove over to see us.  You were SO excited.  Playing it cool on the couch watching Curious George waiting for them to arrive until the text came that they were five minutes out.  You couldn't sit still, checking from the front door to the side window.  Finally her little black car pulled up and the excitement was jumping out of your little limbs faster than you could move them.  Your feet staccatoed to the side window and your right arm started flapping a vigorous wave as they stepped out of their car.  You ran to the door and started opening it at the same time they were.  They came in and we hung out by the Christmas tree so we could exchange presents.  

 JoJo brought you a little dump truck, some mini m&m's and a Darth Vader head that spits out candy when you press his tummy.  You loved them.  Tommy loved his Star Ward trouble game, little cd/radio player for his room and a book with 5 new stories he had never read but have been Mommy's long time favorites.  You were shootin' those Darth Vader candies out all over and eating them like a dog.  I didn't worry though.  JoJo knows you're a crazy little squirrel.  After presents you were ready to show them your room.  You had been planning this since I told you they were coming over.  I left the three of you on your own to spend some time together.  You read some books together huddled close on your bed.  

JoJo asked you about each of your stuffed animals and you told her their names.  After a while you came to get me sayin', "Mommy, you should come back there too."  I waited a couple of minutes then I did.  Soon, you and Tommy decided you needed to play outside so you put on your shoes and a hat.  You told Tommy with concern, "You better put your hat on it is cold outside."  Then you "whispered" to me to, "Close the strap on my hat so Tommy doesn't try to take it."  I laughed and Tommy heard you and said, "Why would I want your hat?!"   It was a sunny warm day considering we are in the final days of December.  

You had a lot of fun, almost having a hard time placing all of your excitement.  You rode Daddy's old tractor around the back deck, or I should say JoJo or Tommy pushed you and Tommy sped around all on his own.  You thumped sticks together and you whacked JoJo's butt with your plastic bat.  We were getting pretty hungry so I made some Coney dogs and baked beans, which we took downstairs to eat while we watched Monsters Inc.  You and Tommy cuddled with some blankets in the little pillow nest you made.  You gave him a couple of noogies.  

Then it was time for them to leave.  Tommy wanted to stick around but in Indiana about dusk those deer start poppin' out.  With an hours drive to go they had to leave before the movie was over.  Tommy made her stall a bit before they could leave and you pulled out the tent kit Grandma P bought you at a garage sale.  You set it up together and slid underneath to play with your lap top.  Tommy spelled out his name and then you did yours.  I packed up some left over chili so they wouldn't have to cook when they arrived home.  The stall allowed, we had to pull you guys out of the tent to move on outside to the car.  

You didn't want Tommy to go either.  We followed them out and in lieu of a hug and kiss you growled at JoJo while making animal faces and postures at her, she returned the favor...clear you weren't going to give up any cuddles or lovin' she stole a squeeze and headed off...

 she made it to the end of the driveway when you shouted after her rolled down window and outstretched hand, "I love you!" This made her happy.  

This made me happy too.  I know a lot of people won't understand, hell, I am not sure I totally understand why but I felt light.  Really elated to have her come for a visit.  I believe in part it is because I am excited about the positive things that have been happening for her...a car, seeing her local college sweats with an official ID to back up that she is enrolled in classes starting this semester, or just the love we feel for her.  It doesn't matter, it is what feels right for our family.  To see you happy and to see Tommy enjoy hanging out with you at your house felt very true.  Having JoJo in our lives doesn't make you any less "our" son, if we even needed to go in the direction of such a possessive word (as if), contact almost feels as if it makes us more your parents.  By giving you the gift of your entire story and heritage we all couldn't be committing more of an act of loving parenting.  After all, she often faces people saying, "I don't think I could do that," her choice to give us to you was the ultimate act of loving parenting.  (Or at least we try to live up to such an endowment)  How could we live in denial that you have a connection?  If all parties are willing and able how could we not welcome something that is good for you, us, them?  I suppose we could make it more complicated but somehow it just isn't.  As the years go on and JoJo is going to school or working, or you're in school as with most family get-togethers the in betweens could stretch out out longer than the frequency but it will never change the visits significance in our lives.  Always grateful to be your mom, and to have become your mom in the way that I did.  

Love, Mama