The Sweetest Translator

The other day, we were walking Ishu to school. Riyu was sitting in the stroller, happily chomping on some Yogis. (Never underestimate the power of a stroller snack to keep a toddler seated).  

For a good block or so, Riyu kept saying, “OH NO. YOGI IS HIDING! YOGI IS HIDING!” 

Ishu was running up ahead of us and I just kept absentmindedly repeating what Riyu was saying, hoping he would stop.  I mean, if you’ve ever spent enough time with a toddler, you KNOW you gotta echo back the thing or respond with something else so they stop chanting the thing.

Anyway, as we got closer to Ishu’s school and he finally heard what Riyu was saying, Ishu looked up at me and said, “Oh no! That means Riyu spilled the yogis!” 

And, sure enough, when I glanced down, there was Riyu digging between his legs to rescue the so-called “hiding yogi.”

It’s in these moments where I get irrationally weepy. 

Like, what? 

You’re 5. 

I’m the mom. 

How did you manage to translate your brother’s toddler-speak better than I could? And also, how lucky are we that you speak “Riyu?”

It’s the sweetest thing in the world and it makes me so happy to see this love and connection they share with each other. Even when their mom is a little airheaded (and caffeine-less) on the way to school. 

One day, they’re going to outgrow the stroller. And the Yogis. But I hope they never outgrow the way they understand each other and look out for each other.

I may be a tired mama, but I also know what a privilege it is to stand back and watch this love unfold. <3

(EVEN ON THE DAYS WHEN THEY’RE SCREAMING LOUDER THAN ALL THE HYENAS IN THE WORLD).

Okay, I’m off to get these hyenas ready.

BYE!