Independent Little Thing

(Note: This might be considered a 'proud parents' posting. I realize not everyone will find the ''ahhh factor' and be as amused as some. Please read at your own discretion and stop whenever you become bored)

In the last few days our little Superman has decided to grow up on us. He has decided that he is going to hit some 'mile stones'.

As good parents, we have been encouraging (or pushing) him to do certain activities for ages now (ok- just a few months). We have been 'encouraging' him so long to do these things that recently we just have stopped trying to convince him how much fun he would have if he would just listen to us.


Well, on Saturday while out on the boat, William decided he was going to hop on a board and ride behind the boat. We were shocked, to say the least. Vim and I have been trying for years to get him to even rid in a tube behind the boat. Not only did he get on the board and ride forever, but he wiped out twice and had to be convinced to take turns.

Then on Monday evening we went to the neighborhood pool. Understand that this is the child that screams if a drop of water gets anywhere near his eyes while in the bath tub. He got all done-up in his snorkeling gear (cause every 4yrs old needs snorkeling gear) and ventured down the stairs of the big pool. Slowly he shed the flippers (mainly because he kept kicking me with them) and the 'breather pipe' (as he calls it). We were left with only a huge mask, 2 sizes too big for him. Then it happened, he decided to go under water. I mean full head and all under the water. He was under the water for 4 whole seconds (I counted)...this was definitely a first for him. He only choked on half the pool a few times but no tears were shed...and that my friend is a good thing.

Finally the strangest and biggest accomplishment was last night. We were outside partly because our kitchen floors are torn apart right now and partly to participate in National Night Out (which we were the only family participating). William walked out, opened the garage, put on his helmet and pads. I asked him what he was doing...he simply stated, quite matter-a-factly that he was going to ride his bike. I said 'ok', since I didn't want to discourage my son from trying. But the facts were that his training wheels had been off since May and he had yet to ride with us holding him up. But he decided it was time, and boy was it time! He got on his bike and rode down the drive way. We were dumbfounded.

I guess when he decides, he decides.