Mirror to the Future

by K_REY_C | More from this Blogger

22 Sep 2009 02:22 PM

Today my 6 week old son and his almost 1 year old cousin met through internet video chat.

They've actually, technically, met before via skype. The previous meetings were, however, less than acceptable as a definition for "meeting." My son was, at that time, only able to cry and eat and poop. He's since gained a remarkable skill set including some knowledge of self. He can now identify his own hands. He is also finally old enough to take a pause between feedings to acknowledge the world that exists between his frequent and insatiable hunger. He can hold his own head up (mostly) and really concentrate on one thing for an extended period of time. These new talents made his meeting with his cousin more exciting and meaningful than their previous digital encounters.

In a way, my son's "conversation" with his cousin was a mirror into the future for my wife and I. We were able to see, quite clearly, the physical changes our son will soon undergo and understand those changes in a clear context. What was striking was the difference a little time can make. His cousin Oliver is just 10 months older than he is but incredible changes happen in that short amount of time. My son will be walking, "talking" and climbingwalking, "talking" and climbing in that amount of time. In just 10 months my son will be like his cousin.

Suddenly all sorts of thoughts entered my mind. How will we protect him from the jungle of cords and powerstrips surrounding my home office (a little slice of the universe for dad in the living room)? Is the all tile flooring going to be significantly more dangerous for our son when he's crawling? Walking? Jumping and falling? What will we do when our son is so able to be so active? How will things change again?

The first year will be full of changes. Is it strange that I'm looking forward to all of them?

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Kyle is a husband, father, graduate student, playwright, dramaturg, actor, graphic designer, instructor, technology enthusiast, excel master, and friend.

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