The girls were busy playing Littlest Pet Shop gone Critters quietly upstairs while Ryan danced around my chair. I sat nursing Piper for the umpteenth time that day, relishing in the peacefulness that routine and spring temperatures had brought our way. The doorbell rang. Before I could unlatch Piper and cover up, it rang again. I couldn’t imagine who was so impatient.
When I opened the door, I saw this crew:
It’s boys from the neighboring 4 houses. They’ve played with my kids for the last 2.5 years now (all except the youngest who is new to the crew).
“Noah wants to know if Ryan can play…” one of the older boys said. Ryan was beyond excited. An invitation to play outside? With boys? Heck, yeah!
While he hurried to get his socks, shoes and jacket, I felt a little anxious.
“Where you boys playin’?” “You’ll make sure not to let Ryan cross the street by himself, right?” I couldn’t help worry a tad they’d let him out of their sight.
As Ryan went to leave, one of the boys said, “Nice sweatshirt, Ry.”
What? A compliment on his first outdoor playdate? My kid is cool, yo!
Off they went. Down the hill, across the street, and into the woods. YIKES! A little while later I heard the front door open. My heart skipped a beat until I heard one of the older boys say loudly, “Ryan’s inside!”
“Thanks!” I yelled. And that was that. His first, real, outdoor playdate without his sisters watching over him. I’m looking forward to this stage in life. I really am. But man, tell that to the butterflies in my stomach!
Comments (12)
Aw yes! Congrats to Ryan!
Congrats to Ryan on this milestone! Good job Mom for letting him go. Hope you didn’t get Henry’s bug
Becky – so far so good. I’m shocked I didn’t get it. Praying I’m out of the woods and we can move on… none of the kids have gotten it either. 🙂
Go!! Ryan!! And Mom!! Lol!
I bet Ryan had the biggest of smiles on his face the whole time he was playing with the big boys.
Maybe Henry ate something bad instead of a virus.
Wendy – maybe. except he visited his family last weekend to honor his high school basketball coach and several of those people are sick with stomach issues too and they didn’t all eat together. I just think God answered my prayers to spare the kids and my mom’s prayers to spare me. 🙂 I’ve been queasy and tired the last few days. I think my body has it but obviously not full blown. I’m trying not to breathe on the kids.
I will say a prayer too that you and the kids don’t get it! Hope Henry is feeling better now.
Whoa…huge step for Ryan and Mom 🙂 Better start stocking your fridge and pantry with lots of food…especially when Ryan and his friends become teenagers! I can speak from experience, ha!
Gail
Annapolis, MD
So sweet! This made me cry…
How fun for Ryan! A red letter kind of day! I know it took a lot for you to let him go. Bravo Mom!
Woot woot!! WTG RY! My heart still gets fluttery when my older kids go outside with friends.
I can see his beaming face.