my caterpillar

This boy. I blinked and my baby boy turned into this quirky, loving, interesting, thoughtful kid. He is quick to understand, quick to hurt, quick to forgive. He loves puzzles and strategy games. His focus is singular and intense. He loves with that intensity too. Every single day, he tells me, "Mama, I love you googleplex much. No, actually, I love you googleplex plus googleplex much." He follows his sister wherever her whims may lead. He sings soft, sweet songs to his baby brother. He loves what is comfortable and familiar. He requested a watermelon costume for Halloween. He asked Santa for french fries. Earlier today, I asked him about his favorite thing in the whole world. Caterpillars, he said. He is my caterpillar. Small and careful and deliberate but also strong and knowing and full of potential. Every night at bedtime, he curls into my back, cold feet against warm skin, humming himself to sleep, just like he did when he was little, little.