No Socks?

Nicky is very much a creature of habit. Like his momma, he enjoys routines and having things in some type of general order. He'll be the first to remind you of something you've left out of the morning routine (vitamin); he'll make sure he has a jacket on before leaving the house (even when it's 80 outside); and will ensure you give him a napkin at every meal before he is able to eat. Last night was no exception. Nicky usually sleeps with socks on because he's been known to kick the covers off during the night and by morning, his little feet are freezing. Well, it has been very warm here in north Texas (mid-upper 80s!) and given that hot air rises and Nicky's room is upstairs, his room was pretty hot last night. We went through our nightly routine and just as we were getting ready to read books (and I thought we were in the clear - I knew we would not be putting socks on), he stops dead in his tracks and just looks at me with his "um - you forgot something, Momma" face. I asked him what was wrong and he pointed to his feet and said "socks?". I told him that he didn't need them tonight because it was too hot and it would be ok, don't worry about it, etc. He wrinkled his brow, thought about it for a moment then as if it was his idea, he says "no socks.". So I agreed and we started to read books. About half way through the first book he grabs his "piggy" and says "no socks" while shaking his head no. So we played "this little piggy", then finished the book. Second book - more of the same - "no socks", and was completely obsessed with his feet. Third book - Nicky couldn't concentrate at all! He was consumed with staring at his feet, touching his toes, and talking about his feet/toes! As we finished reading and I was telling him good night, he was giving me lots of hugs and kisses (and keeping an eye on his feet all the while). The last thing he said to me before drifting off was "no socks. ok."!

So, why am I telling you about this story, other than the fact that it's pretty cute? Well, he's now been home with us for 6 months (as of yesterday), and it reminds me that living in the orphanage for even a few years has had quite the impact on the little guy. He likes things routine and structured because that's all he's ever known. And although this is great when it comes to picking up his toys without being asked and wanting to keep things in their place, some habits/routines are ok to break. It would have been so easy to give into his want of putting the socks on, but it's important for him to learn that the world won't end because he doesn't wear socks one night! I want him to know that it's ok if everything doesn't go according to plan, and that there are other methods of getting from A to B (plus it helps Momma loosen up too!). Granted, he is only nearly 3 years old, but I figure baby stepping to this goal couldn't hurt!

This is a picture of Nicky at the orphanage...thought it was appropriate for this post. He looks so sad because they had just told him he would be leaving to live with his new American "Mama & Papa". Quite the different little boy!