We have had a great day today. The morning was a little rough at times, as J has not been feeling well, and his patience level is low. But after his nap, he was a dream boy! R left for work in the early afternoon, so it was just me and J. We had a great time playing games and acting silly. Then we went outside to play.
With all the cool weather and sunshine we've had, we are getting some great fall colors in the trees around here, and more and more leaves falling all the time. J has really begun to notice the leaves lately and often brings me one to show me what color it is. He is quite proud of his discoveries, even taking them with him in the car when we go someplace, and taking them to Mammo's house to show her. Today we found some really dark purple ones, almost black. He was quite intrigued. I decided it would be fun to start keeping some of his little specimins for him, so today we started a leaf collection. I taped up a big piece of paper in his bedroom and taped today's leaves to the paper. He was quite impressed with the whole idea and immediately wanted to go back outside for more leaves.
While we were out, he discovered a rogue tree growing in the fence and began pulling leaves off of it. Suddenly, something occured to him and he came running over to me, leaf in hand and announced, "here, Mommy. It's a heart!" I looked at it, and sure enough, the leaf was the shape of a perfect heart. This was the first natural treasure my son has ever presented me with. Yes, I am going to dry it and keep it forever. Call me sentimental.
Our old dog Spike was sitting between my feet observing all this. He is over 13 years old and has developed some aches and pains. His feet bother him. He has a large benign tumor on one of his front paws. In the course of all the fun with leaves, J accidentally stepped on Spike's foot when he walked up to me. Spike of course took to yelping and I told James that he needed to be careful of Spike because he had stepped on his foot and that hurts Spike. James looked down at the dog contemplating this, and suddenly got down on his knees, wrapped his arms around him, and began telling him in the most soothing voice, "It's ok Spike. It's ok. It's ok Spike..." On and on he went, comforting his little furry friend. My heart just melted to see the tenderness he is learning and the compassion in his little heart. I love my little boy so much!
