MY LITTLE MAX

We really thought, for the first 3 years of Max's life, that he would be gay. Scotty and I would look at eachother and say, "Hmmm, well... maybe it's just his creative side? Maybe he'll be an artist?" You see, Max is left handed and very, very creative. He definitely has the artistic thing down. But, there were also little things - like running directly to the sparkly Dorothy (from the Wizard of Oz) shoes and saying, "Oh, Mommy, look at these shoes! They are fantastic!" And - this was at age 2! But Scotty and I are both patient and we said, let's wait and see. But, we have saved some really great photos that we assumed we'd use either as evidence or as blackmail in the future.

Max will be 5 in February. He has matured a ton and is growing into quite the gentleman. He's starting to pay attention to differences between girls and boys. He is starting to prefer Star Wars over Cinderella - a big change for all of us here at chez nous.

Last week Max announced that he had to take a rose to school for Zoe. He said that it was their "secret anniversary" and that he could not give me any more information - "that's why it is our SECRET anniversary, Mom. I cannot tell you!" So - off we went with a wilting rose wrapped in tin foil. Zoe was not there yet - so unfortunately I missed this precious moment.

Yesterday Max announced that he had to buy a Christmas present for Zoe. So - off we went to Target and we bought a little gift for Zoe - just a little stationary princess set - the kind the old Max would have insisted that we buy for him.

It's such a small thing but I watched Max wrap this little gift - so carefully - with tongue hanging out the corner of his mouth, eyebrows all scrunched together, so patiently... I helped him with the ribbon but he wrote out the entire card.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ZOE

MAX LOVES ZOE

Max took this gift to school today. And today, Zoe was there. I did not even know who Zoe was until today. How is this possible? Max is in the pre-K class and Zoe, the older woman, is of course in kindergarten. But - Max walked into her classroom and there was Zoe - sitting at a table with 5 other girls. Zoe has her back to Max. She hears some commotion and turns slowly, long brown hair in slow motion flinging over her left shoulder as she looks towards Max. As soon as she sees him - her face totally lights up! My heart is a flutter - this is crazy! She jumps up and runs to him - looking happy and excited. He gives her the present and what does Max do? He turns and starts doing this really lame, bouncy walk away from her saying, "OK, bye!"

I have to stop him there - and I say, "Max, let her open the present, she might want to thank you." It was the sweetest little moment and totally made my day. She hugged him and thanked him and Max went back to join his classroom.

So - do I still think he is maybe going to grow up gay? No - not at all. But - I will say this - should he decide to be gay, or run for office, or should he choose to have a different view from me regarding religion or life in general? I will still love him and support him and he will always, always be my little Max.

I love him so.