The Interpreter
I sometimes feel bad because I'm not as certain of Madalyn's sentences as I was when Evan was her age. The reason is because there are two of them now, forever gibbering and elevating their voices over one another. But it occurred to me the other day that even if I'm not validating the use of her new words, Evan's taken over the job just fine. He understands her every sentence, only I'm just now cuing into this.
When we sit at intersections the kids like to watch the pedestrian lights with the white walking man and the orange hand. Until recently I thought it was only Evan paying attention to them, but last time we waited at a light he said, "Did Madalyn just say I see the hand," more as a pleased statement than a question. Rewinding my mind, I realized that yes, she sure had. And I would've missed it entirely had he not pointed it out.
Since this incident, I've been recognizing exactly how often he interprets for her- and it's very often. He knows everything she's saying, and she says more than I ever realized. The other day they were staring at each other while eating some of my saltines and Madalyn pointed at the one in Evan's hand and asked for it. "You already have one, Madalyn," he said sweetly, "see?" And she happily bit back into her soggy one. Sunday, after picking Evan up from the nursery, we all went to get Madalyn. They were both being held, but he lunged to be near her- got right in her face- and baby-talked to her in a high pitched voice, Hi, Madalyn, hi! You okay, sweetie? Yeah? Hiii...hiii... she just grinned from ear to ear, gasped in a very pleased breath, and bounced happily in response.
But the affection and attentiveness is two-fold. While watching a movie the other day, she could have been seen rubbing his back softly, at a steady rhythm, and for quite some time. And sometimes she'll stop near him and rest her head on his back, or give him a few pats. The other day I told one of them to kiss the other, but they both headed for each other, lips puckered, and bumped bellies as their lips smacked. What I wouldn't give to capture and show you the way they smile in amusement and pleased familiarity at one another! When these happenings unfold I can hardly keep my heart in my chest. Everything else in the world- progesterone poisoning included- fades away to nothing. If you hear of me being hospitalized any time in the near future, I guarantee it will be because of heart failure- because my heart was just too small to hold the magnitude of joy they induce. And if you should hear of a hospitalization or injury regarding Shaun? Same prognosis. Also guaranteed? You bet.
