Conquering Fears

Last year, Matthew was all set to charge the world... with me by his side. Or maybe that should be phrased as... with him stuck to my side. Riding a bike (well - three-wheeler last year), swimming - pool/lake/water park, or going for long walks... all of these were done with me right there. He was like a leach in the pool, he loves slides - but not the ones we saw at the water park, he likes going on bike rides - but needs me right behind him, and walks are great - when they are experienced from the piggy-back location!

Well, this year is a whole new ball game! He started the spring learning to ride a two-wheel bike with some assistance from a set of training wheels. He did great on the straight-aways, but then would over-balance and fall at every curve. We worked on that, I would go right along next to him and help him balance through the turn, so he could feel what it was he needed to do, and not fall off. The rides in town continued to get better and easier. His face would light up and his voice ring out - "I did it, Mama! I turned and didn't fall off!!" Then - disaster - the training wheel on one side was wearing thin. Try as I might, I just couldn't get my boy to sit straight on the bike. So one of the wheels wore out very fast. The bike (when viewed from behind) leaned like this \ and my boy sitting on it leaned like this /. I am still not sure HOW he managed to work the bike at all, but he did. So, ultimately, the training wheels had to come off. Then the real work began. My dad did all of it, really, and now... TA DA! Matthew is riding a two-wheel bike, all on his own, able to turn corners and not fall off (at least not fall off every time). He goes up and down gravel roads, around the driveway, house, yard, and sometimes even a nice paved sidewalk or two.

Swimming - oh I love pool time, and while Matthew has always enjoyed a bath, swimming pools and water parks were a whole different ball game. This year - he has learned that water in his face is okay. I think it might have something to do with he will take showers now - and not freak out when water falls on his head or into his face. So water parks with their slides and swimming pools are much more fun. The other day he even JUMPED into a pool! The whole time we were at our friends' house he came up to me only two or three times. And that was to brag about something he had done, or just give me a good squeeze hug. I was so proud of my "little" guy.

And those long walks I talked about? Yeah - last year he would want to go on a walk - but only if I carried him piggy-back style. This year - he will walk further, or ride his bike while I walk/run behind him.

We don't have a lot of toys for outside play - but we sure are making the best with what we have! This year he runs around the yard while I run the mower. He uses a big stick to whack down weeds and tall grasses around the trees. He pretends to be a pirate or Indiana Jones. When I am done with the yard, he takes me for a spin on the mower. Or - I will run the mower at top speed and do crazy circles around the yard. He really likes when he has to duck - and avoid those low hanging tree branches.

The summer is flying by for us, and we hope that all of you are having as much fun as we are.

And I now have a young man

Yes, folks!!! My little guy is no longer allowed to be called little. He chews gum. Actually chews it... doesn't swallow it, spit it out immediately, or just play games. (Yes, I realize he is playing in this picture... but this is not what he normally does.)

Just a few days ago, I bought him his first pack of bubble gum, grape flavored of course. He loves it! And today, while we were on our drive to start our 4th of July festivities, he got my attention to show me this.

I was creative enough (thanks to having a digital camera) to snap a picture while driving. Nice not having to actually see what you are doing and get a good shot.

We are heading out now for dinner and fireworks in Lansing tonight. Happy 4th, everyone!