Awards Day!

Yesterday was awards day at gymnastics. Mason's first of many generic ribbons that boldly display the word "particpant".



We've all got a collection of them from those early years. How proud can a mama be? I'll explain why my pride was quickly replaced with just a twinge of embarrassment. All of the children, who are all under 3 years old, waited so patiently with their parents for their turn to accept their much anticipated award. All except mine. He tried desperately to get loose and make a mad dash for the huge trampoline while I held him down and tried to sternly whisper in his ear that we would leave if he continued this behavior. Finally, it was his turn and after detailed instructions of what he was supposed to do ( go stand on the pedestal and be nice) he took off running. I jumped up, o.k. that's an overstatement. I hoisted myself up and chased after him, all with a 5 months pregnant belly and an additional pregnancy related 20 pounds. Luckily for me he only circled the crowd once before he climbed on to the pedestal. I got the camera ready as I caught my breath and started snapping pictures. The other children were so proud to get their ribbons and showed them off to their parents, careful not to let them out of their sight. Again, all except mine. Mason looked at the ribbon disgustedly. He took it, looked at the front, then the back. Then he looked at his coach with a disapproving scowl and threw his ribbon on the floor. After that he took off running again. This time I said 'whatever' to myself and followed him to the trampoline. He jumped while the rest of the class got their awards and clapped for each other. But this does not take away from the pride of having such a big boy. He is truly his own person. No one can change his mind, influence what he thinks or change his opinions. Trust me, we've tried. There is something great to be said for those who are strong willed, and something to be said for the mothers who love them so unconditionally. Even on their worst of days. But this particular day was a great day and we ended it with the most appropriate meal for an awards day... a happy meal. It was really Mason's choice. He didn't say anything as we drove past the countless fast food restaurants, but as we passed McDonald's, he pointed and started saying, "yum, mommy, yum, yum." It was so cute and the days accomplishments had certainly earned him the right to his choice of cuisine.