This particular trail parallels a river that Ethan is fascinated with. I'm not lying when I tell you it took us at least 30 minutes to cross a very small bridge because Ethan was so enamored with running from one side to the other to check out the rushing river below.
As we walked on, I was determined for him to experience the river itself. I very fondly remember splashing in creeks, making mud pies and collecting muscle shells. I want to pass on all of these childhood memories so badly to Ethan that I probably introduce them a little sooner than I should. We weren't dressed for river wading yesterday, but I didn't care. I couldn't fight the urge. So, I left the stroller on the side of the trail, walked carefully down to a shallow part of the river, kicked off my shoes and we got in!
I've always been somewhat of a reserved person. I wouldn't be what you would call a fun-loving girl or maybe not even a go with the flow type of girl. I've always been the sensible one. The realist you might say. I'm the girl in the "make a crazy face!" picture that is still smiling her normal smile.
Under all of my..."I'm too responsible of a person to join in on that" attitude, I'm super self conscious. I'm concerned with what other people might think about me. I curse myself for saying or doing the wrong thing. I over analyze situations that no one will probably ever even remember. I'm easily embarrassed and have sat on the sidelines maybe more than I should have throughout my life in fear that I would look like an idiot for trying whatever crazy idea other people were doing.
It's funny how having a child can change you. People always say it will, but you never really know just exactly how. I'm determined to not pass my uber self-conscious traits onto Ethan. I'll pass a few on I'm sure. That's okay, a little self awareness does a person good. Showing strangers his belly button won't be cute forever and when the time comes, I'll be sure to let him know.
Ethan is a happy-go-lucky child who doesn't mind blazing his own trails. He's an explorer. He's a socialite. He's not afraid to express himself. I certainly don't want to stifle any of those amazing qualities in anyway.
I have to thank Ethan for bringing me out of my shell a bit. When it comes to him having fun, I really could care less about how it makes me look. In fact, I'm so wrapped up in the fun that I don't even feel the least bit self conscious. I know as parents we are suppose to be the ones doing all the raising, but I can't help but admit that Ethan might be doing a little raising too in the process. After all, there's always room to grow, no matter the age.

Love the last pic! He looks like such a boy---not a baby anymore :)
ReplyDeleteLove these pics.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am loving this warm weather!
Love this post! And the pictures are amazing!
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome post! I'm very much like you in the sense that I care too much about what other people think of me... But, when it comes to Olivia and having fun, I could care less! It's amazing how much our children teach us.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I bet E enjoyed that so much!
We are like the same people I swear! I'm glad you two had fun:)
ReplyDeleteThese photos are beautiful Laura! I have the exact same personality. Always the one just smiling in the whacky photos haha, I love that you said that! Good for you for breaking out of that shell. It feels nice doesn't it?!
ReplyDeleteAw, what a perfect fun day!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet. I'm the same way, and I really need to work on that.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! Funny how kids can grow us in ways we never thought possible
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! Boys sure do know how to have fun
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures, love this post, and the more I read your blog the more alike I realize we are. I too am usually the last one to join and don't make the crazy face because I am sure that I will somehow look like the idiot among all the crazy face makes that make it look cool.
ReplyDeleteI care less now that I have Layla and I don't want her to this self-conscious side of me.
Looks like you two had a blast!
Hello. I'm Grace and it's my first time posting. You've got a very cute boy. I can relate on how you used to be before having your baby. I'm still very much reserved that's just the way I am but I also do embrace my childrens qualities.
ReplyDeleteHow old is your little guy? Mine turned 15 months old several days ago.
This post just makes me unbelievably happy AND makes me stop for a moment and think about grabbing those spontaneous activities that sometimes I'm much too practical to embrace.
ReplyDeleteLooks like E loved it too!