THE TRAVELING GARDNERS

Early this morning before the sunrise, we piled all 3 kids in to the car. We had to drop Dan off at the airport for a quick work trip. So all 5 of us were off to the airport. Before I could even turn the key to start the car, Zachary catches me off guard in a unprepared parent moment. Zachary said, "Mommy I don't feel good. I am hurting." I asked, "What's the matter buddy? What hurts?" He said, "My wiener is too big for me to go pee. It got bigger." I looked over at Dan eating his oatmeal in the passenger seat. I gave him the "this is totally your turn to respond" type of look. He explained that sometimes that might happen and just to go back to sleep. Quietly Benjamin in a "I know stuff because I am an older brother" answer responds with, "It's okay Zachy. It happens to me sometimes too." Dan and I quietly giggled to ourselves. In my head I thought I am so happy Bella is a girl. I can handle girl questions. ...

As I was dropping off Ben at school today, I had a little dose of reality thrown my way. As he was leaving the car, I said, "Give me a kiss!" He looked at me and simply said, "No Mommy, too embarrassing." And ran out of the car to meet up with a friend. With mixed emotions I drove away. My heart broke that my little man is growing up so quickly. Yet, I was also happy for him that he is turning into a little man. He has made many friends in school this year. He is such a great big brother to Zach and Bella. This simple statement of independence might have stung my ego a little. But, it shows that he is growing into his own person. And for that I am happy for him.