Everybody Needs a Red Tricycle

Alex earned another big prize from his Big Boy Boot Camp accomplishments: a shiny new red tricycle, even with the 'hair' on it (handlebar fringe). Dan had taken Alex to look at tricycles some months ago. Alex selected the very sturdy and very attractive Schwinn Roadster. We tried to find it at the store again last weekend to no avail, so we had to order it online. It arrived on Friday and we assembled it this morning. Alex wanted to take it out for a spin NOW!

And we were all too happy to go with him.

He was besides himself with joy about his new tricycle, even though it proved to be harder for him to do than he originally thought it would. But he practiced and practiced while we pushed him or pulled him by the handlebars. By the end of the day, he was able to pedal himself a few feet.

That didn't stop him from thoroughly enjoying pointing out his new trike to everyone who passed. He wanted to take it through the sidewalks and past the school. I can only assume that he wanted to show the big boys who are often there with bicycles just how big HE was getting too.

After a wonderful afternoon of practicing in the park, we decided to go for ice cream to celebrate. While in Applebee's, Alex was not happy one bit that we had to leave his tricycle parked in an area in which he couldn't see it. "Someone will take it!" he cried. We assured him that we could clearly see if someone went up to the trike. No sharing rule was in effect for the ice cream, of course, but he let up on it. Apparently he was appreciating the trike we gave him.

He'd told us yesterday while walking towards the train station "I love you both". I guess he was feeling all sorts of warm and fuzzy towards us again today.

We had to make a stop at CVS for a few things before we headed home. Unfortunately, Alex wanted to ride his tricycle all the way home from the lower school (Warren). It won't be so bad when he knows how to ride it. It's the having to bend over to reach a 21" tryke to pull or push it all the way home that hurts.

No matter, Alex tried and tried to pedal himself. He'll get there. We're sure of it.

Congrats on your new ride, Baby!

Sunday, October 3, 2010