Growing up!

I know. He's only 3. But sometimes it feels like my little boy is growing up so fast! Other parents warned me about this phenomenon.So what growing up activities is Spencer engaged in? The biggest right now is potty training. We started about 3 weeks ago, our third attempt. The first 2 were aborted due to lack of cooperation and the complete frustration of all parties involved. This time around went great. I set aside an entire weekend for this, no other plans and no other outings. We stayed in the house all day Saturday and Sunday (almost all day Sunday) and Spencer ran around naked from the waist down. He peed on the floor twice, which he didn't like, so after that it was potty only. He hasn't had a daytime diaper since, and accidents have been rare. We are struggling however with '#2'. It is oddly common for kids to do this (or rather refuse to do it). It's like a toddler conspiracy or something.

Spencer also went horseback riding recently. Not by himself, but of his own volition. No coaxing or prodding. He actually told us he wanted to ride the horse. He went right up to Dancer and hugged his leg, and helped Gamma groom him, and then got right on with each of use for a ride.
He counted to 50 today (he didn't really need help until he got to 40). He also learned about rhyming today, though that one is going to take a little more practice. His reading (or I guess listening) comprehension is really impressive. He understands the more complex stories now and will ask pertinent questions and make accurate statements. It's amazing.We got his first school pictures. He looks more like a 5 year old in the picture. He's doing great in school, except that he thinks he's the boss of everyone. And he fights the teachers a lot. His teacher told me that unlike the other kids who pretty much do what they are told, Spencer has to have options. For example, they can't just say 'Spencer, sit in time out'. They have to say 'Spencer, do you want to sit in the red chair or the blue chair for time out?'. Yep, we have to do this at home too with many different types of situations. He likes things on his terms (but don't we all?).
His trantrums, which show no sign of disappearing anytime soon, are tremendous. He is starting to challenge us more and see how far he can get away with things. He does this thing now when we tell him not to do something he pretends like he doesn't hear us 'what was that? what did you say mommy? huh?'. Huh my butt. Very clever, but very annoying.

This is his last week of school. We'll be starting tiny T-ball in a few weeks. Then next year he goes to preschool 5 days per week. Our little boy is growing up!