When I am old and gray and full of sleep...

Cody had a bit of a tough weekend -- it was busy, he was a little under the weather, and my highly sensitive boy was more sensitive than usual. Sometimes this borders on irritating, but today he just seemed to need unusual amounts of reassurance, which we duly tried to give. The sweetest moment came this afternoon, when JVL loaded Cordelia into the backpack. In Cody's mind, it's Cody's backpack. He immediately asked if he could go into Mommy's backpack. Not having cottoned on to his mood, I giggled and said something like, "No way! You're way to big to fit in there. It's really for babies -- Cordy hardly fits!" What followed was this...

CJP, with that oversensitive, almost-whine: Mom? I am really worried about something. I am worried that I have overgrown Daddy's backpack.

Me: I don't think so, buddy. You were in it just yesterday, but you said you weren't comfortable. You can ride in the cart. She's just up there to make it easier. And I'm so lucky that I get to carry you in my arms!

CJP: Mommy. I am worried about something else. I am worried that I will overgrow your arms.

Me: Oh, my Cody. The amazing thing about mommies is that you can never outgrow our arms. You will never, never outgrow my arms. It's impossible. You'll never be too big. Ever. Even when you are all grown up, you will still have a place right here in my arms.

CJP: Okay. I will always fit? Okay. Mommy? When I am all grown up and as big and tall as Daddy, then I will carry you in my arms, too.

Me [gulping back tears]: Oh Cody. I would love that. We will never outgrow each other.

"How many loved your moments of glad grace." Note to self: remember this particular moment when he prefers to spend 23 hours a day in the black hole that will become his teenage room, and is mortified by my very existence.