Mr. Independent

Leo in Times Square a few weeks ago, when he came to work with me for the day. 

I still remember my first thought three years ago this month, laying on the exam table and hearing the words "You have twins."

OK, maybe my first thought was Holy Crap.

But for sure my second thought was Leo: How would we ever be able to give Leo all the attention he needed with our energies further dispersed amongst two more children?

And since their arrival almost two and half years ago, there have certainly been times I've felt overwhelmed (HELLO, understatement) and had moments when I would have liked to have been a bit more, how shall I put it? Present for Leo, to have been able to give him a little more undivided attention with homework or I would have preferred to keep a firmer grip on his hand in a busy parking lot, as opposed to a giant double stroller.

But if there have been blessings in all of this, in the way things have turned out for our little family (there have certainly been many of them), it's that having many small children and having my attention, yes, often diverted and divided has forced everyone to take just a little more responsibility, and in turn, for me to trust my bigger kids to step up to the plate, to rise to the occasion, if you will.

And that's just what happened at Costco on Saturday morning. Leo stepped forward, and I stepped back.

There was our checker, dutifully ringing up our items, there was Harry, thirty minutes late for his nap and flirting with crankiness and there was Leo, asking for a smoothie.

A quick assessment of the situation led me to the following realizations:

A) We were in line (having our items rung up) directly across from the Costco food court.
B) There was NO LINE at said food court. (Costco regulars will recognize the enormity of this).

That's when I handed Leo a $5 bill and sent him on his way. If it had just been Leo there, I have no doubt that I wouldn't not have allowed him to go off on his "own." But Harry would not have enjoyed waiting in yet another line and I still had to get everyone out to the car and the groceries loaded up, to say nothing of the fifteen minute drive home.

I could see Leo the whole time-he never left my line of vision. He marched up to the counter and placed his order. Did the server pause to clarify the order? Have a hard time understanding Leo? Perhaps. I couldn't really tell. All I know is a few moments later, Leo was presented with one of his beloved "very berry" smoothies and a small cup full of change (the thoughtful server had given it to him in a little cup to prevent Leo from spilling it). I grew a little worried when I watched Leo move over to the straw/napkins/flatware area-he seemed to be struggling a bit with the straw dispenser. But he  rallied and the next thing I knew he stuck the straw in his smoothie, took a contented sip and was on his way, gliding back to me with an enormous grin, practically vibrating with pride.

It was a little thing, but I was so very proud of him.