Dexter is 5…
Here are some approximate stats:
Weight: 46 lbs (around 75th percentile)
Height: 45 inches (around 90th percentile)
It feels like the last year has been huge in terms of development and Dexter is really embracing independence and finding his confidence. Dexter has always been a real fan of routine and it's always taken a bit of convincing to get him to feel okay with going to a new place or being left alone in any new situation. We beginning to see that tentativeness fall away and he is really becoming very excited about the big world.
Dexter has a great sense of humor and is a sponge in terms of picking up funny sayings or actions. We never know what funny statement will come out of his mouth. One day he said, "I'm out. Peace!" as he walked away defiantly. He also thinks "Phineas and Ferb" TV show is the best thing that ever happened and steals phrases like "the tri-state area" and "for crying out loud!" from that show. He is now at the stage where he will tell us more about his days and give us little stories from his adventures at school.
Speaking of school, Dexter has started his first year of kindergarten. We say that because he is doing the Montessori kindergarten this year and will do the more standard version next year as technically he's too young for kinder this year. It's crazy seeing him as one of the big kids who helps out the smaller ones and is working on the more complicated works (projects) like drawing maps of the world. He loves school even with the much longer schedule at five days a week until 2:30. He spends the morning with all the preschool kids and the afternoon with his kindergarten class which has nine other kids.
They are beginning the foundation for reading and Dexter is absolutely fascinated with writing and letters. We are 95% sure he is left handed even if he does write with his other hand every once in a while. He still loves books, especially silly ones. He is starting to ask all kinds of questions about why things are the way they are and he likes to tell us little bits of knowledge he learned at school.
Dexter loves riding bikes and scooters, playing soccer, and just playing. He's really into puzzles, Lego, trains, cars, and imaginary games. He loves drawing, writing, cutting, stapling, taping, etc.
He's a happy guy. His enthusiasm is contagious and his willingness to give compliments is very disarming. "Mommy, you are beautiful." "Maya, that's a great looking picture." "Daddy is the best." "That's awesome!"
Dexter know that flattery will get you everywhere. Happy Birthday to our little guy!
