Almost

This morning I stood on the front steps and watched you walk off to school. I couldn't stop watching you--my baby--almost 6 years old, saunter off to school.

I watch your back pack swing and tap against your back with each step you take.

I notice your walk is similar to mine. You try to walk quick and purposefully, but a slow meander is all you can manage.

Your red hair---I love that it shows you are so obviously mine.

You have....
....my blue eyes....

....my sense of humor.....

.....my love of chocolate.....

Yesterday you told me how you spelled out the words to "Risen' up to the challenge of our rival" all the way home from school, making it pretty much the longest spelled word ever.

I still catch myself spelling things out in my head. It's weird and useless, but we are who we are, right?

My heart breaks a little as I watch you go, so big, so suddenly it seems. I remember staring down at your little newborn alien-looking face, searching for visible signs that you were mine. Your big hands, your little ring of red hair.

You are mine, mine, MINE!

I watch you turn and stare at the neighbor sitting on her porch.

Your finger is completely buried up your nose.

And then I remember, you are your daddy's too.