Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Trying to break down his genetics

My son Chase has certainly proven to be one of the more interesting children I've ever met. As a baby, the doctors called it colic. I called it simply his personality. He cried non-stop unless he was being held up and shown everything happening around him. He couldn't stand to miss a minute of life. I can remember holding him for hours as I cooked, or washed dishes, or even sometimes put on my make-up. He was unendingly curious from the very start.

And he's never been one to seek the approval of friends or peers. He could care less if anyone thinks he is out of the norm. He can play for hours with a group of boys, or happily get lost in his own imagination. He lives his life doing what makes him happy.


And yesterday, what made him happy was to check out these books from the school library for some light recreational reading:

While most kids his age spend their time giggling over the potty-laced humor of Captain Underpants, Chase frequently picks up biographies or nature-filled nonfiction. He can reiterate the seemingly useless facts for hours.

Days, even.

And within minutes of walking in the front door, he proceeded to update me on the life and times of our friend, Mr. Churchill.

I don't think I can blame his sports/politics-obsessed father for this part of Chase's personality. And I know that People magazine doesn't even count as real literature, so he can't have gotten it from me.

But there is one man who I fully blame credit for Chase inheriting this unabashed love of all things history:


That's right, Opa. This nut didn't fall too far from your tree.

And if Chase turns out to be half the man you are, nothing would make me happier.

31 comments:

Alis said...

I found your blog through a friend of a friend, and just wanted to leave a comment!

Your kids are just darling, and your posts are such fun!

Happy blogging:)

Bridget said...

Way to go Chase! That is so cool he is reading about Winston Churchill. What a man. Maren would be so all over him....as we already know.

Kristin said...

I wish my second would read books like that, he is currently into the digestive system, and gave me a full run through on what happens to the food you eat during dinner. History would be much better.

Anonymous said...

my oldest has always read book like that... and I agree not from me or dad. he is always muttering, mom, did you know...

No, James, I did not.

I loved your last line. And that Chase has someone like that in his life... priceless.

Michelle said...

That is just too cute. Good for him for liking those kids of books. My oldest likes books about reptiles - what they eat, how they live and such.

Unknown said...

I think he and my Haddie are destined for each other. Well, if it wasn't for the seven-year age difference. But they came into the world the exact same way and their personalities seem similar.

She even reads books from doctoral candidates already. Her favorite is Seuss. Dr. Seuss....

Lisa-Marie said...

That is a special tribute to both Chase and his Opa.

My kids are still into "No David!" A little Winston would be nice.

Jake said...

Go Chase! He is in great company.

crystal said...

Oh, Stie! I found myself PINING to live close to you so our boys could be friends!!! This is EXACTLY how I describe Max (or would, if I were as eloquent as you). He delves into the non-fiction section at the library. And when I reached the end of your post, I smiled so hugely because MAX GETS HIS PERSONALITY FROM MY DAD, a.k.a. "Gramps."

Oh, how I wish those two boys could be pals.

Hollyween said...

That is so sweet! I can't beleive he's reading such great works!!!
That sooooooo wasn't me as a child. Maybe he'll grow up and be RICH!!!

2happy+2 said...

What a great kid! You will be so glad when he is a teenager. It is so hard now days for kids to find themselves. You are a great Mother and it doesn't suprise me one bit that you have exceptional children. Good Work!!

Lisa said...

There must be something about second babies who will not stop crying, mine is a history buff to. She brought home two books yesterday about children who died when the Titanic sank.
Just a little light reading for her.
So, I pulled out an atlas from the book shelf and put it on top of my US weekly!

Amanda D said...

What??? People isn't real literature? Dang. JK

Love this tribute to Opa. It is a great picture of him and your adorable son.

Becky said...

Best compliment you could ever give Opa! Chase is just smart, ...what a kid!

mahina said...

i can sense great things for chase in his future!

i would have to say that it seems the children that give us the hardest time as babies are the ones that turn out to be the most interesting. i think their spirits were just way too large for such a tiny body!

Travelin'Oma said...

What cute guys!!

Lauren in GA said...

What a fabulous tribute to Chase and Opa! I think that is so wonderful that he reads the kind of books he chooses!

So, did Chase give you amazing upper body strength because he wanted to be held upright at all times?

Ashlee said...

My son has read ALL of the capt. underpants books. I wish he would read a little Winston....
My daughter was the same way as your son as a baby. Cried nonstop, required SERIOUS stimulation. I prayed it was because her brain was SO advanced, and I would be grateful for that when she was older. :0) Maybe she'll jump on the Churchill bandwagon!

Family Adventure said...

So cute, Stie. He sounds like a fantastic son - a bit out of the ordinary can only be a good thing. Just ask my B boy. He lives in his own little world, too, to the endless wonder and amusement of his parents.

Can't wait to hear more about Churchill!

Heidi

Anonymous said...

Christie,
Confession...I've been stalking your blog for quite some time. Thanks for being so faithful in your updates.
Cousin Sara
I was about to tell you I'm Liz's sister but I hope you remember me.

Christie said...

Sara - of course I remember you! You and Liz are totally my favorite cousins! Thanks for stalking - do you have a blog I can stalk?

Sincerely Anna said...

I love the way you described Chase in this post and it is really cool how he's taking after his Opa in his love for history at such a young age. Genetics are weird - Max has such a love for cooking and I wonder if it's in his genes - his biological grandfather (whom he has never met) was a professional chef.

Holly said...

Chase is one cool young dude. I love how he soaks up history. His Opa sounds pretty special too.

Jessica said...

I love knowing more details about the kids in my blog friends' lives. Thanks for sharing.

And Emma, my oldest, cried until she was a year, unless I held her. And for the same reason. She was honestly just bored and the more she could do, the happier she got. I swear, it's the smarties that do that kind of stuff.

Celia Fae said...

Claire brings home holocaust books. I have to avoid looking at the covers so I don't feel sad.

I think your pictures are awesome. You have a certain way of using light that I've never seen before. I wonder how you do it, but I know if you explained I wouldn't get it, so I'll just continue to appreciate.

Celia Fae said...

The Winston one, it's kind of fuzzy, though. But you know that.

Brigitta said...

I blog stalked you from
Celia's blog. I like reading your posts and love your pictures.

Emy5 said...

So Chase likes history, like his Grandad. That will give them a bond to share.

I'm glad Chase has a world of his own. It's a good place to be!

Amz said...

This sounds so much like my little boy. His favorite read...the encyclopedia! Just loves learning about lots of different things. He too gets it from my Dad.

Amz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Liz said...

Oh, we must be in the same state at the same time soon, our children would SO dig each other.