"No Mommy, You Can't Come"

Last night Noah and I were sitting in a chair together reading our own books (I was reading John Grishams, The Appeal and he was "reading" one of my "How to Make Meetings Work" books for school/work. I reminded him after thirty minutes of sitting it was time for him to go to bed. He said okay. Ten minutes later he still was not on his way up to bed and was still 'reading' his book next to me. When I just looked over at him and said, Noah if you want to go to Jacks Birthday Party you have to go to bed.

(Jacks birthday party is the first non family party that Noah has been invited to. It is also what I see as my opportunity to finally get to meet the other preschool parents that will be in attendance. Jack, is actually one of the kids in his class that is younger than Noah so I feel that alone adds to the value of why they get along so well (maturity). )

Noah then turned and look at me and said, "But mommy you can't come". It nearly broke my heart when he said that. I told him, "Noah, that really hurts mommy's feelings, but if I can't come how are you going to get there?" He looked at me and said, "Hmmm, I dunno. Maybe daddy can take me. . . .?" I guess that is when the realization that my little boy was entering his growing up stage already. I thought I would have at least a few more years before I would ever hear the words that came from him last night but it just took me by surprise. I am sure he does not understand what he is really saying but he does, he even said it, "But I love you mommy." and off to bed he went.