Reviewer: mizpah (Signed) · Date: 29/03/11 06:47 PM · On: Chapter 6

Awww...Bobby's getting mushy! Loved the little conversation and Sammy blowing raspberries like he knew Grandpa Bobby was talking about Dean's wind problem - ROFL! That was adorable.

As was the wide-eyed look when Sammy pulled the phone off the desk.

The puking brought back memories - my mother had this one dress that my sister used to yack all over without fail. And seriously, the dress wasn't even that bad. But Lisa used to upchuck formula from the top to the bottom of it, every time Mum wore it. Perhaps she just didn't like green....

The hair-pulling was a gorgeous moment - is there anything possibly more adorable and infectious than a baby's chuckles? No wonder Dean 'endured' his hair being pulled just to tease a few more giggles out of his baby brother/son.

And he didn't know it was a platypus? Oh, Dean, you're going to have to be a better research geek than that, if you're going to teach your brother/son all about life - lol. Loved the fact, though, that it was obviously Bobby who'd bought the toy, since he was the one who knew what it was....*nods and smiles*

Gosh, I've read this chapter about five or six times so far, and always struggled to find words for a review to do it justice. The whole description of Sammy's attempt at crawling was beyond cute, and dead-on accurate, right down to the swaying forward and back before moving an arm or leg. And finally reaching his goal - his brother/daddy - looking up and going clunk on the floor when he overbalanced - how many times have we seen just that very thing happen with the babies in our own families?

Dean's going to have to watch it, though - if he rushes in and picks Sammy up every time he makes a noise, Sammy's gunna milk that for all he's worth....*winks*

*hugs chapter*

Jules

Author's Response: You know that you bring tears to my eyes with your review? Okay, so some of them where tears of laughter, because of the story about your sister and your mom's green dress, just too funny. But the rest of the tears are there because I'm so touched by what you say. It fills me with joy to know that I can bring a little joy and laughter into your live. I am drawing so much on my experiences with my babies, but there is a lot of literary freedom in there too. I don't know why I used a platypus, I started the description and just came up with it, as I thought it would be unusual. I'm sure Bobby is buying Sammy just as many toys, maybe even more than Dean. And yes, the little guy will milk it, if Dean continues to pick him up as fast as he is, but do you really think this will keep this awesome brother/father from continuing to do it? I don't think so! Thank you so, so very much! Hugs, Vonnie

Reviewer: Leigh Ann Wallace (Signed) · Date: 26/03/11 07:27 PM · On: Chapter 7

Really loving this story. Great back and forth between the characters, great love. And the concept is fabulous.

 As to the "nutty editor", good work. One thing, though. I would suggest more contractions; most people, especially these guys, would say "they're" as opposed to "they are". Things like that. 

Author's Response: You're right about that contraction things. Gotta talk to my editor about that. Maybe I have to hold her allowance. LOL. Glad you continue to like it. Hugs, Vonnie

Reviewer: justannanow (Signed) · Date: 22/03/11 10:04 AM · On: Chapter 6

I am so loving this! I really really hope that you don't abandon this story cause I really need to know how it all ends up. Can't wait for the next chapter.

Author's Response: Thanks so much for letting me know. I am not planning on abandoning this story. I finished all my other ones, even though at times it was slow going when life got in the way. So don't worry, I will continue this one. Hugs, Vonnie

Reviewer: Leigh Ann Wallace (Signed) · Date: 21/03/11 03:24 PM · On: Chapter 6

I like this concept a lot. Hope more is coming!


Author's Response: Thanks for the comment, I'm writing more, so don't worry. Hugs, Vonnie

Reviewer: mizpah (Signed) · Date: 17/03/11 07:00 PM · On: Chapter 5

Poor Dean, slipping back into talking about Sam as an adult instead of remembering that he is newborn. Easy to do when he's had Sam for twenty-seven years - that habit is going to be hard to break.

Looks like Dean might have picked up some paediatric allies in Dr Runez and young Sandy at reception. I have a feeling the young father is going to want to call on them fairly often - not that I'm anticipating trouble, but that Dean is new at this, and as he whispered to Sammy, the first time he was only little more than a baby himself, so the memories are understandably a little hazy.

