Weekend Shenanigans

These boys are growing so fast, sometimes I find myself doing a double take; are these really my children? That little one, can he be my baby?

That was this weekend. Constant second glances, lingering looks at faces and noses, at longer legs and thinner tummies, boys who not too long ago were chubby in the sweetest places — round pink cheeks give way to thinner profiles, round bellies to defined abs, fat thighs to strong long legs. It happens every time winter gives way to spring and their little bodies are seen again without their coverings. I see them race across the field near our house, leg muscles working, and can imagine what and who they are becoming. It makes me proud and wistful all at once.

And with the outward changes come the inward ones. One little boy in particular has struggled for the past two weeks — nothing seems right in his world and he lashes out at those closest to him. I share this with a close friend who is going through the same thing with her (same age, very similar personality) daughter and it is like looking into a mirror. I appreciate her perspective and draw comfort in hearing about the emotionality of this age and type of child. Bearing the burden together makes it so much better, so much clearer. Aren’t those parent friends essential to our own mental health and perspective?! They are to me.  

Oliver took the photo above of his breakfast! Pretty good, huh?

And with that clarity comes the perspective and patience needed to head off and help: that sometimes just love, love, and more love (even in the nastiest, most frustrating situations) is the answer. The only thing that works. Get attitude? Throw out love. Get push back? Love. Give a smile, a hug, a little understanding “Gosh, you must be feeling really rotten today! I’m so sorry you are having such a rough time.” Throw some love on it. Really, it works. Even if it takes longer than you feel prepared to deal with, even when you’re about to pop your top. 

Love. And Batman. Definitely Batman.