These seem to all be pet names for our little character, and character he is. Luka turned 3 this past week. Can't believe it has been 3 years. So many minutes that seem so long...patiently waiting for Luka to climb into his car seat all by himself, or for him to put on his shoes and redo them 5 times to get the strap just right, or to put his shirt on only to struggle and get twisted in it for 10 minutes, not able to put it on, yet not daring to give in and ask for help. Minutes that seem to take forever, yet will take even longer (once the tantrum kicks in) if I try to assert a bit of authority and force him to do it on my clock. Yet 3 years...already?
What a beautiful, sensitive, intelligent, emotional child. Reprimanding TJ might bring a laugh right to your face. But reprimanding Luka, you'll be met with downcast eyes and a big droopy tear down the cheek. Raise your voice at TJ, and he might yell right back. Raise your voice to Luka, and the sobs will roll, followed by "are you upset with me?" Answering "yes" will lead to more crying; answering "no" will move us on in to the next activity.
A creature of habit is a good way to describe him. There are only certain clothes he will wear, and there is only one (maybe two) pairs of shoes that are satisfactory. Riding in the stroller on an early morning jog must mean "I get a waffle! And I have to pick one and put it in the toaster myself!" The nighttime rituals have been explained before...but he is just starting to ask "Why do I say that every night?" I answer with a gentle "Because it makes you feel safe," and he seems agreeable.
At age 3, the Mommy Factor still seems to be in tact. While at school or home alone with Dad, a very personable child emerges...this has been true since the day he was born. But when Mommy is present, the tables are turned, and no one is a good enough substitute except perhaps MiMi, who unfortunately, does not live with us. The whining and clinging is magnified, and full attention must be given. Luka is not and has never been a self-entertainer. At school, however, at his 3 schools, for that matter, all the reports are consistent: Luka is a perfect child and we wish all of our kids were as easy as he is. Over and over. This makes Mommy so proud yet so weary, to think of how trying it has been at home, yet perhaps we are doing something right after all?
A few cute tidbits about Luka right now:
-He loves gum. He does a very good job of chewing it (for hours) and putting it in the trash. In fact, he loves gum so much that:
-He is sleeping very well at night (in his own bed), knowing that if he stays in his bed until it is light, and doesn't cry or scream at night (with exceptions of course) he gets gum upon awakening. We all work for some sort of reward, right?
-Luka seems to speak very well, and his vocabulary for a 3 year old is impressive, stringing 3-4 phrases together. Yet, he does cutely get his cause and effect mixed up. For example, "I'm hot because I took my shirt off." Or, "I ate all my food because I'm not hungry."
-He loves Chilli. He tackles him, hugs him, jumps on him, and drags him by the collar. Most of the time, Chilli is a willing and patient participant. Luka asks for Chilli almost the minute he gets up, or the minute we walk in the house. He also often announces "Jada died, because we don't have two dogs anymore." Obviously still trying to process all of that. (For reference, Jada died at Easter time this year.)
-Luka loves to learn his letters and knows both capital and lowercase. He also knows all of his numbers only in Spanish. We were walking in the airport at Indy and he announces, "Mommy C - quatro - cinco!" (Gate C45) Must seem kinda funny coming from a little white blond kid.
-He is a clown. He loves to make people laugh, and will sometimes just start dancing and prancing, or talking in a funny voice. What a special ability he has.
My dear Little Luka, we love you so very much, despite your little idiosyncrasies, and you are a beautiful, unique human being. You bring more joy and laughter to my life than you can imagine! You continue to teach me how to love unconditionally, to practice patience (daily) and to not sweat the small stuff. Because in the end, all that matters, is that I promise to love and nurture you forever, and I'm never ever giving you up. (Insert the Dixie Chicks Lullaby here.)
That made me cry - partially because as a mom I can relate to a lot of what you are saying. But also because I have had the joy of experiencing Luka for 3 years, and he truly is a unique, special kid. One that his Ont Onchee will love forever, too!
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