My grandson, Zach, has learned that sometimes there are
advantages to being a Big Boy and sometimes to being a Little Boy. I’ve heard him say he is each of these in the
last few days. On Saturday, we were
babysitting and before we got to the planned activity to decorate a pumpkin he
wanted to go to the park. We are just a
block and a half away from a county park and it is the equivalent of about four
blocks to the playground. He walks much
further than this on most days as his
mother is a regular walker. But it was
late in the day – about 5 PM. I said to my husband, "Zach and I will walk and we won't be that long.". But Zach said , “No, I am a little boy not a
big boy. I want to go in the stroller.” I
have a wonderful The First Years Ignite Stroller
which folds up easily and is lightweight but
we haven’t used it in a long time except for on the Boardwalk in the summer. “The stroller,” I said surprised, "You’re a
big boy. You don’t want the stroller.” Back came the answer, “I am a little boy. I want to go to the park in the
stroller. C’mom Grandma.” And so the stroller it was. He strapped himself in and off we went to the
park and had a great time.
When we came back, Pop, Zach and I decorated this
pumpkin. I took my old craft box that I had
for my kids down from the attic and we fould felt and ribbon in excellent condtion. Zach chose the colors he wanted, Pop cut out
the pieces and I helped with the glue stick and positioning a little. We are all proud of our work. I was so happy that Zach was willing to pose
with his pumpkin. Isn’t he soooo cute!!!
Well today Zach is here because of hurricane Sandy. We are one of the lucky 15% in our town in NJ
that have power and he like most people we know does not have power at his
house. While my husband and son-in-law
were trying – and eventually succeeded – at removing a very high, obstinate,
big branch hanging over our driveway I was putting Zach down for a nap. First I sang Hush-a-Bye – a favorite that I always
sang to both of my kids. His eyes were
wide open. I asked him if he’d like me
to sing a song I sang to his Uncle Hugh when he was a little boy – and the
answer – drumrollll – “I’m a Big Boy. I’m
not a little boy.” So I said I sang it
when he was a big boy too and then he was interested.
This is a song that I made up and it ends with “I love to
hold my little boy, I love to hold my little boy, I love to hold my little
boy close to me. I changed the words to ““I love to
hold my little boy, I love to hold my little boy, I love to hold my big boy close to me.” Zach still had his eyes wide open. He smiled and said “Again.” After two more times…each softer… he was
asleep.
And so here I am writing this post literally right after it
happened.
Here's a link to the stroller..It works for little boys and big boys.
Here's a link to the stroller..It works for little boys and big boys.