Tuesday, May 13, 2008

I am just not ready for this...

Why is this picture of a boy's bicycle worth photographing?
To the average eye, it is just that, a boy's bicycle.

To me, it is so much more. It is the details of the kickstand and lack of training wheels. I am just not ready to have a child that does not require training wheels. Furthermore, I am just not old enough to have a child with a kickstand. How many other 30 year olds have a child with a bicycle sans training wheels?

I am just not ready for this.

I admit. I have babied my oldest.

When he was 15 months old and still not walking, I held him and encouraged him to stay near. When he started walking, the very next day, he took his first 100 steps and was off forever. When he was 18 months old and still not talking, I spoke for him and filled his life with stories. When he started talking, the very next day, it was in full sentences and full of reason. When he was 2 years old and still afraid of water, I gently washed his hair at night and glared down evil splashing children at the pool during the day. When he started swimming, the very next year, it was underwater and across the pool racing his sister.

I have typically waited for him to give me signs of readiness... cause really, in all honesty, I could never be ready for the next developmental milestone. I have always tried to be in tune with him because I have never been tuned. I never read the Mommy Manual that they sent me home with from the hospital.

So, when my first born love, approached me this week asking to take his training wheels off. I wept. I knew that once they were off he would be too. And really, in all honesty, I am not ready for this next stage.





Attached is a video for my family & friends to prove his latest accomplishment. As we were uploading, Jay asked me, "You think everyone will say... Good job Jay?" Yes, I do, Jay. I am so proud of my big boy. A boring video to the average eye, but to me... a whole new world of letting go. Sniff. Sniff.

80classy comments:

Dziadek said...

Brawo moj wnuku.Ja zaczalem jezdzic na rowerze jak mialem 14 lat- bo wtedy dostalem dopiero rower, a wlasciwe sam sobie kupilem.
Brawa-Jestes lepszy od dziadka o prawie 8 lat

Ashlee said...

I was 26 when my 6 year old had his training wheels off. {yes I was a young mommy!} Honestly, I would have loved to have him stay little till I was at least 30! :0)

And Jay...good job! What an accomplishment!

Flea said...

WOW! Yes, indeed. Good job, Jay! I didn't ride a two wheeler until I was eight!

Kristen said...

Good Job Jay!!

And hugs to his Mama as she enters yet another new stage. I wish the *new* stages would stop. :)

Anonymous said...

What a milestone!

My oldest I can handle growing up- she has always been a determined independent soul. But not my sweet, sweet baby. Letting go is the hardest part.

tricki_nicki said...

Jay, you are seriously ROCKIN' that two wheeler!!

OHmommy, that was the sweetest post. My oldest is ready for the trainers to come off too - your words brought the tears!

Anonymous said...

Oh! Good job, Jay!

Is it sad that I teared up reading this?

Beautiful picture.

Indy said...

OHmommy, there are tears in my eyes from the photo of your hubby and Jay. I love that photo. How can they be ready for no training wheels? Where did the time go? You will have to be there to hand me a tissue as we go through these milestones. I don't even want to think of Pre-K graduation.

The Mom Jen said...

Juno jokes. I wouldn't have thought it. ;)

Look at your big boy, congrats mom!

*sniff*

krissy said...

Good Job Jay......

I was more then ready for my daughter to ride a 2wheeler. Everyone else was riding them and she was terrified. And then one day, just like that, she was off. And I was happy that she was no longer the only 2nd grader that didn't know how to ride a 2wheeler.

Mmmm....I won't comment on the shorts. Make sure you go with him next time though! LOL!

Grandy said...

TOTALLY laughing WITH you!!

Unknown said...

That is so awesome! I am slowly starting down this road with T3 wanting to do everything that I have been protecting him from... they grow up way too fast!

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

I had a kid with no training wheels when I was 24!!
It's bittersweet, isn't it?
Jay is such a sweetheart.

Anonymous said...

Wow, that is awesome Jay!!

Um, Ohmommy, do you think I could borrow that Mommy Manual of yours? ;)

Rachel said...

That picture is absolutely stunning. It looks like a poster or a professional print. I am so impressed with your skills!!
That video is too cute!
Jay, that's better than 'Good Job' That is absolutely awesome and you are such a big boy!
I haven't seen Juno yet, I know, I know, so no jokes from me :-)

MarĂ­a said...

