Wednesday, July 13, 2005
That Loving Feeling
There are many facets of parenting which I find tiresome after awhile--diapers, sleep deprivation and discipline, to name a few. But one thing of which I will never tire is the miracle that my love for my children is reciprocated. Until very recently, Boo has made his feelings known through his own special brand of hugs and kisses. But in the last few days, new words and ideas have taken hold in his mind. Yesterday Boo was rocking his baby doll in his arms. Suddenly, he handed it to me, saying, "Baby love kiss." I hope I'm not extrapolating too much by surmising that my baby is feeling the love, too.
With Max, of course, I have to use less imagination. Yesterday afternoon, I was trying to hurry Max out the door to gymnastics. Before leaving the house, Max wanted to load his backpack with animals and puzzle pieces and a few books--things he would never need at gymnastics. As I rushed him, he grew increasingly frantic. Then I had an epiphany: My haste was burdening both of us with needless stress, poisoning what could otherwise be joyous time together. So I downshifted and suggested to Max that he take his time. Immediately, the tension dissipated from his voice. I told Max that I was going to try to rush less and enjoy our time together more. I told him that I thought I would be happier if I slowed down, and I hoped he would be, too. And then Max bestowed me with an unexpected reply: "I love you, mommy." I concluded that something in my soliloquy must be on track, and I was feeling a little self-congratulatory about my small parenting success. "I love you, too, Max." Then, as if to ensure that his point wasn't misconstrued, he said, "Mommy, I love you, but I really love Babee."
With Max, of course, I have to use less imagination. Yesterday afternoon, I was trying to hurry Max out the door to gymnastics. Before leaving the house, Max wanted to load his backpack with animals and puzzle pieces and a few books--things he would never need at gymnastics. As I rushed him, he grew increasingly frantic. Then I had an epiphany: My haste was burdening both of us with needless stress, poisoning what could otherwise be joyous time together. So I downshifted and suggested to Max that he take his time. Immediately, the tension dissipated from his voice. I told Max that I was going to try to rush less and enjoy our time together more. I told him that I thought I would be happier if I slowed down, and I hoped he would be, too. And then Max bestowed me with an unexpected reply: "I love you, mommy." I concluded that something in my soliloquy must be on track, and I was feeling a little self-congratulatory about my small parenting success. "I love you, too, Max." Then, as if to ensure that his point wasn't misconstrued, he said, "Mommy, I love you, but I really love Babee."
2 Comments:
That was just too cool.
:)
Max and Boo are lucky little boys.
Although you had told me the punch line of the story about Max saying "I love you Mommy" BUT ..... you had not told me about the epiphany about relaxing about certain matters such as loading the backpack. I think that was really wonderful parenting.
And Max is making better choices. Yesterday at the grocery store, he wanted to walk with me and shop. He picked tomatoes because "Boo really likes tomatoes." He picked apples and pears because I did not have any, found the alphabet soup, and then picked some cheese. (Now I must admit we did also buy three fruit popsicles because I was out of them.)
Love you Babee
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