Disappearing act
Today was Dave's department's holiday party. It was also a snow day, so Henry didn't go to school. Normally I'd be at my wits end trying to figure out what to do with an energetic four year old, but Dave stayed home as well to get some work done, so Henry and I were able to put on our snow pants and head outside without having to worry about Holly. We cleared the snow off of the boxwoods out front, built three snowmen, then came back inside to make some rice crispy treats to bring to the party. Dave also made deviled eggs using a recipe my Uncle sent us last Spring when I was pregnant and having an "I MUST HAVE DEVILED EGGS!" moment (a moment that lasted for weeks). After unsuccessfully trying to convince Dave that maybe we should just stay home and eat all of the deviled eggs and rice crispy treats ourselves because sometimes doesn't he think sharing is a wee bit overrated, we piled into the car and headed to the University.
It was a lot of fun. It usually is. Everyone is very nice. Holly was passed around and got lots of love and attention, and Henry ate lots of cookies. The most extraordinary part was when a friend of ours who has a nine or ten year old daughter turned to Henry at one point and said "We're going to our house to go sledding. Do you want to come with us? Your mom won't be there, it'll be just us. Do you want to go?" Henry thought about it, then very quietly said "Yes, I think so." And she repeated that I wouldn't be there and was he sure, and he said yes again. So she asked me if that was all right, and I was all "YES! YESYESYESYESYES!" Because I love my kid but sometimes he's timid and I thought he was a long ways away from doing this sort of thing. So I got him all bundled up in his coat and sent him on his way. I sat back with Holly, watched the three of them briefly chat with and walk past a suddenly very confused looking Dave, and totally relished the moment. My baby is growing up. I love that he doesn't need us to always be there anymore. I remember how exciting it was to go out and do things all on my own like that. And now I know how nerve-wracking it can be to wonder if he's being polite and making a good impression and in general being a good boy.
About an hour after I got home, I got a call from Dave, and he was all "Are they sledding at the University? Where is he??? Is he at their house?" He sounded a bit freaked out. I had to laugh because of the two of us, I assumed I was going to be that parent in our relationship, but I'm not! It's totally Dave! Hah!