I am tardy. Which annoys me to no end, because I am an Early Person. It is no shock that I would choose the kids as my number one things to be thankful for, though, so I will be able to hit two birds with one stone and cover both days at once! Rationalization comes through as always!
Day 1: Drew
Drew………right now he is caught in this wonderful, poignant place between preschooler and Kid. Almost a kid — occasionally embarassed at hugs and kisses when I drop him at school, starting the eye rolling when I remind him to wash his hands or go to the potty, but still little enough that when I pick him up from school, as soon as I walk out the door to the playground, I hear “MOMMYYYYY!!!!!” and watch him tear across the playground at full speed to jump into my arms with enough force to almost knock me over. I have never been greeted with such joy and fervor in my life, and it is one of the very best moments of every school day. I am thankful for his cleverness (even when it works against me!), his friendliness and socialiability, the way he plays little jokes and then slyly says “Mommy, I was trick-sing you!”. We still lay down together for his bedtime, and my day is not complete until he tells me “I love you, mama, and I will see you in the morningtime”.
Day 2: Zachary
Zachary……..Zak Attack! Bull in a china shop. No one who meets Zachary fails to be astounded at his sheer strength. He’s small for his age, but never was there a more solid, sturdy kid. He is happy 95% of the time, but lord help you the other 5%, for he will make his displeasure known to all within earshot. After I hear Drew’s goodnights, I eventually settle in for the night with Mr Zachary. He’s a world champion snuggler, and mostly refuses to sleep alone. He wakes up like his father — meaning cranky as hell — but after a drink and a snack he settles into his role as Mr. Happy. His recipe for joy includes snacks and crumbs of attention from Big Brother Drew. Nothing else is required.
I know it’s cliche to say how much you love your kids, and I was thinking last night as Drew and I played a game how much I just *liked* them. I like spending time with them, I like their occasionally silly little games, I like hard hugs and wet kisses and sharing the food off my dinner plate (most of the time). They humble me with their love, and I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to return it.
