King of the World.

Not only has Nate conquered, and taken names, for that matter, at preschool, the kid is on top of the world these days. (I don't mean that he's punched or kicked or physically hurt anyone by saying conquer either!). We all had some dark times at the beginning of this month. But, a few weeks later and it's all rainbows and unicorns around here.

On Wednesday it was Nate's turn for the coveted 3 Special Things bag. This is a ratty, old, yellow string backpack in which each kid gets a turn to take home and stuff with 3 of their favorite things and bring to school for sharing time. Nate's items didn't seem all too exciting or interesting, in my opinion. But, nevertheless, I restrained myself and let him take what he had chosen: a UM football ticket, a Geotrax toy airplane and two metal cars that he calls his derby cars. I realize the math doesn't work out here. 3 things, right? The derby cars counted as one. Nate explained to me with conviction that you can't have a derby with only car. I couldn't argue this point and they all fit in the bag. At pick up that afternoon, the teacher told me Nate had a really great day and all of the kids really enjoyed his derby cars. I would have loved to have been there to see him stand in front of the class and give his colorful description of a derby and follow with the demonstration of crashing the cars together.

Then, yesterday morning Nate had what I would call "the best drop off ever." He was beaming the sort of contagious beam we had seen the morning of his first day (prior to the screaming and crying, of course). He was still high from all of the attention he had received from his derby car demonstration. We both stepped inside the door and two little kids cheered, "Nate's here." The teacher smiled and said, "Hi, Nate." And, my boy, well, he grinned from ear to ear and bellowed "Good morning" to everyone in the room as he casually tossed his lunchbox in the bin. I know I tend to dramatize some things, but this I am not. He owns DK! And, his mama and dad are so stinkin' proud!

Then. Yep, there's more! He learned how to ride his bike without training wheels this week too!

It was really in a matter of moments. A couple of clear and direct instructions and he was off flying! He surprised himself. Please note the incredibly awesome Michigan football bike helmet that Tyler painted for him, too!

We all know the Baughman noggin tends to be on the large side, but this week they are all quite swollen with pride! What's next? Tessa will land a commercial or get an Ivy League scholarship, at this rate. Or better yet, retire her diapers completely!