Holden is such a boy. Boy boy boy boy. He's a boy not just in the whole he has a penis and likes sports way, but in the way that there is virtually no trace of the baby he once was. His big baby cheeks and buddha belly have slimmed down to a lanky, athletic kid build, and incomprehensible wails have given way to thoughtful conversations about the things he's done and plans to do.
And the list of things he does grows everyday: hitting a ball with a bat and kicking one with his foot; drawing people, trees and the sun; getting fully dressed and undressed by himself; telling jokes and stories; chores; playing imaginatively; singing and dancing; jumping and skipping.
There are, unfortunately, some other not-so-good boy traits that are starting to show. We're still quashing his instinctive urge to "shoot" everything. He has no sense of danger when it comes to jumping off (or on) steps, furniture and other treacherous and off-limits launching pads. Sometimes, the words: "I'm going to cut your head off" and "I'm going to kill you" actually leave his sweet little lips. And it's alarming, to hear such violent sentiments from the most innocent and kind boy you've ever met.
But while there are so many things typically boy about Holden, there are still those Holdenisms that will save his ass teachers, friends and us. He
does know right from wrong, although he doesn't always follow the guidelines. When he screws up - like today he got in trouble at daycare for jumping on the sandbox cover, and breaking it - he feels genuinely bad and apologizes. He is generous with his love and his toys, is quick to laugh and loves to talk about such things as his feelings.
We like to wonder what he will be like when he grows up. From both Kevin and I, he has inherited the geeky gene, which could hinder any effort to be popular. But despite not hanging with the "in" crowds, both Kevin and I always got along with everyone. He had sports and I had the school newspaper, and we were nice and easy-going enough to get through high school below the radar, but still having fun. Holden's already showing a natural athletic ability and a competitive spirit, so we hope those and his fun personality will keep him happily ensconced in meaningful friendships.
The pressure is on now for Holden be a role model to Riley, whose boy tendencies have shown earlier and stronger than Holden's ever did. He's very good about teaching his little brother to be gentle with animals, not hit and share. While he sometimes loses his patience and his cool with Riley's grabbing or aggression, Holden is never violent back. He eagerly drills animal sounds, colors and letters with Riley, happy to show off all he knows and proud when Riley does the same. There's a lot of being proud around here.
And the list of things he does grows everyday: hitting a ball with a bat and kicking one with his foot; drawing people, trees and the sun; getting fully dressed and undressed by himself; telling jokes and stories; chores; playing imaginatively; singing and dancing; jumping and skipping.
There are, unfortunately, some other not-so-good boy traits that are starting to show. We're still quashing his instinctive urge to "shoot" everything. He has no sense of danger when it comes to jumping off (or on) steps, furniture and other treacherous and off-limits launching pads. Sometimes, the words: "I'm going to cut your head off" and "I'm going to kill you" actually leave his sweet little lips. And it's alarming, to hear such violent sentiments from the most innocent and kind boy you've ever met.
But while there are so many things typically boy about Holden, there are still those Holdenisms that will save his ass teachers, friends and us. He does know right from wrong, although he doesn't always follow the guidelines. When he screws up - like today he got in trouble at daycare for jumping on the sandbox cover, and breaking it - he feels genuinely bad and apologizes. He is generous with his love and his toys, is quick to laugh and loves to talk about such things as his feelings.
We like to wonder what he will be like when he grows up. From both Kevin and I, he has inherited the geeky gene, which could hinder any effort to be popular. But despite not hanging with the "in" crowds, both Kevin and I always got along with everyone. He had sports and I had the school newspaper, and we were nice and easy-going enough to get through high school below the radar, but still having fun. Holden's already showing a natural athletic ability and a competitive spirit, so we hope those and his fun personality will keep him happily ensconced in meaningful friendships.
The pressure is on now for Holden be a role model to Riley, whose boy tendencies have shown earlier and stronger than Holden's ever did. He's very good about teaching his little brother to be gentle with animals, not hit and share. While he sometimes loses his patience and his cool with Riley's grabbing or aggression, Holden is never violent back. He eagerly drills animal sounds, colors and letters with Riley, happy to show off all he knows and proud when Riley does the same. There's a lot of being proud around here.
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