Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Pizza with My Big Boy

I had a date today. It wasn't fancy; in fact, it wasn't even a real restaurant--just a Pizza Hut Express inside Target. I had to pay for both of us. And he drank from a sippy cup.

And I loved it.

I had several errands to run downtown today, so I dragged poor Elijah in and out of his carseat, in and out of the oppressive heat, in and out of boring stores with no appeal to him. He was a good sport, rather delightful on the whole, and because we were finishing up at Target around noon and I was starving (and because I love pizza, and so does he), I decided to grab a lunch treat there.

I sat there eating pizza and just marveling at my little man as he sat in a big chair, dipping breadsticks in sauce (without making a mess!) and commenting on their chewiness, wiping his hands on his polo shirt and swinging his flip-flop-clad feet. When did he get so big?

I'm not--at least for now--one of those moms who wipes away tears as she says those words; for me they are a joyful celebration, not a lament. I wouldn't go back and relive those early months/years for anything; I'm loving the little boy Elijah is becoming. But as we sat in Target eating our pizza, I wanted to freeze-frame the moment.

So often my focus is on the burdens of motherhood, and I fail to find or choose joy. Today, as we shopped and ate pizza and later shared an ice cream cone as a special treat (combination pregnancy craving/wanting to reward E for being so good), God gave me eyes to see the blessing He has entrusted to me. We've come a long way, Elijah and I, and I want to soak up these last weeks of just-the-two-of-us before his little sibling comes along and turns our worlds upside down.

I remember mornings like this way back when, times when I'd independently go shopping at various stores and even grab a pizza (one I didn't have to share) at Target. The errands went a lot faster; I didn't have to bother with carseat buckles or find a place to change a diaper or cut up someone's pizza. It was much easier. But today, I was glad to sit at a lunch table with a handsome little guy--one who was overdue for a bath, who whines for no apparent reason, and who is one of the most precious gifts God has ever given me.

...Just my contribution to Tuesdays Unwrapped at Chatting at the Sky...

8 comments:

Rieshy said...

I'm there with you- not lamenting my youngest child's growth but wanting to "freeze frame" moments. I just wish a few of those moments would include a clean face.

Sarah said...

This is so sweet Amy. It seems I'm having more and moments like this with Anna Claire as well.

Danielle said...

What a sweet tribute!

Amy said...

haha, Susan...E definitely had pizza sauce on his face for this one...not to mention pizza grease in his hair!!

Anna said...

I loved this sweet and realistic picture of motherhood.

zz said...

Sweet. Love your slices of life--pun fully intended:0.

Jenny said...

So sweet. I loved your description of having to pay and him drinking from a sippy cup!

Ali said...

What a wonderful moment! Glad you were able to stop and relish the joy of the moment and the joy in what a sweet boy you have. :) Sometimes those unplanned moments are the ones that turn out to be so delightful!