You're off the Carousel

I had to write a quick post about Jack, because he never ceases to amaze me. Particularly over the last 9 months. He has grown up SO much. On Saturday I had to run a few errands at the mall and I asked Jack if he wanted to come with me. (Something that I never would have done even 4 months ago - knowing that it would just make the trip 3 times as difficult.) He eagerly said "yes!". I explained to him that we had to run 3 errands for Mommy first, and then we could go for a ride on the carousel and play "the claw" (that silly toy claw game where you position the claw to grab a toy - but it NEVER actually picks anything up. Jack loves that game because there is one in the movie Toy Story.)

As we were leaving the house I got out two dollars in quarters for the claw game. I was going to put it in my wallet but Jack insisted that he wanted to hold all 8 quarters in his hand. "OK," I told him, "but I think they would be safer in my wallet so that we don't lose any." He insisted that they would be fine. So we drove to the mall and ran all 3 of my errands first. Jack waited patiently throughout and never once complained. I have to admit that I was shocked. When it was finally time for the fun part, Jack was so excited. He STILL had all 8 quarters in his hand and was ready to play. We played the claw 4 times (never winning anything - of course) and then rode the carousel twice.

But the part that shocked me the most was when he asked me to please "get off the carousel." But I always stand on the carousel with my babies while they ride. They're just babies! "No Mama, I want to do it all by myself." I then realized just how much Jack has grown up. I took my place outside the carousel gate and watched him spin himself silly in the teacup on the carousel....all by himself. He was so proud. And I have to admit, so was I. It was just a trip to the mall, but it reminded me how precious this time with our kids is....how quickly it will go....and to remember to cherish every second. Because before you know it, you're off the carousel.