FIRST crush

now this one
really
took me by surprise

several days ago
my tallest rascal, Tuck
came running inside
with a birthday invitation
hot off the press
hand delivered
to him
at home.

his response…..
“Now mom… I’m going to this one!”

so we stuck the invite on the fridge
like we do
with all invites
(because apparently birthdays are a BIG business these days-whew!!)
but this invite
turned out
to be different

the day of the party arrived
I reminded Tuck
“today’s the day”
I asked him if he still wanted to go
EXPECTING him to say “nah”
because he ALWAYS says “nah”
because he is a “mini-Cowboy Dan”
(an ally in training)
and he ALWAYS says
“nah, I’d rather just stay home”

BUT INSTEAD
he said
 “YES!!!!!!! I’M GOING to this one!”
he bolted away
I continued making lunch
when he returned as Mr.-oh-so-cool
and asked
 “hey mom, do we have a box?”
 “a box for what bud?”
(knowing that I had not bought a gift and I was 110% certain Cowboy Dan had not…
and yet our son needed a box)
“I don’t have a box big guy..how about a bag?”
“sure” (still as Mr. oh-so-cool-showing no emotion)
I gave him the gift bag
 he scurried away
and
because I’m nosey
and he’s my first born
I tippy-toed at a distance
behind him
 into the living room
to catch a peek

when I saw him..

placing his little gray, Fischer Price toy horse
that he’s had
since his first birthday
into the gift bag

when
he spotted me..

“what ya doin’ buddy?”

“moooommm, you know SHE loves horses…”
(like DUH! mom!)
was written all over his face

(lump in the throat)(mine-not his)
(and YES his birthday friend is a SHE)

“That sure is a thoughtful gift buddy. I’m sure she’ll love it”

as I begin to walk away
“hey mom. how do you spell I LOVE YOU COOPER?”

and there it is
straight from the horse’s mouth

MY FIRST born’s

FIRST CRUSH….

ps..she LOVED her gift.. hugged him for it… and THAT. MADE. HIS. DAY.