Fun on the playground and the puddles at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, Washington. http://www.seelukego.com
I consider myself a fairly laid back parent. Although I try really hard not to sweat the small stuff, I have been known to avoid giving my toddler foods that have an unfavorable mess-to-satisfaction ratio, or help him eat slippery foods with his spoon to keep his lap clean although I know he can do it himself, or stealthily march him around big puddles in the parking lot so as not to get too wet or dirty while we run errands.
Over the weekend, I had a moment of parental clarity. Luke and I had just finished a family photo session and we were dressed in some of our nicest clothes. We decided to play on the playground and then take a short hike to enjoy the lovely October weather.
All of the sudden, out of nowhere, it appeared: the most inviting puddle I’ve ever seen. Luke and I looked at each other, then my boy tiptoed over to the edge, toy car in hand. He dipped his fingers into the cool water, looked at me, back at the water, then back at me.
“Go ahead, Luke. Splash, splash, SPLASH!”
Luke didn’t need to be told twice. He charged right in and squealed with unbridled delight as the water began to fly in huge waves around him.
As he very quickly soaked the lower half of his body, it hit me: this is it. This is one of the memories I will think back on when Luke is grown and living a life of his own. This is the boy I will see when he is taller and (thinks) he is smarter than his parents.
Fun on the playground and the puddles at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, Washington. http://www.seelukego.com
I snapped a bazillion photos with my camera, as I usually do, and burned the image of my soaking wet, almost two year old onto my momma heart.
From now on, instead of avoiding them, I will target more puddles.
This post originally appeared on See Luke Go
Jessie Emslie writes from her home at the foot of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she lives with her husband, her son, and her dog and cat. She is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her newest little adventurer in February. She is happiest exploring the outdoors with her toddler on her back, her husband by her side, and her camera in hand. Jessie documents her everyday adventures on Instagram and her blog, See Luke Go, where she shares stories, tips, and guides to inspire other young families to go outside and explore the world together.
All photos on the playground and the puddles at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, Washington. http://www.seelukego.com
