Baby no more…

Two understated yet equally profound events took place this weekend,which made me step back and realize that Arion is no longer my wide eyed baby, but in actuality is probably faring better than me in life, in general.

So on Saturday, we made a jaunt by our neighborhood park with some friends. Arion wandered to and from random park equipment, sliding and monkey barring, patiently waiting for a turn on the swing set. After about 20 minutes, a swing opened up and Arion jumped on. Not 5 minutes later as he furiously pumped his little legs, another smaller child,  blatantly ignored by his parents approached Arion. I watched the brief interaction, after which Ari jumped off his swing, picked the child up, placed him awkwardly on and began to push him. The kid laughed and screamed “higher, higher!” As Arion caught my gaze from across the park he smiled and shrugged his small shoulders. The moment will remain with me forever and reminded me of an old adage, something to the tune of character being based largely upon your behavior when no one is looking. I’m so proud that Arion is the type of boy who can make his own conscious decision to help others [or in the least he's proven not to be the proverbial little asshole on the playground.] A very subtle moment, but the gratification is beyond words.

The second instance proves beyond any reasonable doubt that Arion is his Father’s child! Sunday morning, as JR read the news headlines out loud he came across a tragic article regarding a plane crash in Nigeria. We were discussing the details as Arion entered the room and nonchalantly asked the whereabouts of said incident. “Nigeria” his Dad replied… Arion responded “Ohhh, similar to Niger in Africa where some super croc bones were found from the prehistoric times. The scientists there weren’t sure so they had to do a lot of research to prove their theories.” Facts and numbers are his Father’s strong suit and it’s highly reflective in Arion’s (near) photographic memory.

Now I’m not sure if his information was in fact accurate nor was it extensive, but the certitude in which Arion can enter a relatively adult conversation with an analogous not to mention interesting response, shows that he’s more intellectually adept than about 50% of actual adults I know. Not bad for a fart obsessed second grader.

So, these two situations definitely aren’t anything out of the ordinary, Arion is constantly surprising us with wisdom and kindness far beyond his eight years. The succinct moments made me smile and beam with pride and at the same time were bittersweet. Coming to terms with your child’s inevitable maturation is a bit tough, but if you play your cards right… are some of the most rewarding moments in Life.

OH and did I mention… Arion proudly represented Alaska in Charnock’s annual Multi-Cultural Fashion Show AND he and his band The Choppers played at the House of Blues this weekend! Proud Mama moment indeed…