Bonding

Cody and I just had one of the most precious nights ever. Cordelia sacked out around 6:30, but Cody had had a long nap, and wasn't nearly ready for bed. So after we got her down, I asked him if he'd like to have some special time, just the two of us. And if so, what he would like to do together. I was betting on Play-Doh, but his answer was immediate and unequivocal: "Vacuum. Because the kitchen is pretty disgusting." Quite true.

So we vacuumed, and then I decided to make eggs for my dinner. He asked if he could join me and have a banana. So we settled in at the coffee table. He was thrilled -- such a novelty to be up late, by himself, snacking in his pajamas. (And for me, such a novelty to have him asking to eat anything at all.) He said sweetly, "Are we having a bedtime snack together? Just us? No Cordelia? No Daddy? I love this banana." After he finished, he clearly didn't want the moment to end, and said hopefully, "Can I have another banana?" We were out, so he settled for half an apple. Then we read a couple of stories on the couch, after which I said it was getting late and about time to go up. He looked appraisingly at me and said, "What if I am still hungry? Could I have another snack?"

Stunned, I said sure. Granola bar? Done. He ate the whole thing. I had one too. As I was brushing the crumbs off his face, he said, "Is it bedtime yet?" When I answered yes, just about, he said thoughtfully, "But...my tummy would really, really like some toast. With butter. Please may I have just one piece of toast with butter please? Or two? It would be my pleasure to share my toast with you." I nearly fell off the couch laughing, and made the toast. When I gave it to him, he said, "Thank you so much for toasting this toast for me. It is delicious. I love it!" I gave him a squeeze, and then this followed:

CJP: Are my manners excellent?

Me: Yes.

CJP: Are they gorgeous?

Me: Yes, I suppose they are.

CJP: Mom? When I get bigger -- maybe when I am three -- can we go to Rome together?

Me: Rome? Yes. Yes, I will take you to Rome.

CJP: And will we see the huge enormous church? Like on Mr. Rogers? And will there be fountains?

Me: Yes. So many fountains! Way more than we will be able to count.

CJP: And will I put my hands in them and splash?

Me: Probably.

CJP: Also when I am three, can I get a surfboard?

Me: Don't push it.

CJP: I will not push it. I would never push my surfboard. It is rude to push.

After awhile, he settled his head against my chest, and said, "Mom? What is this called?" I was confused. He said, "What is this called that we are doing? Is it a bedtime visit? With no Cordelia, and no Daddy? Am I up so late? Is it past my bedtime?" I said yes, it was just special time just for the two of us, called bonding.

He was quiet for a few minutes, then put his little arms around me, kissed my face, and said, "Mom? I love you. All the way to the moon and back. And I really love bonding."

I couldn't ask for a better end to the day.