Watching a kid growing up has its (lion’s) share of firsts.
Today, I asked Keshav to bring my phone from the living room – also a first, just to see if he would. He is usually not allowed to touch phones, so would he, wouldn’t he? Where is it? I asked him.
Keshav turned to set out of the room, then stopped – looked around for 2 seconds, and said – I don’t know!
Completely unexpected, and the first time he responded this way. Naturally, this called for a big hug and a shower of kisses. And then some more.
A lot to discover each day – some small milestones, some big, isn’t it? Nothing in this world comes close to parental love, unconditional because the kid will not even remember these moments. But we will. Each little thing is well recorded and played umpteen times over until the kid himself cries for mercy. But he does enjoy it as well. Coz he knows that he will probably never experience such love again.
Reminds me of something that I wrote a couple of years earlier. Here it is…
I love it when you hold my hand with your tiny fingers
and then grip it tightly and fall asleep…
I love it when you open your mouth so that I can feed you
and then spill half of it out, back onto my palm…
I love it when you try to stand by yourself,
and then fall to the ground, but with a smile
I love it when you put your head on my shoulder,
as I rock you to sleep, and you squeeze my throat a little…
I love it when you wake up, and sit upright,
looking at me with sleepy eyes, and then falling into my lap again…
I love it when you resist as I pull you up into my arms
and then look at me, and tear off my mask…
I love it when you play hide and seek with me
and manage to spot me in the toughest of places…under the table…
I love it when you say sweet nothings, the tete and toto
may not sound like much, but they mean the world to me…
I love it when you cry for me, and when I wipe those tears
you start cooing as if nothing ever happened…
I love it when you struggle to climb up the couch
and then look back at me triumphantly when you finally do…
I love it when we spend time together,
when you look at me and I look at you
and when you wonder who I am, and I know who you are…
I can’t wait till you grow, but then I can’t let go
of what I love about you now
knowing that one day, you will climb into my lap no more,
instead hold my hand, and walk with me,
until you let go of the hand as well,
and walk independently,
that day I will read this again,
and I will love it when I feel the same, as I feel right now,
Son, I love it when I think about you
for I love you, more than you can ever tell.