Soon Enough

Little Man seems to think he's a very Big little man, and occasionally does not want to be reminded that he cannot run around with the toddlers at the library or launch himself across the living room at his toy basket. We just have to let him go and be there to catch him--literally and figuratively--when he falls.

Mommy! He looks at me with big eyes when we're at the children's section of the bookstore and there's big kids running around before story time starts. Do you see all these kids!?!

"I see them," I tell him, out loud. I am one of those mothers who rambles to my child in public.

Can I play with them? Sitting up, his little legs start kicking and toes start wiggling. His fingers open and close and his wrists wiggle--a sure sign that he has words to say and just can't figure out how to get them out.

"Not yet," I say. "Soon."

But...but...I know I could! If I could just walk!

"You'll be mobile soon enough," I tell him, and I stand him up, holding him firmly. He bounces where he stands and makes his "ooo ooo ooo" noise. He reaches up for a little boy that runs past.

Mommy! His eyes say. I can do it! I can play with them! And he attempts to push himself out of my arms with a jump, but I'm ready for it.

"Soon enough," I repeat to him, smiling at the other mothers who are now watching my baby make his words and wiggle around in excitement. I scoop him up and head out of the children's section. His little hand finds a handful of my hair and he squishes his fingers in it and lays his head on my shoulder. All those thoughts and attempts at independence have worn him out.

"Soon enough," I say one last time, and kiss his drooping eyelids.

He looks up at me one more time. Okay Mommy. And he drifts off to sleep.