A Date with Tyler

It seems like once a baby is in the picture, somehow the oldest gets a little less attention and publicity.  I know I’ve struggled sometimes with ways to make him feel special.  Sunday, however, Tyler and I got to have a very special date at Toy Story 3 on Ice!

I hadn’t told Tyler for weeks because a) he has no concept of time and b) I thought it would be more fun to wait until right before.  Well, it’s a good thing I did that because all day Saturday I was majorly sick—so sick that I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to take him on Sunday.  The friends we were going with already backed out due to sicknesses, so it would just be the two of us.  Luckily, I felt 50% better on Sunday and made it out there with him. 

On the drive there,  he would guess where we were going.  “Maybe we are going to a park.”   I would answer, “no it’s better than that!”  When we pulled up to the place where it was he said “I know!  We are going to a museum!”  Wrong again!  We walked in and he saw the large array of overpriced Toy Story souvenirs.  I allowed myself to spend $10 for a snow cone cup for the show.  He still did not know what we were doing though!

As the lights went down I whispered, “it’s Toy Story on ice skates.”  I wish I could have video taped his reaction.  Well, I did but it was a little delayed. 

It was really nice to have one on one time with Tyler.  It’s very rare that we have that, and when we do it’s usually after Ryan goes to sleep and I’m beat.   It’s sometimes hard to believe he is only 4 1/2.  I think sometimes Josh and I treat him as if he’s older and perhaps expect too much out of him.  He’s always been a very self-sufficient child and a major lover.  Not a day goes by that he doesn’t  tell us unprompted that he loves us.  And not just once but numerous times.  He follows it up with a big hug and kiss.  Just moments ago he said it to me, which has come to be expected at least three to four times a day.  I said to him “I hope you always do, buddy.”  He said, “well, of course I will.  I love you THIIIIISSS much!”

I’m not sure if it’s a boy thing or a Tyler thing, but I hope I don’t ever take it for granted.