Stiring It Up

While Gates has only been on this earth about 19 months, I can already tell you, he likes to stir things up. He's got a strong will, clear opinions, and laser-like focus. These are not common characteristics of little people just trying to master how to walk straight.

We've said he was "feisty" from day one. In fact, when Gates was just a few months old we were sitting in the second row of a packed Catholic church - we're talking 2000 congregants - and I referred to this beautiful, sweet newborn as a "ticking time bomb." Because honestly, that's who he is. Had he woken up and not wanted to be quiet and held at that moment, he would have let everyone know, even at just a few weeks old.

What's cool now, is watching that energy evolve. He's beginning to figure out how to focus the energy and express himself in creative ways - when you have limited words and lots of opinions, the world can be a frustrating place.

The pots in our house are the perfect example of Gates' determination. He loves them. They are loud, heavy, and very inconvenient for me to be used as his toys...He doesn't care. He loves them. Any hour of any day you can find Gates hauling, or re-hauling them out around the house. He then goes and gets kitchen utensils to "stir" the pots. He has also recently decided that the small bottles of baby powder are spices and he's figured out how to shake them into the pot (and everywhere else). He leaves the room, I put the pans away, he returns and takes them all out again, and the cycle continues.

This same determination is seen with his disdain for shoes - though he is finally relenting a bit, but only on his terms. He can often be found outside in the yard, in the snow, without shoes on. He doesn't care. It's his choice and he's exercising his control. You may say, "you're the parent, put shoes on him." That's what I would have said before I met Gates.We're learning that when we treat him as a person - not an un-opinionated toddler, the respect is returned.

This determination, while a bit off-putting to some adults, is pretty cool to watch when channeled correctly. This short video clip is a great example of who he is. We went to a huge, open gym to get out some energy. Gates immediately wanted his own basketball. He took the ball and walked directly under the regulation-height hoop and began to shoot. He stood there for nearly 30 minutes, attempting to make a basket. He wasn't intimidated by the dozens of adults playing around him or the 10' basket above him. He wanted to make a basket...period. The heavy ball hit him in the head and face over and over again, he never stopped, his focus wouldn't let him. Finally the lure of a water break and power bar got him off the court.

Lucky us to have two incredibly fun, kind boys. I love how different they are from each other and how perfectly they play together. I could listen to their laughter together all day, it's the best sound. I've never fit life's "mold" for me and I'm glad I can now support our two boys as they shape their own molds for what they want out of life.