How to Be Michael’s “Nonny”

Answer his million and one questions
Let him retell his life
Know that he never forgets
Show him how to use your digital camera
Bring the camera when you visit
Don’t forget
Give him your old cell phone AND its charger
Let him hold your new cell phone
Let him show you the buttons he’s not supposed to push
Keep your cell phone on because he asked...
and let him know that’s why
Honor his routines
Strap him in
but never make him clean his plate
Know that he loves birthday cakes
Let him ice Cassie’s...
Drink the coffee he “makes” for you—“again!” “again!” “again!”
Notice his “big boy” underwear
and “big boy” booster seat
and “big boy” bed
Tell him you’re proud (he says “Cassie is too!”)
Let him climb the stairs
Know that he forgets to be careful...
Help him with his clothes—taking off and putting on
Let him pick them out
Help him use the potty
Find his stool
Let him wash his hands all by himself
Walk with him as he rides his tricycle
Don’t sit down with Cassie
Don’t notice he hasn’t figured out the pedals
Know that he wants to coast downhill backwards
Take Cassie off his tricycle when he tells you she isn’t big enough
Read to him—“again!” “again!” “again!”
Bring him books and more books and many more books and...
Watch DVDs with him—“again!” “again!” “again!”
and show him which button is “Play” and
Answer his million and one questions
Never leave without a good-bye hug...




[This was also an unintentional sidetrip in my multigenre exploration of play/simple pleasures. Michael is, in so many ways, my connection to the simple pleasures of childhood...]