that one called noah

Noah. He's my last baby. He's my captive. I don't want to give him up. When he embarks on his school years (one more year to go!) will that be the day I lie and say he really isn't 5, he's only three. Maybe if I had another little one it would be different. But, I don't and it's making me sad.

He always has something to say. "I was sitting in the sink naked because I'm waiting for my turn to take a bath, that's why." Of course. Perfectly good reason.

Me: "Noah, why did you kick, (hit, push, glare at, growl at) that little girl?!"
Noah: "Because she was in my way."

I have always been a "park mom." I love to take them outside and play.
Until Noah came along. When he was old enough to walk and talk and get angry, those park days were over. I would try. Believe me I tried. But, it wasn't fun or relaxing. I was too tense and had to watch Noah like a hawk so he wouldn't hurt anyone just because they were inside his pre-conceived space zone. One time I was running to get to the slide because I could see...he was eyeing the pretty little girl that was on the pirate ship, the pirate ship he thought he was only allowed to touch. I made it just in the nick of time to sweep him up before his little foot connected with her head.
(He's not that way anymore. Now he just talks to EVERYONE AND THEIR MOTHER!!!)

Those were the days we wanted to send him to "Baby Boot Camp." If we had found a listing for one close by, a facility we could visit often, he would have been there. I'm glad we didn't though. We would have missed him.

Every morning he wakes bright and early. I'm usually awake, waiting. He sneaks into our room and crawls in on my side and we snuggle. Only for a bit and only on his terms. He doesn't like my arm behind his head. Every morning I think maybe he'll forget and let me keep it there. No, every morning he removes my arm and puts it back by my side. Sometimes we take turns tracing each other's face. Sometimes we give butterfly kisses. Sometimes he'll fall back to sleep. More often he's ready for breakfast.He would love to be a Star Wars character. He is a bit obsessed with Star Wars.

Noah: "Mom, I really want to take karate. No, I want to take a Star Wars class so I can be a Star Wars character. I wonder how they teach me to use a light saber and make that light saber noise."

I love this crazy kid. He's sure fun to have around. Not a dull moment. Lately we have been playing a game. He loves to talk and loves to ask lots of questions. Sometimes I just don't have the answers. Sometimes I would love some quiet time. Sometimes I am driving and I can't turn around and look at his face when he so needs me to. So, when we are in the car, we pretend I left him at the place we came from. He has to be extremely quiet. No words or sounds allowed. And I have to say he is a pro. He loves this game. Only rarely will he say- "Game off. Mom, let's-pretend-we-were-coming-from-the-pool-and-not-the-beach-and-you-left-me-there-instead-playing-with-Sam-and-Mason-OK?-Game-on." And then we pull into the driveway and I turn around and am very delighted that no, I did not leave Noah at the pool and yes, he's safe at home with me.
Forever...please...