I started trying to slow things down so my brain could better keep the memories intact. Since having Bec I've found that I don't go and do as much with him as I did the others. Part of the problem is that now we have this big, roomy house and I don't feel cramped so we come home more.
Being a home-body isn't bad but it also doesn't teach me how to handle Bec in a fun, unrushed setting. Most of our outings revolve around me trying to run or bike. Selfish?
A little, I suppose.
Today I took him to the aquarium, something I'd never done with just him. The whole experience was just a reminder of (1) what a unique, quirky, funny, smart kid he is and (2) my master plan is working.
He was well-behaved (for Bec-standards), meaning he didn't run away and managed not to hit me or tip anything over.
But the cute thing was, that the darker the aquarium got, the closer he stayed. Most of his time with me out in public is spent trying to elude me, but the darkness kept him close.
We just sat and watched the fish, for long moments, waiting for the three big sharks to circle back to us. We crawled into the crab tunnel where he said, "This freaks me out, Mom. I want to go back to the van." And I don't blame him.
Those big, creepy spider-creatures freak me out, too.
So slowly, we made our way to the exit hand in hand through the cave at the bottom of the "new" part. Water on all sides and on top of us. And Bec compliant, only because the crabs and darkness scare him.
Turned out he was sick that day. He barfed a few hours later. So, darkness and nausea kept him calm.
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