Everybody is Happy Because the New Race Cars are Here

Below is a video of James singing his second self-composed song, titled "Everybody is Happy Because the New Race Cars are Here." (His first tune, "Jumbo Jet", is yet unrecorded.) Though she is not in the footage, his little sister can be heard singing harmony.

January 3, 2012

When It's All Worth It!

Whoever said three is harder than two had it right. James is either making me crazy or making my heart melt. Here was one of the better moments...

Eric and Anna were at swimming lessons. James and I stayed home to play until it was time for his. We had a good time and were leaving the house to go. As we walked down the steps he reached out for my hand and said, "Mommy. It's nice to be with you."

Can you beat that!

More Fall Fun

James has enjoyed playing in the fallen leaves this autumn. Fortunately, we live in a neighborhood with no shortage of this resource...in fact, if we hadn't raked the yard 59 times already, we'd be digging tunnels to get out the door (which James would probably enjoy). We had fun playing in a pile in the backyard last week-end!

James and I have also enjoyed a good deal of hockey lately. It's the sport I grew up with -- both playing and listening to the Buffalo Sabres. James has watched a few games with me on TV (of course getting treated to a later bed time if the game ran late) and we went to an ISU game a few weeks back. It was a happy moment to sit on the cold bleachers, sipping hot chocolate, smelling the ice (or whatever that ice rink smell is), and enjoying the game with my son. When we got there, the first thing he asked was, "Where are the Sabres?" The video is him playing goalie with Becky -- notice that he says that he's the "Buffaloes" (=Buffalo Sabres) and Becky is "the bad guys" (which is how I describe whoever Buffalo happens to be playing).

11.11.07 -- James Plays in Leaves

Halloween Fun!

There was no doubt in Jamie's mind that he wanted to be a firefighter for Halloween this year. Given his usual meandering toddler proclivities, this unwavering determination was impressive. So, to complement his choice, we decided that Anna would make the perfect dalmatian companion. Becky completed the picture by turning the wagon into a fire truck!

11.10.31 -- Halloween

More Toddler Logic

James, Anna and I were late getting home today - the reason being a toy car left behind. I figured Eric would make it home ahead of us but when we got home he wasn't there yet. I said to James,

"Dad is a slow poke." To this he replied, "We are fast pokes."

The Illogic of English and the Logic of Toddlers

James' language has exploded recently, especially his use of expressions and idioms. He surprised me a few weeks ago when, after I asked him if he wanted to do something with me (probably go to the park or eat ice cream), he replied, "Heck yeah, daddy!"

What's been fascinating to watch is how he applies very logical rules to create new constructs. For example, we often play a game that involves me saying something like, "OK, who wants to go to the park (or eat ice cream, or play cars)?" I look around and say, "I guess nobody wants to go to the park with me..." Recently, James interjected with, "Yesbody!" Of course, yesbody should be the opposite of nobody.

Earlier this week we were returning from the park, where James had ridden on his tricycle. We took the short route home, which involves a few flights of stairs up the embankment. Since he can't ride his bike up the steps, I was carrying him and one arm and his bike in the other arm. I told him to encourage me (it was hot and he's getting heavy), so he exclaimed, "Go daddy! You can do it! I'm cheering you on!" Then, as James likes to do to be funny, he started the opposite, "No daddy, you CAN'T do it." I stopped and said, "What!?" to which he replied, laughing, "Ha ha! I'm cheering you off."

Fall Fun at the Farm!

Earlier today, we made the most of this amazing Iowan fall weather and went to the Center Grove Orchard, kind of like a fall-themed amusement park for kids. There was a corn maze, a corn pool, and various other farm- and autumn-related activities. Sitting in a GIANT pool of corn (just the kernels, not the cobs), probably about a foot deep but the size of a swimming pool, it struck me that we really did live in Iowa. James had lots of fun running around with his buddy Felix. Through a mutual friend, we were connected with Amy & Fernando, whose son is just a few months older than James and shares all the same passions -- trains, race cars, and goofiness. They have really hit it off and we are most grateful for the friendship. Some fun photos of the kiddos are here:

11.10.08 -- Center Grove Orchard