I'm playing with Vian and Sempi. Vian comes at me swinging a plastic sword. I stop it with my hand and hold onto it, to prevent further assault.
Vian: Appa is the strongest in the family.
Sempi: No, Amma is the strongest.
Vian: But Appa is bigger.
Sempi: He is bigger but Amma has more muscles. So she's stronger.
I've got nothing to say, that's just the truth.
Vian (3yo) is in the bathtub and I'm trying to get him to come out. Sempi (7yo) is already out and changing his clothes. I am losing my patience with Vian and he is losing his patience with this toy that he's trying balance on the rim of the bathtub.
After pleading with him for a while, I lost my patience and stormed out and turned off one of the lights in the bathroom. Although this didn't plunge the bathroom in darkness, this did darken the room just enough to cause Vian to yell and scream. Suddenly who comes running but Sempi. He asked in a compassionate tone "Vian are you ok? Is there anything I can do to help you?".
Clearly ashamed by my actions, I went back to the bathroom and got Vian out of the bathtub. I told Sempi that I'm proud of his actions and I wish I could learn from him. Sempi said in a serious voice, I could teach you. Here's his teaching:
Sometimes when things don't go according to your plan, you'll be tempted to do something bad to hurt the other person. But the way to control that is to remember that you should always treat others how you want to be treated.
He said the best way to practice this is to go to someplace new that I've never been to. In a new place, things won't go exactly as planned and I'll find myself often frustrated or angry. That's when I could practice being nice and not mean to everyone. He offered to go with me, so he can be there to support me.
I am speechless. My son is awesome!
One of my favorite items is sourdough toast with butter. This morning I decided to spread some jam on the toast as a treat. Vian enjoyed it quite a bit and came back for a second helping.
Vian: Appa can you make me a loaf of jam?
Me: You mean a slice, not a loaf.
Vian: Oh, can I have a slice of jam?
Me: Yes! Btw, it's a slice of bread with jam.
Vian: Ok. (licking his finger distractedly).
Imagine a chubby 3 yr old with stubby legs and a cute smile. That's Vian. Vian can be a charming little kid when he chooses.
This morning I was helping him use the restroom. After he washed his hands I offered him a towel to dry himself. He refused the offer and decides to wipe his hands on his shirt. I told him with a hint of frustration that he should use a towel and not wipe his hands on his shirt. He turns around, looks me in the eye and says:
"No I won't, you fuzzy little mammal" and walks away while I stand there dumbfounded.
I'm lucky to say that I was present when a new insult was birthed into this world.
It is raining in San Jose, there are little puddles of water on the sidewalk.
I'm walking with Vian in our neighborhood. I notice a small puddle and step over it to make sure I don't get my shoes wet.
Vian walks right through the puddle. Stops. Turns around and jumps in the puddle for good measure and then runs over to hold my fingers as we proceed with our walk.
Wet shoes are a small price to pay for the joy of jumping in puddles. It is wonderful being a kid.