Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Perplexing and vexing all at once: 4

At four-and-a-half years old our first son, Junior, isn't quite so junior anymore.

Lately he's been throwing us for a loop. He can do it all by himself. NO, HE NEEDS HELP. No, he can handle it. NO, MOM I NEED YOU. One minute he's beating his chest and declaring, "I'm brave! Braver than Dad!" In the next breath he's whimpering up at me, pleading with me to pick him up and carry him.

At close to 50 pounds, that's no small feat.

He loves nursery school, so much so that he gets into the car before me and yells to me to hurry up. Yet he won't tell us what he does at nursery school. We're able to piece together some of his activities based on the sheer volume of crafts he brings home, but I'm convinced he took an oath of silence the day we registered.

He uses the word "like" a lot. He got that from me, which means I'm a valley girl who doesn't know it.

He's musically inclined. I prefer it when the performances take place after 8:30 a.m., but I realize that's not always an option.



Junior has my temper and I'm sorry for that. When I watch how Chuck handles him at his finest, I see how lucky we are to have such a patient man in our lives. When they cuddle on the couch, I see how lucky Junior is to be so loved.

When I asked Junior what he was doing the other day and he replied, "Not kicking Everett," it made me realize that when Everett is big enough, Junior's probably going to have a few black eyes.

Junior's been seized by the jealousy bug—to the point of counting seconds on hugs and kisses and claiming that Everett's lasted longer. He's also been seized by the "NO, EVERETT! DON'T TOUCH THAT, EVERETT!" bug.

He has no idea what his brother is going to do to his toys.

It's best that way.

I miss the malleable mini man Junior was at three. Some days I don't recognize the little giraffe who is racing around the house, demanding that I watch "the coolest move ever." He is quick to say no and even quicker to offer a bargain. I had no idea that four-year-olds were such used car salesmen.

But I love Junior at four. I love his "Mom, I sneezed and tooted does that mean I snooted?" I love his crazy self-portraits.



Most of all, I love the fact that even though I have known him his whole life I am still finding out who he is.

10 comments:

Mrs. Tuna said...

The ages 5 to 12 or the best! They are a bit more independent but still like you.

brokenteepee said...

"snooted" I love it.

He will continue to reveal himself until he leaves to reveal himself to his wife

VandyJ said...

Boys are an ever evolving mystery. I'm still trying to figure out Turbo. Bruiser continues to baffle me too. But I love them.

Julia said...

I feel a little bad for you with the mini jealousy. Somehow, someway that just did not happen with W & E. Thankfully. I often find myself thinking that there is going to be another "woman" in their (boys) life someday and I wish them (the women) the best of luck...

It's good to be able to enjoy all their fun qualities right now though. Just nice in the moment stuff.

Roshni said...

I wouldn't worry about the jealousy at all! Once your younger one is up and running, they'll be the best of friends... which means they'll be fighting eternally!! :P

NHGirl said...

*gasp* My little guy demands that I watch his "cool moves", too! They must take aside all the preschool boys across the country and teach them that.

Mama Badger said...

We're in the midst of the jealousy, too. It sucks, but on the days when they get along and the little one tells people, "LG's my best friend" I know it's all right.

Keely said...

Awwwww. Yes! Exactly. X does the exact same things. Especially the "I don't want help!!!" and then (30 seconds later) "NOW I want help".

Sigh. He's way more entertaining at 4 than at 3 though, because he was NEVER malleable. He was just as contrary and stubborn, but with more frustration and less debate skills.

Leanne said...

I love those potato people pictures! Actually, I miss them too. Sigh.

Sara said...

Love this post! Junior sounds like a great little boy. The used car salesman is so familiar. Must be a little boy thing, the art of negotiation.

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