I am loving and marvelling at the hyper-intelligence, alertness and simple adorability of baby Sammy, and thrilled at the connection he has to his brother/father - it's like that bond has been reborn along with Sam's physical body. And while the wrench of losing the adult Sam will always leave a hole in Dean's heart and soul, the new version of his brother is easing that gaping chasm and the pain it's inflicting a little more every day. The little gurgles and smiles, that near eye-roll that Dean almost thought he'd imagined for a moment, the long intent looks from those dark puppy eyes that seem to hold the newly minted father spellbound - it's like Sammy is peppering Dean with tiny miracles of love. And Dean can't help but respond positively, even though he misses his adult partner.

It must be hard for Dean - his brother is gone, but he isn't. (sort of like what Chris is going through at the moment in a way - John is gone but he isn't....) He's grieving for a lost sibling and best friend, while holding the host of that same soul in his arms with fierce love and protectiveness. It's a constant see-saw of emotions. It will be interesting to see how Dean comes out at the end of it - when he finally recociles it all in his heart, and moves on from the grief into the joy. Although, I know from past experience that the grief never truly goes away. But still, this is a unique situation, so perhaps Dean will be able to move on from grieving for Sam, and be free to love and raise Sammy without the dark destiny that haunted his little brother his whole life.

I love Dean as a father. We've seen him in the show being great with kids time and time again - Lucas and Michael spring to mind immediately. He's a natural with kids, and as he said to his demon-self, he was the one who had always been there for Sammy, so he was a brother/father to his sibling already. To see him with baby Sammy, a baby that is truly his, is a joy. I don't see Dean the same way as he sees himself - as someone who isn't fit to sit at the dinner table of civilians. He would make an awesome dad, and as much as I dislike Ben, I've been forced to admit that it was the loss of Dean as a dad that made the bra....Ben.....react the way he did in that recent episode. So I'm glad he's been given an opportunity to be a father again. He really is a natural at it.

And on a more speculative note....I can't wait to see what happens when Sammy reaches the terrible twos.......LOL.

Beautiful moments abounded in this chapter between Dean and his baby, and I loved the outsiders' points of view and observations of the Winchesters and their unusually strong bond.

Finally, on a more personal note, given the situation with my own life at the moment, I've really become attached not just to this story, but to its title and all that it means. Because what Chris and I are going through at the moment is truly changes and new beginnings. So the story has become rather prophetic for us in a way, when you think about it.

*still hugging chapter*

Jules

Author's Response: I don't know what to say, no really, you left me speechless with this, so I will at least tell you made me very very happy with this beautiful review. I never thought about that the title has some special meaning to you and Chris, but I hope that although it is going to be a difficult and trying time, that it also will be a positive experience that will bring you to a better and happier place. Take care of yourself. Big hugs, Vonnie

Reviewer: ArielMarie (Signed) · Date: 13/03/11 10:45 PM · On: Chapter 5

great chap! i dont miss the shots! seeing the baby so upset made me cry too! dont miss it at all! thanks for the great chap!

Author's Response: Yep, don't miss it either. I always had a tough time when my kids got their shots. Glad you liked it. Thank you so much for sticking with me. Hugs, Vonnie

Reviewer: mizpah (Signed) · Date: 11/03/11 05:07 PM · On: Chapter 4

Shelby's right - that's some serious cuteness going on there with baby Sammy.

I loved the first genuine smile being directed at Dean. That was a beautiful moment. 

Then it went to touchingly sad during the conversation, and Dean's refusal to go to Lisa with his new baby brother because of her resentment of Sam and his place in Dean's life. As much as I really liked Lisa, I cringed at her blurted confession, especially the part where she said she wished Sam had never returned from Hell - ouch! 

But Bobby's offer, while being sweet and awesome, showing just how much of a father he thinks himself to be for the boys, is the perfect solution for Dean and Sammy. And it would give the old hunter some much-needed company as well. He's already changed parts of the house to suit the new arrival anyway - lol. Change table in the library - playpen in the living room. What would Rufus say?

Loved Stanford standing guard over the baby, too. I'm sure he senses who Sammy is, despite the drastic physical change. 

And I'm with Bobby - no way can anyone resist the power of those puppy eyes. Even the Trickster caved in. What hope has Dean got? LOL. 

