April firsts

So this month has been full of adventure.  Aeli is potty trained.  Nathan is walking.  And Justin decided that he could ride a bike without training wheels today. (April 28th) 

So we started the month with potty training Aeli.  It was a little rough at the beginning, quite surprisingly.  But she is doing pretty well now.

Nathan has been very cautious about walking but finally decided that he could, in fact, do it.  So he has a great time toddling around the house.  He thinks it's hilarious when he falls down and sometimes does it on purpose.

Justin decided a few days ago that he wanted to try riding his friends bike that didn't have training wheels on it.  He didn't actually ride it he just kept his feet on the ground and pushed himself around.  Occasionally I would see him push hard to see how far he could go before putting his foot down again.  Today, Aeli knocked on the door, and I opened it to see Justin riding down the grass hill.  Full out riding, feet on the peddles and everything.  I happened to catch the first or second attempt.  Words cannot describe the look of joy on his face at discovering that he could do this.  I was pretty impressed that Justin had figured out how to get over the hard part of riding a bike- getting going- by riding down the hill.  Anyway, he ended the evening riding around the parking lot in circles.  There was no Dad running behind the bike holding on and eventually letting go.  That was when I realized that this is how it is going to be for the rest of Justin's life.  He just absorbs and observes and then does.  There aren't very many teaching moments.  He just does it, whatever it maybe, one day when he decides that he can.  This makes me a little bit sad, teaching is always fun.  But at the same time it is amazing to watch him figure things out on his own and it makes me very proud.  Good Job Justin!