Toddler Love

Simon didn’t start smiling until he was about twelve weeks old, and there were days in that long wait that I had myself convinced that my baby didn’t even like me (I read plenty of baby books in those days, enough to know that most babes start smiling at about six weeks, so with his six weeks of prematurity, that was right on time. But, of course, that did nothing for my irrational thoughts). These days, I have no lack of affection from my sweet boy.

But some days it’s just too much, and I think my heart is going to burst for the love of this child (we call this “shards”). Mornings are usually a good time to let Simon tool around while I try to get something done. This morning I had to write a couple of work-related e-mails (not that I don’t also surf blogs and stuff, it’s just that this time I really was working). Simon occupied himself by opening the cupboard doors and climbing on the dining room chairs and the piano bench. He also periodically brought me things, to each of which I said a distracted “Thanks, Bub” or “Uh-huh, thanks, Simon.” When I finally looked up to give him my full attention fifteen minutes later (because of his insistent signing of “More, more, more, please”), I found myself surrounded by two books (both illustrated by Richard Scarry, for what it’s worth), two DVDs, a wooden block, my cell phone, a Bed, Bath & Beyond coupon, a musical magnetic barn, Jason’s X-Box controller, a notebook, and a pen and its cap (separated). (And since I’ve been writing this blog entry, we’ve added another DVD, a little plastic chicken, a refrigerator magnet, two half-eaten crackers, and a ladle.) I was at first merely amused—well, and a little discouraged by the mess. But then I realized that this is one of the only concrete ways that a toddler can show his love—sharing his treasures, or at least those things that catch his interest. I do love being loved by this kid.

So now I’m off to find something that communicates love to him . . . these days that probably means time outside.