It's been pretty hectic around here with our massive plumbing project well underway. My husband is doing an amazing job installing the new pipes, cutting all the holes, making new supports, etc.
Since hubby's been tied up with the plumbing project for a few days straight, my little guy and I have been pretty much glued together during his waking hours. We've been to the library where we've played with the Thomas trains, we've strolled our sidewalk on some unusally "balmy" January days, and we've even gone out to lunch (to escape the noise and falling debris in the kitchen).
Speaking of being glued together, we were almost literally glued together this morning -- at least that's how it felt. I altered my work schedule so that I could take my little guy to a toddler playtime sponsored by our town. He's never been to a big indoor "play area" with lots of other kids, and he's ready for some fun and play with other kids his age. Not many kids are out on our street now that it's winter, so I wanted him to have a chance to run, climb, and play.
There were about 12-15 preschoolers there, along with moms and grandmas. The instant we walked into the room my son clung to me. "Hug! Hug!" He wanted to be held, and he wanted his face buried in my neck. This was fine for the first few minutes.
But then my neck started to sweat. His arms, covered by a fleece sweatshirt, were gripping my neck so tightly that I was actually perspiring. After 20 minutes of this, I finally convinced him to sit on my lap. After just a few minutes of this, he got down and started to explore.
Phew. I was so relieved! and proud!
He spent a good half hour running, sliding, climbing, and crawling through tunnels.
The fact that kids can get past their shyness and fears and charge ahead is really amazing. I'm proud of my brave little guy!
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On a completely different note... thanks for the questions, everyone! Now to find some time to answer them! I have them in the back of my mind and will be chipping away at my replies as I can...
Awwww. At least it isn't summer! I used to hate when the kiddo wanted to climb all over me when I'm already all hot and uncomfortable.
The project sounds like it's off to a great start! Hope you have NO LEAKS anywhwere when hubby's all done!!!
Posted by: nat | Monday, January 23, 2006 at 06:53 PM
I thought you had a story about my little one ;-)... Glad he had a good time. It is nice when they let go and enjoy themselves.
Posted by: vw bug | Monday, January 23, 2006 at 08:27 PM
When I have to do something outside of my comfort zone, I STILL get that "cling to someone's neck and say hug! hug!" feeling.
Posted by: Elle | Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 06:43 AM
Aw, good for you both! What an adorable little man (thank you for sharing pictures of him!)
Posted by: running2ks | Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 10:12 AM
Awww! I miss my clingy girls. Those days go by too fast!
Good luck with the plumbing.
Posted by: MommaK | Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 01:58 PM
Ah, the day when my kids actually wanted to hug me. Now I embarass them. *sigh* That's OK, they embarassed me for long enough. Payback is hell. :D
Posted by: InterstellarLass | Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 02:17 PM
I am sure you'll regret reading this comment. But.
Once we took our little guys to one of those indoor mall playgrounds when they were 3 and 1? And they had a ball. Until my 3 year old walked up and said "Mom, there's poopies!".
Sure enough, some child's diaper must have overflowed... there was poop smeared all over one of the climbing pieces.
I haven't gone near one of those playgrounds since.
Posted by: Holly | Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 05:01 PM
Ewwww! That's gross, Holly. I've wondered about that with the rooms with plastic balls that you jump in...
Posted by: Marie | Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 06:43 PM