This is Rocket, my son’s absolute favorite thing in the entire world since my mom bought it for him a few years ago. Ever since he saw the show he had to have a “Little Einstein” rocket of his own. Once it landed in his hands life has never been the same.
My son recently spent the night at my parents’ house. We packed the car and returned home and as we were getting ready for bed I had that epic parent fail feeling – this was going to be of nuclear meltdown proportion on so many levels because we forgot Rocket at my parents’ house and they live over an hour away.
I didn’t know how I was going to break the news to my son. What was I going to say? How would he take it? I braced myself for buckets of tears, tons of whining and just lots of sheer sadness…
We reached his bedroom and I pulled the covers back as he began to climb into bed. His eyes soon wandered around his room looking aimlessly for his beloved Rocket.
I took a breath.
I took another breath.
Before I could even begin to soothe him with some mothering words in a gentle voice he said quite calmly, “Mommy. You know what? We forgot Rocket at Grammie’s house.”
I took yet another deep breath. “I know sweetheart, and I know you must feel sad right now, but…”
He interrupted me. “It’s ok Mommy. I don’t need him tonight anyway.”
I stood there motionless.
“I’m turning five soon you know. I am a big boy like Daddy says.” And with that he kissed my cheek, pulled the covers over his body and said goodnight.
And that was it, like he never even needed Rocket.
I was stunned and selfishly (I know this may sound crazy) somewhat disappointed. I was waiting to be THAT mom to give him the hugs he needed and to make him feel all better. I was prepared to ease his pain and calm him down. I anticipated a real heartfelt conversation as I wiped the tears away but instead, I left his room thinking that his toddler days will soon be over – and I have no idea where the hell the last five years went.
You could say I was the one with the nuclear meltdown that night.
Because I miss Rocket.
*sniffles* This one got me. It’s the little steps towards independence that seem to rock my world the hardest. *hugs* I feel you, Mama..
Comment Luv is not loving me lately. My last post is actually about my son’s first Birthday. Ah, little steps! He just started walking!
Can someone please hand me a kleenex? I think this pulls at my heartstrings a bit because my eldest, who is a whopping 3 years old, will be starting preschool in a few weeks. Why do they have to grow up so fast? Why can’t they stay in their “rocket” stage forever?
OH…I know…so bittersweet. I can feel your heartache, your boy sounds precious. I hope you get Rocket back soon…for you
Aww this is such a sweet post. That’s so cute that he’s ‘turning five soon you know’ so cute and funny but I can’t imagine how that feels for you.
That’s a very sweet story. They grow up so fast. I used to have to sing my girls a song every night at bed time… my how life has changed and now they don’t seem to need it anymore. But I know it will always be part of their memories
It’s nice to see you again. I always enjoyed reading your blog. Take care!
Very sweet. My son doesn’t seem to have any particular object that he’s attached to, so we haven’t had to deal with this. But he does loooove Little Einsteins!
Kate is going to be 5 in December, and I remember when Rocket was all the rage! We searched for a Rocket, but it was the hard plastic, NOISY rocket with removable figures.
Awwww. What a sweetie! And he’s right, such a big boy!
Wow… i cannot imagine what that feels like, when you dont need to be THAT MOM anymore. Or even when u become the OTHER MOM, the one your son says ‘Stop calling me, i am a big boy now’ 😀 gosh
It’s true. I think I am more attached to Eddie’s lovie too. When he gets “too big” for it? I may die. Hugs to you momma.
This is so tender and so sweet. We had an episode just like this with our son a couple years ago and I remember thinking, “But *I* miss Doggy.” It is so bittersweet – but it all means that you’re doing a great job, Mom.
Snif!
Our ‘Rocket’ was ‘Hoppy’…who eventually become a very threadbare rabbit…but we ALL loved him.
In fact…I think all those ‘ how to raise a kid’ books should re-work those developmental milestones…right after ‘learning to crawl’, ‘baby’s first step’, ‘eating solids’…there should be ‘giving up dolly’ ….
As for Hoppy…he sits in a little box on the window sill…looking for any real bunnies that may be hopping by…
Aww this one gave me goosebumps because I’m right there with my son who’s starting primary school in September and told me tonight ‘I’m a big boy mum, I’m four and a half.’
It was the other day hearing him explaining to his baby bro how mum and dad were going out to the theatre and there was going to be a nice lady coming to take care of them because they were too young to watch the show. I just thought, where did my baby go? Ah…sniffles x
I totally get it. I don’t want my little one to give up his lovey ever. My 3 year old already got over his and I am not ready for my baby (almost 2) yet.
I know what you mean. My youngest started 2nd grade today. My oldest 5th. I don’t *feel* old enough to have kids that old. It was sad. They grow up too fast.
What a sweet post! My oldest never had a lovey, but my 3 year old does. She has been attached to Bun Bun since she was a few months old. I think I panic the most when we misplace him! I can’t imagine her ever giving him up, but I know the day will come, all too soon.
My son is one and is SUPER attached to a little blankie. We forgot it at daycare last week, and my husband broke every law to get back there before the closed. I TOTALLY understand why you were crushed – I recently wrote a post about how my little guy needs a pause button. They grow up WAY to fast.
So loved this one! I completely relate. I have been the bad mommy who forgot the lovey, but we aren’t quite to the stage where we are over it completely. Sometimes it’s ok – sometimes it’s not. The day when it’s definitely over will be happy, but also tough on me.
Hei BodilHei BodilSer du har fått verdens fineste seng i hus:) Den er verd pengene! Selv om du sjelden ser kommentarer fra meg så følger jeg med deg og alle de nydelige bildene dine. Vi diskuterer spennende ting her i Bergen nå så du hører fra meg snart;)Masse klemmer fra AC
Awww…I know they grow up soo fast. My kiddo just started preschool a few days a week and at first it was just heart wrenching to leave him there when he was so upset and clinging to me screaming “Mommy, Mommy!”. But then 5 days later he is skipping into the class, sitting down and saying “Bye, Bye Mommy!”. I don’t know what’s worse.