It struck me a few days ago that something was changing in
Koa’s life and I was missing it. For a long time now, when Koa was acting
especially happy—usually sitting at the kitchen table with the rest of us (and
eating food!)—he would break into this amazing smile. His entire face would
scrunch up, he’d raise his head slightly, and his eyes would close to slits as
he grinned. We call it the squinty-eyed smile. Every time he smiles this way,
there is no other option but to smile back and usually to laugh. It is adorable
beyond words.
But, as with many such things, it is nearly impossible to
catch on camera. And as with many such things, it has begun to pass.
He is still often ridiculously happy—seriously, he’s such a
happy, charming toddler—but the squinty-eyed smile doesn’t make its appearance
nearly as often. And on Sunday, as I was doing something else, I realized that
someday, a year from now, five years from now, I may not remember it at all.
This little part of his growing up that has been such a delight to all of us
could be gone completely.
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This is close to the right smile, but it's not quite big enough.
Also note the boots and footie pajamas. Style, baby. Style. |
Now, more often than not, he wanders around the house with
his lips sticking out in this adorable duck face. It’s like he’s trying to
smooch the whole world. At some point, this phase will pass too (at least I
hope so; that would make for a seriously awkward teenager!). And if I don’t
document it, I’ll forget, just as I have certainly forgotten all sorts of other
things with all three of the children. But at least I can occasionally recall
some highlights. For example:
* This kid loves his shoes, especially his boots. He brings
them to me to put on all the time. Sometimes it’s because he wants to go
outside, but sometimes it’s just because he wants them on. He also loves to try
on everyone else’s shoes, but his own are his favorite.
* He also loves footie pajamas. Not as much now as a few
months ago. Back then, when I would get out a set of footie pajamas he would
smile and rush to me to get them on. When I set them out flat on the ground, he
would lie on top of them to make it easier for me to put them on. (Since
writing this all last week, however, he seems to be on a clothing strike, and
he especially hates having footie pajamas put on. See? Things pass with amazing
swiftness.)
* So, yes, he does spend a large majority of his time
wearing footie pajamas with boots on over them. It’s quite a fashion statement.
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| This is also close, but still not quite there. Also, blurry. |
* The girls have decided that his favorite color is pink.
This is partially because Coriel doesn’t like pink at all right now, so when we
get out dishes, she always makes sure someone else gets the pink ones—so
usually it’s Koa. He doesn’t object.
* He doesn’t seem to enjoy cars and trucks and trains any
more or less than our other kids. They’re fun because they roll, but he also
loves playing with other stuff just as much. He does, however, really like
balls. He has definitely learned to throw them a little earlier/better than
Coriel or Addra did.
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| Pandy! And real clothing! |
* He also really loves stuffed animals. His favorite is
Pandy, a stuffed panda that Aunt Dawn got him for Christmas. It’s about half
the size of him and just really good for snuggling. We also have a couple other
bears he loves to snuggle.
* If Brice is home, he always wants Brice. If Brice isn’t
home, and I have done something mean (like refusing to feed him more gummi
bears or making him take a nap), he will run for Coriel. Coriel gives him a hug
and snuggles him, she strokes his back, and he leans his head on her shoulder.
He really loves that girl, and she is a wonderful big sister to him.
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| Just because he's adorable. |
Those are some of the lovely things about Koa these days. He
is such a source of fun and love in our lives. He really is a delight. In fact,
not to brag or anything, but all of our kids are pretty stinking awesome.
Now I just wish I could get a picture of that smile!
