On the subject of Maya and Jack

Jack, tinkering around this morning as I get ready: "Maya, take me potty."

Maya assumes her very convincing motherly tone. "OK Jack. Let's go."

Two sets of micro-footsteps head to the toilet while I'm getting ready in the bathroom. I hear: "What do you need, Jack?" Then to me, with direction: "Mama - I need step stool for Jack. OK, thank you." Back to Jack: "Did you do it? Good. Now, try to poop. Mama would be so proud of you if you pooped into the potty!"

[Dear children: yes, I'm aware you may read this when you are teenagers and get all snooty with me. I'm OK with that and take my chances. Besides, just wait, there's a point to this lovely story.]

I set out clothes for Jack and hear the "Maya do it!" refrain. So in short, by the time I'm ready, so is he... Oh what good tidings this brings. I only wonder now for how long I can make this blessed circumstance last. 

The two of them are a special pair. When asked who their best friend is, they - independently and without prodding - name each other. Jack asks about Maya's whereabouts at least once on the way to preschool and just as consistently laments her now-absence from his daily surroundings (last year their preschool classes had a shared fence and they got to see each other daily while there). Maya runs to greet him as the mass of the minivan's door slides out and he is revealed as we get home. 

I cherish this friendship. I am convinced that children often act as they perceive themselves expected to act. I maintain, and communicate to them, as a given that they share a very special bond that is to be respected and upheld, and that's how they process their relationship to date. I pray earnestly that this magic thing between them survives their adolescence and serves them very well into adulthood. 

And on that note, I'm looking forward to see them get into their first 'official' shared activity - I have registered them for swimming classes for two months. The time is less than ideal (9am on Saturdays), but I think it would be a great way for them to do this together, and learning water safety has long been a priority of mine for them.