Leaps and Bounds

It has been a big week for Team Little Man. For one, he competed in his first gymnastics meet.  We have no illusions of future greatness; he loves going to the gym, but his athletic pursuits are sometimes overshadowed by his social connections.  The meet was packed with families and friends wanting to see their favorite gymnast succeed; it was sometimes hard to find a spot without getting in someone else's way.  At the end Little Man was Little Man -- both in his moves and in his desire to know what everyone else was doing.  In a group of four he solidly brought up the rear (although he ended up third in the all-around thanks to a tie for first).  He was thrilled with his new trophy, proudly displaying it in the air and constantly exclaiming, "I won!"  We were so glad he bravely stepped on the floor and enjoyed the experience without any pressure.

He also spent his first night in his new big boy bed, an early birthday present from Husband and me.  We could tell that it was time, so off to Marketplace I went in search of a set.  We found a friendly seller offering a good deal, and after discovering how much my car can actually hold this week appeared to be the best time to put it all together.  Little Man was cautiously excited about his new space, but thanks to the Spidey comforter he thinks it is "cool" and the next morning told us it was "comfy".  So I guess this week we are two for two.

For some reason, both of these milestones have been bittersweet.  Seeing a picture of Little Man's new bed after Husband set it up and recording Little Man at his gymnastics meet filled me with a wave of sadness as I smiled.  Knowing this kid is already taking his small steps away from toddlerhood is a strange realization.  As I write this he is curled up in Husband's lap as they talk about motocross like two old buddies; I see the baby we brought home and the person he wants to become all at once.  There are certainly moments where this age has its benefits -- sitting in the driveway while he rides his bike or waving as he runs around in sight at the playground is a much better match for my energy and temperament.  I've also experienced several birth/pregnancy announcements lately and find myself happy for others while not disappointed for myself.  I've clearly entered a new season in life.

Surely this feeling is not unique -- I've even found myself uttering, "The days are long but the years are fast", particularly during rough moments.  I also see friends who are quickly winding down to their children's high school graduations and am comforted (frightened?) that I have so long until that point.  I am grateful we have a strong, healthy, happy boy whose stubborn streak is both frustrating and reassuring as it signals his brain is growing as it should.  His upcoming birthday will definitely cause these feelings to flare up again, so in this moment I will re-commit to connecting with the good and breathing through the bad.  Although he sometimes tells us otherwise, he is still our Little Man.