oooops- It's been a while (4-02-2010)

It may have been a while.. but this was worth the wait!
Last FRiday (good Friday) I decided to take Bella to the nearby school yard to see if we could get her to learn to ride her bike without training wheels.

It was the start of the 3 day weekend, so I was prepared to spend a few hours each day until she got the hang of it. I wasn't going to give up and couldn't wait to cross this milestone with her.

SO... I take the training wheels off and we headed off to the playground. This area was the perfect place to practace. A lot of room, smooth concrete everywhere, and no one around to get in her way.

When we got there, I could feel the tension building in Bella. I knew she was nervous, but ... more than anything...

(the coolest part)

I could tell she trusted me.

She accepted that I would be right there and do all that I could to make sure she wouldn't get hurt, and that helped calm her down.

So, she hopped on immediately, and began to try and push herself along with out me.
"Slow down, kiddo!" I told her, as I ran up and explained that I would be holding her seat and guide her along as she began to try and use her own ability to find a balance.

I ran with her, letting go a little bit so she could feel what the bike would do, she shifted the weight back to center. Then stopped quicker than we began.

I explained to her that she was doing great, better than I had expected, and to let's try again.
She took a deep breathe "I can do this" she muttered under her breathe, and off we ran for a second time.

Almost immediately, I let go and she had her balance... I told her I was going to let her go, and off she went to 2 more peddling cycles before she stopped. She turned back and said "I think i got it." So I said "Jjust a second...", got out my iphone, and... well.. here ya go.




I had no idea this was going to happen so quick! Within 5 minutes after getting to this playground, she was off riding. I asked her how she was doing so well and she just replyed.

"I told myself I could do it, just believe in yourself, and I just DID!"

Great job, bunks.

I'm so PROUD of you!