Into the Second Year III
May 22nd: Eighteen Month Checkup time. Messing around in the waiting room before seeing Dr. Lawrence.
Messing around a little more, making (with my help) something for Sister Ava to laugh at later. He's not that precocious, of course, especially when you consider that he doesn't even say much yet, preferring grunts and hand gestures and some of the sign language that he knows.
The instant we arrived in the examining room, Alec pointed excitedly to the computer screen because, as far as he knows, all computer screens can go to YouTube and play Duffy's "Mercy" or The Wiggles' "Rock-a-Bye Your Bear." I spent the next ten minutes explaining to him that the doctor's computer couldn't do that, but he remained adamant.
Later that day, visiting Ava's classroom for Literacy Night, where we saw all of the things that her class has been reading and writing. Ava's teacher, Mrs. Falconer, spots Alec in the doorway and welcomes him. She knew that he was Ava's brother by his hair.
Mommy had to work on Memorial Day, so I had the idea to take the kids to Medina to show them the parade that I remember as a kid (Ava did this with us two years ago). As you can see, Ava got a flag, which she showed to Alec. They shared it for a moment for in a picturesque way, with smiles...
...until Alec decided that he wanted it all for himself, and a very unpatriotic battle ensued.
I've been trying out some current pop videos on Alec to see which ones he likes. This week's favorites are Alphabeat's "Fascination" and 16 year-old Gabriella Cilmi's "Sweet about Me," both of which make him smile and move his arms around when he watches them. He often claps after they're over.
Alec has a blue version of the green blankets ("Mine" and "Twos") that Sister Ava cherished so much for so many years. He's not as intensely attached to his, and, who knows if he has a name for his...he's not telling.
Trying on new sandals for vacation in Florida that's only a few weeks away now.
Ready for action on a hot night in early June. This is the last look at those curls that you'll get for a while, because...
...Hey, where'd my hair go?
At last...at the Magic Kingdom! Time for a photo opportunity, although we've learned that these opportunities only last for about two seconds, so you better get your picture before...
...something bad happens.
Sissy's solution for (1) helping us get a picture with both of them (2) touching her brother's head, which she likes to do, regardless of how he's treated her, and (3) keeping herself safe.
Here's a fun little movie I made of him struttin' his stuff at the pool that week...something to show his girlfriend(s) in 15 or 20 years.
Alec was pretty fearless when it came to meeting characters when we gave him the chance.
Exploring the big back yard of the new house for the first time, with Sissy. Get to know it, buddy...you're going to be mowing it for the next 17 or so years!
He's smirking because he thinks he's got a chance at out-running me in the parking lot on this evening. Soon he will have a pretty good chance. The dimple from Aunt Sessie is still there....
Alec didn't sit still very well when we went to Sears to look at the washers and dryers, but, for a few minutes, Sissy Ava did a wonderful job of playing "Pattycake" with him, without us having to ask her to help.
And, she got a hug in at the end of it. Then, he stood up again and began to destroy the surroundings.
Getting a look at his very own room in the new house, before any of his furniture or toys or anything is in it.
Showing Sissy his Sumo moves the day after the big move to the new house.