William has been having a bit of an independent streak lately, wanting to try all sorts of things by himself. This includes stuff around the house like cooking or cleaning, but also extends to new challenging activities at the park. Hes been very into climbing trees and attempting new climbing structures at the park, and hes really very good too! He cries and screams a lot when learning a new structure, but he always figures it out in the end and the pride on his face is quite visible. He also recently learned how to go down fire poles and get on and off the zip line by himself. His biggest goal of the summer though, was to learn the monkey bars. As of this writing I would say he is about 80% there. He doesn't believe that he could do them without me holding him (though he totally could), and is perfecting the alternating motion of his hands. I think in another month or two and he will be able to go across most monkey bars on his own. I have been impressed by his increasing ability and bravery! His abdominal muscles clearly show the fruits of his efforts too. The kid has a 6 pack!
He has always hated sauces of any kind. If he sees another kid getting sauce, he will ask me NOT to give him sauce, just in case he thought I might. Its rather unfortunate because hes already a picky eater, and there is nothing I can put on his food that might entice him to eat it. That is, until recently. We were eating spaghetti one night and Michael and I had the Parmesan cheese out and Will asked to try it (I was shocked at this alone). He tried it and liked it! Miracle of miracles! But now Parmesan cheese has become the new sauce. He wants to put it on every dish, every night. The other night he put it on a hot dog! Whatever man, as long as it makes him want to eat, he can put it on fruit for all I care!Will likes to speak for Nora and decipher her messages for us. Often we will ask her things and she will present to us a blank face. So Will asks her to say, "yes" or "no" depending on the question. Sometimes he is a stinker and asks her to respond "yes" to a question that she would really not like to respond 'yes' to. For example, the other day Nora had a fit and threw her water cup to the floor rather violently. I told her that throwing cups was not acceptable and I asked her if she would like a time out. She just looked at me, so Will said, "Nora, can you say yes?" And so Nora nodded yes to needing a time out though she clearly did not understand the consequences. Will is such a nice big brother ;)
He likes to call Nora over by saying, "come on sweetie!" or "sweetie, I want you to come over here!" It cracks me up!! The best part is that Nora listens to him better than she does to me!Last Monday night we were in the car and we passed by the pool where Will has his swimming lessons. He immediately asked if his next lesson was tomorrow. We told him that he only has lessons on Saturday and he said, "is it the day after tomorrow?" And so I went through all the days of the week with him until I got to Saturday. He was quiet for a moment and then responded quietly, "oh. I think I can handle that." Michael and couldn't help but smirk in amusement.
This happened after a total meltdown at the park, by both kids:Will: Nowa and I are both out of control!
Me: Yes you are!
Will: But WHY?
Me: I don't know, but I wish you would both stop!
Will: No! We are NOT stopping!
Will has been more independent and more assertive these days, but that also means that sometimes he has been more blatantly defiant. We have had to take away toys and privileges in a few instances, for rude or defiant behavior. Most of the time, as long as he is not worked up or upset, he listens really well, but if he is upset in any way, all bets are off. As always, I try my hardest to be as compassionate and patient (though I have my limits) as possible, and I'm sure we will get through this phase as we have all the prior ones.
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