Every mother (and father) knows that you love your child no matter how funny looking they might be, how dim they might seem, how uncoordinated they might be. And every honest mother (and father) will tell you that despite that, their heart grows a size or two when they realize that their child is, in fact, gorgeous and brilliant and at least coordinated enough to not be a risk to innocent bystanders.
Today, I got a survey in the mail from KOA, the campground kampground where we stayed earlier this month. Tristan saw the envelope on the counter and brought it to me, saying “Hey, mummy, look, it’s mail from the campground!” In the two days we were there, he managed to recognize and internalize their logo, and recall it two weeks later. He’d never seen the logo before or since, and certainly nobody pointed it out to him. That’s got to be some sort of four-year-old mensa equivalency, right?
The boys both passed their swimming levels tonight, too. I was (and continue to be) proud of Tristan (and Simon, but passing ‘parents and tots’ is a little bit like getting your name in the phone book – you pass that one for showing up). My heart melted completely when Tristan looked at me with shining eyes after we got home and he said, “Mummy, I’m so proud of myself.” Smart, gorgeous AND a healthy self-esteem… we must be doing something right.
Being with the boys has been blissful lately. They’re still a handful, and their cleverness comes back to bite me in the ass rather regularly, but times are good. They play together more often than not now, and seem to genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
As I was making dinner, Simon asked if he could watch a particular DVD and since my hands were full, I asked Tristan to put it in the DVD player and turn on the TV. Not only did he do it, but he explained step-by-step what he was doing to Simon: “And see, you push this button and the drawer opens, and you put the DVD here…” I looked at Beloved and said, “Please tell me they’ll always be this nice to each other.” Beloved was kind enough not to burst my bubble. He said nothing.
Did I tell you what Tristan said when he gave me my mother’s day card this year? “Happy Sweet Mother’s Day, Mummy!” If that doesn’t make up for a year of shenanigans, I don’t know what would.
Isn’t it the best feeling in the world?
To know that you kids are sweet and Loving and SMART!
Congrats mom, but did you expect anything else?
Hugs
Sharon
OK so that’s not fair, I am PMS-ing (and flowing), majorly sleep deprived and have a little cold…now I am in tears reading this most enjoyable post dripping with love and pride for your boys.
What a wonderful family you have! And what a great way to preserve this moment to enjoy again and again down the road!
Have a terrific weekend Dani!
I totally agree with the statement, ‘I must be doing something right’! I think you’re doing lots of things, right. Way to go, Dani, Tristan and Simon! (and Beloved too).
awww. I’m so proud of little Tristan too 🙂
Enjoy these moments. Write them down. Tell your kids specifically why you are proud of them and what they did well. Then one day when you are saying it’s just not like you to punch your brother in the eye, you’ll be able to smile and remind them they like each other.
I often remind my kids that it is my husband’s brothers that help him to patch his roof in the middle of the winter. It’s his sisters that bring us food, hand down baby clothes and babysit. Be good to your brothers and sisters cause one day you might need them to help plaster your basement!
Sara sent me to your site. I’m not alone!!! My little guys are 3 and 17 months and smarter than we will ever be. Its nice to find someone dealing with the same level of intelligence on a daily basis… thank you!
“Happy Sweet Mother’s Day”
I actually teared up at that. Well done!
Reading your post today makes me think I want to have kids NOW! Perhaps tomorrow you could post about how Tristan and Simon were fighting and crying… screaming, yelling…do you what you have to do!!! Then the feeling might go away for a few more years!!!!
A girl can dream that her children will be nice to each other, right?
What sweet children. Since I’m new here, shall I just assume that they are always so sweet and thoughtful?
Very, very sweet little boys. My 3.5 year old can work the DVD player too, but I don’t think that makes either of our boys less brilliant!