J: 41 months

Our J.

Oh my.

This boy can out-laugh, out-scream, out-giggle, out-sing almost anyone I know. He wakes up with basketfuls of energy and doesn't stop until he runs out! 

He is great at staying quiet, though, in the mornings when we have "whisper time". This is the time when Mama is still groggily waking up and little bro N is still sleeping. He enjoys a full bowl of oatmeal (with raisins/prunes, applesauce, & cinnamon) and then he's ready to go. Sometimes we play puzzles, read books, or cuddle in the mornings. Sometimes he watches a new favorite: Dora the Explorer. Sometimes he colors pictures for us to hang up in our new 'art gallery' downstairs.

We are gearing up for a some big changes. We talk about 'baby sister' often. J sometimes talks to her through my tummy. If I am not feeling well, he will pretend to put a bandaid on my belly and says "there you go. it's all better now." J says he will help with baby sister's diapers, but sometimes is still confused about the difference between a babysitter and a baby sister.

 I'm sure it will be more clear in a few weeks *wink*

Another big change is that J is gearing up to move from the 18 mo to 3 year old class at church to the "big kid Primary". He has been going into Primary for 15-20 minutes for the past few Sundays. He is a little unsure, but we keep assuring him that he will love it!! 

I can't believe my baby 

will be going into Primary in January!

(Sunday children's group with classes, songs, lessons for 3 to 11 year olds)

J loves to:

-play hide & seek (he has the same hiding spot every time--behind the couch upstairs)

-play memory game

-play chutes & ladders (the counting is the most fun)

-play with his little brother (though sharing is still a challenge)

-sing songs

-dance to music, and during musical shows like The Sing Off

-do somersaults, jump, roll, and fall into/onto almost anything

-color, draw, and "spell" his name (he can write the letters to his name on his own)

-work on sounds & words that coordinate with letter sounds

-go to IKEA (the escalators & kids areas have him fooled it is a playground of sorts)

-help Daddy with projects ALWAYS

-wear "comfy clothes" (he changes into pjs/comfy clothes almost immediately upon getting home from an outing)

-read scripture stories

-tell bedtime stories (his characters are always baby animals, and the main guy is almost always named "Fred")

-do more imaginary play...with voices even!

Some basics--J is:

-about 33 lbs

-wearing size 3T/4T depending on brand/style

-still sleeping about 12-13 hours

-still doing great with potty time (although we do often get him up in the middle of the night to take him)

-still loves to EAT--though getting more picky with vegetables...

-still a charmer with his light blue eyes and eye-catching red hair

-brushing his teeth on his own now (with supervision)

-unbuckling his seat belt (after the car is turned off)

-dressing undies, pants, sometimes shirts, & certain shoes

J is such a great helper--with his little brother and I know he'll be great when baby girl joins our family! 

We love our big boy!