Ode to Rugby

Rugby is in 3rd grade this year.  He was born knowing who he was and what he wanted.  He oozes cool and confidence.  He attracts people with his relaxed leadership.  Rugby has always been a moody little guy.  We have pictures of him from birth with a tiny scowl on his face.  He takes himself seriously.  Things are important and deserve consideration to him.  We have discovered in recent years that he respects authority and always chooses the right.  He is a rules guy at school and likes to keep it that way.  At home, he lets loose.  He pushes the boundaries and questions everything.  Sometimes I ask him why he saves all of his crazy for home.  He looks at me very seriously and tells me he needs to follow the rules at school.  While I'm extremely thankful that he behaves outside our home, I still long for some of that after school.
Rugby is a perfectionist.  When he was little, he used to take his woobie and lay it flat on the ground.  Then he would carefully smooth out all the wrinkles and fold.  He repeated these steps until he had a square about the size of a piece of paper and carefully place it on his bed with his stuffed animal on top.  He likes things to be just so.  He enjoys drawing.  He will draw the same characters over and over again until he has them perfect.  Then he moves on to new things.
Rugby loves telling a story.  Most of the time he practically yells what he has to say with big wide eyes and waving hands.  It's hard not to love what he is saying.  But be careful not to laugh, because he is serious about what he is telling you.  He has recently started making noise day and night.  He hums, sings, or makes boy noises constantly.  This is something I could do without, but it shows his confidence and persistence.
One of my favorite times of the day is dinner time when we get to hear all about Rugby's recess adventures.  He tells us very specifically his games, his feelings about other kids, his triumphs and failures.  He keeps us updated on who's the fastest kid.  No one has beaten Rugs yet.  He just loves to run.  He picks the proper shoes for running everyday.  I'm not sure he knows how to walk.  Why walk when you can run?
One of my favorite things about Rugby is something he has in common with his father.  They both act all rough and tough, but they are both gushy sweethearts.  Rugby loves a good hug and to have his head scratched.  He has a smattering of freckles across his nose that makes him look so cute and mischievous.  It's easy to be Rugby's mom because you know exactly how you stand with him all the time.  He hides nothing.  I just love this guy.  He is so full of energy and love.  He is amazing.

I love you buddy.