Friday, July 4, 2008

Three and a Half

On Thursday, Dieter turned three and a half. I want to remember what he's like right now. He loves to pretend, and there are so many things he is interested in. Often nows he's "Sazzy, the Parasaurolophus," a made up character of his own. Or any other animal. Or Ballou the bear, because we just watched Jungle Book with him. Or, his favorite, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. He gets into character and says, "touch the spindle. Touch it I say!" with such drama in his voice! Lately, he likes to do two layers. Like, "I'm Sazzy pretending to be Maleficent" or some such thing. And sometimes, just recently, he pretends he's a one year old with leukemia. Sounds like he's jealous of his brother, but I think he's just working things through in his own healthy way. He's also very nurturing to Rainer. The other day when we were going on a car trip he made a special point of bringing "Big Winnie" just for Rainer. Later, he sang to Rainer and offered song suggestions to him; "what song would you like next, Rainer? How about Row, Row, Row Your Boat?"
He loves dinosaurs, pirates, singing, plain and colored Cheerios, running through the sprinklers, the beach, nature walks, throwing rocks into the creek, books (to have read to him and to "read" on his own during rest time), playing at the park, stroller walks, the "why" game, and visiting his Gam and Papa. He's eating more now, much more, and his little body is strong and sturdy. He likes chicken and fruit. He's caring. He told me after I got a sunburn on Wednesday's beach trip, "I wish you had a rash guard suit like mine so you wouldn't get a sunburn" --just of his own accord.
Dieter--you are a wonderful, creative, and loving little boy! I love watching you grow.

10 comments:

Carrie said...

I love his smile! Miss you all.

melissa s. said...

he sounds like a great little guy with a beautiful imagination. happy half birthday dieter (or should i say sazzy?)!

Rachael said...

What a gorgeous little face! I love their imaginations - the endless stories and possibilites. My daughter was 2 1/2 on 4th July - looks like we have an exciting year coming up! She also loves all things dinosaur.

Deirdre said...

This is a beautiful post, and helps me remember why I'm blogging (which I'm questioning a lot lately)---to capture my boys at this age in small ways.

I've enjoyed your blog since I discovered it last fall, but I had a baby this spring--March 12th and am just now coming out of the fog that is nursing/no sleep, etc.

And so I was shocked and sad to read about your little boys ALL. My baby brother (18 yrs younger than me) was diagnosed at 10. At the time I LOVED hearing success stories so I wanted to share with you, even though obviously ever experience is different, what an amazing young man he is today. He just turned 21 in June, and came to visit us.

For 3 yrs, it was like he was a different boy--bloated, bald, and he stopped growing. My mom bore the brunt of the mood-swings that drugs brought. And he came out of it like a deep-sea swimmer, clean and beautiful and fully himself again. He's 6'1" today (not that it matters, but we are happy that cancer didn't rob him of his height).

Maybe you are sick of everyone's need to share their cancer story too, but I love your photos here and your boy reminded me of my baby brother and I am eternally grateful that it is a happy story I get to tell.

Peace and strength to you and your family.

Barbara said...

Dieter sounds adorable. Such a lovely age. You're right to keep it in your mind. I wish I'd had a blog when my son was little - he's 31 now and boy did that fly past!

Mozi Esme said...

Happy half-birthday, Dieter! Keep growing and amazing us!

periwinkle said...

I agree about wanting to treasure everything , Dieter is just lovely - my soon to be 4 year old has just invented a new friend called Charlie Harry, kiddies imaginations are amazing
lisa x

Mainland Sister said...

Love that last shot of Dieter--that joyful expression really sums up what it means to be 3-1/2 and in love with the world.

Emily Cole said...

What a sweet boy! I love watching children play in thier own little 'world' - it's wonderful! My little guy is just starting to do it, and it's so neat!

Laura said...

Oh, yes...I try to 'capture' all I can by writing my blog, taking photos, keeping a quote journal with all of my children's funny sayings etc...but it is never enough...
I love all of the 'Dieter-isms' you shared. He is precious!