I Joking You

Felix has been really into "joking" recently, something that is really exciting to see.  Its often three-year-old humor, like knock-knock jokes, poop jokes, and statements that make no sense - "look, there's an elephant on my head" or "I'm eating cars".



But lately, there's been a new development, or actual "jokes" played on us. A few days ago I asked Felix to get spoons for cereal, and he handed me an oversized serving spoon.  I told him to put it back and get me a smaller one, and he said, "but mama, I joking you"!

Trolley Ride

We are a family that loves mass transit, so it was really hard to tell who enjoyed our recent ride on the Lake Harriet Streetcar the most.

Susan liked the original hardwood flooring, the 1930's advertisements, and the beautiful light fixtures.  I liked chatting it up with the conductors.  Pick any location and they will go into a 20 minute monologue about where the line ran, the turnaround locations, which streetcars ran on that line, etc etc etc.  It realized while they were talking that -- this could be me in 20 odd years!!! But I digress...

Since we were the only passengers, the conductor let Felix drive the streetcar, which was pretty darn exciting in itself, but...

culminated when he got to toot the horn!

With a look like this, you gotta wonder why we haven't gone back every day!

BFF

Felix and Soren in matching Monkey shirts

What makes a friend for a 3 year old?  It's something I've been wondering about a lot as I've watched Felix navigate his social world and form connections with other kids.  Is it just who he happens to spend time with, or something more?  What does this mean for his friendships in the future?  Will he remember his first friends? 

 Nicholas and Felix playing under a tree

It became clear a little over a year ago that there were certain kids that Felix REALLY liked, and had similar energy to.  Since then he has stated his preferences more and more frequently, to the point that we're starting to work on helping him talk about the kids he doesn't feel in "sync" with as much, or does not see as much and have the chance to develop closeness with.  The new word for kids who he states are "not his friends", I've decided, are "pals".  I don't want to push the "everyone is your friend" thing, as I want to encourage his special connections with some kids, but I also want to help him develop language around friendship and community that is a more inclusive.

 Felix and Spencer on a dirt pile

Whatever the reason, whether it is natural attraction, the fact that their parent(s) are my friends, he sees them 3 days a week at school, or a mixture of all of these elements, Felix's preferences are clear.  I love the sweet silliness, the infectious laughter, and the pure joy on his face when he sees a special friend across the room, and the concentration on his face when he and a friend go deep into imaginary land.  At least, for now, there is still plenty of room for me, in the midst of his friendship mix.  And I am enjoying it while it lasts.

 Felix and Augie on the slide