LITTLE BOY IAN NO LONGER

Today we celebrated my mom's birthday, since she and my dad were in town. Tom's parents came over for some birthday cake, and I was amused to notice how the genders naturally separated following the meal. Have you ever noticed that? The ladies talk about culture, fashion, friends... something substantial of course. And the guys watch a show, or as evidenced here, enjoy a friendly game of dominoes. When I broke myself away from my female companions (the lovelies - mom, Erin and Carol), I just enjoyed watching my son, husband, father and father-in-law enjoying a little healthy competition. I love seeing Ian spend time with his dad and grandpas. I have noticed this past year a slow, almost indiscernible separation begin to occur between myself and my firstborn. He was a full-fledged Mamma's Boy the first 4 years of his life, and I knew this was coming... but it is still a little sad to me. No longer do I have a fleshy, newborn-perfumed baby in my arms. Not even a wobbly kissable toddler! Now it's a mini-man I see greet me in the morning. He is taller and more slender in his shape and logical in his dialogue. There are still glimpses of a little boy, but they are fewer and farther between. And yet I choose to embrace this season wholeheartedly, releasing some of my grasp mostly to his father, but also to his grandfathers, uncles, and other men who have influence that I no longer have. Yes, I am still his nurturing mom - always good for a spontaneous snuggle. And for that I am so grateful!