Knowing that each day we prepare him more and more to head off into the world and find his own bliss, I try and grab the moments now. While he is young. And press them into my memories...

I lasted until 4:20PM today and then I couldn't stand it any more. I called my neighbor, who was watching Bear, and told her I was on my way to get my kid.

He met me at the door. Covered in the remnants of a day - paint splotches, popsicle juice, lunch stains, dirty knees.

He grinned.

I grinned back.

I touched his hair, his face, and then hugged him close.

We gathered up his stuff, treasures, extra clothes and trouped back to our house. My neighbor followed with his carseat, and as we were putting it back in the van, Bear announced he was tired.

I suggested he go in the house and rest in the air conditioning while I finished chatting with our neighbor.

A few minutes later, I followed.

In the doorway, his sandals.

On the couch, his hat.

On the table, his treasures.

In his bed, nearly zonked, Bear.

"Hi," I said softly, pulling up the sheet.

"Hi," he said with a yawn and drooping eyes.

"Why didn't you nap over at the neighbor's house?"

"It was fun there. But I like sleeping at home the best." he said.

"Hmm," I agreed.

"I missed you," he said, as he reached out and pulled my hand to his chest and closed his eyes. Then he fell into sleep.

And I melted. Quietly, so I wouldn't wake him.

Posted by: Elizabeth at 11:29 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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I rarely do this *ahem*, but HUZZAH for my son Bear!

This morning was his second night without a Pull-up and no accident!!!!

*clapping*

CD and I knew from before he was born that we were, perhaps, maybe, a little enthusiastic as parents. Him having the sonogram tattooed to his stomach was a bit of a clue.

"And see here?" CD would say. "That's his foot! See how he's flexing it? Well, we've talked to the leading-most soccer players in the world. In fact, we called up Pele, you know? And they ALL AGREE that this flex here is indicative that Bear will be a championship central forward!"

No, really.

And we're still paying off that billboard from when Bear slept through the night at 6 weeks. And when he stood at 3 months. When he started talking, walking, and singing. When he potty-trained before his 3rd birthday after we explained the school needed him to be in big-boy underwear.

Sheesh. Like we're the first.

No, really.

We know, the 3 of us, that it is mostly a matter of chance. But if you know us, then you know that it is not just the milestones themselves - it is the sangfroid and humor with which our son seems to handle them.

A few days ago, Bear informed CD that he didn't want to wear Pull-ups to bed anymore. He's experimented with going without in the past, but his body didn't wake him up before he wet the bed - which was a yucky feeling to wake up to. So we'd go back to Pull-ups pretty quick.

But he's been waking up dry most of the time for weeks so this time was really it.

Yesterday morning, Day 1 of No Pull-Ups, I went in to talk with Bear as he was waking up.

Me: You're dry and no Pull-up!

Bear, smiling a little: Yeah.

Me: How does that feel?

Bear: It's good. I like it better with no Pull-up.

I nodded.

This morning:

Me: Another morning and no Pull-up!

Bear: Yeah.

Me: Wow, is that exciting?

Bear: No.

Me: No?

Bear (giving me a sigh and an indulged look): Mom, it's just underwear.

Posted by: Elizabeth at 03:26 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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