It had been a long 5 days with Elliot. Great fun together, but he is still not at all independent. He won’t go to the bathroom without me, for example.

And I LOVE that he wants to help me with so many things. Simple things like preparing my coffee machine with filter, coffee, and water. He tries very hard not to spill anything, but he still does. I give him the space and opportunity to fail and try again, without criticism. I encourage him to try and try again. Then I clean up the mess.

So when it was late, and we’d been up since 6:00 AM, I wanted to sleep. I finally corralled Elliot into the bathroom and prepared his toothbrush. He’s still not brushing his own teeth yet, but he has done it once or twice before some weeks ago.

He was standing on the stool in front of the sink, too short without the stool. I was prepare to brush his teeth, but he wanted to play with the faucet or the toy LADA, I forget.

Often he procrastinated brushing at this very moment by saying “hug, hug” or “in love you” and reaching out to hug me. In love when he does that, and it brings my distracted brain crack into the moment… remembering that he won’t always be like that. Cherish it now.

But this time, he wanted to play. I sat down on the floor and tears came to my eyes from frustration. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t sob. I lowered my head.

Elliot said, “daddy, why are you crying?” I didn’t answer. But he picked up his toothbrush and brushed his own teeth!

I lifted my head, smiling at him through tears. I thanked him, told him how much I love him. I told him how good of a boy he is.

Just turned 4, and Elliot has empathy.