Snowflake musing: one of a kind

The last few months more than one person has commented about Nate having a lot of energy, but it's always said as an insult rather than a compliment.

Immediately,

I feel a rush of embarrassment.

For what? What should I be embarrassed about?

I have a bright, energetic, interactive, curious 4 year old! He's wonderful!

and

He loves his brother fiercely. I am so proud of him for this.

I often joke I only have to parent one of them

Because Andy follows his every lead.

Yes, he's taught him to climb on the counter and where mom hides candy.

Yes, he's taught him how to grunt when he's angry.

And beg and whine when he doesn't get what he wants.

But

BUT

He's also taught him to love books

and Legos

and "scooby dooby"

and to say things like "isn't that crazy?"

or "let's go 'sploring" and "shoooweee go on a 'venture?"

and to say "thank you for my family" in prayer

and to collect rocks

and sticks

and seedpods

and leaves

and... well you get the idea

and that dad is the coolest and you always have to give him 10 kisses before he leaves for work and run the the door when you hear his key unlocking it each night and then jump up and down screaming "daddy!daddy!daddy!" over and over, and sit next to him (or on his lap) at any given opportunity

and to be curious.

Sure, I could have taught Andy all of that.

But I love that Nate did.

This reminds me of the end of the book Clifford:The Big Red Dog

"I don't care.

You can keep all your small dogs.

You can Keep all your black,

white, brown and spotted dogs.

I'll keep Clifford. Wouldn't you?"

Yes, my son is Clifford.

He is larger than life.

sometimes his energy and excitement makes a mess of things

but he has a (great big huge!) good heart.

And he's one of a kind.

And he's all mine.