Nine Days to Daniel's 19th B-day!

19?? I still remember him as a baby, with long and skinny fingers, arms, and legs. He loved to sleep and watch his big sister. He had some bald spots; now look at his thick hair! He was very chubby until he started walking (11 months) and running. Grandma Maria had a hard time chasing after him when he was three. Dan got his first tooth at 4 months old, and it bothered him a lot. Other than when he was teething, he was always in a good mood as an infant. He was in the hospital at 9 months old because he had minor asthma, and Dad & I were so worried. He never had it again, and went on to run marathons! Amazing! As a toddler, Dan was a comedian, always wanted to make people laugh. He was a natural standup - he did the Egyptian dance and said funny things and made silly faces. He always made Amanda crack up! Amanda was always proud to show him off to everyone. As a young child, Dan was a negotiator, always bargained with me about food, "Could I eat this and not that?" He used to say broccoli and spinach tasted like iron, and then research studies proved he was right. He had super sensitive nose and taste buds; he would smell everything before eating it. That gave him a good natural sense for cooking later in life. Dan was the only four-year-old boy who would sit down to read and write...and do dishes. He was in love with our pets and thought they were humans. He has always talked to them as if they understood every word. Years later, Mr. Paden said, "Daniel has a good soul." Oh, his taste for proper attire: He always wanted his outfit to match from head to toe, or he wouldn't leave the house. How I miss that cute face!

With a smile on my face,
Mama