He’s Not a Monkey Any More

Lately, Evan has really been into self-identification. Everyone and everything must have a definition and a proper noun. No longer just a dinosaur; it’s an orange triceratops whose name is Cera. Mommy is also Bethe and a woman. Daddy is also Dave and a strong man.  My baby is no longer my Monkey. He wants to be called a boy or Evan. Sometimes I can sneak in the occasional buddy or baby, but true identification still remains important to him.


It all came too fast and I don’t know when the heck we progressed to this phase. He’s only 2½, yet far too independent for my mommy worries. He climbs, he runs, and he wants to explore. And I fight the urge not to coddle or overreact to every scrape and bruise. David watches with a cautious eye, too, and sometimes he has to place a hand on my arm to soothe.

Seriously, can you please stop making such a big deal?

Logically, I know this is all part of growing up and so much more is to come. Evan is advanced for his age and has my fierce independence. He will always be my baby, my first born, and the first one to teach me about truly selfless love. And he still does like to cuddle, give growly bear hugs, and big juicy kisses. He runs to me after barreling down the waterslide to make sure I saw his daredevil, head-first move.

First cuddles

I’m just scared because time moves so fast. One day I’ll have to park the car down the street just so I don’t embarrass him in front of his too cool friends when I hug him a little too tightly before saying goodbye. And one day he might move away from me just like I did to my family.

It’s all so crazy to think about and I try to focus on the now. He’s so funny, so smart, and asks the most random questions. I’m trying to stay in the present and savor every moment. But I’ve always hated when trailers give away the movie. I want to be surprised about the coming attractions and enjoy watching the drama or comedy unfold. So I guess, for now, I’ll just turn a blind eye until I’m forced to retire the Monkey moniker forever.

--Signed the writer formerly known as “Munchkin.”