Dexter is 3…
Here are some approximate stats:
Weight: 37.5 lbs (around 92nd percentile)
Height: 39 inches (around 83rd percentile)
Teeth: 20…oh yeah.
Dexter has made some huge shifts especially since starting preschool over the summer. His vocabulary has blossomed and he’s now speaking in full sentences and much of the time. It’s nice to be able to reliably communicate. Dexter likes to tell us his opinion and will randomly say words or sentences about something he liked that day (or another day) when we are talking at dinner. Here are some common phrases around the house…“I love it.” “Time for school!” “Maya, please wait.” “I want to do it.” “Mom, I want to pet the kitty.” “It’s my turn.” He has a lot to say and is starting to really have fun with talking.
Dexter’s preschool is Montessori-based and he seems to enjoy the independence with the gentle guidance that happens there. Dexter knows all his letters, colors, and numbers and can reliably count to ten, but it’s fun to see him really start to understand the numbers and other concepts with the activities they do at school. He’s building his social skills and riding tricycles like crazy there.
Dexter is still in love with all things that go. He loves to be outside. He and Maya like to dig for bugs and play hide and seek in the backyard. Dexter still isn’t that great at hiding (he usually tells exactly where he is). We’ve gotten some swimming in this summer and he loves the water. He’s become very good friends with Owen and they seem generally thrilled to be anywhere near each other. He has many other friends too.
Dexter is much more cooperative then he’s been in the past. It’s not nearly as much work to keep up with him and he listens (and understands) more often. He still is strong willed about what he wants, but we can now do some form of negotiation to work things out.
He is taking a nap each day and we are still using the crib although that time may not last that much longer. He is in a nice phase where he can handle missing a nap without losing his mind, so life is a bit more flexible.
He is now fully potty trained during the day and he has finally let go of most of his issues around pooping. He was not a fan of pooping for a long time, but he seems to have now realized it’s a normal bodily function and isn’t holding it like he used to.
Overall, he’s becoming more human. Maya loves her human friend and it’s fun to see them being able to play together more. Dexter worships his older sis and loves to play games with her. Luckily, she is very patient and willing to play with her little bro. This Dexter kid is turning out to be a lot of fun.
