October...?

So, how did it get to be October already? Sometimes life just seems to whir by... I was showing off pictures to a customer yesterday and it dawned on me that it's October... that my last update was the middle of September... So, here's the latest, in no particular order:

We went to Grandmother & Granddad's new house, as soon as the sale closed, to make sure all was in order. Alex walked in the door, sat down in middle of the living room and took off his shoes. I guess it already felt like home! Smart kid.

Amber had a baby girl, Abigail!! Abigail Nicole, adorable, right!? (I know Papa, and it's about as close to Abby Normal as you're going to hear). She's adorable. So, while they're settling in, Alex is spending 3 days a week with Martha and her crew. Alex thinks he's a big boy, running around playing with Brennen. He's been so busy playing that eating and napping have been suspended! The first day Stan & I laughed so hard... We got him home and all he did for the first hour was sit in his chair at the table and sign & say "more". He ate and ate... making up for lost time. It was hilarious.

Alex has entered into the helping and sorting phase of toddler-hood. He lines up his blocks, single file across the living room. He also picks up anything he deems to be trash and throws it away. He thinks the laundry bin in our room is trash too. He tosses my nightstand water bottle in there every time it's empty (at least he waits 'till it's empty and at least I know where to find it). Last night he was pulling diaper wipes out of the dispenser and bringing them to me to throw in the kitchen trash. Helpful. That's our Alex!

You can ask him to put something back and he will. He carried in a box of Jell-O for me the other day - I had to give him something helpful to do while I assumed my role as pack mule with the remainder of the groceries. As though scripted, he followed me into the house and put the box on a pantry shelf for me! (followed by an "I di-it") No running out to the street, digging in the front planter, or throwing a fit because we weren't going to have a ride in the stroller - I'm a tricky Mommy! hehe

He's also learning right from wrong! He will stand in front of something he's not allowed to touch (the remote) and wring his hands. It's as though he's having a little conversation with his hands - one trying to convince the other to behave. It's so funny to watch.

We're all getting ready for Nate's wedding. There will be lots of family in-town and of course, Val sent a package of goodies in advance! (thanks) The question came up as to what size clothes Alex is currently wearing and what he'll need for the coming season. I think I can add a list to the side bar of this blog, so I'll do that and try to keep it updated. We've also begun a short list of things that would be neat to have, but that we won't spend the money for! So, all you Grandparents (and just plain grand people) out there can peek at it for Christmas/Birthday gifts. It seems weird to say outright what he'd like/need, but I get so many questions that it's just practical. And I'm not asking for me... right... I'm asking for Alex... that makes it okay, I think.

Love and "monkey" hugs to you all!