Daddy's home!

It's been a while since I've been enthusiastically greeted at the door by any of my family members.  It used to happen when my older kids were younger, but at their current ages, they are usually involved in something when I walk in, and I'm lucky to get a "Hi, Dad".  I know they love me, but I miss the days of toddlers running to meet me with arms outstretched.

But, it happened again the other day... and I almost missed it. 

My work schedule is goofy.  Even though I am home every day, sometimes I don't see my kids for a day and a half.  I usually work 8:30am-9:00pm Monday and Thursday, 8:30am-6:00pm Tuesday and Friday, and 9:00am-4:00pm on Saturday.  Being summertime, I usually leave the house before the kids are up, and on Monday and Thursday I often get home after they are in bed. 

Benny is a 22 month-old toddler and a big-time Momma's boy.  He's also a delayed talker.  He has a few words.  He knows a few signs.  But, the language puzzle isn't fitting together quite as quickly for him as it does a "typical" child his age.

That being said, I came home Tuesday evening, after not seeing him for a day and a half, and he toddled to me with a smile on his face.  I picked him up and he pressed his head against my shoulder and patted my other shoulder with his little toddler hand.  After a short while, he wriggled free and, in typical Benny fashion, went off to get into something he shouldn't.  I enjoyed the affection, but with my mind on what I needed to do that evening, I started to head off to change my clothes.  My wife, being more in tune with Benny than I, stopped me in my tracks with the words, "In case you missed it, that was 'Daddy's home!' in Benny language". 

Gosh, I did almost miss it!  I'm glad she interpreted for me.  I'll be sure to "listen" more carefully in the future!