I don't need help. Four words we hear a lot of lately. This week Clark kicked the independence up a notch. Everything needs to be tried on his own first. I have learnt to factor in extra time before we need to be somewhere. For hurrying things along by not letting him do it himself often results in a reaction that overtakes the initial time to let Clark do it himself. Taking a step back and waiting for him to ask for help really is the best way to go I have found. I think it has coincided with toilet training, and the lead up to his third birthday. Of course, as I write this, my boy has already turned three, but more on that in the next post. This week however, his last week of being two, Clark climbed up a rock climbing wall out of my reach before I could blink. I think just to prove that fierce independence and to show me that he could. It really is a waiting game, a trusting game and a hoping he doesn't fall on his head game. Something that we do from the minute they are born but every now and then it moves up a level. When they suddenly seem to grow an inch taller and learn a new skill overnight. The game changes slightly, their confidence grows and you are filled with a mixture of pride for the person they are becoming and a tinge of worry that they may not know their limits and there may be tears. Thankfully the tears are still easily comforted with cuddles and kisses... and the occasional ice block.
And an extra photo this week because my boy is just so adorable... and it was one of the last I took when he was two.
Ten things I love about gardening with my child:
1. The look on his face when he gets to pick something straight from the vine and eat it. Like this season's first strawberry, so patiently waited upon to turn red.
2. Knowing where our produce comes from and what went in/on it to make it grow.
3. Clark's wonder at watching things grow from a seed or seeding into a bigger plant.
4. The glee, and slight chaos, that comes with a toddler being given the hose to water the plants.
5. Sitting amongst our plants in our garden and feeling the calm that comes from being outside.
6. Watching how much Clark loves digging with his shovel and raking with his rake.
7. The bugs and butterflies that a garden brings and teaching Clark about how they help the plants grow.
8. Clark's excitement when a new flower blooms and watching him smell it carefully and enthusiastically.
9. Encouraging Clark's generosity as he shares the tiniest of strawberries with us or picks us a flower.
10. How many more things Clark eats because he has grown them and picked them.
We have two vegetable patches at the front of our house as it is simply a better use of our space and means we can use the sun for all it's worth. Clark loves sitting on the benches at the end of the garden beds to eat his afternoon tea. He often points out the window and asks to go and "sit quietly" on the benches and it is a really great way to find some calm in our busy lives.
I cannot recommend gardening with your child enough.
We finally managed a trip to Taronga Zoo to see the Elephants. And it delivered. Warm sunny day and lots of playful animals to see. Most importantly Clark got to see Elephants in person for the first time. He watched them peacefully and curiously. The whole day was lovely, and better shared with his Gran and Poppy.
Our Sydney trip felt like a huge adventure... fireworks, the Zoo and lots of shopping. Thank goodness for an abundance of frozen yoghurt! We pushed ourselves and our little boy as it is not often he gets to see his Gran and Poppy and you know what? We got through. Yes, we all had less sleep than usual (add daylight savings cutting over in the middle) and it took a week for us all to catch up, but it was worth it to see Clark spending some quality time with his Gran and Poppy. His Gran who he loves 'more than chocolate eclairs'. Bless.
Clark loves. He is verbal about his love for people and also for his toys. He is affectionate and loves kisses and cuddles... when he is not being rough and tumble! He loves apples and his Slinky Dog, dinosaurs and olives. It is either dont like or love for our little boy, everything in extremes. This week he said to me "let's talk about ducks", and his monologue followed like this:
"Let's talk about ducks
Do you like ducks?
I love ducks
You love ducks
Daddy loves ducks
Everyone loves ducks
and dinosaurs
and houses
and people
and love hearts
and snakes".
Right now I am loving his super hero poses... and his need to chase every magpie he sees!
