James has been enjoying the Parent/Child class we started last month. After his (literally) bumpy first day, he’s settled in nicely and is happy around the other toddlers, even if they mostly just circle each other like semi-interested cats. I’ve liked meeting new people but I really love seeing what makes my little guy tick. I’ve learned if there’s one thing that makes James over-the-moon happy, it’s running as fast as he can.
James’ class took a field trip to the local pumpkin farm last week, and he put his “don’t hold me, don’t hold my hand, I just wanna run” skills on display.
I don’t care if we’re on a hay ride, put me down.
I don’t care if you’re nice and gentle, don’t hold my hand.
When he saw the wide-open pumpkin fields, he was like, “Bye Mom.”
“From that day on, if I was ever going somewhere, I was runnnnning!!”
What’s that, James? You want to take a picture with your mom and some dear friends?
Or…not.
He did stop for a nanosecond to pick out a pumpkin, so mission accomplished there.
And he and Cait found an animal they could scream at in their baby language (screaming baby words is his second-favorite thing to do).
I’m trying to look at the bright side of having a runner. Like the fact that I’ll easily hit my 10,000 daily steps goal! Or that Annie always wanted to be held, so it’s nice to have an independent kid! Or that he’ll surely be a star on the cross-country team someday!
I used to think strollers were invented for kids who couldn’t walk (or couldn’t walk well/for long), but in James’ case, the stroller was invented for a kid who walks too well. I’m happy I still have the stroller-containment option!
Giselle says:
His cuteness is overwhelming. You better be careful that no one tried to take him home!
Are you going to show us the carved pumpkins from your shopping trip with Annie to the pumpkin patch? I’m dying to see what Annie made/makes!
roshan says:
I hope you enroll him into every track and field sport at school and then when he picks up something he likes just sit back and watch him go. Our very own cheerful Gump!
Christine says:
That is a great looking pumpkin patch. Where is it?
Heather says:
It’s Underwood Farms in Moorpark!
Angela says:
Welcome to having a boy!I want to put my Fitbit on my 3 year old one day just to see how many steps he takes.
Heather says:
I’ve seriously thought about doing that!
BeccaV says:
Both of my kids are runners…have fun!
Paula says:
My boy is a senior in high school. He lettered in XC as a freshman and every season following. Colleges are offering his scholarships to run for them. Encourage it!!
Heather says:
That is AWESOME!
Jackson says:
Maybe I need to borrow James to get my 10,000 steps in :). I love active kids because of their confidence in what they think they can do and often can. I bet when you chase him that he thinks running is a game. Have fun.
Kathy Shipstad says:
This is a great post. There is such a difference between little boys and girls…..you are now starting to witness the little boy turning into all boy! Enjoy!!
Anna says:
Those pictures slay me! I love all the different running poses you captured.
Kara says:
My (almost) 2-year-old daughter is the same way! No cuddling or carrying for her, she wants to be active and independent All. The. Time. It’s equal parts frustrating and great at the same time!
Lenora says:
Is it bad that “Run, Forrest, Run” ran through my head when I read this? That James is so cute!
Holly says:
FORREST!!!! I am kinda sad when I think of the days ahead when I try and force my children to watch movies like Forrest Gump, and they are just not impressed. 20 years old that movie is. TWENTY.
Annalisa says:
Does James give pep talks? I have a 13 month old who has no interest in walking/running yet. Like his sister, he expects his mom to carry him everywhere. He’s already 24 lbs!!! I keep joking this one will have to be carried on stage for his high school graduation
(FYI, he climbs, he trots as a crawler, he’s just not into taking any steps unless I’m holding hands with him).
Noelle says:
When my daughter was a toddler I use to say if we opened a business that was just a completely wide open space where kids could just run back and forth without getting hurt we could make a million dollars!
Susan says:
I had one runner and run he did just as you described and run I did He grew up to play soccer, surprise! And he is a cop today, hopefully he won’t be running too much but the boy can still run with long legs.
Meg says:
That’s why I had to go with the leash in the airport this past week. A little running, but not toooo much.
Amy G. says:
I’m so jealous of your weather. I want to wear tank tops to the pumpkin patch!!
Laura says:
I have a runner who is about a month younger then Jamesie. I’m glad I’m not the only Mom using Forest Gump quotes in reference to them. Hahaha