Baby Got Back

See that little face? The cute little blondie poking his head out from behind my right shoulder? Yeah - that's the adorable monkey on my back!

Nick and I are close - and in many ways, inseparable. He is the first of my children that I have actually actively worn around. My little buddy goes everywhere with me - and he usually does so happily.

We spent some time at Funland at Rehoboth Beach with Rosie, Angelina and the Wetzelberger girls. The first chunk of time was basically dedicated to his sisters and friends. They picked the rides and activities (including a bathroom run and cheap carnival games). Finally - while we waited for some of the girls, he got to hop out of his Tula and into a boat...

I was a little nervous - he is a bit of an escape artist and that loosely fitted strap would be absolutely no match for him! He was a little anxious until the ride started, but once those boats were moving in that circle of water, he was a happy little clam! 

Of course, once he had a taste of rides, his patience for waiting on everyone else was thin! So we picked a ride that everyone could do - the helicopters. He was in heaven both because of the ride and because he had both Rosie's and Elise's undivided attention the whole time! 

Finally - while we waited for the big kids to finish up their "must ride" list, my Nicky went on the firetrucks. Again...and again... and would have been happy to stay there all night long!

So - after a few hours of fun, I strapped my guy onto my back and went strolling down the boardwalk in search of Thrasher's fries and Fisher's Popcorn. As I accepted the bag with two tubs of popcorn from the dude serving it up at Fisher's, he apologized and said "sorry - it doesn't fit well. It is kind of awkward." 

"Dude - nothing is as awkward as this 35 pound monkey on my back!"

To a degree - it's true. Carrying your child around on your person can be completely exhausting and more than just a little inconvenient. But it also only happens for a painfully brief period of time. I might blink too much, and he will suddenly be grown and not need his mama for everything. I might turn my head, and he will suddenly be too big to be carried. It is just a matter of moments before I pack the stroller away and hand my toddler Tula on to someone who will need it. 

But I'm not at that moment. I'm not at that time. I still get to enjoy my littles while they are little - and for that I will be forever grateful.