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Using Our Words

Slice-of-life stories about parenthood

A Little Gratitude

A Little Gratitude

November 22, 2011 by Amy, Using Our Words 13 Comments

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Since Little’s birthday is on Thanksgiving this year, I thought it would be a fun twist to interview him to get his now 3-year-old perspective on gratitude. I did, and here’s what he had to say…

Me: What are you grateful for…what’s something you love very much?
Little: Superheroes!

Me: Ooh, that’s a good one. What else are you grateful for?
Little: [silence]

Me: Your brother, your sister…?
Little: [silence]

Me: Anything else you’re glad you have in your life?
Little: Nah.

Ok, so it was a great idea in theory. I somehow imagined his 3-year-old words would paint the complex, beautiful picture of who he is at this very moment in time. But I should have known, while he talks up a storm (most of the time), he’s not really a boy of words, he’s a boy of facial and physical expressions. A boy of gentle kindness, far-from-gentle physicality and enthusiasm for the little things. A boy that even I can’t really put into words, but I’ll try. Because I’m so grateful each and every day that he is mine.

I’m filled with gratitude that the same boy who can’t get enough of superheroes, bad guys and light sabers also adores princesses (Green Lantern and Jasmine are his favorites at the moment). That he’ll tell anyone who asks that the cute blond tween down the street, his sweet little friend, his baby sister and his mom are beautiful. That he thinks his brother and his dad are better at football than any Pecker or Bieber.

I’m filled with gratitude that the same boy who still carries his blanket everywhere will jump from any play structure (or counter) without a second thought. That he still cries when I leave him at preschool, but doesn’t look back as he runs off with the big boys. That he wants to look nice when friends are coming for dinner, so he carefully dresses in a collared button down with his favorite track pants.

I’m filled with gratitude that he’s confident enough to tell me he’s not my baby, but sensitive enough to tell me he doesn’t have to be a big boy yet, he’ll be my little boy for just a bit longer. That he thinks everything from grapes on his plate at lunch to brand new bunk beds are “totally awesome!”, or at the very least, “cool!” That in his crazed running around the house, he’ll crash into one of us with a hug and a kiss.

I’m filled with gratitude that this tattoo/band-aid loving, skinny, scrappy little boy makes me laugh as much as his dad does. That he still thinks I’m the most important person in the world. That he is one of the most important people in my world.

I’m filled with gratitude that on Thanksgiving, I’ll have one very handsome little 3-year old to celebrate.

What will you be celebrating this Thanksgiving?

 

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Filed Under: featured, Mom Musings Tagged With: birthday, gratitude, Little, motherhood, silly, Thanksgiving

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Comments

  1. Brittany says

    November 23, 2011 at 8:51 pm

    Amy, you have not only a perfect beautiful 3 yr old boy but an amazing loving family of 5. I wish you all the peace and God’s grace on this blessed holiday.

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:48 pm

      Thank you so much, my friend. I hope your Thanksgiving was especially special!

      Reply
  2. Jodie Hoffman says

    November 23, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    I like the idea of really spelling out all the things I love about my loved ones, versus just stopping at “I’m thankful for my family…” Let’s get into the nitty gritty and make it really special! Although I’m pretty sure that instead of listening to my heartfelt words, they’ll be trying to burp and making up nonsensical fart jokes…. Which, is really kind of one of the things I love about them… 😉

    happy thanksgiving to your family!! xoxo

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:49 pm

      Oh, there’s no way my boys would listen to this stuff now. But maybe they’ll read it one day when they can appreciate it. In between fart jokes, of course.

      Reply
  3. Paige nelson says

    November 23, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    🙂

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:50 pm

      Little says to say you’re beautiful.

      Reply
  4. Carolline says

    November 24, 2011 at 10:48 am

    Dear Connor,

    Not too long ago you were turning one and all you wanted to do on your birthday was to take a little nap. I still remember how good you look with a blue shirt. I was so happy that you were a part of my world then.
    It seems like yesterday was your second birthday. It was nice to hear that you loved the Toy Story characters because I had just found the perfect present for you…
    Now you are three. It’s thanksgiving and it’s exciting to know that everyone who knows you can celebrate you on such a beautiful and special day. You are for sure one of my boys in this world.
    Happy birthday, handsome. I hope you enjoy your third birthday with all of your superheroes!!!
    I love you.
    Carolline Day

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:50 pm

      He loves you too! Thanks so much for the sweet walk down memory lane.

      Reply

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