Yesterday (January 22, 2020) I celebrated 7 years with U.S. Bank. While that deserves commentary for sure, today's intent is to record a different even and maybe even here some comments directly from Alera.
The girls (and currently that phrase means Alera and Zelda but it will evolve to mean Keira as well I am sure) are just a handful lately. The talking back, the refusing to do things, the fighting, the everything. On this evening it was time to get ready for bed so I told Alera to pick out new pajamas and new underwear. Keep in mind she is 4 and needs help but can certainly complete this step. She was to do this while I went to the bathroom.
So there I am, doing my thing, and Alera shouts through the door "Daddy are you done, I need to show you something" . Now as you read this if you are not slightly annoyed for me then you are not currently raising toddlers. So fine, she needs to show me something.
"Alera, have you picked out PJs?"
Well, I need to show you something!"
A groan, a rub of the face with both hands. A very heavy sigh.
"Fine. I will be right out."
I finish up and wash my hands (very important to lead by example) and exit the bathroom. Alera grabs my hand and sits me down on the ottoman at the end of the bed in our master bedroom. She is now wearing her blue Chewbacca pajama bottoms (proof that I am indeed an awesome dad), and the shirt she has had on all day. Well, progress over perfection...
She then proceeds to take off her shirt by herself and put on her matching blue Chewbacca patterned shirt. All by herself. She has never done this before. If this is not remarkable to you then that is further proof you are not raising toddlers.
"Alera, I am so proud of you!" I embrace her in a big hug.
"Thank you, I do it all by myself because you teach me how!" She says, looking straight into my eyes. I see the pride in her eyes, the happiness of pleasing me, but also a little more wisdom than the day before. I will repeat what she said to me for emphasis:
"Thank you, I do it all by myself because you teach me how!" I shed a tear on that one.
This was a proud Dad moment and I recognize it's significance in her life and subsequently in our relationship. Now I could wax poetic about how this is the first step toward her not needing me more and then contradict myself because with age comes wisdom and we always have something to teach out children. But where I will focus is how frightened I am about the recall of this experience.
It is less than 24 hours later and I cannot recall exactly what was said. I know the broad strokes but even the quote I ascribe to her I know went something like that but not sure exactly what it was.
While I certainly have philosophical thoughts on the implications on everything laid out here, I will just think them as the real goal here was to mark down the date of what happened here and record it while it was as fresh as possible.
NOW: Alera is eating at the table with Zelda while Di feeds Keira. My neighbor has blown out our driveway and judging by the sounds outside may be at it again. They tell me they do this because we hav eour hands full with 3 little girls. How right they are. Glad I was able to repay at least some of that kindness the previous weekend when I brought the snowblower to their house. I see a time when me and the 3 girls go over there with shovels to clean their driveway. While that thought literally put a smile on my face, I don't look forward to it too much as I want to experience every moment in the now.
I have to get up and get Zelda a popsicle. We have frozen juice to get them more vitamin C because, of course, they are both sick.
I am hoping to add to this post. Not about anything above but think it would be cool to just transcribe what Alera has to say about this.
-Cheers!