Stab to the Heart

I heard from someone somewhere that having children is like having your heart walking out in the world. I think that's pretty accurate. Lord knows that my child getting hurt is worse for me than them-I think, anyway. There have been plenty a times that my kids have been calmed down and happily playing, while I'm still fighting back tears (but those might be completely different posts, so I'll stop there).

For those that don't know, I am currently working nights. Horrible schedule. I see them like every other day at best. I absolutely hate it and I think my kids are taking it worse than me. Especially Big Man. He has been especially acting out at daycare (or school as we like to call it. Makes him feel like the Big Man he is). He gets We Care reports (or really, Your Kid May be the Reason We Quit So Hurry Up and Start Parenting reports). Usually when he feels frustrated he takes it out on the other kids and hits. Kids hit and bite and think it's funny to show their butts to each other (wth?), but they always get a We Care report.

My husband is usually the one that picks the kiddos up, because he works during the day. So when he gets told that Big Man has hit one of the kids in his classroom he tells him, "Hey, I am really sad that you hit your friends." or "It makes me sad to hear that when I pick you up." or some sort of variation.

So over dinner earlier today my husband starts telling me what my beautiful son told him a few days prior. Big Man is in his car seat and they've rolled into a parking spot. Hubby, "So, you ready for school today?" Big Man, [eyes huge, lips in a pout, hands grabbing at the car seat straps] "Daddy? I make you happy?"

Insert knife to heart, twist.

Hubby's eyes get huge, fill with tears and he's scrambling to find the words to tell our darling son that he is the happiest man, because he has our children.

I teared up when I heard that. I can just imagine being asked that by my 3-year-old.

It's crazy how they tug at those heart strings! Big Man has obviously gotten over that and was content with the answer. Days later, Daddy is still tearing up thinking about it! Gah.