Growing up

Its official. Charlie is growing up, and I can't stop it. Everyday he does or says something new, tells a joke, learns a new trick, grows a bit taller. Here's proof:

1. Charlie does not cry when he wakes up any more. He now just says, "mommy?" or "mommy come!"

2. Yesterday morning when I got Charlie out of bed he told me he had a dream about driving cars. I asked him if he was racing them and he said "yes." 

3. Matt had a Bonnie Raitt song in his head this morning, so on the way to drop Charlie off at daycare he sang, "I can't make you love me...." and so on, and Charlie said, "that's right dad."

4. Tonight before bed Charlie was doing his usual dramatic play; this generally involves him grocery shopping, making food, cleaning house, or going to work. Tonight he decided he was going to work so he grabbed the car keys, Matt's wallet and left for work in the kitchen. A few minutes later he came back, took Matt's debit card out of his wallet, tucked it under his arm, gave the wallet to Matt, and said, "come mom. Grocery store."

5. Last night I got out of class early so I called to make sure Charlie was still awake. He was so Matt put him on the phone. Here's how our conversation went:

Charlie: Hi mom

Me: Hey Charlie, what are you doing?

Charlie: Playing cars

Me: Oh that sounds like fun, I'm glad you're still awake.

Charlie: What you doing mom?

Me: I just got out of class and now I'm headed home.

Charlie: Oh.

Me: Can you stay awake until I get home?

Charlie: Yeah, sure. Love you.

My heart melted.  

Lastly, today when I picked him up from Shirley's house he gave me a big hug, cupped my face in his little hands, looked me in the eye and then gave me a kiss.