Unquestionably, we all had a wonderful vacation.  Cole, however, did struggle a bit.  It was clear on our first day at the beach that he was not himself.  I think he lost the battle with a combination of both a cold and fatigue, not to mention some unusual relationship challenges with Franny.  Whatever it was, it had a significant impact on his personality.  His usually sparkle, sense of humor, wit, and fun-loving attitude amounted to just a shadow of his usual self.  It was hard to watch him struggle to fit in with playing with his cousins, listen to him struggle to articulate himself, and see the exhausted, glazed look in his eyes.  On a normal day, none of these things would have been as exaggerated as they were, and I felt so bad for him.  Since we’ve been home, however, he has rebounded quite a bit.  He is still taking long afternoon naps (very unusual) but every day brings a little more sparkle to his eyes and personality.

Throughout the extent of our vacation, a bright spot for Cole on several different days was calling Grandma and Grandpa and telling them about his day.  These are extremely special relationships to Cole, and I think he found being able to talk to them comforting and a reassuring bit of home away from home.  As a little kid, it’s hard enough to feel bad, but to feel bad away from home is just downright difficult.  I was so glad when his phone conversations seemed to perk him up a bit.  Cole will be back to himself, soon.  But, the entire experience reminded me once again how thankful I am for our family and how everyone shapes and impacts the lives of Franny, Cole, and Delaney in their own way.