The Abel Effect

Fourteen.

That's the number of people who went out of their way to approach and speak to Abel today while we were running errands. I counted. It bordered on the obscene.

You don't have to twist my arm to admit he's cute. We KNOW he's cute. (Those eyes!)

It's more than that. This kid has the ability to brighten someone's day with so much as a glance. It's special. When he's in the room, the room changes. People remember him. Talk about him.

My parents cracked up last weekend when we went out to lunch. A woman crossed the restaurant to tell us how amazing he is. Really!

I'm not saying this because I'm his mom and I'm supposed to think it. I'm telling you, the kid is special.

He has a game he plays when we're in public. I don't think he's even aware, but I'm watching. He will lock eyes with someone and smile until they smile. As of today, he's undefeated. I have seen sourpuss faces light up in reaction to that grin.

I guess you could read this and think that I'm just bragging about my son. It's not the case. I'm writing this as just another person who came across his path in life and was immediately smitten. It just seemed so remarkable to me today.

Smile. You can't resist. He dares you.

Kitty

Really? Really??

Me to the naughty cat: No-no, kitty.

Abel: keh teeeeee

Noooooooooo! Momma, dammit!!! Momma WILL be your first word!

"That's really nice"

A very educated, urbane colleague of mine said to me last week on the subject of my adoption as a single person...

"That's really nice that they let you do that."

Huh?

Why is that nice?

Because it's second best? Because 'they' feel sorry for me? Who is 'they'?

I'm still not quite sure what was meant by the comment, but it didn't sit right. This is a person with some authority over me, so I didn't feel comfortable getting in to it. Maybe I should've? It's obviously still bothering me.

Is this one of those comments that you let roll off your back or confront?

I'm still figuring it out.

What she said...

http://adayatthebeauchamps.blogspot.com/2010/08/not-ok.html

Can you help?

Our friend's sister was adopted by a family in Spain and they are trying to reconnect.

Can you help? See Kerri's blog here...

http://1crazyfamily.wordpress.com/2010/08/22/looking-for-elihambuscando-eliham/

Lady Killer?

Today was the third time different strangers have told me my son will be a 'lady killer'. The first being in Ethiopia... something like... "He's very handsome. How you say. English? Lady Killer?" I laughed for days about that one.

He IS quite the charmer, but you be the judge. Lady Killer? Or Class Clown?

(Why yes, I AM collecting images for future blackmail. How smart of me!)

Just what we needed...

...a weekend of no plans, just fun.

The only thing on the docket for the ENTIRE weekend was Abel's first music class. I had been looking forward to it all week. The boy l.o.v.e.s music. He's even been known to throw his hands up in the aaaaiirrr, when a certain hip hop giant tells him to.

Of course he loved the class. All except for the part when they had to put their instruments back in the basket. He didn't quite get that.

We also spent some time getting ready for the week. Trying to get organized, so that the days aren't so hectic during the week. Maybe that's part of my stress? Anyway, I thought that Abel really needed a new chair. He picked it out all by himself... how could I say no? :)

Sophisticate.

The executive in his business center. (Appointments encouraged.)