April 2012 – 4 years, 9 months
April was a big month, especially in hindsight.
It all started with 3 letters, w h y.
At almost 5 years old, Sam started asking “why” questions. I just assumed we were going to skip this phase since he didn’t do it when he was younger. First it was amazing, I was overjoyed, he’s asking why just like other kids! Yay! Then it got a little annoying, but I was still happy about it, I’m sure happier than I would have been if he had “done it on time.” I was happy to be annoyed, because that meant I was hearing it, and that meant he was saying it! Then it became amazing again.
One day we were sitting in the kitchen and Sam asked me some why question, and my heart skipped a beat. It went something like this:
Sam: Mom why shouldn’t people litter?
Mom: Because it’s bad for the Earth Sam.
Sam: But why is it bad for the Earth Mom?
Mom: Because it is dirty and not good for the plants, animals & people.
Sam: Why is it not good for the plants, animals & people?
Mom: Because…(I look at him, he has what appears to be a little smirk on his face, like he’s messing with me! – could it be? does he understand what he’s doing?) Sam! Why do you keep asking me why?
Sam: (huge smile & laughing) – why mom?
OMG! My son was just messing with me! Hello, can you say MILESTONE!
I think in his head it went something like this, or at least that’s what it looked like on his face:
Sam: why question #1 (serious)
Mom: answer
Sam: why question #2 (serious)
Mom: answer
Sam: (hmm, every time I ask her a why question, she answers it, and then I just ask her why for that answer, and she answers that & repeat. Let’s see how long I can get her to do this for, heeheehee!) question #3
It’s so funny to me that as special parents, we celebrate & encourage “typical” behaviors that others with “typical” kids tend to discourage.
You want to jump on the sofa? Sure, go for it! While you’re at it, here’s a trampoline too.
You want to play with your food with your hands? Have at it!
You want to climb up the slide instead of the steps? Absolutely.
You want to spin & swing all hours of the day? Let’s put a swing in the play room.
You want to climb up the swing to the ceiling? Let’s install a rope to climb too!
You want to mess with me by asking why over & over & over, so you can laugh about it? Bring it on!
And for the record, I’m SO glad I’m a special mom. I’m so glad that I see the beauty in the smallest details, that I fear my neighbors on Typical Street may often overlook. The tiniest things can be the most important, and I’m so glad that I’m truly present in these moments to appreciate them for what they are; the things that dreams are made of.
April – April showers right? Just wait and see how much it poured!