I'll second that...

Eric was home early tonight, so he offered to stay with Sydney while Colin & I went on a "date" to the library to get some of his homework done. In the car on the way there:

Colin: Mommy--you know how I know that Sydney's not with us?

Me: How, buddy?

Colin: 'Cause my ears aren't hurting from all that whining.

He's got a point there.

A toss-up

Colin & I read a Bible story each night before he goes to sleep. He always asks such good questions, and it's a really neat time for "just us". We've recently started to let Sydney in on the fun, and she loves the snuggles, and often adds insight of her own. Like tonight's, for example.

We read the story of Daniel being thrown in the lions' den. Colin pointed out that he was brave, and that the angels didn't let the lions' mouths work, etc. Right before we ended with our prayer, Syd pipes up-- "it's a good thing Daniel didn't get eaten by the lions. That would've SUCKED".

So--I'm left to wonder-- when I'm standing at the pearly gates...does the fact that I TRIED to teach Sydney her Bible cancel out the fact that I also inadvertantly taught her to swear?

Proud Mama

Colin,

This isn't so much a letter to you as it is just what I would say if you were an adult right now. Or maybe what I want you to know someday when you're wondering how your heart can be so full of love for YOUR son. I won't be eloquent...it's late, and I'm all foggy in that good way you get when your right on the edge of crying with a huge smile on your face. But here goes.

We just got home from your 1st grade winter concert at school. I need you to know that I am so proud of you, buddy. For me, Colin, the things you do are never just that thing at that moment. Like tonight---all of the parents were there for a cheesy concert with their 6 year olds. I was there to see you be normal. I didn't see you file onto those risers, do the motions (almost correctly!) to the songs, and sing your heart out. I didn't.

What I saw were snapshots of the moments we've shared together on your journey. I don't see you standing on risers-- I see you wearing your special shoes and struggling to get across our living room floor with your physical therapist. I don't hear you singing-- I hear you practicing your articulation and inflection with your speech therapist. I don't see your sweet new haircut, I see myself stroking your head as you wake from an MRI. I don't see you goofing off with your neighbor...honey, I see you being an adorable 6 year old with friends. Friends who "get" you, or at least they SO do for right now!

You are earnest, you are kind, you love music, you overflow with joy. Tonight, you GLOWED. You bounce when you are forced to stand still, and tonight it was like you were going to lift off from the sheer heaven of it all. Daddy was there, your Grandad was there, Shell & the boys were there...people who just love you so much. Tomorrow night you head over to Luke's for your first big "non-family" sleepover. Then...on Saturday, you're headed off to college. Oh--that's right--that's just how it feels in Mama's heart.

You have much to teach me, Colin, and I need you to know that tonight was so much sweeter for having learned so much from you already.

Mama loves you. Sleep well, baby.

Oh--for the record--YES, the kid next to you WAS wearing a fake mustache most of the night. And they say YOU'RE "special"?