85! How did we get here? I have mixed emotions about being this close to baby #2, but mostly, I’m just excited. Excited to find out if this wee one is a boy or girl, excited to make H a big brother, excited to see what life will look like for our little family in the months ahead. Some think we’re crazy for not knowing the gender–and believe me, the wait feels long–but I can say confidently that not knowing builds up so much more anticipation for us. I love that moment of surprise far more than I love the idea of knowing from now until then. Henry is convinced he knows, so it will be fascinating if he’s right. The two seem quite in sync with one another already–a joy for this mama in the process of growing the Button.

On the subject of Henry, today was one of those days I wished I’d had a notepad along for every conversation. The kid cracked me up all day. Perhaps he’ll make you smile with a remark or two as well…

-As we headed out to the car this morning (a loaner, because mine was getting new brakes today), H says to me, “There’s our Tahoe! It has two car seats in it! One for me…and one for Emmelia!” (Emmelia is H’s younger and oh-so-adorable cousin, who lives quite far away). “No, buddy. I’m sorry. There’s not a seat for Emmelia. I wish there were. But you know what?! When the baby comes, Emmelia is going to come and visit! Won’t that be great?!” “Yeah,” he replied. Five plus hours later at the car shop swapping out vehicles, Henry tells a friend of ours (while patting my belly), “I’m having a baby! It’s a girl! And I will hold it nicely and make it calm. And then…Emmelia will come! She’s a baby, too!” Oh, my. I just love how toddlers think. The connection from this morning’s conversation was priceless. And I adore his excitement over his cousin. Makes my heart warm.

-At the pool today, Henry saw his swim instructor from a few months back. “Mr. Dan” is a kid favorite–always swapping high fives and encouraging the little ones that they’re great. Henry still asks about him at random, months after his lessons ended. A few days ago, H refused to say hello to Mr. Dan. Instead, he hid himself behind my leg, made a theatrical pouty face, and said, “I can’t. I’m shy.” If you’ve ever met H, you know he’s not the least bit shy. Regardless–and despite the fact that we’d talked about being polite and nice and friendly when someone we know says hello, Henry refused Mr. Dan’s high five again this morning. Later in the day though, after a whole lot of fun swimming, H must have been in better spirits. When Mr. Dan came over to ask Little Man about his time at the pool, Henry talked his ear off for five minutes. The best part? When Mr. Dan said, “I’m so glad you decided to say hello to me today. High five! You made my day!” and Henry replied, “Yeah! AND your weekend time!” How can you not laugh sometimes? Two year old conversations are the best.

A few other comments that brightened the day…

-When I told H that I need to sit for a few minutes because my stomach hurt: “Here’s a Jaguar (matchbox car). That can make you feel better.” Love.

-Handing me a different car later on: “It’s a crocodile race car…from my birthday! I’ve never seen one of those driving down the road!”

-“Look!! I found my screwdriver under the couch! It was just sleeping under there.”

And when I asked him if I could have a cake for my birthday this weekend:

“Yep!” “Thanks, Buddy! What kind of cake?” (assuming a MINI Cooper cake, of course.) “A chocolate one. With brownie kinds of things on top. And colored things on it.”

Um, love this kid.

He really does make me smile. Daily. And I realize that it’s such a gift to have a small person in my life who adds laughter and brings joy. This parenting thing isn’t for the faint of heart, but all of the goodnesses that come with it sure do make all of the hard parts worthwhile!

grateful for all of the chatter.

mm