For Lucy

Last week Dad and I decided it was time for your first hike. "Let's just go to the Y. It's a short hike," we said to each other. "Steep, but short. If we take lots of rests, she'll be fine."

We told you the plan. You were excited. You helped us pack up the apples and granola bars. When we reached the head of the trail, you didn't hesitate. "Ten turns," I told you, "then we'll be there!"

And so it began. You were a maniac on that mountain. At every switch point your Dad and I automatically slowed our steps, anticipating your fatigue. At every switch point you passed us right by without a backward glance.

When the Y was in sight, I congratulated you, "You made it!" But my exuberance was a little preemptive. "A few more walks," you reminded me, your eye ever on the goal.

Right.

I laughed and shook my head, and as we finished those last few "walks," I wondered aloud, "How could such a little girl climb such a tall, tall mountain?"

"Well," you explained happily, "You have to step on lots of rocks."

That's right. Lots of rocks. But you just keep going and going, "further up and further in," remembering that the view from the top will be worth every step.

We're glad you're our hiking buddy,Lu. We're glad for the pace you set and the songs you sing along the way.

In other news, your dad and I had plans to go out on Wednesday night. The idea was to have you and Spencer tucked in and asleep before we left. It was a nice idea. Royce (The babysitter. Thanks, Royce!) waited patiently in the living room while we got Spence to sleep. But you didn't want to sleep. You wanted to play. We finally negotiated that you could complete one last puzzle with Royce, but then: right to sleep.

With the puzzle completed, you did go in to bed. But before your dad and I could slip out, I heard you calling for me.

"Mom!" you whispered (desperately), "I need you to sit by me!"
I walked into you room and sighed (desperately). "Honey, I can't..." Your distressed expression cut me off.

I sighed again and leaned in close.
"Do you know why I can't sit by you tonight?"
"Why?"
"Because your Daddy is taking me on a date. And we haven't been on a date for such a long time!"
Instantly the mood in the room changed. You raised you eyebrows. You looked at me approvingly.
"Won't that be special?" I asked. You nodded vigorously in complete agreement. It was as if there was a tangible, unspoken, womanly understanding between us.
I pressed my luck, "So I need you to lay down and go to sleep."
There were no more protests. You laid down.
"Will Royce be here?" you asked pleasantly as I kissed you.
"Yes." I answered.
"Goodbye, Mom." You waved solemnly.

Your dad and I had a good date. (A really, really good date.)

Thanks, Lucy.