The chilly coastal winds threaten to push the fog over the green rolling hills that separates the ocean from the bay, while the warmth of the spring sun pushes back. Its a game of tug-of-war, and this day, the sun is winning. We find ourselves camping for the first time in several months. A welcomed respite from the day to day life of a working father. This is not back country tent camping, rather, load up the RV and drive to the coast with all the amenities of home brought along with you, type of camping. And yes, we love it! An RV makes camping so easy when you have little ones. I have spent many nights camping in a tent, on the ground, in a sleeping bag, in all kinds of weather and besides the amazing places you can get to by foot or canoe that a car wont carry you to, I don’t really miss it. We have been spoiled by a mattress, climate controlled environment, running hot water, etc. I am sure that when Apollo and Orion are a bit older, I will have to spend more than my fair share of nights on the ground again, but until that time, I will take all the creature comforts.
Not only is camping a great way to escape life for a brief time, but it is good quality family time. We have such a huge age gap from our oldest, 18 years, to our youngest, 8 1/2 months, that camping offers something for everyone. Granted, having two little ones really limits what we can do, as I know Melanie and I would be spending every waking moment of our trip exploring, we now have to tailor our activities to ones that are geared towards an infant and a 4-year-old. Besides feeling a bit inhibited at times, I am enjoying exploring the world again, through the eyes of a toddler. Every shell becomes treasure, every creature, a pet, every sound, a new discovery, and every curiosity, a clue.
What I have learned from Apollo and Orion is that there is so much more going on in a child’s mind than I could have ever guessed. I am astounded on a regular basis by both my little ones. I am surprised by what they learn, know, create, imagine, and most of all...understand. I often try to imagine Apollo as an adult. There are so many clues to what his personality may be like as an adult, but there are a few traits that stand out above all the rest, that give a bit of a peak into his future and type of person that he may become. Apollo is so “aware” and always has been. He seams to have a profound ability to understand cause and affect, and to such a degree, that I often think it far exceeds that of his teenage siblings. He has the ability to anticipate the outcome of an action and the resulting reaction. Not that he won't push his moms buttons knowing full well that she has a breaking point...he is still a toddler after all. But more to the point, Apollo is very analytical and he will think through and rationalize a problem before he has even faced it. He is also aware of his surroundings and everyone in it. Apollo always has an ever watchful eye on his baby brother, even when we think he is oblivious to everything happening around him, he will let us know in an instant when Orion has traveled outside of Apollo’s perceived ‘safety zone’.
Three more of his strength stand out above the others; his excellent memory, the ability to visualize, and his physical dexterity with his hands.
What can this all mean? The fear that I have as a father, is that if left unchecked, Apollo could turn into a worrisome adult that is afraid to try new things in life because he understands the risk involved. On the other hand, I imagine the endless possibilities that his gifts may present him. I can see Apollo becoming anything in life that he wants to be. I earnestly hope that he realizes his full potential in any path he chooses in life, and first and foremost that he can find and maintain happiness along the way.
As for Orion, we are watching all his little personality traits develop and grow. Some of his best traits thus far are his radiant smile, adorable laughter, and laid-back demeanor. He is curious, active, playful and very affectionate. It is hard at this point to guess what he will be like as an adult, however, I hope he stays as charming and happy as he is now, throughout his entire life. Developmentally, Orion is ahead of the game in many ways. He is very mobile and agile as well as very strong. He is not walking on his own yet, but he will grab on to anything that slides, and will walk around the house pushing it to go anywhere he wants to go. He is climbing on to things and getting into things. I love how active this little guy is, but I have to say that some of my favorite moments with Orion is when he is falling asleep on my chest, especially if I am singing to him. a I can tell by the way he presses his ear to my chest, that he is trying to listen and that he is comforted by the sound of my voice.
Apollo has reached the end of his 3rd year. He is so excited to be 4-year-old, and is trying to be more independent. It is a very fun transitional phase, especially since he is so eager to be a big boy. I love watching him lift Orion from the floor and waddle with him in his arms, using all his might, to move his baby brother across the room. It is sure to get all three of us laughing evertime. I am honored to be the father of such fine little men. I can not believe what an impact Apollo and Orion have made on my life, these four short years. One of the memories I will cherish most from the end of Apollo's third year, is being reminded to keep it real. On my way out the door to return to work after lunch this week, Apollo stopped me. "Dada! Come here!" He climes down from the bar stool where he was seated at the counter finishing his lunch, and runs across the room towards me, "We forgot to hug!" I scoop him up in my arms, and embrace him, "Remember dada, your never too old to hug."
No comments:
Post a Comment