I was getting ready today, thinking about how my kids have grown and how much they are more themselves as they grow and mature. Alex is the one I focused on the most:
Yesterday
Yesterday, Alex was holding a Hot Wheels car in each chubby hand, dragging his “boppy” moons-and-stars blanket wherever he went. He was almost always Ashlyn’s shadow, but just starting to assert his individuality in their playtime. He called her, "Ashy", and still spoke with a lisp. Alex was my cuddler and would let me hold him and read him stories. Yesterday, Alex still needed me to give him a hug and kiss to make him feel better after being hurt! Yesterday, I dropped Alex off at preschool, finding a way to get him playing, so I could leave. He was quiet and shy at first, then, as I picked him up, he told me all about the things they did and was especially happy about the days they played outside on the playground. He would go home after school and dress up in his superhero costumes and play Spiderman all around his room while he was “play cleaning”. He made the swishing noises of webs coming out of his hands while he picked up his toys and shot them into the toy basket. He listened to Tarzan music over and over and made up a little routine of poses and "moves" to the music!
Yesterday, Alex was starting kindergarten and feeling big when he could walk home with the older kids in the neighborhood and Ashlyn. He was making me do his hair “Luke” style since he was obsessed with Star Wars, and took a “life saver” to play star wars wherever we went. Yesterday, Alex learned to tie his shoes, whistle, and blow a bubble. Yesterday, Alex lost his 7th tooth, which he pulled out himself, and then while he was rinsing it off, it went down the drain, so we had to leave the tooth fairy a note! Yesterday, Alex was my little man, a little sensitive, but intelligent and easy-going and so loveable!
TodayToday, Alex woke up, immediately searching for "baby Sid". He loves her completely and a little too smotheringly. Alex told me what he was going to wear and did his hair by himself with water AND hairspray. He finished his math homework before school and declared it, “easy”. Today, Alex will eat "home lunch" his dad made him and be surprised to find a Kit Kat in it. He will see Ashlyn at recess and not get too offended when she acts like he is an “annoying little brother”. He will scooter home with his friends and plan a play-fight on the trampoline after he finishes his jobs. Today, Alex will give me a hug, get a snack, and then start cleaning the sinks and mirrors in the bathrooms, all while talking to Sidney and making her come with him wherever he goes! He will complain about dinner because, " I don't like soup”, then he will eat a small portion anyway in order to get dessert! Today, Alex will take a turn in reading the scriptures with our family, and only need help with the big words. At bedtime, he will spend time with his lamp on looking through Pokemon books and planning what he wants for Christmas! Today Alex will confide in me, tell me run-on stories, and still let me tickle his back at night while I tell him why I love him.
Tomorrow
Tomorrow, Alex will be an excellent swimmer, probably still insisting on wearing goggles at all times near the water! He will be telling us who he likes at school (I hope), and be thinking about what car he wants to drive! Tomorrow, Alex will be getting straight A’s, being teased about being smart and tall, and complaining about having to clean his room and take out the garbage the way I like him to, but still doing it perfectly because it makes me happy! Tomorrow, he will be getting taller than me and be complaining that he doesn’t like the clothes I pick for him. He will be keeping secrets about school, girls, and his feelings, but as long as he still lets me tickle his back, we can still be close! Tomorrow, Alex will make me fear for the future, be proud of the past, and happy for the present.
I love my Alex. I am proud of his accomplishments, I am happy to be his mother, and I truly pray for his future!
