A Bicycle Built for Three

The internet is a strange place -- sometimes wonderful, sometimes destructive.  During the pandemic the internet was a source of connection, but it also revealed how outlandish and brazen people can be when protected by the anonymity of a screen.  Over the last few years I've found some extremely helpful resources that wouldn't readily be available to me otherwise, but I've also scratched the surface of how distressing it can be when nothing is vetted in a free-for-all environment. Recently I saw a few instances of how damaging it can be when everyone shares freely...or when no one takes time to closely consider what is being said.  I was part of an adoption support group on social media; there were two posts in quick succession that immediately raised red flags.  Both posts were seeking advice on issues that adoptees have clear thoughts on, yet the commenters were nearly unanimous in supporting the original posters (whose inclinations centered themselves instead of ...

Little Man turned two yesterday.  It is so hard to believe that it has been two years since I held him for the first time.  In some ways, the time has passed so quickly -- he is learning and growing daily thanks to his innate curiosity and capacity to absorb things quickly.  I'm constantly impressed when he says a new word or shows an increased awareness of the world around him.  On the other hand, this new stage brings new challenges.  There are some days that seem never-ending.  He may be able to identify things all around him, but that doesn't mean he can communicate the more complex parts of his thinking; as it does with toddlers, frustration can lead to big feelings.  He wants to be independent but doesn't always know how.  When he feels something he can't express he still needs to find a way to let it out, which can wind up being physically.  Trying to remain calm and unaffected while getting hit or having my hair pulled is not easy, no...