Cole recently had his birthday celebration. He’s been to enough parties over the past weeks to get the idea that it’s a special day for someone, but he didn’t understand this party was for him, until the cake was placed in front of him as we all sang Happy Birthday. At this point, Cole’s face lit up and he clearly understood. Happy birthday, sweet Cole—we can’t believe it’s been two years!
After weeks of observation, Cole finally decided that he wanted to take a ride on the four-wheeler. If he was nervous or anxious, it didn’t show. He just climbed aboard and was off, as if he’d already done it a hundred times. And, when he was done, Cole just went on to the next thing, as if it was all old hat for an old pro. Since his big ride, however, he is constantly talking about Grandpa’s four-wheeler, so regardless of the smooth demeanor, I think he is quite pleased with himself. As he should be!
It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Cole, as back-to-back virus bugs have left him sidelined, nearly two pounds lighter, and barely a shadow of his fun-loving self. Fortunately, he started to really feel better yesterday, which meant he could better enjoy his birthday, today. Although his energy level was unquestionably diminished, he definitely enjoyed his day, which included a trip to the park, a yummy lunch of Yakisoba noodles, and lots of fun opening gifts and playing in the backyard. And, at long last, lots of smiles, giggling, and the return of his happy skip-hop-run. Happy birthday, sweet Cole!
Despite his intense interest in cars , tractors, and trucks and other things that go, Cole has been very apprehensive of Grandpa’s four-wheeler. It was very surprising to all of us his emphatic desire to not go for a ride. Perhaps it was the loud engine, but his little body would shake every time it pulled up close to him. So, he has been content to watch Franny ride from afar—he is obviously interested, but not quite ready for his own ride, yet.
Yesterday, as expected, Cole didn’t want to go for a ride. He shouted Wave! and would wave everytime they sped by, as well as a lot of Vroom, vrooms! But he preferred to just watch very intently—first from the deck; then, from a little closer; and, at one point, it actually seemed like he was going to walk right up to it and climb aboard. But, this time, rather than going for a ride, Cole just wanted to sit on it and check it out—with the engine off, that is. Still, a very big step! I am anticipating that before the onset of summer, Cole will be piping out My turn! and I do it! every chance he can get.
Nearly three years ago I began the Franny blog. When Cole joined our family, it seemed just as easy to do a blog solely for him. Now, with their little sister only nine weeks away, I haven’t yet completely decided if she should have her own blog, or if I should finally just merge them all into one. So many of their experiences are intertwined, yet probably just as many are all their own. It’s a more difficult decision than I had anticipated, as I love the two blogs, even though they have become increasingly basic and brief. As a pregnant mom, I am sure I will change my mind several times over the upcoming weeks, so at this time I am remaining noncommittal. Time will tell.
