Our crazy little redhead

A sweet baby boy born on July 11, 2007, filled his parents with joy from the first cry. With his bright red hair and beautiful blue eyes everyone new he was special. Donovan was named after his Great-Grandpa Don, his Grandpa Ed and his Daddy, but his personality was his own.

He was a tiny little man, but very strong, and he showed that when he rolled over when he was two weeks old. The first time he smiled he lit up the room and his little squeaky laugh made your heart melt. The first year was a joy to watch him sit up, crawl and walk on his own. He had to do everything himself and did not like for anyone to help him. He would get so frustrated, his little face turned bright red. He would try over and over until he got it just right, like when it came time to eat he had to hold on to his own spoon while his Mommy fed him and tried to feed himself even though it ended up all over his face.

He was a ornery little boy with every sense and had a temper to match his red hair. His bright red hair and striking blue eyes got lots of attention and he soaked every last bit of it in and loved it as well, he would just smile and turn his head away, but he loved it. Everybody at the daycare just loved him to pieces and gave him the nickname “Donnie Boy,” which his teachers and friends called him affectionately everyday. He loved going to La Petite everyday even though sometimes he would cry when his Mommy left, but he always had Ms. Terry and Ms. Cynthia there to hug him and kiss him and make him feel better.

As he grew into a toddler his personality came more into life. He would climb on anything he could, even if he couldn't climb on it. His first birthday came so quickly along with his first words. His very first word was “Uh-Oh,” which he would say over and over, just to hear himself say it or intentionally knock his toys on the ground or food on the floor just to say it.

His beautiful voice was one to remember, no one could forget the sound of his voice when words came and as his second year went on more and more words and phrases came out. When he first said Mommy and Daddy it was a real treat and we would say, “He was so big for such a little boy.”

When it came to his toys he would try to ride them all, if it could be rode... he would ride it. He liked playing with his toys, but what he really liked was to be with his sissy playing with her toys and with his Mommy or Daddy helping them. He would especially like to help his Mommy unload the dishwasher telling her where to put the dishes and would remind her to put the soap in when it came time to wash the dishes. He also loved to help sweep and mop the floor. He would grab the broom every time his Mommy and Daddy would bring it out and he would have to do it himself. He loved to close every door in the house and would close it over and over playing his little game of peak-a-boo. He had so much energy that would last all day until he would finally give up and go to sleep. He like to stay up as late as he could to soak in every minute of the day. He would not lay down to go to sleep, he had to snuggle close to his Mommy every night until he finally gave in and closed his little eyes. There was no rest when he was around because he would grab your hand and tell you to “come on” to play with him or hold him.

He especially did not like it when his Mommy made dinner. He would crawl up her legs so that he could have all her attention. Finally, Mommy would pick him up, and he would point to the food cooking on the stove and say, “Hot... hot!” And she would reply, “Yes... hot... don't touch!” Soon he knew what “hot” meant! His was a true Momma's boy, but looked up to Daddy and wanted to do everything his Daddy did.

He loved to eat and when he saw the plates being placed on the table he would run over and pull his chair trying so hard to get into it. He would entertain his family during dinner time with songs and showing where his elbows, eyes, mouth, ears, toes, fingers, hands and feet were.

His fourth word was doggy which he would call all animals doggy, even Smokey the Cat. Every time he saw any animal he would scream out Doggy! Doggy! If a doggy got to close he would tell the doggy, “NO-NO DOGGY!”

He loved his toy cars and would hold on to them for days. He would take the cars from daycare home with him, which his Mommy would later find in his pockets. He loved the Disney Cars and tons of things from that movie. His favorite was his new red Lighting McQueen tennis shoes, which he pick out himself and his Mommy put them on and he danced up and down on them so excited showing the sales lady, and everyone else his new shoes. When his Daddy got home that night that was the first thing he showed his Daddy. He especially loved wearing everyone's shoes too. He would put on his Daddy's shoes and even his Mommy's high heels. He would get so frustrated when they wouldn't stay on. He loved walking around in his sissy's shoes, carrying one or two of her purses and wearing one of her hats. He loved Smokey, the cat, even though Smokey was terrified of him. He would try to cover Smokey in kisses and hugs which in return made Smokey bat at him and Donovan would tell him “NO-NO” and of course would tattle on Smokey. He loved to sing songs and would make up his own like the night he made up the “My Mommy” song and sang it over and over, “My Mommy, My Mommy, My Mommy, Uh Oh.” As his second year drew to a close he still had so much life to brighten every room.

He got sick and everything happened way too fast... what started out being and ear infection, got worse and he passed away in his Mother's arms. The 23 wonderful months he was here were truly a blessing and will never be forgotten. He will forever be in our hearts and his smile and laugh will be in our minds forever.

This online memorial was created in loving memory of Donovan Beumler, whose life story is told throughout this memorial website. Please sign Donovan's guest book and let us know you came to visit. We will remember Donovan forever.