Z&Z

"Those fish have a really huge room to swim in! I wish I could go in that room."

"The shark is my favorite but I really like the unicorn fish too."

"Where is the alligator? He probably needs to put a coat on to come outside."

Zane packed our lunches all by himself -- juice boxes, string cheese, and granola bars.

"She probably wants to be left alone to nap."

"This is his nostril?"

"Oh. . . that's so cute."

"Good one, monks!"

"Why are we coming to a stop? It's already over?"

"This one can be a boar the smaller ones over there are piggies."

"I like dragons but I don't really like dragons. Let's stay away from dragons."

"How can I stop it?"

"I think the cheetah. . . I mean the leopard likes me."

Zanisms

I'm not sure why Zane calls his butt "booty butt" but it's cute.

He'll say, "Now I need to restart all over."

"Vanessa, you're not the parent!"

Then he makes imaginary play comments like "Do you want to see me die from my death?  While running into the couch . . . ?"

After using the word and when asked if he knows what a demon is he answered, "When you are really mean and bad and don't listen to your mom." Um...sure...? (;-/

UPDATE (3.23.15):
While playing with toy figures and Hot Wheel tracks, "Hey! Watch me plummet to my death!"

UPDATE (3.28.15):
While changing clothes, "My butt is free! It's finally free!"

And because I can't remember if I noted it when it started about a year ago -- Zane had a thing for requesting a drink in a particular cup or to help pour the beverage into the container by saying something like "Can I spill it in?" Or, "I want to spill! Let me spill it in!" Perhaps the few spills he experienced influenced his understanding. :-)

Wild Coyote

Did you think this post would be about my children and their wild energy?! Wrong. :-) This is about a startling reality!

So we went on our first after winter snows bike ride a couple of days ago. Just moments after this picture was taken, Vanessa raced further ahead and I kind of jogged behind Zane in case he needed me. Before the white building ahead, though, I noticed a coyote charging in our direction from a field off to the left. I was processing how I could get to Zane without freaking anyone or the coyote out. The coyote continued running and crossed between me and Zane, racing across the road and in front of a car to the fairgrounds, where it continued to run at a very fast speed. For fear the coyote would turn around and come back, I told the kids we needed to go back home.

Zane asked if we needed to tell the coyote's people looking for him. We discussed why the coyote doesn't have people. I pointed out to the kids that the coyote would typically be too scared to come around so many people, houses and cars, so he must be hungry to come so close.  The kids responded really well to the experience. I'm a bit freaked out by the wild thought that not only do we have to worry about raccoons in the "city", we have to worry about coyotes!

In Your Dreams

I've not witnessed such a thing with my children . . . until recently. I'm not even sure if I've ever noticed such a strong connection between two little people. I've seen Vanessa have close connections with friends but I've not seen a little girl so very smitten by my baby boy.

She was a precious little girl, with a soft lisp. And the level of connection made me think of the beginning of the movie Up, which I hadn't seen until recently, and with her being a little girlier than the little gal in the movie.

Here's how I describe the most moving parts of the interaction. This little girl just started engaging Zane. Next thing I know it all unfolds in front of me. Zane offered to share his flashy Woody LED light. She said her grandma went to the bathroom and would bring her back something. A few seconds went by and the little gal sad "Well, I guess I could have a turn while I wait."

Zane offered it to her. From there we continued chatting. Both she and Zane were amazed by the fact they are both 4. They held up 4 fingers to prove it and touched their fingers together. She started singing "Everything is awesome. . . " over and over and I told her Zane likes to sing that phrase a lot too. Zane started getting silly with it "Everything is awesome . . . poop . . . everything is awesome . . . pee. . . ." I shook my head to maybe not do that for her. :-) Under his breath he told me to stop watching. :-)

Then she reached over and grabbed his shoulders and with a tight grip and a subtle shake said "I have to tell you something." Zane continued being a little silly and somewhat falling loosely in her grasp when she said again, all wide eyed and confident "No. Let me tell you something. . . ." She let loose and stood up tall placing her hands on her heart and said "My heart is here. Your heart is there. I have Jesus in my heart. Everyone can have Jesus in their heart." I pulled back in astonishment and interjected "Wow. That's very true." The little girl then started singing Agency D3 and I said "Zane knows that song too!"

A moment later, as the little girl was starting to ease closer to Zane and plant a little kiss on his nose and cheek (Zane edged back) her grandmother returned. Grandpa pointed out to the grandma that the kids seemed to be very interested in each other. I shared a few of the connections they made, pointing out her VBS references and such . . . the grandma said they go to Genoa Church. (Phil and Leah, she lives in Pataskala, so keep an eye out. Her name is Karas. Just tell Seth to keep his distance. :-)  As we departed we encouraged goodbyes. I told Zane he should give her a high five. They high fived. Maybe one day they will cross paths again. For now he's mine.

A Signature Trait

Zane enjoys his time with Miss Carissa. He's still trying to muster up the first hello each time we visit the library but he's so bashful. Miss Carissa probably thinks he's not fond of her but if only she truly knew that he's quick to look for her and ask about her every time we're there. Zane expresses admiration in a less obvious way.

This day we discovered a newly released book, I Am Albert Einstein. What an adorable little book. You got to read it. Even if you're a man reading this post. :-) The emphasis on hair is so how I think of Zane. Everyone wants to touch Zane's and run their fingers through it. He's been quite patient with that since growing hair and often enjoys it. His hair -- definitely a signature trait.