I baby my baby. I don't deny it and I will continue. She will always have training wheels on, even when she doesn't need them. LOL

diana said...

Good job! Reading your blog makes me soo excited about the future! I have a 19 mo little darling girl and we plan on having 2-3 more! Thank you for your wonderful posts!!!

CC said...

that'll be my son this summer! He's big boy bike ready! The (brand spankin new) trike will go to sister! :)

Laski said...

Oh Mommy. I hold him in my arms praying he won't figure out how to walk. But, alas, I tried this before . . . it didn't work. He is crawling, climbing, standing. Why must they grow up???

Congrats to Jay. I know it must mean so much to him.

Jeni said...

I think my oldest was around 7, maybe even 8, before she learned to ride a bike but she had a late start since we were living in an apartment in Maryland till she was a little over 5 years old. MY son and younger daughter, I don't even remember now how old they were but I'm thinking they were probably in the 5-6 year old range. I don't even remember now who taught them to ride their bikes for that matter. But it is a big step in a child's life. I remember my first bike -I was five when it was given to me and it created a love affair I had for many, many years of riding my bike all over the place! That's a terrific accomplishment for Jay and it won't be long before Lola will probably be following in his shoes too I'm betting. They do learn, do grow up way too quickly, for sure.

Zoeyjane said...

yay jay! that's a pretty kick ass ride.

i think as long as mr ohmommy isn't putting deoderant on his thighs, he's relatively ok. he doesn't wear crocs or thongs with white socks, does he?

Narci D said...

Good Job, Jay! :)

Katie Ryan said...

Yes, those milestones hurt. Just wait until they graduate elementary school. That hurts!

Unknown said...

Yay Jay!! So exciting!!
The milestones are so heartbreaking wonderful!!

Stephanie said...

Congrats to sweet Jay! What an accomplishment. I understand you being sad...whenever Karys does something new, I am so happy for her, but so sad to see how fast she grows up. I'm not ready.

Marie around the World said...

Good Job Jay !!
This is exactly what my daughter did last month and I was so proud and excited for her. I am really not sure I'd feel the same with my son !
Your post is so refreshing for me. It gives me the opportunity to walk on your steps as our sons are pretty much alike. It takes the guilt of protecting him off my shoulders ! Thank you for sharing your experience !

the dragonfly said...

Good job Jay! :)

My Little Mister is accomplishing things left and right. It makes me happy for him but sad to see him grow up so fast. Time flies...like Jay on his bike! :)

Dawn said...

Way to go, Jay!!!

My son wants his training wheels off, but I keep telling him he can wait until he is 5. Heck, my 6 year old daughter could care less if hers ever come off, and I am quit content with that. :-)

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Awww...he's growing up. And, we're never quite ready, are we?

It's a sweet ride, though!

Karen said...

Good job, Jay!

And good job, Mommy, for letting him go no matter how hard it is to see them grow up.

Anonymous said...

Well done, Jay!

Missy B tore her training wheels off with delight when I ran one over, and secretly at night when I creep into Lil V's room, I whisper to him how dangerous riding without training wheels can be and that he should just never, ever grow up. ;)

Seriously, I understand the milestone thing ripping your heart out. It seems to happen over, and over again.

Mama Smurf said...

GOOD JOB JAY!!!

1. You've babied your oldest...I've babied my youngest.

2. My daughter didn't start walking until she was 15 1/2 months old either.

3. My daughter wants desperately to ride a "big girl bike". We've taken the training wheels off and keep trying every couple days...but she's just not getting it. She wants it so bad but she's not the most coordinated of children.

4. I'm 36 and my LAST child is now desperately trying to become an independent young lady....and it makes me sad.

5. My husband has those same shorts.

6. We have the same refrigerator (no I'm not stalking you....I saw the frig in a previous post).

Will you be my friend (said in five year old whiney voice)?

justme said...

milestones .love it ...check out my giveaway !!

kimmy said...

I felt the same too when my kids ditched their training wheels. But, then I couldn't help but smile when I saw how proud my children were of themselves!

Kimmy

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

GOOD JOB TO YOU!!!

