Monday, May 2, 2011

getting it right...

@ nine

There are moments when you breath a small sigh of relief and know that, thank God, you got it just right. Tonight I had one of them.

Jeffrey and I are the kind of parents whose mantra (if we had one) would be, "Let them be little." Sloane has only just now been allowed to watch a few PG movies, and then only those we've previewed and approved. We don't buy teen magazines and don't watch movies that feature teenagers in love. We think childhood is already way too brief and if we aren't careful, the world will push Sloane to grow up way too fast. Our comments to Sloane on the idea of boyfriends has always been along the lines of, there will be plenty of time for that later.

Isn't it funny the way that later always arrives when you least expect it?

Sloane came to me a little bit ago and said, "Mommy, Lauren said I should tell you something."

"What is it, baby?"

"I have a crush on _____." (Insert the name of the cowboy who rocks the tennis shoes here.)

"Oh," with a smile. "That's alright. You know that don't you?"

"Yeah, I know. Lauren just said it was more fun if your Mom knows."

"I'm glad you told me. Know what? I'm pretty sure he has a crush on you, too."

At that moment, she had as beautiful a smile as I have ever seen. I said, "It's nice when it happens like that, isn't it? It feels good."

Sloane gives a vigorous nod, a mysterious smile, and then a really BIG hug, "I love you, Mommy."

"I love you, too, baby."
Yup. Later comes quicker all the time.

28 comments:

Elle Bee said...

I think that is awesome. The whole thing. Holding off on PG movies, letting Sloane be little for as long as she could, and then having such a sweet moment when she decided to not be so little anymore. You rock! Would you mind me asking how old Sloane is? I have children and always wonder when "little" will be over....

Sweet Tea said...

I love that.
I really, really, love that.

Jennifer Richardson said...

breathtaking:)
just too beautiful for words.
-Jennifer

Peace Thyme said...

After "meeting" your husband the other day through his writing, and with your thoughts today, I know that you live by one of the mantras that we adhered to while raising our daughter. If a girl gets hugs and kisses from her father every day and he shows her every day how much he loves her.....well, she will feel so loved and so content and safe that it will be a long time till she feels the need to get those hugs and kisses from a boy.

Relyn Lawson said...

Elle Bee, Sloane is 9 1/2. It goes so quickly.

Dandy said...

The entire post is lovely and I love the way you communicate with her. Ah those first crushes, so magical.

I have the urge to break our TV- it's B's "dirty habit" and I could do without but I don't want it on constantly around the baby. Who knows what he could be watching!

Anonymous said...

Good for Lauren to say it's more fun if your Mom knows!

Unknown said...

Ahh, that first crush! And such a precious story to go along with it.

Suz said...

and so it begins
But I have no fear
you are excelent loving parents
with emphasis on loving
hold on tight with loose reins
and keep er in good company
blessings Relyn

Gayle at Planet M Files said...

That is so sweet!

Meri said...

Ah . . . and then comes the time when the first love breaks a son's heart and you have to suppress the urge to drive to her house and rip out her heart. . . .

Jeanie said...

This is precious. And I think Lauren is pretty cool to advocate for sharing with mom! What a treasure. Hold onto that one and that fabulous photo!

Unknown said...

That 'mommy' title always gets me! How sweet!

Char said...

time does indeed go way too fast. way too fast. and she is beautiful

Jeanne said...

I love all you share.
Love you

Tracy said...

Oh...her first big crush, that is so sweet! Big crush in one breath, Mommy in the next...And a friend to encourage sharing with Mom, wow... I'm all teary-eyed. :o9 ((HUGS))

Elyse said...

So, so sweet. I absolutely adore Sloane.

ELK said...

lovely photo ..such a sweet moment ..blessings friend

Rita said...

Oh, my little girl is growing up so fast. I'm so glad that you guys have let her be "little". So many parents tend to push them to grow up quickly. You and Jeffrey are the most special parents I know. You have done such a tremendous job with my precious birthday buddy. I miss having my birthday with her. Give her my love and keep some for yourselves!

S. Etole said...

what an endearing moment for you both ...

spudballoo said...

Oh what a beauty she is...and what a precious relationship between you. Lovely moment xx

Lubna said...

Yes, time flies. Sloane seems to have grown right before my eyes. Just yesterday she seemed so tiny.

Ragamuffin Gal said...

This is the most delightful post I have read in a long time anywhere. So full of sweetness, wisdom, and whimsy. I love her and you so much.

spread your wings said...

awe what a sweet sweet story. she is a doll.

susanna said...

Awwww! I'm going to read up on the "cowboy who rocks the tennis shoes" in a sec. This is a beautiful portrait of your beautiful daughter, Relyn.

One Woman's Thoughts said...

AMEN.

Jaime said...

Aw...we are all watching her grow up.
Such a sweet story....and I knew the part about the cowboy who rocks the tennis shoes sounded familiar. I remember that boy!

Roban said...

How sweet, and how good of you and your husband to keep Sloane little for as long as you can. She is a lucky girl!

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