So it's been a while since my last post and in that time there have been some major developments. The first is the appearance of top teeth, which while making for a much more complete smile has made the occasional feeding a little more painful (at least that's what I have been told). The second is not only the ability to crawl but to do so with incredible speed and on occasion stealth. On our last trip to Sunnybrook for follow up, the doctor and physio attempted to prepare us for the impending acceleration of our sons development. I don't think that there was any question that we belived both of them, after all they had seen this more than we had, however, being our first children and never having experienced the seemingly exponential flurry with which a child begins crawling and almost simultaneously gets into everything while their bravery and curiosity pushes the limits of the sane, I will admit that we were definitely unprepared for what would transpire. Oh and wait, I forgot to mention that all this was multiplied by two.
Interestingly, when we tell people where James and Andrew are at developmentally, the first response is, "it must be so cute to watch them discover things together." Well, I have news for you...quite often, they aren't together. The pitter patter of little hands and knees on the floor is usually heading in opposite directions and if you can keep your eyes on one, then the other is usually loudly exploring something, or worse is quietly discovering something he shouldn't. Nevertheless, the last few weeks have been truly inspiring as a parent. Both James and Andrew know their names and will turn when you call them...they will continue to eat the remote or pull the CDs off the shelf with a big grin...but now, you know that they hear you. They have also really started to develop their sense of humour and have started to interact and make each other laugh. Perhaps the greatest comedic discovery since the knock-knock joke is the little spring that stops your door from slamming into the wall. The "sproooiiingggg!!!!" of this device has gifted us all with countless hours of laughter.
Both our cat and dog are a little less than thrilled with this new adventure in infant mobility. Quincy, our dog, spent the first few days on the second floor hiding from the constant tail and ear pulls and the inevitable pile-on that happens when two maniacal imps track you down. Arthur, the cat, oddly has been a bit more tolerant, however, he too has discovered the sanctity of higher ground on the kitchen chairs (until James decided to surprise him by pulling himself up today). All this is to say that our lives have hit a whirlwind pace. For those of you with little ones, you are probably reading this and nodding...for those of you who haven't gotten this far yet...prepare yourself, it's tiring but it is truly amazing.
So my little men who are currently turning everything into a toy, except your toys, always remember that the only constant in our world is change. Many people struggle with change, and in fact, I would argue that one of the most important factors in your success will be your ability to not only adapt to change but to embrace it. When left with a choice between wishing things were the way they were or seeing the value in an ever evolving reality, I hope you can bright side of the situation. It's not to say that looking back with a smile is a bad thing, but if you spend your days dwelling on how things were, you will miss what is or even worse what might be. One of the nicest parts about being your dad is how my senses have been heightened and my appreciation for all things new has changed for the better. It's true, life will never be the same...but that's kind of the point isn't it...So as I watch you grow and literally take your first steps into the world around you, I can't help but smile...sure there is a small tear because it already seems like you are becoming so independent so quickly...but that tear will have to drift over the biggest, cheekiest grin this world has seen as I look forward to what comes next.
Love,
Dad
