No NO'S Today!

You know those really good days that you have with your toddlers? The days when there isn't a whole lot of "No's!" by either party? Well, I had one of those days today.

Gabe had a visit with his speech therapist -- we're working on the "ck" sound now, more seriously anyway, with a few exercises to do over the holidays.

Grandma came over for lunch.

Gabe napped for five minutes and then we spent the rest of the afternoon lounging in bed reading books and cuddled at the computer in our freezing rec room watching family videos until Daddy came home.

Truly, it has been a wonderful day that doesn't seem too much different than any other day, but for the lack of "No's!".

Oh! I want to share one thing...We give Gabe choices. We hope that it elicits a sense of independence for him and an opportunity to assert his wee self. Anyway, after lunch, I asked him if he wanted a pear or Popsicle for dessert. Expecting to hear an enthusiastic "POPSICLE!", I got, "Apple sauce."

Apple sauce!

Do you know how cool that is? This is the first real time that he's ventured out of his choices and I'm stoked. Really!

And you know what else is cool about this whole thing? The applesauce is unsweetened!

So, there you have it.

One more thing...I'm turning 44 years old tomorrow. I've been plucking stray grey hairs today. If I keep it up, I'll be sportin' many bald spots. But you know what? I'm starting to let go of my fear of aging. OK. I'm trying to let go of my fear of aging. Since Gabe came along I have felt this aching awareness of becoming old. Old. I know it is my paranoid sense of control: I want to be here forever for Gabe. I don't know...I think watching "Norm" the other night made me aware of the importance of ensuring a plan is in place when I finally do kick the bucket. Until then, I better enjoy the ride with this kid of mine. I guess at some point, you gotta give up saying "NO!".