Independence

    Well, it's been awhile. Much has been going on or so it seems anyway. Jack will be three years old next month. He can now speak very well, dress himself (with coaching), knows basic colors, can recite the alphabet (okay..we have to sing with him), helps cook, paints, makes play doh sculptures, colors, draws, swims and loves T.V. and movies. Actually he insists on doing everything himself which is part of his new found independence.
   "Don't open it! I can do it."
   "It's a heavy door Jack. I'll help."
   "I don't need any help!"
   "Ok."
   "It's pwetty heavy."
   "I know. Use both hands." Five minutes later the door finally opens.
   "Dad?"
   "Yeah?"
   "What do pigs eat?"
    "Feed."
   "What's feed?"
   "You know, I'm exactly sure. Corn and other stuff. You should ask your Grandpa that question. He would know for sure."
   "Do Giraffes have mommies?"
    "Yes."
    "Why?"
    "Um...well...all people and animals have a mommy."
    "Why?"
    "That's just how it is."
    "Oh. Are we going to O's?"
    "Not today. On Friday we're going over there."
    "I want to go there now."
    "No. We'll go in a couple of days."
    "Can I have a snack?"
    "We just had lunch."
    "I want a snack!"
   "No, we just ate. You have to wait awhile."
   "Can we go swimming?"
    "Yes, why don't you put your boots on. I'll get your coat."
    "No, I'll get it."
    "Jack, it's hanging up in the closet. You can't reach it."
    "Lift me up."
    "No, just let Daddy do it. Now let's get it on."
    "I can do it."
    "Okay fine. Go ahead. Okay you're putting it on upside down. Do you want help?" (Nods head)
Alright, put your arm through here. Good, now put your other one through here. Great. There you go. Okay put on your boots now."
    "I don't want to wear boots. I want to wear Thomas the Train shoes. Okay, that's fine I guess. Put them on. Jack, I appreciate the effort, but they're on the wrong feet."
    "No, I want them on this way."
    "Alright, I guess we're not going very far. Let's go."
    "I want to get the door."
    "That's fine, let's get your hat and mittens on first."
    "I don't need them."
    "Jack, it's freezing out there. You need them on. Now, let's go." A half hour later, we leave the house.