They Call it Puppy Love

So, my son Ethan had his 3rd birthday back at the end of September. He has a "girlfriend" named Shelby that came to the party. He lets Shelby have her way anytime she is around. So, come birthday time, there was no exception. Hey, what can I say, the fellow was born with natural instincts on how to treat a lady.

So, we are gathered arround the Curious George cake and Shelby is singing to Ethan at the top of her lungs. Awww, I think. How adorable. Well, she finishes up the last words in a hurry and in a flash she has blown out the candles "for Ethan". How sweet. I eye Ethan to see if he is bothered. Not at all. He is seeing her through rose colored glasses. Next up, presents. I waited to see what would happen. And guess what? Oh yes. Shelby opened every present "for Ethan." I checked his mood again. All roses. He was pleased as punch. What love, eh?

So, fast forward to today. We are heading to Shelby's party. She is 3. Ethan is more than excited. How sweet I think. Then I hear Ethan say that he is excited to help Shelby open all her presents too.

I smile at Mike. He looks at out little lad and utters some of the first real man-to-man advice. The first of a long run I am sure. This is what he said,

"Son, when you go to Shelby's party is going to be all about her. It's her birthday. When Shelby came to your party, it was all about her. Because she's a girl. That's how they work."

Rose colored glasses gone.

*Vintage