My White Balloon Popped

I've found that repetition is important to toddlers. As of late there are a handful of conversations I have with Caleb every day. He begins by planning his agenda for the day. I'll hear him call me from his room and while I change his morning diaper, here are his questions:

"Ita Papa?" (Are we going to see my Grandma and Grandpa?)
"Ballgame Daddy?" (Is Daddy taking me to a ballgame today?)
"Basketball Hoop?" (Can I play with my basketball hoop this morning?)
"Doya?" (Will I be watching Dora the Explorer this morning?)

Then come my answers..."No, we are not going to see Ita Papa. No, Daddy is not taking you to a ballgame. We are going to have breakfast, get dressed, and go to big school."

"No beakfas, no dress, no big scool...Doya, yellow balloon, Doya, choo choo"

So in an effort for distraction I play the Dora episode about trains and leave him with a plate of food. Thankfully, I leave the room, sighing with relief that I have to finish getting my makeup and hair done for work and don't have to listen to the train episode one more time.

When I return it's time for dressing Caleb for school. Some days it's a battle. He pulls at his shirt and pants, kicks his shoes off and throws his socks on the ground. Eventually I get him dressed and out to the car. This has to all happen within a matter of 30-45 mintues, too.

Along the 15 minute drive to Big School, I hear Caleb point out every basketball hoop on the way. Then, usually somewhere between passing the BiLo and entering daycare I hear, "My white balloon popped." This was an event that happened about 2 weeks ago while his Nana was keeping him. It amazes me that it's still on his brain, must have really impacted his world. He'll tell me his white balloon popped at different times throughout the day.

Eventhough every morning is typically the same, I always feel a renewed sense of joy and love for my little friend. Caleb, you are a dear to my heart and Mommy loves you!