Little Man

A lot of times when I come home you head to the screen door and pound away, shouting "Dad!" Occasionally I'll make it inside and see you in the dining room, and you'll either start spinning in circles or you'll run away from me with an impish grin on your face.

Yesterday, though, I came home and found you sitting on your chair, watching TV, chewing on your fingers. You were running a slight fever, so you weren't your usually active self.

But I was just struck by the fact that you've just grown into this independent, funny, charming little person. For the longest time we had to take care of you, monitor your every move, and stay nearby in case you needed anything.

You're becoming a little man...and I love it.

Your mom told me that she got choked up yesterday, because she realized that there's going to be a day when you don't want to run up to her, grab her by the leg and say "mammamamma." And when I think of a time when you're not going to yell "DAD!" at me from across a room, I'm going to be a little sad too.

But it's okay. We all grow up, and it's great seeing you grow up too.