Smart, Amazing, Where is him?

As a family we try to get outside and go on a walk every day.  Releasing energy is rather therapeutic for the boys (and for us).  The other day it was sunny but misleadingly chilly.  So we had the kids in long sleeves shirts and pants to battle the wind.  I, of course, figured I would be okay and ended up in shorts and a short sleeve shirt.  We headed out and got a block or two down the road when Blake said, “Dad, it’s a little bit cold out here.” 

I said, “Yes it is.  You’re very smart to have pants and a long sleeve shirt on huh?” 

Without missing a beat he looked back at me with my shorts and short sleeve shirt on and asked, “Dad….why aren't you smart?”

Nothing like your kid making you feel special huh? 

Dylan has shown increasing interest in using the toilet, up until just recently he hadn't, so we were excited to help him transition into being a “big boy”.   Michelle came up with a chart system to encourage him, where every time Dylan goes to the bathroom in the toilet then he gets a sticker, accumulate a certain number of stickers and Dylan receives prizes (e.g. milkshake).  It took him a while, but the other day Dylan had just watched Blake run off to the bathroom, so Dylan says he needs to go as well.  This basically being Dylan’s first time, we knew we had to make it a big deal.  So, we helped him get ready and then……once he was finished, we proceeded to shout, whistle, cheer and dance around the bathroom.  He was elated with the praise and attention.  He looks around at us and with a huge smile, he says, “That amazing.”  He’d never said” amazing” before, so we think that means he was excited too.  We laughed and proceeded with the congratulatory high fives and overall adulation. 

Finally, Dylan is talking more and more.  It’s fun to see his progression.  He picks up stuff really quick and if you know Dylan he loves to be funny.  Well he is also getting more insistent as well. 

The other day, Michelle and I were in the kitchen getting stuff ready to eat and Dylan strides over to the upstairs banister that overlooks the family room and part of the kitchen.  He is hunting for his Buzz Lightyear toy but has misplaced him.  He looks down at us and says, “Mommy, where small Buzz?” 

Michelle responds that she doesn't know where he put him and that he needs to look around for him. 

Insistent that we help him find his all-important Buzz, Dylan calls down to us, “Where is him, now?” 

How can you not help someone that is in such obvious dire need?