For one thing, and another

I'm having a sort of secret love affair with Henry.  He has gotten to be such a nice, happy boy.  It feels a bit like a relief after the frustration of his not talking, which was followed suddenly by his inability to stop talking.  He still talks.  A great deal.  But so much of what he says is adorable now, in its content and not just in its articulation.  He wants to be nice, to do what is right.  It pains him when he causes a problem, and he is very quick to offer a heartfelt apology and attempt to make it right.  Adam and I are not like this, really, so it is surprising and delightful, and I imagine that it comes from some sunny, kind, smart, sincere ancestor of ours.  It is a gift; Henry is a gift.

He now tries not to cry, which is a hallmark of impending grownupishness I remember Franny navigating briefly, you know before she moved on to melodrama and fake crying.

I watched him walk down the hall away from me today, and he's looking longer and leaner.  His toddler belly is nearly gone.  He wears these little boxer briefs and, oh, I don't know.  He's just a dish.

Robin and the cousins left today.  Everyone knew it was coming, and, sure, in some ways it will be a relief for all concerned.  Mostly, though, it just sucks.  Those kids never seemed to get tired of each other -- I never felt that testy sleepover vibe.  My sister's just the easiest houseguest ever, and I think we're going to have plenty of fun living together in the nursing home.  She just isn't annoying at all.   

Really, this is still about Henry.  Today when the car service got here to take them to the airport, I noticed Henry stopped running through the leaves with Franny and Annie.  As he came into focus from across the front yard, I could see he was making his trying-not-to-cry face.  I stopped.  When he saw me looking at him, he walked quickly over to me and buried his head in my shoulder and then cried a big wet spot on my shirt.  He looked me right in the eye and said "I just love them so much." 

Comments

[betsey]

i love this post.

[scrob]

ouch. he really is a dish. and a gift.

[Jennifer]

He is such a love.