Double Up (with Laughter)

I read that children can laugh 300 times a day. I know them all. The deep, melodious cackle during a tickling. The dimpled chuckle to a surprise peek-a-boo. The squeal of pure joy upon discovering a favorite bear. Or the happy hoot welcoming a bottle of warm milk.

I tried to count the number of times I laughed during an average day-not just smiled, but actually laughed with real gusto. My kids had me beat by a mile. But the times I did laugh, their eyes widened in encouragement. I could imagine them saying, “you got it mom, let’s hear some noise, let’s see those molars!”

I have no excuse for not laughing more - I get double the chance. Fifteen month-old Carson and Austin epitomize the saying, “show me a day when the world wasn’t new,” by finding delight in everything. They find amusement in the jangle of metal measuring spoons and the splash of mud puddles. They chase each other in hysterics - weaving through the legs of furniture, lapping the kitchen island, circling on their toddler bikes. At naptime, I hear gymnastics in one crib and the audience cheering a score of perfect 10.

It wasn’t long ago that they might sidle up next to each other at the toy box without so much as a sideways glance. They drove their cars and answered their telephones solo. There was too much to do to be bothered with another person, especially the competition! Besides, mommy and daddy were always at beck and call to read a book or play monster. But the inevitable discovery of each other has sparked a lively pace of play and infectious laughter that echoes off the walls and into our hearts.

Now putting Pollyanna aside, it’s not always jolly ‘round here. Play often deteriorates into a tug-of-war over toys - shrieks from the “victim” sound the alarm of foul play. Or the boys can be struck silent – absolutely frozen in the doorway of a new playgroup.

I’m delighted they have found a ready playmate in each other, one who will last a lifetime. Sometimes I lament the loss of my job as entertainer, the way I mourned the day they preferred bottle to breast. But most of the time, I take pleasure in reading the paper, cooking dinner or just watching. Because I know, they’ll be back. And in the meantime, I plan to laugh myself silly.
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As printed in Mama Says newsletter