This last weekend we drove out to see them for a much needed relaxing weekend. They were a sight for sore eyes, and there was a TON of hugging to make up for lost time, especially between Rowan and Nonnie.
We'd been there for a few hours when my Dad looked at me questioningly, gestured at Rowan and inquired, "So....is this how he behaves now?" I was taken aback for a second...I didn't quite know what he meant. Was he insinuating that Rowan was being a pain? Gosh, I thought he'd been pretty good...I mean, I had just asked him to pick up his toys and he listened. The FIRST time. My NINE year old doesn't do that. "Uh...yes," I answered. "Wow!" he said, "That's incredible! He's like a totally different kid!" Then I had this funny realization wash over me. About what a difference three months can make. Those of us who spend every day with Rowan haven't really noticed how amazing this latest emergence has been, as it's been so gradual, but so steady. Nonnie and Boppa were the perfect barometer. Nonnie and Boppometer.
Apparently my father went on and on to my mother several times over the weekend about how great Rowan is doing. How fun to stand back and look at him through their eyes. To look at my witty, creative, conversational, agreeable, flexible, outgoing and confident little boy. Every day, feeling more and more like it's going to be okay. Like some day I will be telling a successful young man about what a pill he was as a child, with a laugh and a wave of my hand.
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| Nonnie and Boppa on Rowie's calendar. "That makes me so happy!" |
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Winter finally left Duluth, at least for a few days.
Dan and Rowan went down to Bayfront Park on Monday, a gorgeous sunny spring day. Rowan rode his bike (with training wheels...we'll get there) ALL the way there (about an hour for him - 10-15 for an adult). We'd made an agreement that Aidan and I would come to the park after school, where Aidan could play for a bit and then I'd drive everyone home.
We got there and had an amazing Golden Moment. My hubby and I got to cuddle up on a bench, bracing against the nippy Lake Superior wind that had suddenly come up, and felt like we didn't have a care in the world. The boys are finally at an age where they can play so independently, and Aidan is so good at helping his brother. Oh man, THIS is what I have been waiting for. I wanted to press pause.
Especially since, during our golden moment, a family with much younger children passed by. Their 15-19 monthish child was crying because he didn't want to be put down. When he finally agreed, he spent most of his time running in front of fast moving swings, his parents scrambling after him
. His nose was snotty. His diaper looked full. His parents looked exhausted. And then I heard it, the ticking of my biological clock coming to a screeching halt. It finally just got easy, and all I want to do is breathe a sigh of relief and look forward. And go back to the park NEXT Monday.
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| Not the park, but a day from the Snowiest April |
