We started the week at the Malibu Grand Prix, where Thomas had the chance to show his mastery of go-kart driving. The last time he had tested the track, he didn't grasp the art of pulling up to the light so it would change, but this time he was ready. His wheels were lined up every time, and after one painfully slow lap he learned the value of the gas pedal. Watching him was entertaining as usual, especially when he raised his arms in victory at the end of each of his 9 laps. Our arms got tired just watching him, but he was tireless.
He likes to be with us because we do all the things that kids like to do. We are big kids with the means to play whatever we want free from the confines of bedtimes and allowances. Our house is a pre-pubescent boy's playground. We are equipped with a full-sized pool table, 3 different video game systems, and if you get bored, we also have a computer. It's no surprise that he graciously volunteered to stay at our house so our allergies could avoid his cats.
He didn't have school the next day, so he went to work with Andrea. The office Nintendo was the focus of his day, so Andrea got frequent updates on his progress in the game. He faithfully followed her instructions, bringing our game and controller with him every time. He did forget that he was hungry, but once she reminded him, he was ravenous. At this point, we were doing pretty well in the parenting department, he had eaten and was wearing clean clothes.
The next morning I got up to take him to school. I still don't understand why school has to start so early, 10 am would be a much better time for everyone, especially me. I gave him money for lunch since we have only condiments in our fridge. I was feeling pretty confident in my parenting skills until I realized that I had neglected breakfast. My early success had turned to failure. Lucky for me, the school served breakfast, unlucky for Thomas he left the money I gave him in my car.
While the school was kind enough to float him a loan for both breakfast and lunch, I started feeling rather inadequate as a pseudo-parent. While I've always wanted to have a child, and still do,all the little things that every parent does every day completely escape me. I forget all about bedtime since I don't have one. Nutritionally balanced meal? What's that? Homework? Permission slips? Rides from school? It was all a jumble of obscure parental responsibilities until I was faced with 24 hours a day of them.
We had a great time that week, and we showed him a lot of new things, including an Entre Nous stuffing. I always enjoy being around him, he makes me laugh and see the world in a different light. Sometimes he tries my patience (he hasn't caught on that things actually stop being funny after about 50 repititions) but for every trying moment, there were many wonderful ones. I know I don't have to explain things to him, I just have to do them and he'll copy me. It makes me smile to think that he thinks so highly of me. I've also learned that if you ignore bad behavior, it only gets worse, but a gentle 'T, stop it' will curb the problem. These were hard learned lessons, but valuable additions to my patience and sanity.
At the end of the week, I returned him to his mother's care with great relief. I had my life back. I could sleep in, talk about anything I wanted, and watch R-rated movies. But the house seems so empty without the constant chatter about video games. I know that the next time his mother calls, I'll be there, ready to play mom again.