Young Love

I think I'm raising a couple of charming flirts.

A few weeks ago, Jacob began Speech Therapy for some minor issues he is having with pronunciation. He meets with a Speech Therapist two mornings a week, and there is a little girl in his sessions with him. Let's call the little girl Kelly. She's just a month older than he is and the two of them hit it off right away. Even the therapist commented on what a good pairing they are. As I was helping Jacob get dressed this morning, I told him we would be going to see Ms. Marsha in a little while.
Jacob: "And will Kelly be there?"
Me: "I think she will be."
Jacob: "You promise?"
They really are adorable together. They giggle and grin at each other, occasionally interrupting the session for an impromptu hug. After all, what better time than Speech Therapy to engage in public displays of affection?
Since Alex and I sit in and watch the sessions, I've been fortunate to witness the progression of this relationship. This morning, the little girl leaned over and touched her hand to Jacob's cheek while they gazed lovingly at one another. Meanwhile, my flirtatious little 17 month old is leaning forward in my lap, peering around a file cabinet to grin at the little girl's mom. He likes the older women, I suppose. Every time she smiled back, he considered this encouragement to continue peeking and showing off his famous, adorable, gap-toothed grin with dimples.
At the end of the session, Jacob and his little girlfriend ran together to the door. They embraced, and it was one of those hugs where neither one initiated first. It was completely mutual, both reaching for the other simultaneously. Cue the romantic music. As we all walked outside, they laughed and ran around, until finally, her mother and I literally had to pull them away from each other.
As we were walking away, his hand in mine as I pulled him along, Jacob looks over his shoulder and shouts to her, "I love you!!!"
And, without a moment's hesitation, she yells, "I love you back!!"

Parting is such sweet sorrow.