Erik 4

Erik has been "signing" his name as "Erik 3" this past year whenever his name is required for a birthday card or on a project for preschool. He needs to change that to "4" now. It's hard to believe that my baby is 4! Despite his idiosyncrasies, which we all have, I love that boy!

He has been potty trained now for over two months and it was the smoothest potty training session ever! (That's where potty training your kid just before they turn 4, and no sooner, works in your favor, at least in my case.) He loves to "read". Yesterday we went to the library for story time. When we walked into the children's section, the first thing he did was run to where the Fly Guy and Gerald and Piggy books are. He was totally involved in a book before I got over to him.

He also loves to count objects. Any chance he gets he's counting the items in a row. He's getting really good at it too! A couple of weeks ago he helped me make cookies. As I was putting them on the baking sheet, he started to count. He said, "One, two, three" was quiet as he barely moved his finger, away from where the pan was, then said, " eleven!" I did a double take. I didn't think he had actually counted them all, or at least correctly. I had to count them real quick myself to see that there really were 11 there!

He's an interesting boy when it comes to attention. He wants it on his own terms and in small amounts. He didn't want to go up in the front of the primary to be sung to for his birthday. At his preschool Halloween party at our house, he didn't participate, when he normally does with the smaller group of preschool kids. Today at the fire station for our field trip, he was with the others, trying to be first in the ambulance. A fire man tried to pull him out of the group to make space, which was a big mistake. He cowered in between my legs afterwards. He's getting better at going to different friend's houses so I can volunteer, though.

I believe he is secretly a duck. Not only does he have those webbed toes, but he loves to stand in the pouring rain! Whenever he sees it's raining out, he will go outside and stand there. He also loves to go barefoot. He can't stand having hot feet and always complains about his feet being hot if I make him wear his crocs (or shoes, which he rarely wears). Any chance he gets, his shoes are off and he is running! After trick-or-treating, on a very cold and rainy Halloween, Jason said Erik's feet felt hot to his hands.

He loves Wild Kratts, loves to help, loves to run barefoot, play hide-and-seek, and of course "hot chocolate" (warm milk). Not much progress in the eating. He actually cringes and gets upset when he sees the food on my plate which he thinks looks totally disgusting. Maybe we'll figure something out at his well-child exam...

We went sledding for his birthday yesterday because we could! Karissa was at her after school Best Time Party, but she met up with us at McDonald's afterwards. I had made noodles on Sunday, since Erik will eat them once in a while. We sang to him that evening, but since he does like french fries at Mc D's, I figured that would be a good celebration on the actual day. Of course the play area is a hit too. When we came home, he saw Austin's new books from his school library and Erik had become so involved in the new books. I had to remind him it was time to open presents. He was so happy to get his small pile of inexpensive gifts. Don't fell bad for him, though, he has plenty! He loves his new clothes that I bought him last week since he won't wear Austin's long-sleeved striped shirts or jeans. I needed to get him character shirts and sweats. Long-sleeves since he prefers to go without a sweater or coat!

Snow, the day before his birthday.

Always a face for the camera.

Eating cake, what else would it be?

Reading at the library. He is actually wearing a sweater and socks in this picture, a rare occurrence.

Pulling his own sled up the hill. It was a really good time!

Swinging his new sword!