Noah on the grow

Noah had an incredible first year of school. Kindergarten flew by for him with nothing but positive things to say. No problems with classmates or teachers. His school was every bit the nurturing environment we had hoped it would be.
He is now a full fledged reader. This morning he woke up before me and finished his fifth Magic Tree House book. He is a regular book worm - often wanting to read for pleasure. Tomorrow starts the libraries book challenge which gives prizes based on how much you read and I'm certain this will motivate him even more.
Though he and Ray often butt heads they also play together quite well. Creating huge imaginative worlds in which they live. Though of course Noah prefers to be the one in charge at all times and has to be reminded to let Ray contribute in a way he didn't plan.
However nothing is as sweet as Noah with Lee. He adores him. Always ready for a cuddle and a smile.
Sometimes I feel like we need to apprentice Noah to someone - someone who can help him fully realize all his creative potential and isn't weighed down by the time, energy and attention constraints of having other children. He needs someone who can drop everything and help him make the movie he's been planning for 6 months. He would thrive as an only child.
And then I watch him play with his brothers and I remember how lonely I was and how Noah shares his whole life with his brothers and I am so happy that they have each other.
Noah is growing so fast into such a smart, sweet and lovable little man. So far I am confident that he will be an incredible person to know as an adult. And that's really the goal, isn't it?

Notes on Lee

He loves dogs. If he sees a dog at the park he will head right for it and show little fear of getting right up in it's face. It's terrifying.
He loves books. Especially tactile booms like those by Matthew Van Fleet or the "That's not my monster" series. He will hand you a book and back up into your lap. Sometimes he climbs into the yellow rocking armchair and sits there looking at books on his own.
He has great rhythm. He claps to the beat and often sings the melody of songs. He os particularly good at The White Stripes "Seven Nation Army."
He talks. He's getting a good arsenal of words. But he also chatters, incessantly.
He is a climber. He scales everything.
He loves to look out the window.
He will bring you his shoes because he wants to go out.
He likes to dress up. Put on your clothes, a necklace, some sunglasses. He looks proud.
He started playing with the toy kitchen.
His favorite past time however is taking things out of one place and putting them in another. Like putting clean laundry in the hamper or dirty laundry in the drawers.
He is a wanderer. He will take off with nary a look back. And if he sees you coming after him he will pick up speed and laugh.
But that doesn't mean I can leave the room he is in to get a shower. I have to sneak away every morning. He's fine as long as he doesn't see me go.
He is so lovable and charming it must be a sin. Just picturing his sweet face makes me light up, even in the grimmest of times. And some times have been grim.
He adores his brothers.
He is almost 16 months old and I have barely blogged about him. It isn't because he isn't noteworthy or incredible. It is because life is chaotic and fast and I rarely get a chance. But maybe if I try to do a word here and there I can back into it. Maybe.