My son Rafferty, nearly two years old, is one of the most fascinating little guys in the world. (At least in my world!) This morning I took him to the library for toddler time. There, about twenty babies and toddlers sat on the floor with their parents, clapping rhymes and being read stories by the enthusiastic librarian.
At first, Rafferty agreeably sat in my lap, happy to clap and observe the colorful room and other kids. This only lasted for about two minutes. Then he was off! Literally running circles around the other kids, making a bee line for the cd player within reach, and trying to rip the forest creature stick-ons from the wall. The trash can was soon tipped over, the area rug's corners folded up, and the bowl full of "egg shakers" emptied, filled, and emptied again.
A few, maybe five, of the other toddlers danced and walked around the room. But not a one displayed the bountiful energy and enthusiasm as Rafferty. He wins.
We get home and he shows me his dinosaur. "I found a dinosaur", he says. Complete sentence, proud mommy. This is followed by "scary" and "the vug in rug". (From Dr. Suess's There's a Wocket in my Pocket, a household favorite)
He "ride a horse" on the arm of the couch, proclaiming himself to be Jessie, the cowgirl from Toy Story. (We'll have to work on that one)
He touches my computer, again. And is disciplined for touching my computer, again.
Later he feeds Cheerio (our dog) off of his plate, again. And is disciplined for feeding Cheerio off of his plate, again.
I smile at his joy when I give him a taste of butter, his favorite. I hurt for him when his diaper rash brings forth alligator tears.
I laugh when he points and identifies fifty different objects in the room, including every body part and mommy's baby in her belly button. I do not laugh when I catch him squeezing his baby sister's face with both hands, again.
I know that when bed time rolls around for my little man, I'll be ready. My feet will ache from chasing him. My voice will ache from reading "Commotion in the Ocean" four times in one sitting. My brain will hurt from answering "what's this?" two thousand times in a single day. But my heart will be bursting with love and thankfulness that I get to be his mommy.
Created in God's image, this one of a kind ball of energy and personality is a blessing unlike any other. I love you, Rafferty!
lovely words, Ruthann. Brings back many memories of my energetic babes. Keep enJOYing God's blessings! <3
ReplyDeleteBecky