I feel like I've gotten out of the blogging groove and need to get back into it. It's amazing how much our kiddos change in such a short period of time, especially at this age.
One of the biggest changes for us is how into numbers Jack has become. He notices them everywhere, and he is constantly counting, pointing them out, and looking for them. We spend a lot of time drawing numbers, by which I mean I draw the numbers that Jack requests in exactly the precise size, style, and location he demands. He loves watching the numbers change on microwaves, timers, and clocks. I think the thing he likes best about reading is seeing the different page numbers as he flips through books.
His favorite number is 7; his second favorite number is 8. (You'll notice in the "Snoopy" video posted below that he specifically mentions that there are "not 7 bams" and "not 8 bams.") He gets very excited when we're driving and he sees a sign for 7-Eleven. He very recently started to grasp the concept of double-digit numbers, although he still doesn't seem to realize the order of the numbers make a difference. He'll say a "12" is "21," for example, and vice versa.
Most people, when they hear how into numbers Jack is, say things like, "Oh, he's going to be really good at math!" or "Maybe he'll be an engineer!" This fascination with numbers can seem quite impressive to outside observers, but I have to admit it's a little unnerving to me as his mother. I don't know any other child Jack's age who shows a similar fixation. I can't help thinking of John Nash, the subject of A Beautiful Mind: brilliant, but nuts.
And, of course, Jack being Jack does find a way to make any otherwise fun (or at least innocuous) thing a bit of a hassle. One (already odd) activity he enjoys is watching the scene selection menu on DVDs, because - you guessed it - he likes seeing the numbers. Yes, he will sometimes ask to watch the menu instead of the actual movie. A few days ago, he asked to watch the menu of a DVD that - horror of horrors! - only had four scenes to select. He absolutely flipped out that there wasn't a 7 on the menu and was inconsolable for about half an hour.
I mean, honestly.
Jack, I have a feeling this won't be the last time your brilliance drives me nuts. But I will always love you and your brilliant, nutty, beautiful mind.
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5 comments:
It still annoys my mom that I count EVERYTHING. I used to know exactly how many steps it took to get to the end of the driveway. When I get to the end of a street, I can tell you exactly how many cars were parked there and how many driveways there were...
My point is, I think it's neat that Jack has a fascination with numbers. I knew I liked that kid ;)
I wanted to let you know, that what ever it may be or not be, we are always going to be here for you. You have one smart little cookie on your hands, and like Erin said it is neat that he likes numbers, it makes him special!
Oh, Jack, I would love to have you count my heart strings, as you tug on them all when your mommy tells stories about you. You are wonderful (and so is your mommy!). Love, Nat
Are you sure his favorite number isn't 75? :)
Nice to have seen you last night.
First of all, what a beautiful comment Nat---I love it.
Secondly, Janis, what can I say? Jack-Jack may be a future math whiz or genius. Or, he may be a normal preschooler with a fascination and fixation on numbers---and it may be something he loves the rest of his life. Either way, I think its best just to try and enjoy the ride and see where these little guys (and yes, their beautiful minds) take us----at least for now. Because, wow---what a fascinating ride.
I think most kids this age have funny and brilliant quirks. And, they have certain things that they take comfort in---for Jack it certainly seems like numbers (among other things). :) I think this is a good thing!
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