Minky & Me

A week into being three years old, we are seeing a mature, more patient pre-schooler. Coco has been delighting us again and again with her cute turns of phrase and overall good humor. Good humor was something lacking on all sides in the late twos.

Coco has made some half-hearted attempts to wear underpants during the day in the last several months (though she had a long run of wearing them at daycare). But yesterday–and today so far–she’s worn them and used the potty every single time! It’s amusing how she lets me know she needs a “private moment.” She’ll start yelling, “hurry, hurry, mommy” as she gallops toward the bathroom. I get equally excited, shouting, “do you have to go, honey?” Boy, I could not have imagined getting this revved up about using the bathroom until I had a baby.

There were two other amusing things said this morning by Coco.

To Daddy this morning while cuddling in bed: “You’re great!” To me: “You’re smart!”

To Rocky, later in the kitchen as she leaned over, arm slung around his body, peering into his face while he ate a treat: “Rocky, tell me. Why are you a doggie?”

A few weeks ago, winter finally kicked in and it appeared that one could walk on Spy Pond – a block away. Tristan, Coco and I tested the frozen waters but stayed within 20 feet of shore. The very next morning, dozens of people were spread across the pond, skating, ice fishing, and walking out to the island. Yesterday, we finally got around to getting our skates sharpened, and Susan, Tristan, Coco and I all hit the ice for Coco’s first day on her new strap-on skates. She wasn’t sure she liked it but in a real show of maturity, decided to ‘practice’ for a few minutes now and then so she could learn. She’s getting so old and reasonable. We got some great pictures. Check them out.

Buzz Lightyear, in the movie Toy Story, exclaims “to infinity and beyond” several times. Coco has seen the movie and loves it. She has taken a liking to that phrase and says it too, though it comes out as, “to invinity and veeyond!”

School started two weeks ago now and I am waist deep in homework already. I am mildly concerned about how the workload will be in two weeks. That said, I will write a just a brief entry about Coco’s birthday.

Saturday was her birthday party. Six of her friends came, along with their moms and/or dads. It seemed like everyone had a good time. We decorated tee shirts, played games, had pizza, and a stupendous princess birthday cake.

Coco’s sister and brother came, too, which she was thrilled about.

It’s very hard for me to believe my little baby is three-years-old.

Daddy and Coco have just arrived back from a long walk. I stayed home to do my homework. And after Coco’s nap they will be going to a birthday party, while I stay home to do my homework.

On their walk, Coco said, “Daddy, there is a T for Tristan.” Layr looked around–they were on street without any signs–and said, “where is the T for Tristan?”

Coco walked to the edge of the sidewalk and pointed down at a painted line delineating a parking space, which does, in fact, look like a T. “There is the T for Tristan,” she said.

Every year at about this time–at least for the last two years–I start recalling things about Coco’s birth. I cannot remember if I have written about this before but even if I have, it’s a great little story and I’m going to write it again.

On the night of Coco’s birth (she was born at 10:37AM) I was so excited I really couldn’t sleep, even though I was exhausted. Layr had fallen into a deep sleep having spent the better part of 24 hours awake. Coco began crying at the foot of my bed in her little roly bed that they leave in your room, if you like. I rushed to pick her up and comfort her. What a little tiny thing she was. I tried talking and rocking to no avail. I then tried singing. I sang “Walking After Midnight,” by the incomparable Patsy Cline. It was the first song she ever heard. When I started to sing she quieted right down. I got the feeling that she was thinking, hum what’s this new sound?

Happy 3rd Birthday, Coco!