Liam's birthday marks the start of spring. Mommy's birthday bridges the gap between Mother's Day and Memorial Day. Daddy's birthday closes summer out, falling once every seven years on Labor Day itself.
So the third summer of Liam's life is nearly over. It seems summer was created with children in mind; warm, sunny days for playing outside, evenings that linger, bathed in light until well after bedtime. Liam took every advantage of playing and staying up well past his 8PM bedtime whenever possible. It seems as though this summer was his first opportunity to play like a big kid. He played in his playhouse, kicked around a soccer ball, and learned to enjoy hiking in the woods. It seemed every day was filled with new adventures for Little Bean.
Early this summer, Liam couldn't make it up the ladder on the playground in front of the house by himself. Not only did he figure it out on his own, but he also showed his friends how. With practice, all things eventually are possible.
Liam also explored on back of a bicycle for the first time. Thanks to a new bike seat, he gets a great view of the neighborhood. "Faster, Daddy, faster," the backseat driver shouts.
With each passing day, Liam's vocabulary -- and imagination -- grew. Our little boy who once wailed when his needs were under met now explains in full detail that he wants his milk in the pink sippy cup with an orange lid, and if possible he'd like the milk to be chocolate milk.
Most of what he tells us about is really important. Yesterday, for example, he deducted that octopuses don't travel by train because there isn't any water inside for them to live in. Right now he likes to figure out what animals eat, and where they live. Squirrels live in trees and eat acorns, just like Piglet, he announced a few days ago. But then he wondered why Piglet lives in a tree, if in fact he is a pig. Rules are the foundation of a two-and-a-half year-old's existence.
Liam was helping me put away groceries. Fruits go in the fruit bowl; meats go in the meat drawer; cereals go in the cupboard. "Where do treats go?" Liam asked holding the dried apricots he loves so much. I didn't respond right away, so he answered for me. "I know, treats go in Liam's tummy!"
This summer, Liam's been working on more than just his vocabulary. Thanks to a great teacher at school, and lots of practice on behalf of everyone, Liam is nearly out of diapers. As soon as Liam is accident-free most of the time, Liam gets to go to Montessori School. He's very excited.
We look forward to fall, including Halloween and Thanksgiving. Summer is fun, but so are the other seasons!
