Firsts and Seconds

We haven't even been home with Michael two months yet, so we're still enjoying some fun firsts for him.

He tasted his first Grandpa cookie this week.

And today we were astonished to celebrate his first snow.

When Michael saw the snow falling outside the van windows, he kept exclaiming, "Mama! Baba!" and saying other words we don't understand yet. He was as excited as he is when he sees school buses and large yellow trucks.

He looks very serious here as he reaches for snow-covered leaves, but he was laughing when we walked through the falling snow. And he especially liked watching it fall from inside.

We weren't sure whether Louis had seen snow before coming to the U.S.--though we don't believe he had--but we are certain that Michael never saw snow in his city. He was fascinated.

Among other firsts Michael--and his big brother--experienced were camera-free days. (I forgot my camera at my parents' house a few days ago and we picked it up during the snow showers this afternoon.) And we also lost Michael's beloved ABC hat for the first time when we went to his first China Boys' Club play date this morning. He even tried to remind me on the way out the door, and I couldn't figure out why he was patting his head. We'll remedy that--not my forgetfulness, but the return of the hat--as soon as we can.

If Michael isn't complaining about his missing hat, I am crediting our friend Mrs. P. who sent him a wonderfully distracting gift yesterday.

Yes, it's a Thomas tent.

Louis has been in such a tent once before. "Baba," Louis announced when he saw it. "My cousin Paul has a Thomas tent." So Louis knew it was going to be fun. And Michael recognized Thomas right away. They could both hardly sit through dinner to get to the tent--and if you've seen my boys eat, you know that they are not easily pulled away from their food.

Before we set it up, Baba asked the boys to clean up the toys in the living room. Never has the room been cleaned so quickly. They couldn't wait to get into the tent.

Was it worth the wait?

Just ask the engineer. And the assistant engineer. Or fireman. Or conductor. Or whatever the right train terms are.

I was upset last night that I didn't have my camera and couldn't capture photos of the boys inside the train.


 I was afraid I wouldn't be able to show their initial excitement.

Tonight as they played, I couldn't believe I had been worried.

They weren't playing with it the same way tonight, of course. Last night we were somewhat sedately riding the train to our favorite parts of the world. (Last night they were also wearing coordinated outfits and pants without holes in them--and the other toys were all put away--but last night's photos would surely have been less entertaining.)

Tonight they wanted Baba to pretend to catch them inside the train.

Baba was a willing playmate.

As it turns out, the only thing more fun than playing "Baba's Gonna Get You" is playing "Baba's Gonna Get You" inside a Thomas tent.

The game lasted for most of the evening.

Most of the time the boys slipped out of Baba's grasp.

 

Still, every once in a while he snagged one of them for a hug.

Who knows what games they'll choose to play tomorrow?

Somehow I have a feeling the tent--and Baba--will be involved yet again.

After all, as much fun as firsts can be, seconds and thirds can be even better.

And this little guy--who apparently loves snow, trains, and Grandpa cookies--is hungry for more.