Lately you...

Simon3

Lately...

1. You have been doing awesome with your morning routine. No grumpiness waking up and barely any fuss when we comb your hair before heading outside to catch the bus for summer school.

2. You love to play tag & chase before the bus picks you up. We discovered this a couple months ago and it has made a big difference in your attitude right before you get on the bus. Something about getting to run around a bit with Mom or Dad in the fresh morning air seems to do the trick.

3. You want to be the first one to greet Anna in the morning. You like to unwrap her from her blanket and say "good morning Anna" or "good morning fancy pants." Then you come yelling to me, "Anna's awake! Anna's awake! Come see! Come see!"

Simon2

4. You are finding that the power to read is a very, very cool thing. New books from the library are longer and more interesting. Yesterday morning you wanted to check out the comics while we ate breakfast.

5. You are rockin the legos. You now get that if something breaks off or falls apart all you need to do is grab the instructions and it's an easy fix. I found you in your room last night putting one of the smaller ships back together calmly and actually enjoying the process (vs. being really, really upset that a piece had broken off).

6. You and I have been watching Harry Potter movies almost every night. I love that this is something we both really enjoy.

7. You went down the big slide at the outdoor pool today all by yourself and swam to the side.

Simon1

8. You are developing more independence & self-awareness. A couple of times in the last week you have made the choice to go to bed when you felt tired (and told us that was what you were going to do). Being able to care for yourself and your needs is such a cool skill.

9. You are also doing a lot of talking back and testing. We go back and forth between being excited to have you expressing yourself and feeling super frustrated with some of the behaviors that go along with you testing the boundaries.

10. You love to talk about how cool Anna is and include her in everything you are doing.You are an amazing, loving big brother.

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82 thoughts

  1. Mari Correia says…
    07/15/2009

    Very nice! I want to do exactly the same thing for my oldest daughter (Gabriela). It is very interesting to see how she is growing up and dealing with the youngest sister!Just like your story! Fantastic! Ali, you do a great job! Congratulations! I'm a big fan from Brazil.

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  2. BethBG says…
    07/15/2009

    WTG Simon! Thanks Ali for being so willing to share with us where Simon is and what he is doing. We always have races up and down the street before the school bus (and in the winter we shovel snow or just make tracks in it) and it really helps wake everyone up! XX's

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  3. MonicaB says…
    07/15/2009

    It almost sounds like you are taking about my son who is the same age as Simon. He loves Lego, HP and talking back! ;) Thanks for share you stories with us.

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  4. Bree says…
    07/15/2009

    I love #2 :-)

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  5. kristen says…
    07/15/2009

    i love reading about simon, ali! he reminds me so much of my jacob! thanks for sharing your joy in him!!

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  6. Kathy F says…
    07/15/2009

    Ali- I am so happy for Simon and how he is getting more and more independant! :) I bet you are proud! :) Good job to you family and most of all Simon! :) ((HUGS))

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  7. Christine Villacarlos says…
    07/15/2009

    Thank you for sharing, Ali!
    I love how you have made these observations about SImon! He is growing up so quickly and it's amazing how he seems to be developing really well. I especially love the fact that he is turning into being a very loving big brother :)

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  8. jes says…
    07/15/2009

    i love when you share such wonderful bits of progress with us. simon seems like a great big brother and it's neat to hear how his personality is growing and developing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Rachel says…
    07/15/2009

    So sweet. Simon is looking more and more like his dad! He's one cute little boy :)
    Thanks for sharing this. It's very motivating to me to keep up with my journaling.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. tami says…
    07/15/2009

    God bless Simon!

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  11. Amanda McGregor says…
    07/15/2009

    Ali, you are so good at actually seeing Simon, seeing what he is doing and why, and noticing all the little changes and breakthroughs...well done!

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  12. Kariss says…
    07/15/2009

    You talk so sweet about/too your kids. I hope that one day I get that amazing opportunity as well. Love reading your blog. Simon and Anna are such beautiful kids! Thank you for the inspiration (daily).
    Kariss

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  13. Shannon Davey says…
    07/15/2009

    Wow Simon is growing up! So great to have these everyday milestones witten down for all to read. And great for you to look back on and be able to see just what a great job you are doing - often another persons persepective makes you realise just what you are achieving everyday. Go Simon! Thanks for sharing Ali, go celebrate your family :)

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  14. Teresa Smith says…
    07/15/2009

    WOW! Can I just say that your son sounds a lot like mine. Just about every single one of those items is like my kiddo. So glad to hear mine isn't the only one like that about getting easily frusterated and talking back. Still wishing he would learn about the legos though. He just had his grandpa glue the ones that he doesn't want to break at all (most of the Star Wars sets). I love all the new journeys with my kiddos as well. Lets us learn a little something or maybe just remember what it was like when we were younger.

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  15. CharlieDK says…
    07/15/2009

    Lovely to read this and thrilled for Simon and you that things are moving in the right direction. Cool that being a big brother is something he really likes and something that makes him want to get more independant. The testing boundaries thing is ALWAYS a test on parents - been there done that - but also a healthy sign. =0)
    Coming from the country where Lego is from I smile when I read about Simon and Lego. In my opinion these bricks are one of the best toys for kids especially when they reach the point of understanding "it's not broken - you can reassemble it. Thanks for sharing this story.

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  16. caro says…
    07/16/2009

    Great Simon news!

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  17. Tammy McClafferty says…
    07/16/2009

    The way you see things and are able to put in words is awe-inspiring! You and your family are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing!

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  18. Danielle says…
    07/16/2009

    This post is as much of a tribute to you and your husband as it is to Simon! What a great kid! And I love that he's such a great big brother - so sweet!

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  19. Laura says…
    07/16/2009

    He is awesome!

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  20. Keandra Perkins-Willis says…
    07/16/2009

    i'm so glad that simon is flourishing! it's so amazing to me how one child can look so much like his dad and the next looks so much like her mom! continue to be blessed!

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  21. sam says…
    07/16/2009

    It sounds like your son is developing some great Hobbies for himself that are developing his sense of self!

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  22. Marci Carr says…
    07/16/2009

    And you are an amazing mom!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Stacie says…
    07/16/2009

    love this post...need to do this for my boys...just documenting life. your last pic made me think of a favorite piece of paper...it's from BoBunny'snew line Popsicle and it is bright blue with dandilions on the side...perfect for making a wish!

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  24. Rachel says…
    07/16/2009

    Ali,
    I am a mom of 3. A single mom of 3. You give me such inspiration. Thank you!
    And also, since my divorce the color yellow has really reminded me to be happy in life... and I am DYING to know where you got the yellow blanket on the bed in the picture with Simon. Please share a link!!!
    Pretty please?
    Rachel
    www.rachelcox.blogspot.com

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  25. Melissa says…
    07/16/2009

    I was feeling kinda bummed that my own little Aspie (6 now) was hitting a plateau. But reading your blog and thinking what progress you've had and where you and your family are - made me think a little harder and really look at our picture in life. He's doing much better than what I though - Thanks for the boost!
    :) M

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