Julian's Special Gift! (Photostory)

November 2012, I received a Flickr message from a contact named kitsunamint.  She told me how my videos had inspired her to get back into dolls and how the dolls had made her feel so much better.  Since that time, I've received a number of flickr messages from her on various topics.  A couple of months ago she mentioned she was making something for Julian. In all honesty, I never realized she would be sending it to me for my Julian, until she asked for my address.  Up until that point, I thought she was making it for her own Julian.  Her gift to me and Julian arrived a couple of days ago and I was blown away.  Her gift is the feature of this story as we continue the Taylor camping trip.

Rod successfully got the girls out of their comfortable tent.  He, the girls, and Julian are out on a nature hike.

Danielle has stayed behind with Jacob because they are expecting a few more guests.

"So what do you think about us having a new baby?"  (Danielle)

"A baby?"  (Jacob)

"Yes, a baby. A little brother or sister.  Would you like that?"  (Danielle)

"Hellooo?"  (Antoinette)

"Hey, you guys made it.  Come, have a seat."  (Danielle)

Danielle gives Antoinette and Freeman hugs before they take their seats.

"Where's Tony?"  (Danielle)

"He's coming.  He's bringing a package for you, that the postman left with us this morning."  (Antoinette)

"A package?  For me?"  (Danielle)

"It's actually addressed to Julian."  (Anotinette) 

Tony shows up carrying a huge box. 

"Goodness.  What can that be?  That box is huge."  (Danielle)

"It's pretty light."  (Tony)

"It is light.  Let me see if I can see who sent it."  (Danielle)

Before Danielle can read the label, Nikaya comes barreling in to hug Tony.

"Daddy!"  (Nikaya)

"Nikaya, don't sneak up on daddy like that.  You're likely to give me a heart attack."  (Tony)

"Boys, boys, not so rough."  (Antoinette)

Rod has returned with the kids.

Nicole heads over to give granddad Freeman a hug.

Nikaya follows suit.

"Julian, someone sent you a special gift."  (Danielle)

"A gift for me?"  (Julian)

Rod happily greets his dad, then he and the guys move to the other area of the campsite.

"Oooh, let's go back to the tent."  (Jessica)

The girls scurry back to the tent.  Zahara tags along.

Before opening the gift, Danielle moves the soccer net and balls closer and sits the toddlers down to play.

"Come over here and we'll open it together."  (Danielle)

"What's in there!"  (Julian)

"Get out!  It's a Batman outfit."  (Danielle)

"Mommy, mommy, it's Batman!  Can I put it on now?"  (Julian, excitedly)

"Yes.  Take off your shirt and shoes."  (Danielle)

Julian wastes no time getting undressed.

"Oh Julian, it's a perfect fit.  Let me put on the belt."  (Danielle, teary eyed)

"Is this not the cutest thing you've ever seen?"  (Danielle)

"It's adorable, but you do know you will never get him out of that outfit."  (Antoinette, laughing)

"Yeah, that could be a problem.  Hand me the cape."  (Danielle)

After Danielle puts the cape on, she is overcome with emotion and hugs Julian.  He is so ecstatically happy, and there's no greater joy for a mom than to see her child beaming with happiness.

"Let's get your shoes and your gloves on, so you can go show your dad."  (Danielle)

"There's my little man!  You're so handsome."  (Danielle)

"I'm not your little man, I'm your little Batman!"  (Julian)

Danielle and Antoinette both burst out laughing. 

"Okay, my handsome Batman, go show your dad your new costume."  (Danielle)

"Daddy, look at me.  I'm Batman!" 

The guys turn around and start chuckling.

"Son, I love it.  Now all you need is a Batmobile."  (Rod)

"Thank you Miss Leandra.  I love it.  It's the bestest thing in the whole wide world."  (Julian)

So that was Julian's special gift from kitsunamint.  I didn't even know her name until after I received the gift.  Her name is Leandra and she is 22 years old.  She handcrafted this especially for my Julian.  Danielle had the same reaction I did when I saw it.  I was overcome with joy and a little teary-eyed.  I had no idea what to expect, because like I said, I didn't know until the last minute that she was really sending it to me.  I was more than pleasantly surprised and impressed with her creativity and handiwork.   She wanted him to have this for trick-or-treating this year.  So I guess I will finally do a Halloween story.  Thanks Leandra!!!  Love you!!!