Taking a Moment

The other day, Little Dude and I had a mid-day trip to the doctor.  (A little sinus infection; nothing some grape-flavored antibiotics can't fix.)  Afterward, we grabbed lunch.

Jack was tired.  It was a late lunch, and we were dangerously close to nap time.  But, he was calm as he waited for me to do something other than put him at a table, in a high chair, and smile at him.

I snapped this picture.

And honestly, this picture makes me feel like my heart is breaking.  Not that anything is wrong.  No, on the contrary.  But because this is not a picture of a baby.  This is a picture of a little boy.

I look into those ocean blue eyes and see that in there is a guy who is going to skateboard, and want to learn to surf, and race bikes with his friends, and bring home frogs.  I look into those blue eyes and realize that in there is a boy who will, in a few years, not think it's the coolest thing in the world to have lunch with his mom. Who will not think it's fun to play peek a boo in the castle at the pediatrician's office.  Who will not nestle his head into my neck and suck his thumb when he's tired.

And then I remember how my parents tried not to cry when they dropped me off at college, five hundred miles away from home.  And I understand.

And then I square my jaw, straighten my shoulders, and recommence enjoying every.single.second with my precious boy.  

And then our food came, and he started shoveling sweet potato fries into his mouth, three at a time.  And all was well.

Hope you like sweet potato fries,

Heather