You can imagine my surprise when, at 2 years old, my son proclaimed his love for the cute tween girl down the street. He turned to his 5-year-old brother and said, "I just saw the most beeeaauuutiful girl!" While I found it sweet and hilarious, I was also a bit perplexed. After all, he was only 2. And that seemed a bit, well, too mature.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I shouldn't have been surprised at all. That's just who my little boy is. He's passionate. Enthusiastic. Impulsive. And he loves just about everything.
He thinks superheroes are totally awesome. He wants to read princess books and discuss their sparkling dresses. Though he's never seen a minute of the movie, Star Wars and light sabers are a part of every day conversation. And when it came to his third birthday, he didn't want to choose between his three favorites, so we decorated with all of them. And he couldn't have been happier.
When it comes time to take a bath, he loudly exclaims, "Yes!" and runs to get an arm full of toys. When I tell him we're having broccoli for dinner, he does his happy dance and runs to the table. When I come home, he sprints the length of the house and doesn't slow as he jumps into my arms.
As his mom, I can't help but be in awe of how easily he loves -- and expresses that love. And, I can't help but notice that it draws other people to him as well. He has an easiness, confidence and energy about him that I don't. That I've never had.
I want to learn from him. I want to encourage him. And there's a part of me that can't help but want to protect him. You see, I'm the cautious type. I (more often than not) wait for someone else to initiate a conversation, a hug, the words to Happy Birthday. And though my way is safer, his seems like a much more carefree way to go through life.
So that's what I wish for him. I hope that he continues to enjoy life -- it's adventure, it's beauty, it's risks -- openly and freely. That time and teasing don't get to him. I hope that as he discovers new loves along the way, he'll continue to get a bounce in his step, a smile on his face and a warmth in his heart. And I hope that all of those continue to be contagious and draw people to him. Because someday, when he says, "I just saw the most beeeaaauutiful girl!" it will be more than a passing fancy. And, as far as I'm concerned, she'll be one lucky girl to have a boy by her side who knows how to love, laugh and share his joy so openly and freely with her.
What quality do you see in your kids that you admire?
Amy is a Shine Parenting Guru. You can read more of her musings about being a mom of three young kids at her blog, Using Our Words. (Which can also be found, enjoyed and shared on Facebook.)
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