My nine year old son, Bionicle Boy, has hit a new milestone. After our bed time routine last night (bath, prayers, hug the number one and number two bears--Peanut and Poopsie, put Bobo Big Bear and his wife, Mrs. Bobo, on the chair where they stand guard at night, water, a story, more hugs), I left the room and went in to watch the Phillies give away a game to the Astros. (I hope Quotidian Grace is happy.)
I dozed off and awoke at about 11:30 to the sound of a tv from BB's room. I figured he had awakened and turned it on. He was sitting in his top bunk, happy as a clam, watching Sponge Bob. After a very short conversation, the tv was off and he and the bears were down.
At 3:15, She Who Must Be Obeyed woke up. "Is his tv on?" she asked. After SWMBO invoked Rule 1.1 of the Wive's Handbook ("Husband is at all times responsible for getting out of bed for nightime investigations and responses."), in I went.
More Sponge Bob was broadcasting merrily to the stuffed animals assembled on the bottom bunk. I turned it off, only to hear an agrieved cry of "Hey! I was watching that." This time I stood by his bed until he was asleep. (No sacrifice--it took about 20 seconds!)
It is now 11:00 am and he just came down, chipper and his usual merry little self. I am blessed by God to have the opportunity to do this Dad thing all over again.
2 comments:
I am happy.
And I'll be happier tonight when we win again and El Jefe and I are in the stands with our fellow PresbyAstroFans!
Last night was #4's 4th b/day... numbers 1,2 & 3 are significantly older. #1's girlfriend was over (whom #4 has a significant crush on, always bringing out his matchbox, superheroes, etc... all things precious to him, to proudly display for this strange exotic creature, assuming she would want to 'get in on' his joy).
We spent the evening, eating chocolate cake and bouncing balloons around- #4 was as happy as a clam, no big presents, just balloons. The sheer joy of the moment, batting them around, and then collapsing in gales of laughter.
Jesus said, 'you must become as children to enter the kingdom of heaven.' John Ortberg says, God is the most joyous being in the universe, and that children are far more like him, than we are. GK Chesterton said, "For we have sinned, and our Father is younger than us."
I was too immature, impatient and busy, trying to accomplish stuff when #1,2&3 were this age. I am so grateful, for the opportunity to do it again- and savor the time, seeing the world through his eyes.
Thanks for the post.
dm
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