This is Henry right now. A couple months past the three year mark, and it feels like sometimes he's going on thirteen. This is such a fun age- and it's still hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that he's a little boy, and not so much a little baby these days. Henry, in one word, is spirited. He has the most energy of any little boy I know, but at the same time is able to sit and play with his trains or read books for hours. He's the best of both worlds; wild and jumping off the couch and laughing so loudly, but in a flash he's cuddled up next to me asking for hugs and telling me how much he loves everyone. At times I feel like it's hard to express the joy he brings to me. Parenting is such a universal experience, and I think we all get it; we share this common feeling of how weird it is to grow this child inside your body, birth this child or maybe adopt them, and then watch them get bigger and bigger. It's the strangest, coolest, most amazing thing in the world, and having this front row seat to it all blows my mind on the daily.
I don't think a day goes by that Hank and I don't meet eyes over Henry's head with a surprised look on our faces, wondering how he learned this or that. Kids really do say the darnedest things, and at three years old it's pure comedy, all of the time. And then of course are the tantrums, which for Henry never really came during those "terrible twos" that really weren't so terrible at all, at least for us. Now that he's three he's really starting to push boundaries a little more, and like me is very emotional. Some days are tough, most days are great, but like Hank and I say all the time, "when it's good it's good...but when it's bad it's bad!" So true with most kids this age though, I think.
I always remind myself that just as Henry is learning to be a "big boy," I am learning to be a Mom, and like any learning process, it's not always easy. This age, right now, is full of so much goodness though. I always smile to myself knowing that this season of our lives is one I will forever cherish as my favorite. Because really, what's more beautiful than being able to watch your children grow?
Some things I never want to forget: "ganks" instead of thanks, the hilarious craziness when we miss bedtime, the sweet moments between brothers and the "I love you, Charlie," we get to hear so often. That chipped tooth and the way his smile makes everyone around him smile. Arms reaching around my neck and the "mmm" sound he makes while hugging so tight. Circle toast and 'gurt, "can I have a snack please" and "...or something." Teddy dinosaur, Mama Elephant, Duckie, and the rotating toys in and out of his bed every night. And of course the way he looks up at his Daddy and the intense love he has for all the people in his little world.
There's so much more and I could go on forever. But I'll leave it at this- I feel immeasurably lucky to be this boy's mama. It's hard and easy and beautiful and amazing all rolled into one, and like I always say, I can't wait to see what's next.
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