The time I tried to teach my little man how to ride a bike

The weather is finally starting to warm up and we are playing outside every chance we get. One night last week was particularly nice and so I thought it would be a good time to try to teach my little man how to ride a bike. We tried to teach him last year, but he was definitely not ready and we didn't get very far. However, this year I am determined. The boy needs to ride especially if we are going to be able to ride as a family. However, he's seriously lacking in the balance and confidence department, but he is making huge strides and I am confident that in the near future he will be riding like a pro. 

 

Ready for the maiden voyage.

 I don't know who was working harder. Me, as I tried desperately to run without dying, or Tiger as he tried so hard to balance, pedal, and steer at the same time.

Getting pumped to try again as he is handed off to dad.

 Still working on that balance. He keeps forgetting that he needs to continue to pedal in order to stay upright.

 Now he's just plain tired and the ability to balance has really gone out the window.

It is possible that I thought I was going to have a heart attack after running down the street with that kid. Running is the worst and I am seriously out of shape.

 Big hugs from his favorite brother. Tiger didn't master the bike on this night, but we made huge strides in his confidence and conquering his fears. Rock on little man!

Missing teeth

It happened a couple of weeks ago, but my little man finally lost his other tooth. It was getting ugly there for a while. Nothing we did could get that tooth out. We pushed and pulled and bribed the boy, but that tooth was not coming out. Finally, it happened one day at school while he was eating lunch. Pop, out it came and he was thrilled and ready to cash in on our promised bribes. So, after documenting the now missing tooth my boy and I headed to Krispy Kreme for a donut and then off to 5 Below for a cheap toy. He was so excited and proud of himself. I hope the rest of his teeth aren't this difficult because there are still a lot that need to come out.

This also marks the end of my boy having a "little boy" face. So sad. Once those big gnarly adult teeth start coming in I can no longer pretend that he is my baby and he will have entered the awkward phase. Sigh.

He's his own man

Not too long ago Tiger celebrated his 100th day of school this year. The kids were encouraged to dress up as 100 year old little people and the day was dedicated to the number 100. Very cute. I thought for sure that my little man would totally get into this since he loves to dress up so much, and I was right. Just not about him wanting to dress up like a 100 year old man. He wanted to dress up, but on his terms and he knew exactly what he wanted. He wanted to wear his white shirt because he likes to pretend that it is his lab coat and Flint Lockwood from Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs wears a lab coat. He also wanted me to draw a mustache and goatee on him because that's what Tony Stark has on his face. So there you have it. Instead of a 100 year old man, he was just a slightly older man. I'm sure no one at school got it and his teacher probably wondered what was going on, but my boy was happy and looking pretty dapper too. He then continued to have me draw that mustache and goatee on through the weekend, but I drew the line when it came to church. Goofy kid.

Tooth

Last week this boy lost a tooth. His front teeth have been so loose for so long, but unfortunately he is scared to death to loose teeth and so I thought they would never come out. Luckily, when he was outside playing in the snow he accidentally hit himself in the face with a little plastic shovel and his tooth popped out into the snow. He handled it quite well, actually. In fact, he was quite proud of himself. Now, if only we could get the other one out then all would be well because it has turned into quite the nasty snaggle tooth. I'll spare you a picture of that.

Shaving

It's important for kids to learn these life skills at an early age. First, the shaving cream is applied. Second, dancing must ensue as well as some manly flexing, because there is a mirror to look into after all.

Next, it's time to pull out the razor and pose for mom because you realized that people were watching you and pictures were being taken. Never fear, he was properly supervised and the guard was on the entire time.

Looking good little man. I am so glad you are no where near needing to do this for real yet.

A typical sight

Tiger often climbs into Sparky's bed, sometimes during the day, and sometimes during the night when he needs a little comfort. Sometimes they wrestle, sometimes they snuggle, and sometimes they read. As badly as Sparky wants a room of his own, I know that one day he will miss these special brother moments that come from sharing a room with a little brother.

More of Batman

Remember a few weeks ago when Tiger had his face painted like Batman? Here's a couple of other things that our little super hero did that day while wearing his face paint.

Batman likes to draw comics.

Batman also likes to ride his bike.