Oh little Derick. He has so many funny things he says and precious things he does that I try and remember and kick myself for not writing things down because I do forget. When he turned 4 and I took both he and Zoe in together for their checkups they were both due for shots. I told him he would get his first so he could show sister he could be brave. The nurse gave him his shots and he held back the tears pretty well. It was evident they were there but they did not stream down the cheeks--he really did great! Next was Zoe's turn. Of course as soon as they poked her she began to cry. Then Derick BURST into tears and shouted..."I am only crying because she is crying. I am so sad for Zoe!" It was comical. I actually laughed out loud and almost couldn't stop. They were both so emotional I knew they wouldn't even notice so why try to hide it. Even the nurse was like "Come on buddy, you did great for yours...what's the matter?"
As we have started talking about Christmas I have started probing what Derick might want. [He got a fishing pole last year from Santa and we had gotten one for his daddy.] He tells me that we should ask for a fishing pole for me so we can all go fishing togeth. I naturally asked "What about sister?" He said she didn't need one and "We can just turn on the monitor and leave her sleeping". Hmmm...not so sure we will get reception that far :)
Have I mentioned Derick's LOVE for video games? We decided to get him the Wii for his birthday. I really had wanted to hold off for awhile, but in the heat of the AZ summer when we are trapped inside there is really only so much to do. So we thought it would be another outlet/active activity to occupy some of his time. I was kind of thinking the newness would fade away but we still have to pick and choose the days and times we allow him to play or he would be glued to it most of the day. Yet he is very respectful and knows if he goes over his alloted time he will lose his priveleges. There have even been a few times he shuts it off on his own and tells me he has been playing too much. I do have to admit I love how great of a bargaining chip it has become to encourage good behavior...maybe not the ideal way or working things, but it has worked wonders in this stage of life.
Yesterday I received a comment that left me feeling very conflicted. As I am cleaning the house to prepare for our church small groups arrival when Derick tells me "Mom I like school better than being at home." I was a little disheartened and immediatly took it personally thinking he doesn't like spending time with me, but yet could never tell that to my 4 yr old. Instead I chose to respond by telling him how happy I am that he loves school and having so many new friends to play with, and also told him I was sorry I had a very busy day and couldn't play with him as much as I would like. Then a few hours later I saw a sign on a church billboard talking about God always has time to listen to His children. Another dagger to the heart. In the NONSTOP chatter of his 4 yr old world I often do the "Yeah, Yeah" and sometimes just repeat the last few words so he knows I have been listening but am sometimes am not doing a very good job at "hearing" him.
Speaking of school...he does love it. Everyday he comes into my room and wakes me up by asking...what is today? What are we doing today...do I get to go to school? If the answer is anything other than school he tells me he doesn't like it as much but ok, but when does he get to go to school again? It is wonderful and he has such an eagerness to learn. He has learned that when you go into a new situation where you don't know any other people it is an opportunity to make new friends. So he has made some new friends. The first month he knew the names of all the girls and one of the boys. His sweet personality and spirit is probably a draw to some of the girls rather than the wild and crazy boys his age. I am actually working in his class tomorrow so am looking forward to seeing the class dynamics and his friends :) So will try and give an update sooner that later. I do so love my boy and love to hear from all who spend time with him of how sweet and smart he is. So when he is a little more sensitive to movies, cartoons, or not wanting to be super agressive toward other kids I hope we learn to nurture his gifts as he grows and ventures more into the 'real world' and school next year.
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