The Sweetness of a Boy

Parenting.

So easy, right?  There are so many days I feel like I'm absolutely RUINING our kids.  So many doubts, questions, second-guesses.  I don't even feel like I know which way is up sometimes.

This morning, I had a moment where I realized that I have done a lot more correcting and fault finding lately, rather than calling out the good.  I've been in 'fixer' mode because I feel like all of the sudden all the behaviors, quirks, disobediences, and character flaws must be dealt with immediately, or they will never make it to adulthood (so dramatic, I know.  Worst case scenario anyone?)

So, as we were almost to preschool, I just told Nick "Nick you know why I love you? I love you because you're my boy and I love the way God made you.  I love how you always like to have fun and you bring a lot of joy to our family".  Now, if you know Nick you know that he is literally the Energizer Bunny in the body of a 5 year old boy.  First question out of his mouth this morning "What are we doing today? Are we doing something fun or is it going to be a boring day?"  He's always looking for people, and fun to be had.

After I told him how much joy he brings us, he said "Oh" and tried to conceal a smile. Then he was quiet for a moment until he said "That thing you said made me smile a real smile".

Then we were at school and he was off and running, ready to be with his friends.

Later this evening, he wanted me to watch him ride bikes, so I did.  I couldn't believe how big his smile was every time he (literally) zoomed past me.  He said "I think God is smiling at us right now"

After that when I was folding clothes and feeling a lot of soreness in my neck and wrists (I'm dealing with a weird post-Strep inflammatory reaction in most of the joints in my body) he started folding clothes with me to help me, and then he ran and grabbed me two benadryl (he thought they were tylenol) to try to knock down my pain.

He just really has the sweetest heart.  I am so thankful to be his mom.  He is so optimistic, energetic, good-natured, kind and very caring.  Now, if he can just figure out how to harness and channel all his bodily-energy appropriately, he will be such a delight to whoever gets to have him for Kindergarten next year! ( I can't even believe I filled out his registration packet today. I'm going to be down to 1 kid at home!)

I love you Nicky!

Oh I and I can't forget this part, he is such a great big brother.  A few days ago we were outside walking in the driveway and he suddenly stopped his dump truck and blocked the stroller with it and said "I need to see Leah for a second" then he walked over and kissed her and said "hello my darling".  All the warm and fuzzies were happening in my heart at that moment!  I am going to miss these days when these kids are older!