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June 6, 2003
Hmmm, can we say writer’s block? Maybe if I just jump in I’ll think of something to say...
Aden is doing great. He’s so sweet to be around. I love having conversations with him. I love that he has his very own ideas that he shares with me. I love that he thinks of those around him and asks if I want a bite of his banana or if Katie can swing with him. It’s very obvious that he will be 2 soon, but so far the personality changes have been more good than bad. Not that we aren’t having irrational tantrums or hearing “mine” and “no”—-we have those issues, and they’re frustrating at times. But he’s also so fun to be around, it makes up for it in a heartbeat.
I’ve had a few very rewarding moments lately where people have commented on what a happy child he is. We are part of an attachment parenting group, which sounds rather formal and organized but is really just an excuse for 9 mama friends and their 16 kids to get together once or twice a week. When our group was started last spring, Aden was one of the youngest children—-still a baby, really. But now there are new babies and he appears so grown-up in contrast, especially since he’s old enough to talk and interact with everyone. One of my friends said to me on Wednesday that Aden is just “such a delightful child.” Another friend talks to Aden often, and afterwards she always tells me what an amazing little person he is.
I can’t even tell you how heartwarming these comments are, coming from a group of mamas I love, respect, and admire. It is such a treat to see Aden’s development reflected in the eyes of others. I get rather misty-eyed thinking how grown-up he is and what a big step this is in his life. He’s part of the world now, not just because he’s taking it in from my lap but because he’s an independent person in his own right. What a wondrous time, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.
I’ve been thinking how, at first, appreciating our children is rather a solo endeavor. Of course we think our children are special and amazing right from the start, but other than your partner, mother, or assorted family members, no one else really gets it. People say your baby is cute or happy or well-behaved but they don’t understand their personality, their uniqueness. But suddenly your baby blossoms into a little person who can share their thoughts and feelings. You begin to see what gifts your child has brought to this world and they start to make an impact on others. Suddenly it’s not just you that they’re changing!
I know, I’m being really sentimental today, and probably a little silly. I’m just so awe-struck already, and I imagine it just gets more awesome as your child becomes older, and then a teenager, and then out on their own. And maybe someday we’re really lucky and they become a parent themselves. Seeing that circle completed must be one of the most amazing times of all. I’ve heard these sentiments from many people, including my own mom. She’s always reminding me that being a parent never ends, that she still feels the same way about me that I feel about Aden. It’s hard to grasp, isn’t it—-an eternity of feelings this strong? It seems like it would be unbearable yet it’s a gift, it’s wonderful.
Hmmm...
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