Dexter is 4…
Here are some approximate stats:
Weight: 42 lbs (around 88th percentile)
Height: 42.25 inches (around 87th percentile)
Dexter is really coming into his own. It is obvious that he is keenly aware of everything that his happening around him. He will notice if we drive on a different road on the way to school or he’ll pick up on subtle cues about what’s going to happen that day.
His communication is advancing at light-speed. He speaking his mind much more clearly and is able to really express his emotions and his ideas more effectively. There’s a lot more of “That makes me sad.” and “I’m really mad at you!” He also understands the power of saying that he likes or doesn’t like someone. Again, he will try use the power of his words with, “You’re my friend,” or “Daddy is not my friend,” or “I don’t like you, Mommy.” Things are very absolute for a few minutes at a time. Of course, with some of the negativity comes some very kind words for everyone in the family too. One interesting new word that Dexter uses is “challop.” We don’t really know what that word means, but he uses it to describe things sometimes. I wish we truly understood its meaning. Sometimes its a compliment and sometimes and insult. It’s so challop! Dex knows what he wants to say these days and he’s not afraid to make up words to do it.
He tells us more about what is happening at school and has his first real school friend named Oliver. They like to play tag and eat lunch together. Welcome to Dexter’s complex social world. At school, he is continuing to do fun projects, learn his letters and colors and continue to confuse us at whether he is left- or right-handed.
Dexter loves going to the park, swimming, playing outside, riding his balance bike and scooter. His ability to fall or run into things and not get upset is amazing and a little unnerving. When he cries, we always know something REALLY hurt. Dexter is still into his TV shows and listening to any kind of music. Stories are a great love. He brings books with him to the bus stop with Maya and will try to get anyone there to read them with him. He is just beginning to really enjoy more involved stories and longer picture books. It’s fun to introduce him to the next level storybooks.
Maya and Dexter continue to bond at home. It really is fun to see them making up pretend games together, playing legos, and generally making loud noises on their own.
Dex has been fully potty-trained for many months now and it’s so relaxing to have left the world of diapers behind. He is now in a big boy bed and has mastered all of the basic human skills except for being good at wiping his own butt. Hopefully, by the next update that last bit of self-care will be mastered. Weird to have two kids in the house. They are growing fast!!
