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| Okay, you can slow down now, Little Man. |
Martin sent me a text while I was at work to let me know a sharp little tooth erupted through Jaz's lower gum.
I was shocked.
I had nursed Jaz at o'dark thirty this morning. (That's military lingo for sometime around midnight, or 1:30 a.m. or maybe even 2:30 a.m. Really early ... or late ...) I sat in the rocker with that kid, letting him bat at my face with his chubby hands as I sang to him, rocking back and forth until he fell asleep with his mouth open. At no time did I feel, or see, the jagged edge of a first tooth.
But then half a day later, while I was at work, that little tooth decided to wiggle on out of there. That it happened the day after his six-month birthday -- right on schedule -- is irrelevant to me. I'm simply not ready for it. Didn't he just get here? Wasn't I just pregnant with him?
It's only a matter of time before he's got facial hair and smelly feet. And driving.
Hey, Jaz. My little man. I'm all excited your first tooth is coming in and that you're handling the teething process so well. In fact, I sort of wish you were a bit more grumpy and slobbery, so I wouldn't have been caught off-guard so much. Can we make a deal? Since you are my baby and most likely my last child, how about you slow down a bit on this growing up process? I want you to grow and all ... but not so fast. Okay? Deal?
It never hurts to ask, does it?
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Speaking of going fast, my girl Lola experienced an accomplishment of her own today.
She's finally tall enough to reach the pedals on the tricycle. In the past, she couldn't reach, so she just scooted along, pushing off with her feet. Yet with the encouragement and support of her Dad and big sister, she figured out how to both pedal and steer at the same time.
Martin caught it all on video.
Dear Lola, I'm so proud of you, big girl! It really does seem like yesterday that we were anxiously watching you learn how to climb up the stairs on your own. I know what this means. You love adventure, and you're going to be zipping around the neighborhood looking for it. Don't ever doubt that I want you to expand your horizons and yearn for whatever is up ahead. But, I'm just going to say this now, ahead of time, and you can be sure you'll hear it again: can you slow down a bit? I love having you close to me, sharing with me your observations in your precious little voice. But there's another reason I'm asking: I'm going to have to pull out those old Rollerblades just to keep up with you this summer, I know it. And have you seen me on Rollerblades?
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Did you notice my oldest daughter in the video?
I loved watching her run alongside her sister, giving her advice and encouragement. It reminded me of the times Martin and I ran alongside her as she learned to ride a bike, giving her instructions and cheering her along.
It wasn't that long ago.
I know I've also asked this girl to slow down the growing-up process. Clearly, she hasn't listened to me in that regard.
But clearly, she was listening to something.
Okay, okay, I get it now, Miss C. I realize despite my begging, you have no intent on staying little. I get it, but I'm still going to ask you and your younger siblings the same thing, to slow down just a bit. It's what I do because I love you so much, just as you are right now, just as you were every step of the way. But I also want to say I love watching all three of you grow. It's one of those weird Mommy-contradictions. First teeth. First successful tricycle ride. Firstborn leading the way. I love it all. Seeing the video of you encouraging your sister today was so awesome. You are growing to become such a little lady. And to that, I say, full speed ahead!
But only if you agree to take your time. Just a little.
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