Things I'm Grateful For #13

As Alexander and I returned from dropping Sam off at daycare this morning, I knocked over a bottle of Joel's aftershave. 

I asked Alexander to leave his shoes on, and helped him into the living room, so that he didn't cut himself on the glass.  I spent the next half hour or so cleaning up, while he watched (I mopped the floor 4 times, and now, 10 hours later, the house still smells of Joel).

A couple of times, he asked if he could walk past the spill (in the hallway) and into the garage.  I said no, sending him back to watch TV.  He was insistent and I even more so, not knowing why he wanted to go into the garage.

As I was finishing up, Alexander walked up to me and wrapped his arms around me.  "Thank You", he whispered, snuggling his head against my stomach.

I ran my fingers through his hair, just the way he likes, and we walked to the sofa.  "For what?" I asked.
"I liked the way you took care of me before.  I liked that you told me to leave my shoes on and you helped me get away from the glass.  It's because you love me and you didn't want me to cut myself".

"That's right, I didnt' want you to get glass in your feet".  He smiled.

"You always protect me and look after me.  I love that you do that and I know that you love me".  A smile on both our faces.  His fell.  "But Mummy", says he, an actual tear threatening to spill as his lips turned downward.  "I wanted to look after you too.  I didn't want you to cut yourself.  I want to be able to look after you like you look after me".


Sigh.  Honestly.  He's just the sweetest thing.