We went out tonight to have dinner with Brian, Alice and Madelyn (who will be two in February). We'd taken the day off to get things done for Christmas and for the Bump. I was a little tired, especially after stopping by Toys 'R Us early in the afternoon (that place is nuts). Jean was exhausted. I seriously wondered if she'd last from six to eight thirty or later (she did).
We ate at Daryl's. Before I married Jean, Brian and I used to hang out at Daryl's all the time. The beer is good and the crackers are salty. It's been more than two years since I'd been back to the place, but it never changes. It was loud and there were probably four televisions on four different stations over at the bar. All sports. Bleah.
I spent most of my time fascinated with Madelyn. She's on the verge of becoming a terrible two, and every time she got to crying I couldn't help laughing. She'd let out this wail, then another one, and then her mouth would be wide open but silent for five seconds as she gathered air for what was to be the BIG LOUD CRY. I'm not sure exactly why I found it so funny. I know how changeable kinds tempers can be. Within ten seconds of the BIG LOUD CRY, Madelyn might be all smiles (regardless of whether she got what she'd wanted). It's not supposed to make sense, and I guess that's why I found it entertaining. She and I played off and on through dinner, but no one activity lasted longer than five minutes. Engaging with this little person was like a roller coaster ride. Free of the pangs only a parent feels, I could just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Brian and Alice were the ones who had the tough time, passing her back and forth. They're very good about it, but they aren't immune from the pangs that only a parent feels when they hear the cries of their child. As the meal went on, it dawned on me that when Jean and I take the Bump to a restaurant in a couple of years, we won't pass her back and forth. She'll be all mine.
Why? It's a long story, but I hate most food. Poultry, fish, vegetables, most fruit, most beef, and so on. I've always been this way, but now my liability is going to become an asset. I'll be able to watch and play with my daughter while Jean (who loves all food) can have a nice dinner. Everybody wins.
Anyway, the big news last night is that Brian and Alice are sending Madelyn to The Goddard School! Brian and Alice were the ones who turned us on to Goddard in the first place. The Bump will start at Goddard after Jean's maternity leave (sometime in March). The place is head and shoulders above the other daycare centers in our area, but it's VERY expensive. Brian and Alice are going for it and sending Madelyn there too. Now we'll all be on the PTA together! HA!
Yet another good day to be off work. Sunny all day, with the highs in the mid fifties. During lunch at The Jewish Mother's the sun was so bright that Jean had me close the blinds. Even so, the warmth of the sun made us all sleepy before dinner.
listening: Home for Christmas (Amy Grant); Christmas (Michael W. Smith)
© 1998 Kevin J.T. Creamer