Roundy-roundy

In our house we have a roundy-roundy--that is, four rooms that are all connected through doorways and hallways, so that you can run round and round, preferably while screaming at the the top of your lungs. Just now Zee started running "away" from Gee, shouting "He's going to get us!" Em joined in the fleeing. Gee thought this was a great idea and started chasing them, all of them yelling merrily. And, despite the ringing in my ears, I started to get a little weepy.

When Gee was diagnosed with spina bifida half-way through my pregnancy, I mourned the loss of what might have been. We didn't even know if he'd be able to sit up, or eat, or move his legs, much less walk. And to watch him "running" after his siblings, all of them caught up in the exciting moment...well, can you blame me for feeling a little tender?

And to see Gee's face--pure joy. He couldn't think of a better thing to be doing right then, and he was so proud of himself. As he gets older he is starting to become aware of the things he can't do, and "Wait!" or "Come back!" are being to be common refrains, especially when playing with his siblings. But, although he'll never be as fast as they are, the walker has made a big difference in his life, helping him be like other kids. (And maybe someday he'll get over this irrational-I'm-two-and-stubborn hatred of his crutches.)