The Griesbaum Family: Through a Toddler's Eyes

Oh what I would give to know what Gavyn is thinking most of the time! He isn't much of a talker, and when he does it is certainly not about giving my insight to what he thinks or feels. It is more telling me about which book he wants to read or how I have to come see what he is doing, NOW! I would just love to know what he thinks of this whole Halloween thing. I get him dressed up in a costume that isn't all that practical, and we go to parties where people are dressed up as all different things. He doesn't seem to mind any of it, but does he enjoy it? Why are all the PBS shows showcasing this odd behavior? Going to parties and getting candy? Bring that part on! I just wish I could really comprehend how much he understands about make believe versus reality. He has an incredible imagination and I am always impressed with how he plays with his animals or trains or other toys. I suppose he knows that he is not a bat, and that it is all dress up, but what does he think of that? I spend a lot of time talking and explaining, so hopefully if he has questions he can't voice, maybe I answer them eventually.

In his bat costume - it looks much better with the hood and ears :)

My Mom always made our costumes as kids, and I have vowed to do the same.

This is our meetup group - The Champaign-Urbana Parents group that Gavyn and I are involved in. Such a great group of Parents and kids - I don't know what I would do without them!

I also wonder just HOW much he understands about his little sister on the way. He definitely knows there is a baby in my tummy, and he adorably gives her hugs and kisses and calls her Baby Alli, but when she is in the flesh, will he know that this is his Baby Alli? Will he make the connection that this was the little thing that kicked his hand? He always seems to amaze me with what he does know, so I am thinking he will get it, but will he understand that this is his little sister, and not just some random baby? I hope so. I hope that he loves her immediately, like some Moms have told me happened with their little ones. I hope understands that they are both so important to me and that I love them equally, despite the fact that the baby gets to sleep in our room for a while and she gets to be held a lot. I feel like we are doing the best we can to prepare him, but I think in the end it is up to him and his instincts to guide him.