BIRTHDAY NUMBER 3
At just three years old Tobin is certainly carving out a name for himself. Undoubtedly the first thing people will comment about - or recall from past experiences - is the extensive repertoire of facial expressions which seem to change with every breath.
The way he has learned to contort his face is truly a sight to behold. The downside of this talent is when he uses it for things other than good - like trying to get out of something naughty he'd done, or just looking so cute that anyone else around starts laughing and letting him know he's succeeded at his little game. But what are you gonna do, right? Dang cute kid.
In my time I don't recall meeting a 3 year old with a voice that I'd describe as husky, but that's just how I'd describe Tobin. And it surely goes along with his nature too. He's absolutely a brute, and were our family to be operated like a hockey team and assign an enforcer, Tobin is hands-down that individual. Being the older brother to a sister myself, I'm glad that our little girl will have 2 big brothers. I know that Blane will be an excellent oldest sibling, but I suspect Tobin will be the one scaring unwanted male suitors away in the manner his father once did...
So yeah, normally he's a tough kid, and generally he acts even moreso. But occasionally his facade drops away and you get a look at the sweet kid beneath...
Leading up to Tobin's yearly Doctor visit for immunization shots and growth tracking and all that (by the way, he's in the 70th percentile for weight, and 90th percentile for height - having grown 4.5 inches in the last year, at 3ft 3in tall) I overheard them talking in bed one night. The conversation was a sweet and tender one, and it was one of those things that just touched my heart and made me smile all over.
Tobin was asking Blane about his upcoming Doctor's appointment with concern in his voice - the tough show gone for a few moments - mostly concerning the shots that were sure to come. He asked Blane if they hurt, to which Blane replied, "Yes. I cried for mine." Tobin didn't like this and asked why he had to get them, and Blane answered in a big-brotherly, knowing - but reassuring - voice, "Because they make sure you don't get sick."
The love and trust, and guidance that I was able to listen-in on for those few brief moments was a special treat, and I'm so glad they have each other - even if most of the time they're bashing each other senseless.
The Doctor, by the way, was very impressed with Tobin - "He's extremely smart..." - after he answered every single question correctly. Apparently, he told Kristen, something that rarely happens with the 3 year olds. Call me a proud daddy!
The other side of Tobin is cuddly and loving to the nth degree. He snuggles like nobody's business and will absolutely smother you with kisses, and 'loves'. When it's time for me to leave for work each morning, I get no less than 3 kisses and hugs on my way out the door, which usually ends with him blowing me a kiss from the sidewalk as I drive off. Definitely the best part of my day.
The fish part of Tobin seems to be almost fully developed, as he will excitedly jump right into the water without a care in the world. He sinks to the bottom, launches himself up and out. Sputters. Starts over. No problem I guess... He's been a quick learner in swim lessons too, when he wasn't fooling around with his brother.
These are all the big things - the things everyone sees. But the things I truly love are the little bits that only Kristen and I are usually privy to on a regular basis:
When he falls asleep in the car, he will always be found with his hands and arms tucked behind his back. It's just his way, and he does it every single time. When he's awake in the car however, he's always asking for Johnny Cash on the stereo. Specifically, it's Joaquin Phoenix singing Johnny Cash from the Walk The Line soundtrack. He loves it has been known to sing along now and then.
When he comes down to our room in the mornings and lays down with us - albeit, momentarily at best - he whispers unintelligible things to himself to keep busy. I've listened and tried to make out the conversation he carries on with himself, but I've never been able to follow along. All I know is it's cute as can be.
He answers to:
Baby (which will be changing in mere weeks)
Boo-bah
Manimal
Crazy
Tobin the Deanster
Jack Sparrow
Buzz Lightyear
Monster
Tobin - Happy Birthday my little Monster. You are the light in our lives, and for all the holes you put in our home, the headaches you cause, the sanity you strip away from your mother and me, we love you dearly.
- Daddy
The way he has learned to contort his face is truly a sight to behold. The downside of this talent is when he uses it for things other than good - like trying to get out of something naughty he'd done, or just looking so cute that anyone else around starts laughing and letting him know he's succeeded at his little game. But what are you gonna do, right? Dang cute kid.
In my time I don't recall meeting a 3 year old with a voice that I'd describe as husky, but that's just how I'd describe Tobin. And it surely goes along with his nature too. He's absolutely a brute, and were our family to be operated like a hockey team and assign an enforcer, Tobin is hands-down that individual. Being the older brother to a sister myself, I'm glad that our little girl will have 2 big brothers. I know that Blane will be an excellent oldest sibling, but I suspect Tobin will be the one scaring unwanted male suitors away in the manner his father once did...
So yeah, normally he's a tough kid, and generally he acts even moreso. But occasionally his facade drops away and you get a look at the sweet kid beneath...
Leading up to Tobin's yearly Doctor visit for immunization shots and growth tracking and all that (by the way, he's in the 70th percentile for weight, and 90th percentile for height - having grown 4.5 inches in the last year, at 3ft 3in tall) I overheard them talking in bed one night. The conversation was a sweet and tender one, and it was one of those things that just touched my heart and made me smile all over.
Tobin was asking Blane about his upcoming Doctor's appointment with concern in his voice - the tough show gone for a few moments - mostly concerning the shots that were sure to come. He asked Blane if they hurt, to which Blane replied, "Yes. I cried for mine." Tobin didn't like this and asked why he had to get them, and Blane answered in a big-brotherly, knowing - but reassuring - voice, "Because they make sure you don't get sick."
The love and trust, and guidance that I was able to listen-in on for those few brief moments was a special treat, and I'm so glad they have each other - even if most of the time they're bashing each other senseless.
The Doctor, by the way, was very impressed with Tobin - "He's extremely smart..." - after he answered every single question correctly. Apparently, he told Kristen, something that rarely happens with the 3 year olds. Call me a proud daddy!
The other side of Tobin is cuddly and loving to the nth degree. He snuggles like nobody's business and will absolutely smother you with kisses, and 'loves'. When it's time for me to leave for work each morning, I get no less than 3 kisses and hugs on my way out the door, which usually ends with him blowing me a kiss from the sidewalk as I drive off. Definitely the best part of my day.
The fish part of Tobin seems to be almost fully developed, as he will excitedly jump right into the water without a care in the world. He sinks to the bottom, launches himself up and out. Sputters. Starts over. No problem I guess... He's been a quick learner in swim lessons too, when he wasn't fooling around with his brother.
These are all the big things - the things everyone sees. But the things I truly love are the little bits that only Kristen and I are usually privy to on a regular basis:
When he falls asleep in the car, he will always be found with his hands and arms tucked behind his back. It's just his way, and he does it every single time. When he's awake in the car however, he's always asking for Johnny Cash on the stereo. Specifically, it's Joaquin Phoenix singing Johnny Cash from the Walk The Line soundtrack. He loves it has been known to sing along now and then.
When he comes down to our room in the mornings and lays down with us - albeit, momentarily at best - he whispers unintelligible things to himself to keep busy. I've listened and tried to make out the conversation he carries on with himself, but I've never been able to follow along. All I know is it's cute as can be.
He answers to:
Baby (which will be changing in mere weeks)
Boo-bah
Manimal
Crazy
Tobin the Deanster
Jack Sparrow
Buzz Lightyear
Monster
Tobin - Happy Birthday my little Monster. You are the light in our lives, and for all the holes you put in our home, the headaches you cause, the sanity you strip away from your mother and me, we love you dearly.
- Daddy
posted by nick @ 10:59 AM
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