Sam the Lion

Sam the Lion. It has such a nice ring to it, doesn't it? This is Sam's first Halloween! Something special about Samuel being a lion was that Tony was a lion his very first Halloween.

Well, let me honest with you. It wasn't until yesterday that I decided he should be a lion. Yesterday. You know, the day before Halloween. Hmmm. I don't know why, but the thought didn't really cross my mind that I should dress up my adorable baby boy as a cute, fuzzy, something-rather until yesterday. Shame on me.

Most excited, chipper, or gung-ho (I always saw myself as one of these) mothers plan what they're sweet baby will be for Halloween when they find out they're pregnant. If not by then, when they're baby is born. I'm sort of joking when I say this. Sort of. But before you knew it, BAM! He's eight months old, and I hadn't given it much thought. I guess the thought stressed me out...? That sounds lame.

It wasn't until yesterday when I told Tony I wanted to dress Samuel up as a cute, fuzzy something-rather. I frantically got on the internet and started searching baby halloween costumes to purchase. Most were on sale since it was so last minute. Tony just stood behind me and said flippantly, "My mom made my costumes."

At first...I won't lie to you. I was a teeny bit offended. So what (No offense, Mom)? The thought of making a costume stresses me out, okay? And we're talking less than a day away, sir. But then, a light bulb went off! Wait a sec. Hold everything. I know how to make things. Crocheted things. I can crochet his costume. Then I got a very large dose of adrenaline, and started feeling awfully creative/crafty without warning.

Yes, I can do this!

So without delay, I started crocheting. And did not stop until I the head piece, tail, and paws for the feet. I had it completed last night. Ahhh. Victory!

Though my hand is a little cramped today, it was oh so worth it to see my little guy look this adorable. And sure the outfit makes him look even cuter.

Lil' Bow Wow and Sam the Lion

Stomach bug.

Last weekend the Melton household was sick, and we haven't been this sick in a long time. But the worst part about it was we couldn't just crawl into bed, draw the shades, and get some much needed rest.

Any parent might chuckle at this thought.

Of course, someone needed to take care of Sam. You almost forget this when it's the first time you're sick while you're a parent. Though the memory of this weekend is quite foggy, I do remember being so sick that all I wanted to do was cry, but even that required too much energy.

While in and out of sleep, I revisited childhood memories of my dear grandmother caring for me. She would often rub my head, pray for me, make me soup or tea, and simply love on me. She was the best at taking care of sick kiddos. Perhaps it was a consequence of raising two sets of children? Maybe. Or maybe it was because she has that much compassion and love for people? I think so. Oh, how I wished she could come over to take care of me.

Next to my compassionate grandmother is my selfless husband. Since he wasn't as sick during the weekend, (the bug got him early the next week) he was able to take care of both of us. He made me soup (and it did the trick), cleaned the house, and let me sleep while he played with Sam. And not to mention that Samuel was as sweet as he could be this weekend. He played contently with his toys and had a blast with daddy.

Why is it we take for granted the health the Lord gives us? But it isn't until it's gone do we realize how much we lost, and how we would do anything to have it back.

Valuable lesson: Start each day with a grateful attitude. Thank the Lord for your health and all the blessings of this life. You never know when it will be taken from you.

Being Samuel's mama

Everyone tells you that your life will change drastically when you have a baby. You know it's true; you even try to brace yourself. But you can never really prepare yourself for that day until it really happens.

Like most little girls, I dreamed of what it would be like to be a mother. I played house, played with baby dolls, and cooed over babies. I would often cradle a baby in my arms and wonder what it would be like to one day cradle my baby.

And then it happened. Samuel was born, and I held him for the first time. There are no combinations of words to fully describe what holding my son for the first time was like. But if I dare try, it was like my heart overflowed (or even exploded) with joy, love, and awe.

My son was finally here. Little did he know that he was wept over, prayed fervently for, rejoiced over, feared over, and patiently waited for. All he knew was that God made me his mama.

Seven months have passed. I didn't know that it was possible to have this much love for this little guy, but it mysteriously grows with each passing day. The best part about this journey of mamahood is that my love for my husband and God grows exponentially as well.

I am humbled and so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to be Samuel's mama. I wouldn't want it any other way. I would endure it all again for you, my son. All of the anticipation, heartache, loss, pregnancy sickness, stretch marks, weight gain; it was all well worth it and more.

I love you, Samuel.