This proud face is of an almost-three year old who completed his first 25 piece puzzle entirely by himself.  Cole has always loved puzzles, but he has also always needed a little help to get them completed.  Today, he surprised me by sitting and working on his puzzle by himself while I cleaned up our room.  He was slow and steady, commenting to himself about edge pieces and corner pieces and about what different pieces were a part of, like Bert’s boot or Ernie’s face.  Before I knew it, he had it done!  I think he was very pleased, and liked me making a big deal about it.  Every day they take a step forward, sometimes it may seem to be just the smallest of ways, but to me it is all a big deal.  This time, like many other times, it’s the look on his face that really makes it special, because it’s clear that it meant something to him, as well!