A year ago, well, 368 days ago, I was working from home, preparing for Craig and my last pre-parenthood hurrah vacation, when my phone rang, and I spilled coffee all over my floor. The stain is still there - slightly less obvious, but otherwise unchanged. I think that's about the only thing that has remained unchanged.
Craig and my 'last hurrah' switched from a weekend in the U.P. to a real live movie in a theater. Slightly less exciting than a weekend mountain biking, but it was the last time we could actually turn off our cell phones for a movie.
One year later, we still get out to the movies about once every other month. Which, I'm told, is fairly good considering we're parents. Our cell phones now on vibrate, mine gripped tightly in my hand.
My car is now permanently covered in Cheerios, cars, sippy cups and general flotsam/jetsam that comes with toddlers. Why, explain to me why, the preschool insists on at least 2 handouts a day? Whole forests have fallen from that one preschool! (sorry, I digress) My car CD holder is about 50% my music and 50% Justin Roberts CDs (including Yellow Bus - wahoo!). I tend to forget my definite articles and the beginning syllable of 3 syllable words. Who needs construction? I routinely pick up small cars, and have not a few bruises on the soles of my feet from legos. And worst of all, I've become sappy - not really, really, sappy - but I cry at movies where kids go missing or kids get hurt, and when I listen to the "Happy Adoption Day" song, I actually tear up. What's up with that?
Emmett has changed too. Our conversations used to end with me saying "I don't understand, sweetie", and now end with my pleas of "Inside voice, inside voice". Phrases that used to be too hard for him to say like "Come on" (used to be "Cheemon") ring in clear English. Clothes he came home with are now serious flood pants. And he has opinions on his next winter coat. (yes sirree, opinions!)He can quote the alphabet without trouble, and count to 20 (15 is optional) with ease. What used to be a major fear of the four-legged,long-tongued, over-zealous, beast is now a true affection for the yellow lab who enjoys kid hugs.
Even the dog has changed - the word 'walk' used to send him running to the back door, now it prompts a quizzical look as if he's asking "do you mean it?" And even more disturbing - our nightly "Stop pushing Emmett's chair away from the table so you can eat his food" scolding has become routine.
So the house is a persistent mess, dinner is often Mac & Cheese, and I can sing you entire CDs of kids music, but I honestly wouldn't change it for the world. As I plan Emmett's 4th birthday party, I can't help but remember the day the call came.
"Get packed - you need to be in Korea in 7 days. Your son is waiting for you."
Oh and here I go gettin' all teary! See I'm becoming a sappy!
