I live with a little boy who ate a mouthful of “seasonie salt” (Lawry’s) straight from the shaker this afternoon (from the extract-a-tablespoon side, not the shake-gingerly-over-your-frenchfries side).
Who hefts my economy-sized jug of honey to his mouth and takes a few schwills.
Whose guilty pleasure is to guzzle chocolate syrup right from the bottle.
Who swipes spoonfuls of blackberry preserves from the jar and wears the evidence on his cheeks.
Whose last words at the table nearly every night are, “thanks for making me such a delicious dinner, Mom.”
Who refuses to wear “down pants” (any garment below the knee) even when the overnight low is predicted to be sub-freezing.
Who would wear shorts and only shorts every day of his life if allowed. (He’s not).
Who would watch “Woody’n'Buzz” eleventy million times on end, if allowed. (Also not).
Who regularly commands, “Mom, be like Zurg”.
And who has a really hard time grasping the concept of Miami. The first time he heard it mentioned, Nate was explaining how his friend, Ezra, would be moving to Miami. The next day when the subject was revisited, he said, “Mom, I don’t want Ezra to move to my dad’s granny.” And every time I refer to it, he asks, “Your Ami?” We’ve given up on clarification and now just refer to Ezra’s new life as “Florida”.
At the end of the day, I love all these silly things about my boy. In the moment, some of them (mostly the honey-guzzling and stubborn wardrobe preferences) cause strife. This morning we had a lot of strife over the length of sleeves and pants I would require him to wear to leave the house. And I spoke to him in a voice that I don’t like the sound of. And I felt bad. And then tonight I saw the part of him that I love probably more than any other — the side that forgives in an instant and says, “Mom, you better scoot closer to me or you might roll off my bed” and holds up nine husky fingers when I ask him how many bed-time songs he wants me to sing.
We sang five: “I Am A Child of God.” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” “Love at Home.” “I am Like a Star Shining Brightly.” And “Have You Seen The Ghost of John.” Twice 
Then I scratched his back and tucked him in and felt thankful that he had agreed to wear his fuzzy, footed pajamas (which have down sleeves and down pants).
But before I went to bed tonight, I noticed that his bedroom light was on. So I went in to turn it off, and I pulled the covers back up over his body and it’s a good thing I did ’cause he was naked from the waist up. And on the bottom? Shorts.
I love him.
This is so perfect! What a sweet little tribute to the end of toddlerhood…
Did I just say the end? Well, yes, I did, but the beautiful thing about the end of one stage of childhood simply means the beginning of another. Sophie informed me the other day that she is no longer a toddler. I didn’t even know she knew what that meant. So I asked her, are you a big girl now? No, I’m not big yet. I’m in the middle, said she.
Let’s hope the “middle” lasts a really long time, because I’m not ready to give up my baby quite yet!
I’m writing my Master’s thesis on journal and blog writing by Mormon mothers. Would it be okay if I used your blog as an example? I might end up asking you some questions if you say yes . . .
Let me know.
Michelle
“Mom, be like Zurg”
That is priceless! Henry has so much personality and it is fun to get to know him through your blog.
What a great post!
I’m going to look at my children differently today. Thanks for the inspiration.
I laughed out loud about the pajamas. Loving that last pic.
What a CHARACTER that boy is!
And it’s confirmed that him and Jimmie are soul mates: when we were driving to UT in October Jimmie asked, “Mom, where are we going?!” I said, “UT, Jimmie to visit G’ma and G’pa Koplin.” He replied, “YOU-tah? No, Mom. It’s MY-tah!”
I love the inner workings of their creative little minds!
I love him too (and don’t even know him in person)!! These picutes are SO BEAUTIUFL and your words paint such a delightful, familiar image.
AND, your family pics are beautiful!
“picutes”? That’s what you get for typing with a sleeping baby in your arms. =)
I love the way you enumerate all these great little “Henry-isms” which I compare to my own two boys. You helped me love them a little more today!
I have similar battles with James only his stubborness is all about not wanting to wear underwear. I frequently take him to the bathroom when we are out and about only to discover that he is going comando. Little boys are just so cute though so it’s hard for me to get mad, even when he is without underwear and also drinking honey straight from the jar.
What a sweet post about your Henry! I love hearing about how a mom loves and only she can love that way. You’re an amazing mother, Emily.
I loved reading this! I’m smiling and giggling here in bed while trying not to wake Jason.
Henry is such a cutie. what a wonderful personality he has. He’s going to to great things in life
I love that little guy too. This post brought tears to my eyes, it’s all those little things that are a pile of gold at the end of the day! I love that you guys know “Have You Seen the Ghost of John”…a staple at our home!
I love him too, he’s so funny. and I love that picture of you guys.
How sweet he is!!! I have to say after having my little man I just love boys!!