I wanted to drop everyone a quick post to let you know how things are going in Colin’s life.

My little boy is currently enjoying the sunset days of terrible twos and is about to cross that magic threshold into the ripe old age of 3. With his birthday on fast approach - May 5th, or Cinco de Mayo as he helpfully reminds me while cracking open his morning Corona, some major milestones are in the works.

First, Colin has begun preschool. Granted it’s a 3-hour block of time, one day a week - but it’s such a great opportunity to get him out in the real world, interacting with other children. Over the past year, he has been involved in various playgroups - which we have seen work wonders with his socialization and verbal communication skills. He can say such complex words, such as ‘necessary’ and ‘corduroy’ and ‘category’ with perfect annunciation. His own godfather has difficulty with that, especially the latter word.

Anyway, I took him to his initial preschool screening and watched his eyes light up as he spied legions of kids darting to and fro - going to class, playing in gym, returning from lunch. He’s such a friendly little boy and I think the few hours at preschool a week are just going to make his world. Plus look at all the fringe benefits. I eagerly await all the drawings and art projects and communicable diseases he’s bound to bring home. Bring on the painted paper weight, dried macaroni tree ornament and curious case of monkeypox. I can dig it.

I am amazed at how adept Colin has become at working with the computer. Just a few short months ago - Andi suggested I begin introducing him to the computer. I thought it sounded like a great idea but admit to being a bit apprehensive. Just the concept of teaching someone how to use a mouse - and not just anyone, but a two-year old - seemed like a foolhardy pursuit. We take these things for granted, but imagine trying to express the idea that by moving this tiny object on this table that it will subsequently move that tiny pointer on the screen (and then dealing with all the double clicks and scrolling, etc.) - it’s more complex than you think.

My worry was all for not. We started with a primer, using Disney’s software for toddlers to introduce the concept of ‘point and click’ (they have a great game involving Winnie the Pooh characters and balloons, which you use the mouse to pop). From there, we progressed to some great sites such as sesamestreet.com and noggin.com - which feature a bounty of interactive games. A wide smile graces my lips each night - as I begin the ascent up the driveway and spot the profile of my son, this little boy seated in this great big office chair, hard at work on Elmo’s World.

I started using computers somewhere in the Junior High range (around 12 years old.) Here’s Colin at the age of 2, day-trading. This next generation will change the world.

I’d be remiss if I punched out without mentioning Colin’s exploits on the potty. I won’t go too in depth - parents appreciate the tales while all others grimace - but Colin has hit the training circuit full force over the past week. The promise of a Hershey’s kiss if he avoids an accident and uses the potty has produced some great results - although as many have told us before, it’s a complex and winding road before we find true independence. The system has worked so well, that we’ve begun to apply it elsewhere in the household. Here we are two weeks in and I haven’t had one accident - well, unless you count the fact that I now weigh in at 425 pounds an accident.

Oh - and as for this posts’ headline - that’s an inside joke from earlier today. Colin brought the house down with his new catchphrase - on loan from Mook but augmented with Colin’s vocal stylings.

That’s my boy.