Kids these days!

Never have I been a technology guru. Sheesh, I was probably the last person my age to get an email address (college), I just learned how to text message a month ago, and I didn't think twice about passing on my husband's Internet phone when he got a new one. Are you kidding? I much preferred my "phone" phone. But, now that my son, who is 3 mind you, can navigate the world of electronics better than me, a certain sense of fear mixed with awe is growing inside.
It started innocently enough. One day (thinking of what he might get into while I was showering) I asked if he wanted to play a game on the computer. I loaded everything up and helped him with the mouse and showed him what buttons to use for a few minutes as he learned to play. I now wonder if he was just humoring me that first day. Imagine my surprise when a few days later I walk into the room and hear the printer. "What are you doing Zach?" "I am printing a color page mom!" WHAT? Sure enough, there he was printing a SUPER WHY coloring page. How he figured it out is beyond me. Today he can sit down, turn on the computer, find his games (on different websites) and play all by himself. He is kinda bossy too. He'll tell me, "Mom, I need you to click the red X, I think it is my turn now." WHAT!?
Of course there are benefits. He has shown much more interest in words and letters, he can recognise what words "start with", and knows the sounds of the alphabet. Cool. But I have to admit, there are down sides too. For example, he used to enjoy WATCHING a movie. Now, the only thing he likes to do is sit down with the TV remote in hand and go through all the bonus feature material. Who knew, but DVDs are packed with tons of games and bonus material. weird. Lately, he puts in (all by himself) the DVD2, instead of the movie.
And so, it is things like this that force me to realize he is growing up. A kid with his own preferences and skills, able to understand more, and handle bigger responsibilities. This last picture makes me smile, and reassures me that I've got a few more years before he "leaves the nest". You see, he likes to sit next to his blanket, and when I think about it, kindergarten is still 2 years away.