Thursday, August 28, 2008

Happiness, with a Daddy Chaser

His smile broadens with anticipation. I can see the pure unadulterated joy in his eyes as he turns his head towards me, even as his tiny feet edge slightly in the opposite direction beginning to carry his unbalanced weight away. He is preparing to launch himself, full bore, into his newly crafted skill. The timing, however, must be perfect. If he miscalculates and leaves too early, the desired outcome may not materialize. So he waits. And the anticipation builds.

First came the walking. And as that skill level increased and his confidence built there came a time when the second foot began leaving the surface mere fractions of a second before the first touched down. Now, he can cover ground much faster. Now, he can close the gap on furry four legged prey before they know what will have hit them. A fine skill indeed.

He can also, when the need presents itself, widen the gap between himself and a potential stalker by the use of these newly fashioned moves. That is where we find ourselves now, with anticipation reaching its tipping point. The smile having almost reached its full form, closing to within inches of each earlobe.

Then it happens. I flash a nefarious eye his way.

That is all it takes.

He is off, tiny feet leaving the wood floor in a flash. Shreiking in utter delight, arms waving at his sides like like the tiny wings of a fledgling duck, attempting that first glorious departure from the safety of his water nest. Laughter and happiness pour into every crevice of our modestly sized home as the chase mounts, the gap closes, and I reach for him. It all ends in a swooping scoop high into the air with a shower of kisses and hugs.

Then it is time to do it all over again, again, and again...until we are tired out and can't take any more.

This night may very well continue on until time itself ceases to be!

10 comments:

Martin said...

I love when they get SO excited at the thought of being chased.

So funny.

James (SeattleDad) said...

@Xbox - It's at the top of his list for exciting fun right now. Mine too!

Manager Mom said...

That was SO sweet... reminded me of when my own littles were still that age.

Posh Totty said...

Awww so sweet, my lil man still loves to be chased now and he is 6, its such fun too

SciFi Dad said...

With my daughter, it's more about the anticipation of the chase than the chase itself. The biggest squeals come from the times I stalk her very slowly... almost pretending to be in slow motion... before I pounce and get her. Great post, sir.

James (SeattleDad) said...

@MM - Yes, we are amazed at how fun Lukas is at this age. We ALMOST don't want him to get any older, but there is so much more to look forward to as well.

@Posh - Thanks. I will be extremely tired out from chasing Luke by the time he turns 6!

@SciFi - Thanks! They do love to be chased, don't they? I can just see many 'Dukes of Hazzard' moments is his future.

Anonymous said...

The beauty of this part of life is so fleeting.

Anonymous said...

This was great, James. I love chasing Cooper down. The endings of our chases are much the same, too.

Whit said...

Good times and great post!

James (SeattleDad) said...

Papercages - Thanks for stopping by. Yes, this time is so very fleeting and I am trying to enjoy every last minute of it.

Whit - Thanks. From you that is a great compliment.

Rob - These are the best of times, are they not?