Three years ago this month, our family became whole. April 1, 2021 “Baby” Kobe was born. He arrived early in the morning, right on schedule. Holding him for the first time was a feeling like no other. Fast forward to this very second and I am in awe of how fast he has grown.
He celebrated his third birthday party surrounded by family and friends. His personality has come out full force. He enjoys dinosaurs; which was the theme of his birthday party. His love for prehistoric creatures began last year and he knows them by name. Earlier this year we took him and his older brother to Stockton for Jurassic Quest: A Dinosaur Experience. He was very excited and enjoyed the entire day. His little voice kept saying “Dacktol” which is how Kobe pronounces Pterodactyl. He also says “T Wecks” which is how he pronounces “T Rex”. I know it is only April but I am sure if we asked him what he wants to be for Halloween he would say “Dacktol”.
Other interests that he has shown are his love for monster trucks, Disney Pixar’s Cars, Blippi, super heroes, sharks and Paw Patrol. There was a long stretch where he watched Disney Pixar’s Cars every day (sometimes multiple times a day). He plays with his Cars playset every day.
He melts my heart when he and his brother play together. Kobe wants to be so much like his older brother. Kobe does not call him by name but calls him “brother”. It makes us laugh every time. Earlier this month we took the boys to Chuck E. Cheese’s and this was the first time where Kobe really understood the magic of Chuck E. Cheese. He has gone before but this was the first time where he could play. His favorite games included Wicked Tuna fishing game, air hockey, basketball and playing on the trampoline. When the boys play together it truly is priceless. My favorite is when they play wrestling with their wrestling figures. It reminds me of when my brothers and I would play.
Only time will tell what the future will bring and hold for Kobe. What will his favorite sport be? What will his favorite subject in school be? What kind of music will he like? I am not sure what the answers will be but to be honest, I can wait to find out. Time flies really fast; too fast. Nothing makes me prouder than to see him learn, grow and play each day. My wife and I are very blessed to have our boys and as I said earlier, our family became whole the day Kobe was born just – but already – three years ago.
Dennis D. Cruz is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. He may be reached at drcruz@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 847-3021.
