They're Registered at Pottery Barn

Collin's got a little girlfriend. Her name is Grace. It started off slow, the way most relationships should, as friends. But, she made the first move a few days ago and it's progressed from there. She hugged him and since then, they've been sharing shovels, buckets and holding hands at will. My shy guy has even decided that she's worthy of more hugs than I am, doling them out to her willy-nily and for reasons unknown to the rest of us but understood by the two of them.
They get along well, I think, because they are the only two on the playground that aren't yelling, running and jumping. They are the two that hang back and sit a spell, waiting to see how the whole scene pans out before they decide what they want to do. They are the two who let everyone else go first on the slide, even if it's their turn. They are the two that flick blades of grass between their fingers for eons and then sit there again tomorrow and do it again.

And, they are the two that can dig in the sand area for the entire playtime and never get tired of trading shovels. Well, that's what we call it. Really, it's Grace patiently allowing Collin to steal hers and Gracie's mom gently giving Gracie another one or me sneaking her another one so it's fair. And Gracie, true to her name will retort with, "That's alright Collin, we're sharing!"

They wave at one another from yards away, excited that their friend is coming. When one doesn't show up in the morning, the park is darker for their absence and I know Collin's neck is always craning around the corner, looking for his sunshine. Even if she isn't playing with him, she's playing near him and that's enough for him. She is showing him just how a three year-old should kick a ball, swing on a swing and wear sunglasses and that's how he likes his lessons taught; forget this mommy business. And, if she lets him bury her in the sand, all the better.

We are so glad to have found one another. And, it melts my heart to see the sweet affection...even if sometimes Collin knocks her off her feet with his hugs. I think she's teaching him to be a man this way too; because don't we all have a story of some stupid guy, blinded by love who was just trying to be kind and sweet but messed it up and did something dumb instead?