This is 4!

“Actually, mommy, I told you several times to turn the music down while you were driving.”

Thus, begins 4 years with Austin. He is, according to his pediatrician, “perfect.” He is smart and interested in everything, but especially Star Wars and Spring daffodil and tulip bulbs popping up from the ground. He is thriving at school. It is an excellent program and while we don’t always get a full report from him about the day goes, it comes out in other ways. For example, last Sunday Austin and I took the streetcar to Union Station. As we were boarding, I pointed to a mural and asked Austin, “who is that?” He replied, “that’s Martin Luther King, Jr.” and proceeded to launch into an extensive song about the hero. They have been learning about Black History Month.

This has been a good way to finally reveal to Austin that there are people of different skin colors. I have been struggling with this. I have not wanted to expose him to the hate associated with discrimination, bias and racism, but I also know that I have the privilege to do that, because he is not a young black boy. The celebration of black Americans at his school is a constructive approach. As testament to the positive associations with race and destiny, Austin was one of two kids in his class featured in the MLK “I have a dream” display. When asked what he would be when he grew up, there is a photo of Austin next to Dr. King with the quote, “I want to be a racecar driver.” Hayden was disappointed. He was (is!) still hoping Austin will want to be a professional tennis player. With an ability to switch from forehand to backhand in mid-rally from the age of 3, I think that could still be a back-up career should racing not work out.

He’s also learned a lot about candy and cupcakes this year, too! We celebrated his 4^th year several times with cake for friends at home and cupcakes with his classmates. The piñata was a highlight of his birthday party as he and all the other kids gorged themselves with candy. They stuck it everywhere they could to preserve their stashes until cups were mercifully distributed to hold their booties. Interestingly, after the initial rush, most candy was left behind and tossed away, without complaint from the parents.

Austin recently demonstrated that he can count to 100 with a few prompts along the way. I am amazed at the acceleration of growth and learning that comes at this age. He loves to tell a knock knock joke and received a book of them from his Grandma and Grandpa when visiting Asheville last week. His favorite at the moment is:

Knock Knock

Who’s there?

Interrupting cow.

Inter-

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

He breaks his heart laughing every single time.

On our way to meet Uncle Jeff today, we talked about strangers and how we shouldn’t talk to them – a recurring discussion. He understands the concept well. He then discussed the fact that he can talk to mommy and daddy and grandma and grandpa, grandmom and pop pop and uncle Jeff. He was happy to talk about his family and has a good sense of their importance. He was disappointed his cousin Alexa wasn’t going to be with Uncle Jeff.  

As we walked the dog tonight in the rain, he said to me, “hey mommy, at the end of summer, my daddy is going to buy new running shoes.”

Daddy has been away this week and we are clearly all looking forward to his return!