Bruiser

That is what Little is. Literally and figuratively. The boy is tough. In fact maybe too tough, by that I mean the boy could use a little help with his self preservation skills. It is not unusual to see him keeping up with his big brother, wrestling, jumping on and off the couch, chasing Big or the dog (or both simultaneously), or dog piling anyone who dare lay still for over 30 seconds. I suppose that it should be no surprise that he has recently developed a few battle scars from his constant rough housing, including this recent black eye. This happened last Thurs (so keep in mind it's almost a week old when the picture was taken). He fell while playing at his daycare and I was told barely squeezed out a few tears. If you look closely you may also notice the bruise on his cheek. We are not 100% sure how this one went down since his brother and cousin where the only witnesses (and they aren't saying much) but the rumor is he ran into a coffee table and then fell on a toy.

However, none of his wounds have deterred him in any way, shape, or form from contiuing his reckless lifestyle. He is fearless. He has started picking on Big. The other day for no apparent reason he reached over and put his brother is a headlock. I swear I would not have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself! In his defense though, often times his toughness is born out of self defense. Apparently my sweet, laid back baby got tired of being pushed around by his brother and decided to stand up for himself. No more stealing his toys, he'll hold on for dear life and let Big drag him across the room. No more letting his brother get all the attention simply because he can ask for it, he'll lay down and throw a major fit until someone comes running. And above all else no more taking his food unless he is absolutely ready. He has been known to hold onto his high chair tray when someone tries to remove it and play tug-a-war. One last Cheerio? Don't you even think about taking that tray away. A boy needs to eat!

All that said, we love our little Bruiser because he is such a little bruiser. Sure we may eventually end up in the ER because he decided to jump off the roof, or maybe he knocks himself unconscious trying to keep up with the "big boys" in the neighborhood. But please don't tell Little that he is little. It would only encourage him to try and prove you wrong.

Maybe it's a second child thing. Sink or swim. We'll he's swimming or at least he's gonna jump in either way. Time to invest in a lifejacket.