my little fireFIGHTER

Caleb loves firetrucks, firemen, fire dogs, anything related to firefighters at the moment. To spend some enjoyable one-on-one time together, I arranged a "mommy date" to go to the fire station (last minute, of course...that's how I operate). In my mind, I had dreams of Caleb being so happy and excited as he toured the firetruck. We would laugh together as he pretended to drive the firetruck. He would wear the fireman's helmet with a smile.

That wasn't how it happened...like--at all.

He cried and he clung to me. He was scared.


I was sad.
Click on this picture to enlarge it...you will laugh. I don't know that I've seen anything more pitiful!

I wanted him to love it! I wanted it to be a memory I would remember forever! I wanted it to be special!

But, it wasn't about me. It was about him and trying to do something together that he would enjoy. He is only two--I can definitely see how he might have been scared. But by the time we left, he was happy(er). In fact, every time we even come close to the street where the fire station is located, he says he wants to go back and spray the water again. Maybe next time my ideal fire station tour will become a reality.(This is the only picture that he smiled in the whole time we were there--he really liked the ambulance! He's taking after his Peepaw.)

So my title is fitting--because he fought it. He fought the joy that was supposed to come from our time together. But even still, he is precious and loving and wonderful. And I love him with my whole heart--even though he didn't love the fire station (this time anyway). :)

Oh, and I have to tell you that the firemen were amazing! We came unannounced (because I couldn't find their number ANYWHERE). They couldn't have been more accommodating--they dropped everything to show us around and try to make Caleb happy. They even unrolled the hose and let him spray it!