Damn It, You Noisy Little Lion

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Our senses sure trigger memories don’t they? Seeing, smelling or hearing something from the past, immediately brings me back to a special time. But when it comes to the boys, that time is really starting to speed up. I know they are not running off to college any time soon, but man, they are growing up fast.

Just the other day I turned on the TV and it happened to be on TVO. The theme song to Raa Raa the Noisy Little Lion was playing. This used to be a staple in our house when I was home with Charlie. Every morning before taking Harry to school, we would watch it.

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Fast forward a few months and Charlie is at daycare becoming a noisy little lion of his own. It was only November when this ended, but it feels like a year. Charlie is no longer a baby. He is a little boy with a mind of his own.

It is very silly, but just hearing the song for a few seconds made my  brain race through all my time at home with Charlie. All our one-on-one time before he went to daycare. I treasure those days. The little music jingle made me sad and smile all at the same time. I certainly don’t need to relive those days, but I do wish to have some of those moments back.

Harry is practically a teenager these days. So smart and so independent. He still likes to snuggle with dad, but it’s not the same. Charlie, he is still my source for warm and comforting snuggles. Harry is my source for going out and doing fun things. At his age, the option are pretty limitless. I mean, we can’t go for a beer yet, but we do have our Sunday afternoon hot chocolate dates at Roncy’s Bean.

When I look at my life. Time is going at normal speed. Nothing has really changed. A month feels like a month and a year feels like a year. But when looking at the boys, even just a week seems to go by in a blur. It’s bittersweet. On the one hand I love watching the boys grow up. On the other hand, I miss when they were little and just figuring things out. I am guessing this is why people keep having kids.

Soon I won’t be able to carry Harry around. I damn well still try because I love it, but those days are coming to an end. Charlie as well. The boy really does not like walking in bumpy snow. I am not complaining as it’s one of the few chances left where he asks for a ride.

I am thankful for the age of digital photos, videos and other media because I would hate to forget the times we have had. Until my memory goes in the dumper, I am going to enjoy all the smells, sights and sounds that take me back to any one of the moments that has made being a dad the best.

The other day it was Raa Raa, tomorrow it could be finding an old pair of pants the boys used to wear. As a parent, it always seems to be something that touches a memory. Oh to be able to jump back and relive it for only a few minutes. Now that would be an interactive photo.

I have always been a sentimental soul. I have vivid memories of the good times and the bad times. Who I was with and where they took place. They are all special in their own way. When it comes to our two wonderful boys, those memories are placed on an even higher level. I can’t wait to add more to the list.

Damn it, you noisy little lion. Time to go cool a steak, drink some scotch and read Maxim. Nah, just kidding. I am comfortable in my own skin and the fact that I am unmanly manly dad.