The Trifecta Principle

Last week Hudson was invited by our neighbor to help out her high school Parenting class. They were having a special day of crafts, activities and healthy snacks all planned by the students for ages 1-3. Although the event was during Hudson's nap time, I thought this would be a lot of fun for him and so we agreed to go.

We arrived and checked in at the school's main office and waited for Emily to come and retrieve the Hud. While we waited, Hudson became acquainted with a sweet 2 year old named Chloe who engaged him in a fun game of "tickle, tickle." He was in heaven, flashing dimply smiles and giggling non-stop. Although nervous to leave Hudson in fear he would melt down, he seemed to have made a friend rather quickly and so I happily passed off the Hud and his backpack to a anxious Emily.

He waved bye-bye and off he went. And so, with 45 minutes all to myself I headed to the store. I truly was amazed at how much more quickly I was able to complete my shopping and with such new found focus.

The time passed slowly and I ended up right back in the office impatiently waiting to see my son. We were escorted back to the classroom and I peered in, not seeing my Hudson. Uh oh.

But as the door opened and I peeked around the corner, I saw Emily sitting in a chair, my little tow head cuddled up with his cookie monster blanket as Emily sweetly rocked him. I didn't want to ask. I feared he had been in this position the entire time. He quickly popped up, flashed me a smile, held out his arms and shouted "mama" as Emily showed me his crafts he completed. Nevermind that they had used black washable marker and his magnet lady bug had bled all over his hands and lips (he looked like a goth), he was so proud.

Emily assured me he was wonderful and we packed up his things and left. At the office he had to stop again and dance for the ladies, but I was able to coax him out.

He was exhausted after his adventure, but caught a quick nap in the car as we headed out for an impromptu lunch date with daddy.

Later that night, while outside playing with Hudson, Emily came over to say hi. I wanted the details. "Was he really good for her or was she just being polite?"

As you can imagine, Hudson was pretty much in heaven. Young, cute girls gushing at his every move. As if this wasn't enough, there were balls! Hudson found a particular ball that he loved and he would throw it in hopes of playing with the girls. But wait, there was more. There were snacks of chocolate licorice, chocolate covered strawberries and fruit loops (not exactly the healthy snacks advertised by the teacher, but Hud loved them!) Oh, and grape juice in real big boy cups. (another item Hud rarely gets). Emily said his smiles as he ate the yummy food and had her help to drink from the cup without spilling took over his face.

I was happy and proud that he had a wonderful time at "school."

Later that evening as Dan and I relaxed on the porch with a glass of wine while a sleeping Hud rested in his crib and talked about Hudson's day. Hudson had achieved his ultimate trifecta: girls, grub and balls. Yes, he was in heaven.

"If only we could re-create these circumstances, I explained. he would be happy nearly anywhere.
I was so proud of my hypothesis, explaining it with such detail and conviction as though it involved complicated calculations and the ultimate precision.

Dan looked at me puzzled and simply stated. "It's not rocket science, Nik. Look at Hooter's."

So much for the "Trifecta Principle."

I apparently have a lot to learn about boys.