His birthday last year it took him a few weeks to say that he was three and not two. This year, he just knew. Up to his birthday he said "I am three almost four. My birthday is July 21st!" After his birthday he said "I am four years old!" No assistance needed. He just knew. It is amazing.
Over the past year Owen has grown to be an excellent big brother. Owen started off being very helpful, wanted to change her diapers, feed her, rock her in the swing and on the rocking chair. Then he hit a point where he was not very nice to Charlotte when she was about seven months old. This is right around the time she learned to crawl. Thankfully this phase only lasted about a month and a half. He went right back to being the helpful, wonderful, big brother.
Owen is still as obsessed as ever about trains. When I took him to the toy store to buy a birthday present the first thing he went to was the train section. In addition, Owen loves to build with Lego Duplo blocks, he loves all kinds of hot wheels vehicles, any kind of construction vehicle, and race tracks. He loves to make and dance to music, as well as read books.
His favorite foods include broccoli, steak, tacos, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, rice, strawberries, and noodles. He dislikes mashed potatoes, hot dogs, salad, cooked carrots, and cooked peppers. He loves to share whatever he is eating with his sister. (even if she was too young to have it). He also would much rather eat what is on his Dad's plate versus what is on mine, even if it is the exact same thing.
Owen routinely goes to the dentist and so far everything looks great. We schedule our appointments for the same day so he can watch them brush my teeth and it makes him more comfortable when it is his turn. He does a great job brushing his teeth and often asks to do it at random times during the day. (for a while there he wanted to brush his teeth every time he went potty.) Owen also loves bath time. He received a bunch of bath toys for his birthday which makes him want bath time even more. Him and Charlotte bathe together and he often helps wash her up and rinse all of the soap off. He is also getting better at washing himself up all by himself. When he is done he cleans up all the toys, drains the water, dries himself off, then grabs clothes to get dressed. Wont be long until he is getting washed up all on his own.
This fall Owen will be starting pre-school! He has had a little taste of the class setting when I went back to work part-time this past winter. He claims to not want to go because he does not want to leave his mom and sister. True heart-breaker. I fear the first two weeks or so of pre-school will be difficult for him. It will be a huge adjustment. He will be waking up earlier, have to leave every day, have a more structured environment, and will be eating lunch on his own. I am also sad for him to start school. I cannot imagine what it will be like to not have him at home. However, I am looking forward to my one on one time with Charlotte. I am also looking forward to being missed. When Martin comes home from being out of town for the week, or from even a day at work, Owen runs to Martin and gives lots of kisses and tells him what he did that day/week. I cannot wait for that. I cannot wait to hear stories about what he has learned, about new friends, and new experiences. Owen has a new backpack and lunch box for school and is all ready to start.
I am looking forward to what the next year is going to hold for us and all the new experiences we will have.
Pictures of Owen:
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