Wednesday, June 16, 2010

On this day...

Well, actually - on this day tomorrow.  Wait, does that make sense?  Let me start again.

Seven years ago right now I was in the hospital.  It having been decided earlier in the day that it was time for Wonderboy to come out.  Thing was, he didn't want to come out.  But, the doctor said it was time.  However, not only was WB not ready, I wasn't - ahem - physically ready either.  So - seven years ago right now I was in a hospital room experiencing, "the balloon".  (I know you feel me Aging Mommy!)  Anyhoots, one uncomfortable overnight, and a lot of pitocin the following morning, and a lot of waiting around for the people in the lobby....and the WB came into being.

Truth be told, I wanted a boy.  We had found out the sex, and I was thrilled.  I had an older brother and I just wanted a boy first.  And I got him.  And then didn't have a clue what to do with him.  You know how it is in the beginning of your first child - when everything is terrifying?  It was.   And yet, wonderful. So very, very wonderful.

And now my baby, my little perfect first child, is turning seven.  F*cking SEVEN.  How did this happen?!?!  His first word was, "quack."  Literally.  We thought he was going to be very well-versed in duck speak.  He learned, "no"  soon enough.  And we, foolish first parents, thought it so funny to hear him say it in his adorable voice, we would ask him questions we knew he would say, "no" to.  Learned that the hard way.  (Also learned not to say, "Dammit!" or "Jesus Christ" within ear-shot.)  He learned to climb stairs when we moved into our house when he was two.  When he was three he not only gained a baby sister, he called me a "crazy bitch" in the Atlanta airport.  (Which he had overheard from some punk at daycare - not at home!)

Four was an even bigger declaration of independence.  But not as hard as three. (Thank the good lord.)  Five brought kindergarten and learning and karate and oh my, how he has blossomed.  Who is this boy?  Where is my baby?  Six has flown by in mostly good terms.  There was talking back and drama and fights with his sister, but there was also kindness and curiosity and laughter.

And there was a kid who, a couple of days before he turned seven, happily went for a walk with his Mom and talked about his day, and held her hand.  A kid who will always be my boy...my baby.

13 comments:

for a different kind of girl said...

Happy birthday to your Wonderboy. Seven is such a fun, fun age, and the perks of those random hand hold moments are treasures. Hope he has a fantastic birthday!

Cheryl said...

Happy birthday to you and to WB! Holding hands...wow, aren't you lucky.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to Wonder Boy! We're sending him some virtual Legos. =>

(And I'm holding you to your word that four is better than three ... Hanging on for dear life over here.)

Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com said...

Happy birthday to WonderBoy!! And congratulations to you on seven years of wonderful =)

One Photo said...

Beautiful post Dana (I will say no more about the balloon!). Your words evoke such strong images of all those special stages and moments filling your head as you contemplate your little boy turning seven. But my favorite part is the end, describing taking a walk hand in hand and his talking with you about his day.

So although it is sad to know those toddler and little boy days are gone, you also know you have this little young man now to get to know and enjoy different but equally as precious moments with.

Enjoy celebrating this special birthday with your son.

msprimadonna67 said...

Oh gosh...you made me teary. Happy birthday to him, and many, many more happy memories to you both as he continues to hit some pretty cool milestones along the way.

Octopunk said...

Props to my sister for leaving out how I wrecked her husband's car the same day my nephew was born. I was nervous for her! No, really, I was.

Congrats on making it to Big Seven!

anymommy said...

Sigh. Seven years, they all go by in a flash. I hope he had a wonderful birthday. I love your wonderful memories.

Captain Dumbass said...

Isn't seven crazy? Connor hit it the day before WB. It's like he was a little boy one day and the next day he's seven. How did that happen?

Carolyn...Online said...

Happy (belated) birthday WB. He's still your baby. But now he can talk and tell you stories.

Christy said...

So sweet! Happy birthday to him!

bernthis said...

Phoebe will be 7 in August and I feel the same way. She doesn't need me much for the physical help and it's weird and wonderful and heartbreaking. I can't believe how fast time flies.

Maggie May said...

Happy Seventh to your little guy :) Seven is such a magical, fun year.