Wednesday, January 23, 2008

This Is Joy

I don't have much time to write, but this one had to be documented. I need to remember this forever. For a while now, Dylan, at 14 months of age, has been very interested in the dishwasher. Every time he hears me open it, he comes toddling at me full speed, with a look of excitement and determination that today will be the day he gets to play in there. He has managed to climb up onto the open door a few times, and grab the apparently most interesting item - the steak knives! For that reason, lately I have been shutting the door quickly, before he is able to come near the dishwasher.

But today, when he ran at it full speed, squealing with glee, and tripped over his own feet in the process, landing Thud!, I caved. He just looked so darn sad and disappointed! So I picked him up, gave him a hug, took the silverware portion out of the dishwasher, and waited to see what havoc he would create. He looked at me in absolute astonishment, looked at the dishwasher, looked back at me. Then, he pulled out a small plate and handed it to me! To put away! When I made a fuss and said "Thank You!", he grinned at me with such a look of pride, my heart almost exploded with joy. Again and again, he handed me plates, glasses, and bowls, grinning away at me, and there I was, almost in tears at the beauty of this moment.

11 comments:

Kellan said...

Oh, Jen - this is the sweetest post! He sounds so adorable and I'm sure you just made his day too!! Thanks for sharing this sweet story - see you soon. Kellan

Anonymous said...

So sweet! What a great little helper. Now just keep that up, and you'll have your chores done in no time! ;-)

Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings said...

If I were not at work, reading a blog when I should be working (just takin' a lil' break, I swear) I would be in a puddle of my own tears. Oh how sweet this post is! My 14-month old is the same way..so helpful and so happy when he can help. I think this is my favorite post of all right now. Oh gosh, I'm going to have to excuse myself and go to the restroom for a good cry. Now i really miss my little guy!

Pam said...

That is sweet! What a helpful little guy!!

Now, can Dylan come to my house for a play date?? I have some dishes that need putting away...

Anonymous said...

What a sweet, sweet post! Aren't little boys great?

Burgh Baby said...

Alexis does the same thing for me and really, I nearly cry each and every time. I think it's because I'll never get my husband to help with the dishwasher without complaining, but there she is, grinning from ear to ear as she hands me everything that she can reach. At least we can teach kids something since we sure as heck can't train our husbands.

Lijy said...

that was a very very sweet post. very touching. and thanks for documenting it.

JCK said...

Jen, this was so lovely. These moments are magic, aren't they?

The dishwasher is popular at my house, too. My son loves to roll the bottom shelf in and OUT, IN and OUT, IN AND OUT...drives me nuts.

Jen said...

Kellan, Now if I can just get him to do it again, and get it on video somehow, I will be so excited. I doubt I could ever recapture that moment exactly, though.

Hannah, Oh yes, we have big plans for him - chorewise. My husband will probably have him taking out the garbage when he's 2!

Jonny's mommy, Your coworkers are starting to talk you know. "That Jonny's Mommy, she is always rushing into the bathroom. She is in there crying again. I think she is having a nervous breakdown". I don't want to be responsible for those rumors, so maybe you should wait until you get home to read my posts, huh?

Pam, he's mine! All mine!

Mango marie, THE BEST!!

BBM, When you said "train our husbands" I pictured Jim as my personal trained monkey, and me throwing him a banana - wow, I really need some sleep.

Lijy, Thanks. Good to see you!

JCK, I thought it was very classy how you mentioned on your blog that you know a few actors, but didn't say which ones. Hoity toity you definately are not.

Shellie said...

Keep crying, and enjoy it, because you can bet when he's older you won't get him to do that for love or money. What a sweetie pie he is.

Janet said...

Mine help with the dishwasher too. And both of them went for the sharp knives first thing! I hope this helpfulness will continue as they grow older but I fear puberty will boot it right out of them.
Very sweet post.