My youngest is 9. She is SUPER ATHLETIC... there is a family secret here though... She laughed and told me her friends would DIE if they knew she couldn't ride a bike. Her older brother and sister LOVE to ride their bikes. She HATES her bike. She REFUSES to even try. LOLOL She also laughs about this!!!

Anonymous said...

Good for you, Jay! You're really a big boy now!!

Rhea said...

Way to go, JAY!!! Awesome!! You rock, buddy!!

Bittersweet for mom, I know. :o)

AutoSysGene said...

Loving the shorts ;)

Great job, Jay!! Now, can you teach my 5 year old to ride like that?

Mom said...

My 6 year old barely rides her bike with training wheels let alone without! WTG Jay!!!!

Carissa(GoodnCrazy) said...

Number 1. Jealous of your NEIGHBORHOOD!
2. Jealous of a husband actually home for the child learns to ride a bike moment.
3. Jealous that you know how to utilize youtube (so on my list)
4. Jealous of your video camera
5. Jealous that you have this up on your blog, because my just barely 4yrold learned only yesterday to ride his bike sans t.wheels and I got it on my reg. camera's video, but CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO UPLOAD IT!!!!!

Sorry he's growing up, but I am ROCKING impressed with him!

Don Mills Diva said...

Good job Jay!
We are all proud of you.

I love the effect in that photo - if only I weren't too lazy to poke around Picassa.com...

Crystal D said...

Jay sure knows how to make a pregnant momma cry. He did a great job, I am so proud of him.
Good Job Jay!

Burgh Baby said...

Way to go, Jay!

And, OHmommy, that is why I keep my kid locked in the basement. They can't hit new milestones if you don't let them out, right?

Amy said...

Awesome job Jay!!

And OhMommy, dude, I know you're not ready for the training wheels to be off, but think of me, I'm going to have a freaking TEENAGER in a month!! Talk about not ready!

LunaNik said...

Ok, so I have a TON to say about this post.

Firstly: GO JAY!!! WHOOO-HOOOOO!

Secondly: Damn,girl, you live in a beautiful neighborhood.

Thirdly: Looks like OhMommy had a cocktail before filming cuz oh man were you bobbin' and weavin' with that camera. Seriously, I'm a little dizzy.

Fourthly: About your hubby's shorts, I AM laughing with you...really, really hard. For the love of god, don't ever, EVER let him go shopping along again.

LunaNik said...

Fifthly: I agree with Dziadek.

Wait...what the hell did he/she say?

3 Peanuts said...

Not just good job Jay---GREAT job, Jay! You rock! You need to come ride bikes with Will and Harry. Fifi, Lola and Kate can have a tea party and Ohmommy and I will go shopping! (Dads will supervise).

Ahem...some of us had our kids older (yes, it is true) so no, I was not 30 with a kid and no training wheels. You are lucky though because the older I get, the harder Mommying becomes:)

Kim

Meg said...

training wheels off -check.
successfully riding alone -check.
white basket? -check.

great job JAY! we knew you could do it!

Unknown said...

Yay Jay!!! I am OH SO proud of you, buddy!!

I will refrain from commenting on the hubby's "Juno shorts" as you asked...although I am going to ask about the white wicker basket?? Maybe paint it black and put a skull on it?? Or a darth vader mask?? I dunno.

OHmommy said...

DUDE...

The kid wanted a basket. They do not make baskets for boys. I went to Target took the flower off of the white basket and made it a boy basket.

amanda said...

yeah for jay and hugs for mommy :)

i totally get it!! the husband tried so hard on his two weeks of vaca to get beans to crawl. he just doesn't get it. i truly would love for her to sit still the rest of her life!!

they grow up so darn fast!

ssgreylord said...

Way to go Jay! You rock! Never seen a boy look so cool on a bike. Where'd you learn to ride like that? You'll be ready for the next Olmypics-I swear...

Kelli said...

Oh Jay, you are such an incredible boy!! Great job!! Ohmommy, I just love your stories of days filled with raising your children. It makes me long for the days when my children were younger and times were simpler. You have such wonderful insight into motherhood, know doubt because of your own mother. Thanks for sharing your world.

Kellan said...

It's sort of sad, I know - but he did a FABULOUS job and I think your hubby looks just fine!!!

Have a good day - see you soon - Kellan

Stephanie said...

