Go Landon Go 7-1-09

Go Landon Go It is late...too late...and I really should be in bed. But I can't go to bed without writing a few things down, for fear that in the whirlwind that is my next two days, this will continue to be pushed to the back burner and eventually forgotten. I don't want to forget. So you all remember Landon's bike riding saga. I believe I blogged about it a few times...how he just couldn't do a two wheeler. Well, I think he had the ability but he was so deathly afraid of falling and getting hurt that his fear literally held him back. I told him months ago to just "shut his brain off" and do it (can you tell I like cognitive behavior therapy). Apparently my advice worked because on Sunday he decided he was ready to give it a try. It was rather out of the blue...he just decided. And off we went into the front yard to watch him go. And this time, he didn't tip. He didn't even wobble. He just took off. When I asked him what made him decide that he was ready he said, "I just turned my brain off, Mom!" Since Sunday he has learned to start himself (push off on his own without someone helping) and has tried numerous neighborhood bikes. I am so darn proud of that kid. Yes, certainly for learning to ride a two wheeler (a big milestone indeed!) but even more so for conquering a fear. He stared it in the face and overcame it. He took off. As odd as it sounds, it definitely feels like a big step of independence for him. I love to just gaze out my window and watch him ride up and down the road in his own imaginary world. Maybe because I remember being there not too long ago...going on treasure hunts and riding the day away with my best friends. Childhood is so sweet. And tonight I had plans with a friend, so Jonathan took the boys to Bob Evans for pancakes. There was an elderly man there that Landon spontaneously waved to. Jonathan said that the man got all excited and waved back as though Landon had made his entire week. This behavior is not nomal for Landon...I mean, he is kind, but not always outgoing. So Jonathan asked him why he waved and this is what Landon said, " Mama told me that waving at old people makes their hearts happy, and I wanted to make his heart happy." He wanted to make his heart happy...well bless HIS heart. I love that kid. I just finished my nightly routine of tucking my children in, pulling covers up to their heads so they are snug and warm, kissing one last time. I really can't begin to explain how busy my life has been the past two weeks. In many ways, I miss my children and my normal life. And yet, all that I have done, needed to be done. But I am so thankful that at the end of the day, all is well. My children are safe in their beds. Their rooms dry and comfortable. Even poop bear (the bear that sits on the diaper genie), sits firmly in place. As I listen to my children rhythmically breathing I am just overcome with gratitude for the normalcy and the beauty that is my life right now. I know that too often normalcy breeds complacency, but I am cherishing normal right now, embracing it for all that it is and all that it has to offer. Landon's heart has been so soft recently and at the same time he is changing and growing in front of my very eyes. I thank God that just as I trust Him to keep my children breathing and safe through the night, I can trust Him to love and care for my children as they take yet another step out of my hands and into this great big world.