4 Years and 7 Months

I've seen a big change in Rocco over the last month. He's gone from loving trains and cars to being a little football star. Though he's never played on a team, he is a pro when it comes to wrestling around and playing "Fumble" with his daddy. Everywhere we go now he carries this little brown ball with him. It's just his size.

Another all boy thing he's into now is making poot sounds. I'm sure he picked this up from his school peers. Oh the joys of being in school! He puts his arm up to his lips and makes a long flubbing sound. Then, he proceeds with, "Eww! Stink!" Loads of giggles follow. Oh my! When will he outgrow this?

Rocco continues to be very particular about his clothing. He has his favorite play shirts and is very picky about which ones he wears. If he could have his way, he would always wear his GA jersey #24 shirt. Every now and then we do need to wash it. He doesn't seem to get this. He just wants to wear it all the time.

Having a 4 year old is so much fun. He's growing way too fast, and he's already informed us that he will be 5 on his birthday. That's not until another 5 months. I told him I didn't even want to talk about him turning five yet.

Foster Babies and A New Arctic Cat

Depending on what moment you ask Rocco, he will either tell you he loves the babies that are with us or he may tell you he's ready for them to leave. He's been so good to them though, regardless of his mood. I will admit though that he is a little tattler. If any one of them is out of line for any reason, I can count on him to let me know about it. We've had this sweet sibling group for 3 1/2 weeks now. It's probably been the hardest thing Jason and I have ever done; however, there are moments here and therethat remind me it is rewarding.

Because Rocco's done so well in sharing his space and belongings, I thought he deserved a fun toy shopping spree. When the two foster babies went to visit their family, I took him to Toys R Us. When it was just the two of us he said, "Mom, we're having a wonderful time, aren't we?" He does love it when it's just us, and who can blame him? That's all he's known.

On our shopping spree, I bought him a Hot Wheels parking deck. I also got him a new Arctic Cat. I knew he would love it because he has one similar to it that he rides at his nana and granddaddy's. At a birthday party he went to one once, he rode on one for a long time. Being a good "brother/ friend" to these children we have deserves a reward. So I bought this for him. And as usual, he was great about sharing it, too!

Rocco informed me that he was an "excellent driver" and he really was! The babies took turns riding with him. When one rode, the other pushed. They all had to get involved.

Yet Another Great Reason We Like Living In the Country

Rocco and I were riding the four wheeler this afternoon. All of a sudden we spotted a very big turkey running across the hay field next to the cotton crops. We took off as fast as we could and chased that big bird. He outran us. . . so we found some Canada geese to chase next. They flew away to another lake as Rocco and I high fived each other.

4 years and 5 months old

He's been in school for a month now, and he's loving it! He goes to PE, art, music, computer lab, Light span (learning games on computer), library, and recess. One day he came home telling us Cade was his friend, but he was a little bit mean. Within the next week he says this Cade is his best friend. Of course at this age, most of his classmates are his friends. He's actually been to 3 of his school friends' birthday parties.

Riley turned 4

Peyton turned 4

And Ferris turned 4...

The book he has in his lap in the picture above is the first book he checked out at his own school library. It is ShortTrain Long Train. We read it three times tonight. On Friday he gets to check out another one. Friday's are also big days because that is the one day they sell ice cream after lunch.

He's so big. Every day after school, he comes to my classroom and hangs out with the older kids who love to hide in my room (rather than go to afterschool care). He'll write his letters, watch TV, and eat his snack.

I think we've finally got the basics down. 1) Use the potty. 2) Turn in your morning folder. 3) Eat a good breakfast and lunch. . . . well, we're still working on this one.