How sweet...we just go Punky her first bike so I'm headed in your direction soon enough. I'll probably cry too!

Cynthia said...

Way to go Jay...not even going to mention the running shorts;)

Ali said...

ah! amazing!

Laura said...

AWESOME....he is great on the bike WOW...he is growing up fast...

Love the photos and video.

Congrats on this milestone.

Maybe this is when we start telling people we had the child when we were YOUNG...my father now claims he became a dad at 11....since I am 39.....

Anonymous said...

Way to go Jay! I think our boys are a lot alike. And, I dread something so big and monumental like that transpiring for us.

Moments Mom said...

Not a boring video at all! I remember feeling absolutely gleeful when my kids started riding. It's one of those moments that stays with you.

Good job, Jay!!

Kat said...

Yeah, Jay!!!! Fabulous job, big boy!!!
That still photo is just about the sweetest thing EVER!

Anti-Supermom said...

To be more Juno-ish I suggest Mr.OHMommy pull his sock up to his knees, and sweatbands - add that to his shopping list. :)

Way to go, Jay!

Kim said...

YAY FOR JAY.. I am so excited for him and teary eyed for you (stop making me tear at work already!! )

:)
Kimmylyn

Katie said...

Way to go big boy!! And I can totally understand momma!! ;)

Momisodes said...

Aww...What a milestone indeed! I'd be weeping behind the camera too.
*hugs* mama....

Ruth Cortejos said...

So precious! And WELL DONE Jay! Not a boring video at all...

I am 28 & have 3 kids riding bikes without training wheels :-O My youngest is four & just learned recently...it's hard to watch them grow up! I can't even begin to think about next year when she starts school...

Unknown said...

"When I see them all running like that, with their things bouncing around in their shorts, I always picture them naked, even if I don't want to. All I see is pork swords."

Oh yeah....you said NOT to make Juno references...sorry!

Eve Grey said...

Awesome. My boys reached that milestone at the end of last summer when they were 5. I cried for the loss, the beauty of the moment, their pride & my bittersweet joy at the passing of this accomplishment, one more on the road to growing up & one more step away from me. ):

the mama bird diaries said...

awesome job jay!

and yes... they grow way too fast. Way too fast.

Wendi said...

Way to go Jay! What a BIG boy you are!
Way to go OHMommy! You let him ride a bike sans training wheels AND you documented it so beautifully!
I love the photo of Mr. OHMommy running beside Jay on the bike...fabulous shot...oh, and cute shorts too!

Wendi said...

I was refering to Jay's cute shorts of course!

Blessings From Above said...

GOOD JOB JAY!!!

Great reference to the Juno shorts! ;)

Tootsie Farklepants said...

Good job Jay!!!

Now. What's your address, I'm sending shorts.

Resim said...

I had a child with no kick stand at 30 too - it's hard to grasp, I know the feeling. It's also hard to let go, and it's even harder when they become teens. Enjoy the time now!

Irene said...

Very sweet pictures and post! My oldest just learned how to ride without training wheels last week.

Yes, they grow up too fast.

Anonymous said...

Such a big accomplishment that is bittersweet. Tears of joy and sadness, don't you think?

Amy said...

Hooray for Jay!

As children we think that we will always live with our parents. As parents we know that everyday is a step closer to the day they leave forever. I know. I feel it too.

girlymom said...

Yeah for Jay!!!
I have a sore back from running up and down the sidewalk with Lolo holding onto the back of her bike. Molly had no interest in riding a bike along, she didn't even like it with training wheels, but now that her younger sister is learning...let's just say it has sparked an eager interest. This is why I am so behind on your blog, I have been outside removing training wheels, running the street, teaching balance and pedaling...I better at least loose a few pounds from this!

Looks like you are all doing well! Take care

lattemommy said...

Yay! Good job, Jay!

Sorry I haven't been commenting of late (although, you have 78 right now, so I'm thinking you may not have noticed!). I *have* been reading, though, so I'm keeping up on what's new in OHMommy land. Love hearing about your kids, and you too of course!

Hot shorts on hubby. Where can I get my man a pair? *grin*

carrie said...

Yay for Jay!

My oldest went without training wheels waaaaay too early - I think he was about 5. It broke my heart.

 

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