As you can see from the following pictures, Alex LOVES to fingerpaint. We have been doing this together since he was a little baby and family members and friends receive his artwork from time to time in the mail... Georgia Emo said she cherishes these in her birthday packages and can see the growth of his skill from year to year! He has very specific ideas of color. The first piece is always very thoughtful and considered... then he just has fun with it! I mildly encouraged him by writing 'Alex' on his chest then he just went nuts! He colored himself and then chased me into the kitchen to color Pumpkin! Luckily, all very washable!
Brent was working on a project to reinstall our magnetic knife rack above the stove. Of course, Alex had to help! He is such a good helper! Daddy had his drill and Alex had his toy drill! He was working hard. And of course, Dad loved the help.
Alex also likes to help in the garden. Here is a shot of Alex and I planting some annuals. We even got him a pair of kid gloves (which he promptly removed)! He normally wants to wear a pair of mine which are obviously too big. Hopefully he will get used to his pair, his fingernails get dirty enough as it is. Yuck!
On Cinco de Mayo, we had the Alexanders over for a Mexican feast! Here are a few pictures of Isaac and Alex with their dads. I can't get over how much each boy looks like their father. They get along so well. It is such a blessing since they are our "couple." We love those guys like family.
Alex is now telling us when he needs to go to the bathroom. That means he is officially potty-trained! He has been solid with only 1 accident for the past month. I think that is outstanding! He doesn't actually like going to the bathroom and he holds it for a ridiculously long time. If we are out and about, he likes to try new bathrooms. He especially likes restuarant bathrooms, and yes, I know how odd this sounds! Must be something male coming out in him.
What else? He seems to understand that Pumpkin is coming soon. The ladies at daycare were trying to get her name out of Alex and they said, "Alex, what is your sister's name?" He screamed "Pumpkin!" Good boy. Another daycare story is that the ladies were talking about making a pumpkin pie for an upcoming event. Alex broke into their conversation and said, "You can't eat my SISTER!" with a very upset look on his face! He is already protecting her. I am sure that caused a big laugh, I know it did when Kristi told us about it!
Alex has also turned into a huge Chatty Cathy. He talks all the time now. Most of it we understand and if we don't he sometimes incorporates hand gestures to help us out! He is growing up way too fast. One of my favorite lines is when he looks at me very seriously and says, "Mommy, my need strawberries." He sure isn't afraid to tell you what he wants or needs and I love that about him. He makes parenting a joy.
The only challenge we have had with Alex is he is not listening well. This has been going on for weeks and it tries both of our patience. He can hear us, reports the command back to us in most cases, and then just doesn't listen. Brent and I are on the exact same page as far as discipline is concerned so Alex doesn't get away with much. He has been getting more time outs lately. He needs to listen when we say things, and understand that Dad and Mom are in charge.
Right now Alex is in Chisago with his grandparents Sue and Larry. His cousins Ashley and Jack are there as well. The kids just love one another. On Mother's Day, Alex didn't want to come home. He wanted to stay at Grandpa's house. Larry looked at him and said, "Well Sparky, do you have your toothbrush? What about your blanket? You have to have a few things to stay over." Alex considered this, and seemed to agree. When I told him on Friday morning that he was going to stay with his grandparents he was elated. When we were leaving their house he said, "Bye Mom, Bye Dad! See you later!"
Needless to say, we have enjoyed getting text messages with pictures of the kids having a blast. We got the house cleaned up, errands run, had two grown-up evenings, and are ready to see our little boy this afternoon. It's been nice to be home and get things done without distraction, but I am ready for a hug!!