The Things You See When You Don't Have A Camera

We have been fortunate to have a loaded camera for Elliott's more memorable moments. But try as we might, we occasionally find ourselves unarmed for his spontaneity. Last week, our timing was painfully off on several occasions when Elliott delivered toddler moments that begged to be recorded. Without the benefit of photos, I will try to capture them myself.

Elliott has begun to develop many friendships. Some animate and others completely invisible. Last weekend, Katie and I were watching television while Elliott was quietly going about his business. I heard him begin to carry on what sounded like a two way conversation. When I investigated, I observed him looking at his empty rocking chair and saying something that I didn’t understand. His tone indicated it was a question. After he asked the presumed question, he pointed at the chair and said “no, no, no”, then slowly turned his head away all the while keeping watch over the chair. It appeared someone in the chair had asked permission for something, Elliott said no and he intended to monitor for compliance. This continued for several minutes before he abruptly went on to something else.

He also has developed a kinship with his Bob the Builder doll. Last week I took him to grandma and grandpa’s house and he demanded that Bob go with us. I put Elliott in his car seat and at his insistence, put Bob in next to him. I hadn’t driven far when I heard Elliott chattering in the backseat. I positioned my rear view mirror where I could see what he was up to. What I saw was a serious little boy carefully explaining the ropes of riding in the “big truck” to a friend making the trip for the first time. I don’t know exactly what he was saying, but his words were obviously provided to relieve any anxieties Bob might have as a first time rider. Even at that young age we relish the role of being the expert.

Finally, his neighborhood friend Maddie stopped over last night. I’m not sure what led up to it, but they kissed. It was that simple. One minute they were exchanging two year old hugs and then as instinctively as a child kisses mom goodnight, they kissed. I spent a few seconds trying to figure out what I just saw before I even thought about a camera. But it happened so quick only a security camera mounted on the ceiling of the living room would have caught it. We don’t have one yet, but we might soon.

To recap. Elliott spent the week scolding the invisible, offering support to a doll and kissing a real live neighbor girl. Maybe it’s OK to be without a camera now and then.