Thursday, May 16, 2013

Tough Guy

So...it had to happen.  Today Nicholas began his day with an epic wipeout on his bike.  He has only one speed - warp.  And we tried to warn him that at some point, he'd crash, but it didn't slow him down.  Apparently he smacked into the fire hydrant and took a nasty tumble into a neighbor's driveway,  Poor little guy.  He's got scrapes on his elbow and knee, but is handling it like a trooper!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

A Milestone Day...

OK... How many of you out there can remember the first time you rode a two wheeler bike?  I can!  I was on my "Cactus Flower" yellow and white bike with the banana seat on Crissey Lane.  Mary had her hand on the back of the seat and was running behind me... or so I thought.  I got halfway down the street and when I looked back at her, I realized that she wasn't there, and I'd been riding solo the whole way.  It's a moment I'll never forget.

A month or so ago, I was in a panic because Nicholas was not at all interested in riding his bike.  He was absolutely petrified of falling.  He was relying heavily on the training wheels and was at a constant tip.  He wouldn't even get on the bike without crying.  So, while in LL Bean getting him a new helmet, I mentioned this to the salesman in the bike shop.  He told us about a new concept in kids' bikes - it's called a Glide Bike.  It's a bike with no pedals.  They had one in the store, and Nicholas was flying around the store in no time!  The seat on the bike is low enough so his feet touch the ground.  This way, he can catch himself if he starts to fall.  His feet are both propelling and stopping him - he's in complete control.  So, we immediately ordered one for Nicholas and within 48 hours, he was gliding away - feet up, happy as a clam with perfect balance.  In fact, he was getting frustrated on our street because it's so flat - he wanted a hill to get some speed!  How could this be??  And more importantly, why the heck didn't I think of this genius idea?!? 

Well, today Nicholas saw his old bike in the garage and wanted to give it a try.  And this is what happened.  What an amazing day. We are so proud of our little dude...