For the Love of Balls!

Ashton's vocabulary may only consist of a handful of words, but those few words enable him to get exactly what he wants 100% of the time. However, these few words do more than communicate the needs and wants of a stocky 21 month old. They reveal what this little boy truly cares about. Just take a look at Ash's first words, and the order in which they were learned:

First word: "Ba-ba" (Translation: Bottle. This kid loves food above all else!)

Second word: "Ma" (Translation: Mom)

So, what word do you think came next? "Da-da?" "No no!" "Mine?" .... Nope. His third word revealed, yet again, what his brain thinks about all day long... second only to food and Mommy.

Third word: "Bull" (Translation: Ball)

Seriously, the kid loves balls. Actually, 'love' is too weak of a word. The kid is OBSESSED with balls! And to Ashton, anything resembling a circle--is a "bull." Clocks, oranges, Christmas tree bulbs, balloons... even the moon to Ashton--is a ball! When he sees one, his face lights up with pure delight as he announces to everyone that we are in the presence of something truly extraordinary: A BALL!

Seeing this "ball" in the grocery store just about made him leap out of the cart with joy.

Here is his basket of toys that I keep in the Family Room. Cars, blocks, animals... they do nothing for him. Come on, you can't dunk a toy car!

Sadly, here is one of my decorative porcelain balls. It only lasted a week... it was a stupid purchase. Deep down, I knew it was doomed from the beginning.

The only problematic thing about having a kid obsessed with balls is that it's a little dangerous. Besides getting whacked in the head all day long by air borne balls, my house has become a mini Wipe-out zone. I'm constantly stumbling and tripping over those darn balls! I dare a robber to try to get through my house in the dark! He'd never survive!

On the bright side, perhaps Ashton's obsession is the foreshadowing of some incredible athletic talent! A future basketball star, quarter back... or linebacker. (Food is his first love after all!) Whichever sports star he becomes, I'm just sure he destined to be pictured on a Wheaties box! In the meantime, I'm perfecting my hook shot and trying to keep my tail bone in one piece.