Helicopters

Dear Jenny-

A few days ago we were playing outside (which around here generally means the front porch and driveway - at least until you get a little more adventurous), and you were doing your typical things. Trying to pop bubbles, climbing up and down the porch steps, and picking things up off of the ground and handing them to me.

In theory I don't mind the picking things up deal - I want you to be curious and explore the world. But in practice it means that you're picking up dirt, rocks, pieces of asphalt, and bits of plants or who knows what. I don't consider myself a germophobe, but there's a limit to how many blobs of dirt I want to handle or pry out of your mouth.

Anyway, this particular day it had rained quite a bit earlier, and there were helicopters all over the ground. These are the seeds of some tree or another (I don't really have a green thumb either you'll find), but they twirl like the blades of a helicopter when they fall to the ground. And if you pick them up and toss them into the air they'll twirl like that again. I realized when you picked the first one up and handed it to me that I hadn't thought about these little seeds in a very long time. It almost felt like I hadn't even seen one in years, though I know that isn't true.

I was a little amazed at the fact that I remembered anything about these things, but it was instantaneous. As soon as you picked it up I started talking, and then I tried to get your attention to show you how they fluttered to the ground. Being a typical toddler you didn't seem to care too much. You thought it was neat, but then you were on to the next bit of dirt. But I stayed wrapped up in the wonder of the little helicopters for awhile. I'm not sure why.

The best explanation I can come up with is that for a few moments I felt like a kid again myself. I was nearly transported back in time to the last time I played with helicopters, and how awed I was that they could move like they do. It's one of the hidden benefits of being a parent I think - getting random chances to revisit your childhood like that. I never expected it, but I liked it. It's easy to forget the simple but happy things like that.

So I guess the moral of the story is to pick up all the random stuff off of the ground you like - you never know what you'll find, and anything can lead to an adventure, even if it's just in your mom's head. Just please stop trying to put it all in your mouth, OK?

Love,

Mama