When I picked up Nicholas from daycare today, Lucy mentioned that he’d had a shorter-than-usual nap (only 1.5 hrs vs the 2.5 hrs he’s used to). He’s usually very even-tempered, except when he gets a bit tired. After a short playdate with Olivia, who he insists on calling Thalia (her sister), we headed downtown to meet up with Daddy for dinner before going to watch the fireworks (Celebration of Lights in English Bay). Nicholas was already acting out and rubbing his eyes during dinner, so we started to second-guess our plans for the night. Ever optimistic, however, we ventured forth to find parking and hoped that Nicholas would enjoy the fireworks and forget how tired he was. That was a lot to ask of an almost-2-year-old. He was fine when we arrived at the park and even ran around with me to explore some of the flashing light toys, but as soon as the show started he cuddled into my shoulder, saying, “Note (his version of “no” or “not”, with the emphasis on the “t”) …. note, mummy …. please, home?” Our hearts were torn! Patrick and I both love the fireworks and have been to see them almost every year we’ve lived in Vancouver, but Nicholas was clearly upset by them this time (he thoroughly enjoyed them last year). We did the only thing we could to appease everyone … we gauged the extent of his discontent and decided that he could probably hang on another half hour so we could see the show. He cuddled deep into my shoulder and even dozed off a couple of times (woken only when the popping was particularly loud) and was very happy when we finally agreed to go home.
I’m so amazed by his cognitive ability to put things together, his memory of situations or experiences, and his willingness to patiently communicate with us until we understand what he wants to say. His face positively lights up when we do understand him, after spending 10 minutes or more with him repeating the word over and over again.
Little one is peacefully sleeping now, as is Daddy, and I’m pulling another late night to get some work done, play a game online, and write this post. I’ve had a tough time sleeping for the last couple of weeks – sure hope it doesn’t get as bad as it was earlier this year. Although, if it does, at least I know how to fix it – acupuncture! ‘Nite all.
