September 28, 2007
The Doodlebug Grows Up
In a matter of eight hours, my toddler has turned into a little boy. A boy! Yes, I know I sound ridiculous but please bear with me as I yell, “WHO STOLE MY BABY?”
From the moment that Dawson was born I knew he wouldn’t stay a baby forever. He’d grow from a newborn to an infant to a toddler and then I just assumed we’d skip ages three through 17 and go straight to his high school graduation. If I had it my way, I’d keep him two years old forever. Minus the terrible two’s of course.
But something has happened to the Doodlebug. He has changed. When I dropped him off at daycare yesterday morning, he was my cute little peanut, clinging to my leg, not wanting me to leave for work.
And when I picked him up later, he was all grown up.
“Mumma, I happened to miss you,” he said.
“Well, thanks sweetie! I missed you, too!” I replied, in shock. He happened to miss me? Did I hear that correctly?
“Thanks for picking me up, Mumma.”
“Your welcome, Bug.” He said thank you? For picking him up? Such excellent manners!
“Mumma, I’m hungry. We go to Donald’s and get fa-fries, hamb-gers, roop-eer and a boy toy?”
I laughed. I don’t know if it was due to the fact that he was speaking in full sentences or because he said “boy toy”.
“Umm…I think Donald’s is closed today, honey.”
“No, Mumma, they not closed. They OPEN!”
Shucks. There’s just no fooling this child.
“Well…what did you have for lunch today?”
“Ah…chicken fingers and maca-wonee and cheese, and peas!”
“Did you eat everything on your plate?”
“Uh-huh, even the peas, Mumma!”
Because my husband was working the second shift, I agreed to the drive-thru at the Golden Arches. As we were waiting in a line of cars, Dawson asked, “Mumma, we go in to eat?”
“Honey, they’re not open inside, only the drive-thru,” I fibbed.
“No Mumma. There’s people inside, see? See the people, Mumma?”
When did he get so darn smart?
After we got home, he ate his Happy Meal and I had the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. When we were finished, I told Dawson we had to read the library books so we could return them tomorrow.
After I read five books in a row, I said that I needed to take a break and get a glass of water. When I came back Dawson said, “Mumma, read the firetruck story.”
“We read that one five times this week,” I told him. “Why don’t you read it to me?”
“No, Mumma. Dawson can’t. It’s Mumma’s turn.”
“But I always read the stories. I think it’s Dawson’s turn. Just make up the words.” I said.
“Mumma, Dawson can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not the Mumma!”
I laughed until I could barely breathe. He can’t read to me, not because he doesn’t know how, but because he’s not the Mumma!
He’s definitely not a toddler anymore. He may look like a baby to me, he may still wear pants in a size 24 months (because he NEVER GROWS!), but his personality is definitely that of three-year-old! I love this new little boy, but I kind of miss my tiny tot. Sigh. It’s only going to get worse as the years go by. I just know it.
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September 28th, 2007 at 10:50 AM, mammacheryl Says:
* sigh * When I was packing up my cubicle, I reminisced for a long time over Ben’s baby pictures. I had captured some very odd facial expressions that startled me now. Why? Because as a toddler, he makes those same expressions. The serious professor look, the goofy monster face, etc. They grow up too quick. I remember that original photo shoot like it was yesterday.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:53 AM, Amber Says:
It is funny because I could not WAIT for my daughter to get older. Whereas with my son, I am cherishing and holding onto his ever last moment as a baby!
September 28th, 2007 at 12:38 PM, Dana Says:
Cheryl, they definitely grow up so fast. It’s just too fast for me!
Amber, I miss my cuddly baby. I really do! I think this is part of my yearning for baby #2!
September 28th, 2007 at 1:08 PM, Miss Says:
I’m so sorry Dana but yes, it does get worse. They get smarter and more chatty and it just blows you away. Fa-fries? LOVE!
September 30th, 2007 at 2:47 AM, Lady M Says:
So grown up, and so clever! I guess McDonald’s never closes huh.
September 30th, 2007 at 8:44 AM, brighton Says:
My favourite is when I tell my six year old that the gumball machine is “broken”.
These are not fibs- these are survival tactics!!
September 30th, 2007 at 8:31 PM, mom2amara Says:
I knew I wanted Amara to be my girlfriend, so I couldn’t wait for her to grow up and talk in sentences! Girl, I’m eating my words now! But I do enjoy our “conversations.” I’m amazed every day.
At least Dawson says “Donald’s” — Amara’s still stuck on “da Donald’s”
October 1st, 2007 at 9:05 AM, Dana Says:
This morning, I was driving Dawson to daycare and he said, “Mumma, you’re coming back to get me when you’re done workin’ right? You won’t leave me at “Nee’s!”
He’s just so darn….I dunno…old now!
October 3rd, 2007 at 4:24 PM, Leslie Says:
Isn’t it amazing how they seem to grow up all at once? Suddenly they’re using these big words and have these ideas about things. It’s wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time. Your Dawson is just adorable.