By Amy H.
When we took our 5-year-old son and almost-2-year-old daughter to see a couple of NCAA women’s softball games we thought that all the scoring would be on the field. Our son had other plans.
At the first game he spotted the young daughter of the third base coach hanging upside down from a bike rack – a kindred spirit. They struck up a light conversation (i.e., “Hi.” “Hi.”) that evolved into typical 5-year-old play (i.e., screaming silly sounds to send each other into hysterics). They played like this for the remainder of the game but then left without a goodbye or even a sporty high five.
At the next and final game my son soon located his new friend but kept his eagerness in check. It took him ten s-l-o-w minutes to inch his way down the bleachers to her aisle and another five to make eye contact, but then he unabashedly poured on the charm: “You’re only five? I think you look five and a half!”
The play resumed from there, this time moving into the corridor and under the bleachers. At one point the squealing hushed, and I eavesdropped on the following conversation:
“You can kiss your sister, or your mom…or me,” friend said coyly.
“I choose you!” my son responded quickly followed by a self-conscious giggle.
“I’m going to keep my eyes open, but then I’m going to be embarrassed,” she smiled goofily.
My son paused, looked in my direction and then said shyly but excitedly, “You run away and if I catch you, then I kiss you.”
At this point they ran under the bleachers and out of earshot. I could see their feet and knew the plan, but I felt frozen in place. How did we get here? From the babe in my arms to the babe in the bleachers – was this really happening? Then it happened. My son’s feet inched tentatively closer until…SMACK! Quicker than a fastball across home plate, and with my reaction time slowed by indecision and lack of practice…Strike One!
The kids immediately ran out and the silly screams and hysterical laughter resumed once more. As the game drew to a close I told my son we’d have to go.
“Bye Kaylie,” he called out to her with no response.
“Bye Kaylie!” he yelled more emphatically but still to no response. He slowly inched away a little hurt and a little stunned.
I think my son and I will both need some recovery time in the off-season – and I’m hoping it’s a long one.
Amy H. is a thirty-something SAHM and part-time psychology professor living in the deep South with her husband and two children.
Whoa! I have a 2 year old. About 4 months ago I started working in a diner. He developed (I hope) a harmless crush on one of the waitresses I work with. He wont talk to her, but he asks me when she's working, tells me he wants to see her, etc. A few weeks ago, he went up to her and kissed her on her apron. The next day he kissed her on her hand. He STILL wont even say "hi" to her. But, after reading this, I will be sure to keep this in the back of my head for ALL the future crushes. Thanks for the eye opener!
Posted by: Margie Ruckle | June 26, 2006 at 11:21 AM
My son is not quite 1 year old and he is already stealing the girl's binkies and trying to put them in his own mouth. It's amazing how early they want to swap spit.
Posted by: Kelly | June 25, 2006 at 06:56 PM
Wow, he learned the smooth moves quickly huh? It goes so fast.
Posted by: Melissa | June 25, 2006 at 04:32 PM