Sunday, October 25, 2009

The flag

I think it was before the Fourth of July when Max started noticing flags. Every flag (American and otherwise) we would see on our walks would be pointed out. I'm not sure when it happened, but he also started calling them "ga" (I'm guessing due to the 'g' at the end of 'flag').

A few times we were places where he would encounter little flags (the small flags stapled to a pointy stick). He'd want to play with them, but because of the stick (and the point) it just seemed like a bad idea.

One Sunday evening, as I roamed Lowes, I stumbled upon a perfect size flag for Max. Perfect size flag but a big pointy stick. I scoured Lowes looking for a more "kid-friendly" alternative. One fly swatter and some hot glue, and a Max-safe flag was created.It has become his favorite toy (even more than the 73 Elmo things he has). He takes it on walks, to the store, anytime we ask him if he wants to bring something with him, he brings his "ga".

It's been a few months, and Max's obsession with flags continues (Grandma Sharon even wore a shirt with an American Flag last time she came to watch Max because she knows how much he likes them).It's not just the big, obvious flags that he sees. The most amazing thing is the tiny flags he will notice. He will point out minuscule flags on the backs of books, the tags of clothing, anywhere there is a flag, Max will point it out.

It's strange (he also has an infatuation with traffic lights), but it's amazing to see how aware he is of everything going on around him. That he can pick all of these flags out frequently surprises us.