The first seventeen times it was hilarious. Then I had to carry him. He was so cute, and little, and cuddly. I needed a photo right then in that moment because I felt so bloody happy. I asked a stranger to take one - he totally thought I was a tourist. Maybe I was.
A tourist of happy. I'm allowed to wear such footwear because it's FREEZING up here.
We came across a busker who was singing and playing the guitar. I asked Rocco, would he like to put some money in the hat? He's all, MONEY IN THE HAT MUM QUICK. I gave him $1.50. He ran past and threw those coins in the hat with such force that the other coins already in there flew out. Like lawn bowls. Then he just kept running. The busker - mid-song - stopped playing because he was laughing so hard.
My son makes buskers stop playing.
::
I called Rocco back, because I know how much he loves music. He jumped on his trike and sat there, in awe of the busker. He was singing "From Little Things, Big Things Grow" which is a protest rock song by Paul Kelly, about the land rights struggle of Indigenous Australians. It's a beautiful song with beautiful lyrics.
I looked at Rocco. How little he was, and how big he is growing now. In that moment, I realised three things.
1) He is turning three this week.
2) Dave's cancer diagnosis is turning three this week.
3) How completely crap it is that Daves cancer is so closely tied to Rocco's birth.
I text Dave: "Hey hon. Happy Tumour-versary!" And thought of how they grew so big, in his body cavity. From little to the size of grapefruits.
::
I forced myself to watch Rocco again; watch him just be in the world. Here's 29 seconds of him just being in the world.
I would have filmed longer, but he let go of the steering wheel and was reversing backwards as fast as he could go so I had to run and stop him. Otherwise he would have gone straight onto the road. Probably yelling at cars to get the hell out of his way.
Playing dead - the next biggest thing since planking?
ReplyDeleteAt least he put the money in the hat. My daughter would probably try and steal it!
ReplyDeleteI love that you notice and cherish little things. I love your generous spirit. I love that you make time to be with your little guy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me to do those things too,
He's pretty awesome...
ReplyDeleteAnd you are hilarious. Happy tumor-versary? Really?
Happy happy tourist day, Eden!
ReplyDeleteChildren are so wonderful at making us live in the now, making us see beauty in the simplest of acts. What a treasure your boy is!!
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of your son made me LOL which is rare for a picture :) that is basically how my son tantrums. He'll just slowly lie on his back. For what it's worth, I had brain surgery on my birthday. So now my birthday is also my 'tumourversery".
ReplyDeleteI so love the playing dead pose in the middle of the sidewalk. Classic! You little man is just gorgeous. naomi x
ReplyDeleteThat is priceless. Happy birthday week, Rocco! Let the wild rumpus begin!
ReplyDeleteRocco Rocks. As do you, hon. xxx
ReplyDeleteAbominable snowman ugg boots rock.
ReplyDeleteHe and Lexie make a fine pair. Between playing dead outside shops, trike action and beautiful mothers, they are kindrid souls....xx
ReplyDeleteI CANNOT believe it's been three years.
ReplyDeleteHe's amazing (talk about flashback -- I almost referred to you as "TC") -- he is, you are, *sigh*.
Hard to imagine the blogoverse without having met you.
And those boots are fucking awesome.
If it makes you feel better it's supposed to be almost-summer here and this morning there was a goddamned frost advisory.
Just like all those years ago I am still thinking of you.
XO
P
Does not get cuter than that boy of yours. Or your boots ;)
ReplyDeleteAwesome foot gear! Fabulous kid - playing dead, really?!?! And you had the great sense to notice, respond and reward -- perfect mom behavior (and you managed to squeeze in some loving for your honey) YOU rock!
ReplyDeleteI am so blessed to have you helping me remember to appreciate all of what's here for me. Thank you! (and it only takes a little act to actively make the world better!)
Good grief you are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me to be in this moment.
{right now W is sitting next to me watching Bert & Ernie and absentmindedly rolling a piece of cheese across his face.}
Happy Daddy & Mummy made it to Three for Rocco & many many more birthdays to come.
ReplyDeleteYour Rocco... Character or what! Loved his cheeky bike escapade, then he comes back to "make sure Mum's still watching"
Gotta love too, Katoombas Main Street hasn't changed (much) since I first saw it in 1960.
You dress in Style for the Place & the Season!
And, on a serious note... It is bloody great news that Dave is here to celebrate Rocco's big 3!!
The boots rock. Great post, its not always easy to just enjoy the moment, thanks for reminding me that its worthwhile when you do x
ReplyDeleteThree is a lucky number.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the photos. :-) They made me laugh.
~crow
Love the boots! Cant wear those here in Florida. Here it not advisable to even wear clothing its so freaking HOT. My 3 yo daughter still does the laying down in the middle of well, wherever she feels like it. Why do they do this? Esp in parking lots with you know CARS driving through them?? I dont get it. Little shits they are I tell you!! Cute little shits, but still- LITTLE SHITS! Love the pics! Lisa
ReplyDeleteOh he's fantastic! I want your boots, here in Toronto they'd come in handy and so much cuter than the ones I have.
ReplyDeleteI love your boots! Ugg shop at Faulconbridge!?
ReplyDelete"A tourist of happy"... you say things that are just brilliant! Rocco and my daughter are about the same age. He is so handsome!
ReplyDeleteRocco rocks! Love the complete look of joy and delight in his little face ... and your boots are awesome.
ReplyDeleteRocco looks like such a little tough nut, I am sure he and Boo will get on like a house on fire.
ReplyDeleteI love the pics!
I just love you, Eden. You are wonderful. Incredible post, lovely pics; it will all stay with me for days, the way all of your posts do. Once again, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI hope that when I someday have children I will be able to blog about them like you do. This is hilarious and beautiful.
ReplyDelete"A tourist of happy." I like that.
ReplyDeleteI love the little momentum building head movement he makes when he's heading up the ramp. It's poetry.
Are you sure that busker wasn't actually Paul Kelly? He does a fair impression at any rate.
Rocco sure does rock... Happy 3rd Birthday little Miracle one! and Happy Dave and Eden...Just Happy... Eden your Foxy Longs are sure making waves all round the world!!! They look great xxxx LOL MUM
ReplyDeleteGod, I love that kid, and his mom is pretty damn cool too.
ReplyDeleteI love how you take the time to be in every moment. Its a good reminder to me to stop rushing so much and take the time to enjoy each moment, to stop and listen to the busker, to let my little one stop and discover every little thing that catches his attention rather than rushing him onto the next stop during our busy days.
ReplyDelete