7.5 Years Later

Alex is almost 7 1/2 years old.  It baffles my mind. What a fascinating little guy he is turning into too 

Alex finally lost his first tooth last month. A couple days later, his second bottom tooth fell out.  On true Alex fashion, he asked for my help to get his first teeth out.  It is very strange to twist and turn someone else's teeth. 

Alex continues to excel at school and his second grade teacher finally sees it.  After years of teaching him that it is important to show a teacher "what he knows", he finally is doing it.  He earned his first honor roll.  It honestly felt like a victory for all of us   

Andrew was able to go with me for Alex's  Shorthorn roundup.  The kids raised their hand when their name was called.  Afterward, they were given ice cream.  Alex told me that he didn't realize he would get a treat, he thought the adults would just talk on and on. 

Alex is reading and comprehending at an early fourth grade level. He enjoys complicated math problems that are one to two years ahead of his grade level. It's fun to see him excel and enjoy his accomplishments. 

Since the boys wear uniforms to school, we don't do much clothing shopping. I've learned that my little guy really enjoys shopping for clothes. He has great (expensive) taste too. Alex and I had a conversation about an appropriate amount to spend on each item of clothing. A sweater for $64 is too much for a sweater for a growing child, besides he can get many more things if he heads to the clearance rack. 

He continues to love dance, both ballet and hip hop.  He would take classes every night if I took him. His love of ballet began when he saw guys lifting ballerinas  in a video. Alex wants to be around the girls. 

One late evening on the way home from ballet, I heard a crash in the back of the van. I pulled the van off the busy road and asked Alex what happened.  This is what I saw: 

Apparently Lane or Gabriel unlocked the seat. When I pulled away from the stop sign, Alex flipped backwards.  He thought that it was hilarious while my heart was in my throat. 

He is still attracted to girls with long black hair. When he sees one, he gets a shy smile and immediately strikes up a conversation with her.  He has also been known to ask for a hug.  

Here we go toward the last part of his seventh year.  I want time to slow down yet it is so fun to watch him develop into an intelligent, talented, athletic boy.