We have coined the term "talk time" in our home to indicate a more intentional conversation time. I think the term came shortly after our escapades with Stanley Greenspan and Serena Weider. It may also have been an effort to brand a more focussed one on one ritual at bedtime.
In any case, it stuck. Recently, our close-as-family friend (who was originally one of Reid's home program aides) learned that she was pregnant. Great news, long awaited but alas, she had to wait one whole week to tell her husband who was out of town!
Well, at one point during her week of waiting, she and Reid were driving in the car. Unable to contain herself and thinking he didn't seem to be really listening (mistake #1), she uttered her news aloud. Much to her chagrin, Reid was listening. (Eyes and ears work independently.) He immediately reacted, "You are? That's cool!" Lesson learned: he only looked like he was ignoring her. They went on to pick up my daughter from a riding lesson. As soon as she got in the car, Reid announced, "Hey Allie, Carla's going to have a baby!" Carla was stunned again and improvised a cover-up lest the whole town know.
When they had some time alone, Carla (newly reminded to raise the bar for Reid) explained that her news had to stay a secret until Sean arrived. Once the "secret" concept was mastered, Reid started calling Carla to far flung regions of our expansive property. "Come out to the swingset, or "I'm in the living room!" At first we weren't sure why. Then his behavior made sense. On each of these occasions he would whisper, "let's talk about the baby...it's a secret." He was creating special "talk times" where their secret would be safe.
I am thrilled not only that Carla is having a baby but also that Reid has again proven that he doesn't miss a trick.
Where do you go for secret talk time? Who do you meet there?
Our recent experience gave new meaning to the song, "In the Secret" by Andy Parks.
"Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord." Jeremiah 23:24
"...would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart?" Psalm 44:21
photo credit: www.escapefromcubiclenation.com
Reid really did remind me how easily we can underestimate him. Sorry Reidy...but I have cherished our secret time together and treasure that Reid will always be the first one who knew I was going to be a mommy....and I will NEVER underestimate him again!!!
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