For most of the first few two years of my sons life, there has been little to no experience of rain. Water falling from the sky, and the related fun surrounding the winter season, is new to him.
So you can imagine, as the rain picks up a whole new world of wonder has arrived. “Agua” is falling from the sky!! You can find Luke on a rainy day standing on tip toes, staring out the window shouting, “Agua, agua, agua” over and over again.
Another totally new experience is stomping in puddles. Once we navigated the purchase of rain boots for a toddler with very thick calves, we were ready to go. For months…no rain. But then last Sunday presented the perfect opportunity. The rain stopped early in the day and we were able to go out and find some puddles.
At first he walked by them, but then Dad invited him to stomp in the water on the ground. That was all it took. We watched him, he was fascinated and fully engaged in stomping in a few small puddles.
It occurred to me that the most incredible part of being a parent is having a front row seat to so many firsts, the first step, the first bite of food, the first puddle stomp. For me, witnessing a first provides the kind of perspective and grounding that nothing else does.