Great Grandpa Roger...you will be missed

Cole was so fortunate to have been born in Washington, DC. His birthplace allowed him to be near his great grandpa Roger who lived in Maryland. Cole got to spend time with Roger several times before our move to Minnesota. We have several photos of them together. Cole was just shy of a month old in this picture taken on New Year's Eve of 2006.

Cole's middle name is Roger in honor of Dave's beloved grandfather. Roger will be sadly missed but leaves many memories for us of a wonderful man and times spent at "The Coleson Crick". Roger left a legacy behind for his great grandson and we will be sure that Cole learns much about him.

Roger "Buzz" David Coleson, 88, of Nanjemoy, MD passed away at his Home on Monday, September 15, 2008. He is predeceased by his Parents; Emmett Coleson and Florence Wendt Coleson. He is survived by his Wife; Margie M. Coleson, Son; Mark D. Coleson of Arlington, VA, Daughter; Susan Lee Coleson-Fox of Seal Rock, Oregon, Sister; Leone Reed of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and 6 Grandchildren, and 5 Great Grandchildren. Buzz Coleson was a Veteran of WWII with the United States Air Force as a Pilot and retired from the United States Air Force after 30 years of service to his Country. He was a member of the "Greatest Generation". There will be a Memorial Graveside Service for Buzz Coleson on Monday, December 1, 2008 at Arlington National Cemetery at 3 pm.

Cole's TV debut....

Months ago, I created a PBS Sprout Online account for Cole. The site has age appropriate games and video clips and is PBS affiliated so it does not have commercials or gimmicky "stuff". Cole has displayed an affinity for our computers long ago so we figured that we might as well give him his own outlet for learning how to manipulate the mouse (fine motor skills) and give us another media form to help him count, learn colors and shapes et al.

Once I created his profile, I downloaded his photo which we could utilize by putting him into the clips with the characters. He loves watching himself on screen bopping around. Obviously we had to give permission to PBS to use his picture should they choose to use his photograph and all that legal jumbo before being allowed to complete his profile.

So five months later I get an email from Sprout Online stating that Cole's pic would be used in a segment in their PICME show. Randomly chosen from thousands of kiddos, Cole made his TV debut on September 9, 2008! It was an exciting moment that I was able to capture with our video camera since we do not have a DVD player (I know, I know, many of you live by those but Dave and I were trying not to let TV dictate our lives...we may cave but thus far we have survived without it).

Anyway, it was a fun and unanticipated snippet to add to his life's adventures.

At times I worry that I am too lax with Cole, letting him experience numerous tumbles at the playground resulting in a scraped knee or fat lip from running faster than his feet can keep pace with him. He is fearless and I worry that I am fostering a toddler who won't realize his limitations. Most times though I am so in awe of his continued strength and fortitude-his ability to take the inevitable falls, say "uh-oh", bounce back up, brush his hands off and forge ahead. He is such a determined little spirit.

I think my parenting style with Cole is working well. It is constantly evolving as he walks (or runs) through life. I think if he heard a warning every five minutes or felt my anxiety every time he might fall or fail, that he may very well fall or fail because I expect him too. That would be a very big fault on my part. So my motto is confidence breeds confidence and it seems to be a success as Cole skillfully navigates his world.

So when the other moms at the park throw a look in my direction as I let Cole climb higher or run full tilt with the resulting stumble, I let him prove them all wrong, as 90% of the time he glances my way looking for reaction; he receives a smile not a frantic reproach, he gathers himself together, gets a hug and kiss and is off scurrying around in play once again, the interruption to his momementum all but forgotten.