Mr. Independent

I know I have back posts to do....however, this was worthy of a post.

Usually when I call Connor "Mr. Independent" it is because his determined spirit is shining through. It can be very adorable and simultaneously maddening. When he does "big boy" things all by himself, it frequently takes more than twice the amount of time it would take me. Or if I insist on doing it anyway, there is a good possibility he will throw a fit because he wants to do it himself (alone) and I usually give in. (I don't encourage the fits at all, but it frequently just isn't worth it.) So in these cases the whole scenario takes about 5 times as long as normal. (think getting into his car seat, putting on his own underwear/pants, etc.)

Well, C had a late nap today so although it was late, he got himself out a chocate (cha-ket) pudding (pood-en). I was about to get his drink ready and decided to go was my face and brush my teeth for bed instead. While I was busy doing that, he was alone in the kitchen. Several minutes go by. He comes walking into my bathroom, "all finished, mom". "Good job, Bud! All by yourself!" (and he wasn't covered in pudding from head to toe!!)

The absolutely amazing part is that when I went back into the kitchen to get his drink. He'd turned off all the lights. Then I asked where his empty pudding cup was...."trash, mom". As I was walking over to get his spoon out of the trash that I was sure he'd tossed in too...."did you throw your spoon away?" "No, Mom...in the sink." There it was, in the sink....even on the correct side, opposite the disposer. "All by self, mom!"

I am still amazed at my independent little man. I guess all that time I've spent letting him be adventurous and do things on his own is finally paying off. :) Maybe he'll unload the dishwasher on his own next week?! ;)

After tucking him into bed (following stories and prayers....his prayers are soooooo sweet) I asked if his music was too loud. "Just a little bit, but don't turn it off. Just down." So much for me expecting a simple "yes" or "no".

Oh, and he took his first shower alone today. I was still close by to wash his hair and scrub him down after being in the lake (very chilly lake) but he was in there totally solo!