Sometimes they all blank out in true male fashion and stare at the TV.... like above. They play basketball, tackle football, and have wheelchair races around the house. I am sure these activities will one day break something special to me. These activities might raise my blood pressure once in a while, but when it comes right down to it; I wouldn't have it any other way.
My tough guys bring me such joy, peace and love. The littlest tough guy, Isaac gives the best kisses. And though I feel bad when Isaac turns his head away from daddy to give me a kiss instead, it secretly melts my heart. I love the way he reaches for me to pick him up in the morning and I love the way he rubs my eyelashes as he falls asleep nursing at night.
Gabe, my middle man is like a ball of warm, happy energy. Always looking for the fun in life. He gives the best hugs and I love the conversations we have been having lately... Recently every time we ride in the car we rate the songs on the radio... "is this your favorite song, mommy?" and "do you love this song too?"
And Dan, he is my rock. Always sturdy and strong on the outside caring, generous and loving on the inside. He will do anything for our little boys and myself. I am so thankful our little boys have such a role model to look up to.
I am one lucky girl. 2013 has treated me to many date nights with these guys. We have been so blessed that we have family and friends that have been so generous to offer their time to babysit our boys. Since Isaac's birth it has been hard to get out a lot, just Dan and I. Not because people didn't offer, but between breastfeeding, learning his care, trying to create routines,etc, etc.... life got busy. This was true after Gabe was born too, I just forgot about it. I think our date nights have been good for the boys as well. Isaac is learning how to see me leave him without crying and learning that others can put him to bed too. Gabe is thrilled when others watch him and I think he takes those opportunities to get as much playing time in as possible! Dan and I have enjoyed our time out together. Not because we don't love being with our boys because we do, but because it's good for us to just be each other without worrying about being mommy and daddy for a little bit. Of course we think about the boys and our conversations often are about them, but it's nice to not be interrupted by 20 questions, dropped sippy cups and restroom trips. It is fun to actually go out to eat at a nice restaurant and take a stroll hand in hand downtown.
Dan and I have also been able to take the boys on special dates too. On Martin Luther King Day, Dan ventured out with the boys to COSI, a science museum nearby. The boys had so much fun and so did Dan. With Dan working and me staying home with the boys, he doesn't always get to have this one on one time with them. I could tell he really valued this special day. I was eager to hear that Dan also tried new ways to help Isaac be more mobile. He figured out a way to take him and his little ZipZac chair out and about. He loaded Isaac and the little wheelchair (which is only meant for inside use because there is no handle or brakes) into our double stroller. He then was able to let Isaac play in his ZipZac in the play zone. Isaac loved this independence! And of course, he inspired the adults around him as he zipped from toy to toy. Isaac loved the water table too!
Dan has had some late night work functions so I have taken that opportunity to take the boys out and about. Wednesday night I took the boys to the mall and played at the indoor playground. They both loved it. At first Isaac was a little annoyed because it is a hard place for him to play. For a child that can't walk or climb, climbing toys on playgrounds offer little enjoyment. I have to hold him up on the oversized climbing animals and help him down the slide. But while we were playing Gabe offered to hold Isaac and go down the slide with him. I was hesitant at first, but the slide was little so I let him. It worked out really well. Gabe and Isaac both laughed the whole time and wanted to keep sliding. Gabe learned a bit of responsibility and Isaac had to trust him! We topped our date off with a little Chick-Fil-A and then headed home. The radio DJ must have known I was out with my boys because as we were driving into our neighborhood the song, Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts came on, one of Gabe's favorite songs. (Lightning McQueen's theme song must be every 4 year old boy's favorite song.) It was a good date with my little guys. I hope that they never feel too old or embarrassed to have date nights with their mama.
I think it is important to find the time for date nights. For our family, it helps us to forget about the daily rush of things and just enjoy our little time away. They don't have to be expensive or elaborate. The playground was completely free. While the everyday activities are the experiences that probably shape our children the most, I hope that these special dates with mom and dad will bring great memories. I am sure their time with grandparents, family and close friends babysitting them will be great fun, and bring fun memories, but it will also help them know that they have so many people that love them.
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