LN #6: Tell about proud moments as a grandmother...Part 4

Happy Birthday Dylan Kent Carter!!!!

Dylan & Jonas shared a birthday cake
August, 2008

Nine years ago today, grandbaby #4 was born to Sam & Cam Carter in Reno, Nevada!  His was a much different birth than that of his older sister. The doctor for this one didn't seem to be as conscientious of Sami's physical condition and with her high tolerance for pain, she didn't raise much of a stink, but in spite of all that and an obnoxious roommate, Dylan arrived safely.

Dylan is a little bit of a scowler.....

Not just the sand!

But I think it's mostly because he's deep in thought and totally absorbed in those thoughts.  He's very strategic; thinking things through and planning them out.  I was totally amazed when I spent three weeks with them when Sami had heart surgery and I realized how well this four-year-old could comprehend math. Andi had a math workbook that she hadn't finished using and one day Dylan was bored while the younger siblings were napping so I sat down at the table with him and thought I would just tell him what shapes to color, etc. He surprised me when he could actually do the math, fill in the letters, color and all I had to do was read him the final words for what he had done! I was so excited!!! A kid in the family who could not only DO math, but one who seemed to ENJOY it as well!!! I was in heaven!

Dylan is a cub scout through church and seems to enjoy it....

Dylan with the Fastest Looking Car!!!

Dylan has a great sense of humor. Sometimes he tries to hide the fact that he finds something funny; you have to read his expressions or his body language, but he seems to get a kick out of it if he finds out you think it's funny too and he can laugh with you.

I wasn't able to go to his baptism last year, so when I went to visit them last November, Dylan and I had our own special date to celebrate his belated birthday. We went to dinner at Steak-n-Shake with the rest of the family and then just the two of us went to see "Wreck-it Ralph." It was a cute movie, but the best part for me was just seeing the joy on his face and spending some one-on-one time with this wonderful young man.

Honestly, a few years ago, I never would have thought he would have been willing to go to a movie alone with me. I think I've mentioned a time or two (or three or four...) that I'm pretty strict and have pretty high expectations of children's behavior and the time I spent with them when Sami first came home from the hospital was a little difficult for them. Since Dad needed to go back to work and Mom needed to rest, "mean Grandma" was in charge and did things her way. I didn't really realize that I was mean Grandma until the day I told Dylan that his other grandmother was coming to help out for a week and he got all excited and proclaimed that "fun Grandma" was coming. Kinda broke my heart, yet it is what it is and I am who I am. I was just glad that Dylan was not only WILLING to go on a date with me, but he seemed to look forward to it and was excited.

While I was visiting in November, I also got to go see Dylan in a school program! He was a chimney sweep for the "Step in Time" number from Mary Poppins. He seemed a bit embarrassed, but had a shy smile that hinted that deep down, he did enjoy it. I thought it was great and he was the best chimney sweep there!

So, Dylan is smart. He's funny. He's adventurous. He likes computers. He's a good big brother and he's good at cuddling with his mom when she needs it. He's responsible and has a strong sense of fairness. But his greatest love of all is video games. Every year for birthday or Christmas, I always know the sure-fire winning gift is a video game for his 3DS or a gift card to go toward one he wants to buy himself. He's known how to operate computers and video games since he was little; probably inherited most of that skill from his dad.

All in all, Dylan is one great kid; a fine young man; one who makes his mom and dad and this Grandma very proud. I love you Dylan and hope you have a FANTASTIC Birthday! I wish I could be there with you, but know that my thoughts ARE. I tried to find a Mario Birthday wish, but what I found was pretty corny, so this video was the next best one that I thought you'd enjoy.

Have fun, Dylan!