Monkey Man Spencer

When I was pregnant with Spencer I casually asked Jordan, then 2, what we should name this baby-in-tow if it is a boy or girl. Regardless of gender, he said unequivocally, “Tongue Out!” Upon further questioning there was no rationale whatsoever…just simply Tongue Out. Of course, he also turned to me one morning and said, “Mama, I know exactly how this baby is going to come out!” This I HAD to hear…surely THAT talk didn’t need to happen quite so soon, right!? “It’s going to climb up a little ladder through your neck and out your mouth!” He was completely serious…..maybe THAT is where he chose the name Tongue Out.
Well, Spencer was born and, needless to say, we didn’t name him Tongue Out…though his tongue hung out for the first few months of his life. Scott affectionately nicknamed him “Monkey,” probably because he liked the name as much as the wild constant movements of this cute little guy come to our family. Little did we know the projection THAT nickname would be! Now, at 8 years old, I think Spencer would be more comfortable in a tree or hanging on something or climbing something else. If you can’t find him…look up, literally!

Our favorite family game is “Blind Man’s Bluff.” It’s sort of a hide and seek game but the person who is “it” has to be blind…or keep their eyes shut. They count, everyone hides. But the catch is that those being sought after can move around as much as they want…they can be in plain sight as long as they don’t get touched. When you are “it” you have to use your hearing…though the kids aren’t so good at this part. Scott is best at being “it,” so we always choose him. I have thought EVERY time we play how fun it would be to scale the walls in the hall and let Scott go under me….he’s usually on his knees anyway. Never in a million years would he touch me….unless I sneezed or coughed….or, of course, every little one runs to mom and my “spot” is revealed. The biggest reason I never utilized my secret hiding spot is because of our Monkey Man, Spencer. About the time I did something so very cool, like scale the wall, it would become a natural occurrence for him, something that wasn’t wrong…but totally acceptable. Mom did it…it MUST be ok! And so….I held it in and just THOUGHT it all the time. Well….judging by this picture….I no longer need to hold it in. Only problem now is whether or not I am ABLE to scale those walls.



Spencer just returned from a trip to the San Diego Zoo and Sea World with his aunt Krista. This specific picture told the exact story to me – Brothers at Heart. So I had to post it for all of you to see. You notice from the previous pictures that he loves to climb. I believe this will always be the case….and so in my heart I will always smile when I remember his nickname as a baby…. “Monkey!”