Jules

Author's Response: Thanks so much. I really love your review. I liked Lisa until that moment and but I felt that Bobby would want Dean to think about going back, although I think he is not in the least unhappy that Dean accepted his proposal. And the puppy eyes, yep, can't resist them, Dean is so lost. Hugs, Vonnie

Reviewer: mizpah (Signed) · Date: 06/03/11 08:57 PM · On: Chapter 3

Bobby stepping up to be the new arrival's grandfather had wonderful echoes of his statement to Samuel in the last episode about trying to be the boys' father. And I loved the shopping trip, with grandpa Bobby on a buying frenzy, but not forgetting to get a pressie for his 'son' in all the rush to gather the stuff for his 'grandson'.

Nifty of Dean to remember that Sammy started out life being a little lactose-intolerant. And it certainly would cut down on the washing and changing - lol.

But I couldn't help having tears in my eyes at the last bit, when Dean told baby Sammy that he would now be his dad, and his vow to not let the same things happen to this tiny soul. The whole "learn everything there is to know about your Uncle Sam", and acknowledging his loss while embracing his gain - ack! I've got tears again.

I could feel Dean's pain at losing his adult brother, and the bittersweet realisation that he's been given a do-over, and received a gift that is just as precious as the one he lost.

And of course, the absolute trust that baby Sammy is showing, and the way he is clinging to Dean and making eye contact - an old soul in a very young body knowing on some level that this is where he is meant to be? That Dean will protect him and love him with every fibre of his being. That he is safe, and loved, and treasured. And home. 

*reaches for tissues*.....

Ju

Author's Response: Guess I owe you a box of tissues. I'll send you a pack over cyber mail. You get it, don't you, you can see the trust and the relationship between the brothers isn't lost. Loss and gain for Dean, a new start and complete trust for Sammy and yes, Bobby being dad and granddad. I've finished that before Fridays episode, so it makes me even happier to see that canon acknowledges Bobby's parental role to the boys now more than ever before. Thank you so much for your awesome and wonderful review. Now I can go to bed happy. Hugs, Vonnie

Reviewer: ArielMarie (Signed) · Date: 06/03/11 12:44 AM · On: Chapter 3

Loved it!!! does baby sammy know whats going on?! hmmmm. cant wait for more!

Author's Response:

Aw thanks. Sammy is all baby, doesn't remember anything. But he is all Sammy, so things will sometimes be surprising. Hugs, Vonnie

Reviewer: ArielMarie (Signed) · Date: 01/03/11 03:09 PM · On: Chapter 2

AW!!!!!!! how cute! "he seems to have a tendency to regurgitate half of what he takes in." ah that line takes me back. cant wait to read more!!!! Can wait to see how daddy dean and grandpa bobby handle baby sammy!!! 

Author's Response: Thanks and yes, it takes me back too. Actually, my 'editor' was the one that did that more than my oldest. Glad you liked it so far. Hugs, Vonnie

Reviewer: mizpah (Signed) · Date: 28/02/11 03:57 AM · On: Chapter 1

LOL - love Shelby's editorial note. Will pass on the popcorn, though - I can't stand the stuff. Even the smell of hot buttered popcorn turns my stomach. Blech!

Wonder what caused the explosion? A burst of supernatural power? And is the baby....a Winchester? Obviously, since Bobby said it was Dean's. But not Dean's as in - Dean is a daddy, but perhaps......a really little baby brother...?

If so, what happened to Sam? And what's it got to do with the dog not waking up?

Agh! Too many questions! My head hurts.....

Know what you mean about the commas, hun - that used to be a thing of mine, too, until I was rather bluntly corrected. Not by Sarah - by someone who did an emergency beta job for me once. 

hugs

Jules

Author's Response: Wow, so many questions, now my head hurts. Next chapter will bring some answers, but let's tell you this, the explosion was supernatural, the dog was put to sleep by that, but don't worry, he is fine. About Sam...well, you'll see and you might not like it, as I said this is going to be different, no joke. Popcorn - sometimes I like it and sometimes I don't. I grew up with butterless, sugared popcorn and only available at fairs. I let Shelby read chapter 2, because I wanted to see her reaction and she decided for the first time ever it was worth reading my stuff and then crowned herself editor. Just for that it's worth writing this story. Hugs, Vonnie